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Heated hearing on bill to end New Hampshire's state refugee resettlement office draws dozens of speakers
Summary
HB 17‑06 FN would terminate the state's refugee resettlement program and refuse federal refugee funds; DHHS warned repeal would forfeit ~$4.4 million in federal funding and disrupt contracted services, while resettlement agencies, faith groups, employers and refugees urged preserving the office for coordination and workforce benefits.
The committee conducted an extended hearing on HB 17‑06 FN, which would end New Hampshire’s participation in the state‑administered refugee resettlement program and decline federal refugee funding.
Sponsor Representative Corcoran argued the program imposes net costs on citizens and should be ended. He referenced academic and municipal reports during a long opening statement alleging fiscal and social burdens from resettlement.
DHHS legislative affairs director John Williams and Laura McGlashan, the state refugee program manager, testified that repeal would not stop refugees from arriving but would cause the state to lose federal funds — a $4.4 million fiscal impact cited by the department and…
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