New Hampshire businesses are at a pivotal moment, and it’s time we talk openly about what’s really at stake with the cuts being proposed in this year's state budget, working its way back to Gov. Kelly Ayotte.

At New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, we represent over 250 businesses that believe deeply in an economy that’s both thriving and fair. But the proposed budget puts that vision at risk — and it’s something every business leader, Granite Stater and elected leader in our communities should be concerned about.

Imagine you own a business, perhaps a local tech firm or a bustling cafe. You’re constantly trying to hire new staff, but applicants keep turning you down — not because they don't like the job, but because they simply can't find an affordable place to live nearby. That's not hypothetical; it's the daily reality businesses face across New Hampshire right now. Yet, despite a clear housing crisis, the new budget proposes cuts to housing funding and even eliminates the Housing Appeals Board, the very tool designed to help get housing built faster.

Consider the talented manager who had to step down last month because child care became too expensive and too scarce. Over 15,000 Granite Staters are out of the workforce due to similar challenges. Investing in child care and early education isn't charity — it's just smart business. These investments enable parents to work, support their families and help grow our local economies. Without them, businesses face crippling workforce shortages and stunted growth.

What about the CEO of a large company looking to relocate to our state and who needs a skilled workforce, one that can dynamically adapt to rapidly changing needs?

Businesses need a well-educated workforce and they depend on the state to offer that education to our residents. It is no secret that even with the increase in funding for our public schools over the last decade, New Hampshire remains near the bottom of state funding for our local neighborhood public schools. Until we fix our public school funding crisis, we cannot be moving more money into private schools.

Our public education system provides the foundation for our residents to reach their potential and meet our needs for systems thinkers, idea generators and productive team players. Legislators need to focus state investment on public schools where our kids have the best chance to reach their potential and strongly support our state universities and technical schools so our young people can excel in our future workplaces.

Now, picture your team, a diverse group of skilled, passionate employees. Recent proposals in the budget threaten Medicaid funding and eligibility, potentially driving health insurance costs higher for everyone, including your business. These cuts mean higher premiums, more out-of-pocket expenses and increased financial strain on both businesses and employees. Rising health care costs are a significant burden that can stifle growth, discourage job seekers and make it harder to maintain healthy, productive teams.

Then there’s the issue of energy costs, already among the highest in the country and something we all feel. Instead of cutting programs that help us become more energy-efficient and develop renewable local clean sources, the budget should encourage innovation and sustainability. High energy bills drain profits, limit expansion and make it hard to attract and retain talent. Not to mention, our surrounding New England states have booming clean energy economies flush with good-paying jobs that end at our state’s border.

And let’s not overlook the importance of fostering an inclusive environment. Great businesses depend on diverse teams where everyone feels respected, valued and welcome. Welcoming workplaces attract top talent and inspire innovation. But yet again, the current budget proposal goes out of its way to risk creating division rather than unity in the workplace, potentially discouraging talented individuals and businesses from bringing their skills, perspectives and jobs to our communities.

Efficiencies and waste should always be rooted out, but this budget will inhibit New Hampshire’s economic growth. We’re calling for strategic, thoughtful investments in our state’s future through housing, child care, public education, health care, energy efficiency and protecting a core Granite State value: respect for one another. These aren't just line items in a budget, they're foundational pillars that allow businesses to innovate, grow and thrive.

Now is the moment to step up and speak out. We urge our fellow business leaders and state policymakers to rethink this budget. Together, we can ensure a stronger, healthier and more inclusive and prosperous New Hampshire for everyone.

Michelle Veasey, of Atkinson, is the advocacy director at the New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility.