Governor Kelly Ayotte presented her first state budget to lawmakers Thursday featuring $150 million less in state spending. Under the proposed $16.5 billion plan, Education Freedom Accounts would be made available for any family whose children are now in public schools. It offers a $33 million increase to boost pension benefits to increase recruitment and retention of all state, local and county first responders. The Governor’s budget also features an 8% increase in funding for the community college system but leaves the tuition freeze in place. Ayotte also called on lawmakers to repeal the 2019 bail reform law that allows some offenders with a violent past to be released on personal recognizance.