Concord, NH- House Republican Leader Dick Hinch (R-Merrimack) released the following statement in response to Governor Sununu’s veto of HB1247, relative to mortgage defaults and nonpayments of rent during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak state of emergency.
“Governor Sununu’s continuing response to our citizens’ rent and mortgage situations during this pandemic is thorough and appropriate, and has ensured people have the protections they needed in these unprecedented times.
“In addition to existing protections, there has been money flowing to folks to help them meet their financial obligations. The governor established the New Hampshire Housing Relief Program using CARES Act funds to issue one-time assistance grants up to $2500 to assist households who fell behind on rent, or household related expenses that if not paid impact the ability to maintain housing. This grant program on top of extended unemployment, federal stimulus payments, and enhanced federal unemployment payment amounts makes this bill completely unnecessary.”
“We shouldn’t be enacting permenant new laws just for the sake of a political party taking credit, nor should we be passing laws to add to the resume of “do nothing” candidates seeking higher office to make them seem effective and relevant. The governor’s veto was appropriate, and you can expect House Republicans to be united in their vote to sustain it.”