CONCORD, NH – House Majority Whip Mike Drago (R-Raymond) released the following statement after Manchester Ink Link reported on alarming incidents stemming from group homes in Chester.
“We sympathize with the residents and patients of group homes, and the stewardship that they exercise in caring for the vulnerable. But the fact of the matter is that something must be done to keep everyone safe, from residents to neighbors. The horrifying incident in Chester is a perfect example of what’s wrong with New Hampshire’s group home system, all while these facilities are stripping away local autonomy, and draining resources without replenishment.”
Drago explained, “When a state-contracted non-profit places a high-needs client in a residential neighborhood, it is essentially asking the local taxpayers to subsidize the costs of keeping that facility safe and functioning. The Chester police are now burdened with repeated service calls, all because these facilities arrive under the radar, bypassing normal zoning processes.”
“This is a public safety issue, not just a tax issue. The system is neither fair nor transparent and Granite Staters deserve better. This incident proves that DHHS should not be able to shift its operational responsibilities onto the backs of local taxpayers by hiding behind non-profit partners. It is time for accountability and reform.”