KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Speaking on Tuesday’s Open Mic radio show, State Senator Donovan Fenton (D-District 10) delivered a stark critique of New Hampshire’s legislative session, voicing strong reservations about the state budget and the direction of education funding.

Fenton criticized the proposed budget, arguing that it disproportionately harms working families by slashing funding for essential services such as public education, child care, and Medicaid. “This budget doesn’t support working families—it leaves them behind,” he remarked.

A key point of concern for the senator was the state’s expanding Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) program. He warned that the initiative, which could exceed $100 million annually in costs, primarily benefits students who were never in public schools to begin with. Labeling the program as “alarming,” he questioned its impact on the state’s educational system.

During the discussion, Fenton also addressed speculation about a possible congressional campaign. While not committing to a run, he acknowledged the possibility but stressed that his current focus remains on state legislation. He also highlighted a bipartisan effort—Senate Bill 204—designed to expand access to school meals, ensuring that more students receive nutritious food.

One caller shared a deeply personal account of how proposed Medicaid cuts could have devastating consequences, calling them the most alarming political development in decades. The testimony underscored the broader stakes of the state’s budget negotiations.

As the session progresses, Fenton pledged to continue working across party lines to tackle the state’s most urgent issues. His interview offered an inside look at the high-stakes policy debates shaping New Hampshire’s future.

Listen to the full interview: