When deciding to run for New Hampshire state Senate, I outlined what I wanted to accomplish. My goals were pretty straightforward: to protect individual freedoms in the "Live Free or Die" state, but also to provide for those most in need right here in our communities.

I am a strong advocate for families in need and who care for developmentally disabled children and adults. During the budget process last year, I supported increased funding to address some of the most pressing needs within this community. In fact, the House and Senate appropriated enough money to eliminate the developmental disabilities waitlist entirely, which is made up of developmentally disabled individuals who have aged out of the public school system where they had received educational support and other services, but now must rely on community-based programs.

I’m pleased by the work done with my legislative colleagues in striving to accomplish these goals, but I remain concerned that one of my top priorities continues to be unresolved.

Despite the money legislators appropriated expressly for this purpose, we have a waiting list of more than 127 individuals who are waiting for community support services they are promised by the state once they finish school.

This is exactly what we were trying to avoid and is inexcusable and unconscionable.

The Legislature appropriated the funding – so where is the leadership directing the Department of Health and Human Services to expend these resources, eliminate the waitlist and get these residents the care they deserve?

I fear that Gov. Maggie Hassan has misplaced her top priorities and lacks the dedication to do whatever she can to eliminate the developmental disabilities waitlist in our state.

I’ve seen firsthand how the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities can be dependent on the care and services that this funding would allow. Many on the waitlist would be able to work in a job that they find rewarding, stay in school to continue their education, and even do something as simple as living at home. These resources would provide residents with greater independence – which is a basic right and something we all deserve.

I urge the governor to work with the Department of Health and Human Services and do whatever is necessary so that we can get the 127 individuals on the waitlist the support and services they were promised and eliminate the waiting list, as intended.

I am, however, grateful for the Legislature’s support in doing what it can to eliminate the waitlist, but now we need decisive and intentional leadership by the executive branch to get services and support into New Hampshire families in need.

Sen. Kevin Avard (R-Nashua), represents Senate district 12, which includes the towns of Brookline, Greenville, Hollis, Mason, New Ipswich, Rindge, and Wards 1, 2, and 5 in the City of Nashua.

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