CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Gov. Kelly Ayotte used her State of the State address Thursday to declare New Hampshire “strong” and “prosperous,” highlighting low taxes, public safety rankings and recent legislative actions while laying out priorities on housing, childcare, energy costs and workforce development.

Speaking before a joint session of the Legislature, Ayotte praised first responders, educators, health care workers and veterans, citing recent acts of heroism across the state. She said New Hampshire continues to lead the nation in areas including public safety, economic opportunity, child well-being and health care, and pointed to national rankings that place the state among the top in the country.

Ayotte emphasized her administration’s focus on fiscal restraint, noting that the state balanced its budget without raising taxes. She reiterated opposition to any income or sales tax and warned lawmakers against proposals she said would undermine New Hampshire’s economic advantage compared with neighboring states.

The governor highlighted legislative accomplishments from the past year, including banning cellphones during the school day, expanding education choice programs, ending bail reform she described as ineffective, and passing more than a dozen housing-related bills aimed at speeding up construction and reducing permitting delays. She said housing production reached its highest level in 20 years, calling it an early sign that reforms are working.

Housing, workforce training and childcare were framed as interconnected challenges critical to the state’s economic future. Ayotte said her administration is looking to expand childcare capacity, reduce administrative burdens for providers and explore tax incentives for businesses that invest in childcare for employees.

On public safety, Ayotte called for doubling the administrative license suspension for drivers who refuse breath alcohol tests and pledged continued efforts to address impaired and distracted driving. She also highlighted investments in victim services, domestic violence prevention and cold case investigations.

Environmental protection and land use were also central themes. Ayotte renewed her call for a moratorium on new landfills and praised a recent agreement protecting the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Forest, saying it balances conservation, recreation and the timber industry.

Addressing rising electric rates, Ayotte criticized regional energy policies and directed the Department of Energy to explore pathways for next-generation nuclear power in New Hampshire. She also urged the Public Utilities Commission to prioritize ratepayer transparency and affordability.

In education, Ayotte pointed to strong statewide rankings but acknowledged challenges in reading and math outcomes. She announced a new statewide reading initiative aimed at identifying and replicating best practices from high-performing districts.

On health care, Ayotte highlighted funding for Medicaid, mental health services, addiction recovery programs and the GO-NORTH initiative to expand rural health care access through telehealth, workforce development and community-based care.

Ayotte closed by reaffirming her commitment to fiscal conservatism, public safety and preserving what she called New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die” character, urging lawmakers to continue protecting the state’s distinct economic and cultural identity.