Governor creates Millennial Advisory Council

On September 21 Governor Chris Sununu signed an executive order establishing the Millennial Advisory Council. The council will consist of twenty-five residents born between 1980 and 2000, all appointed by the Governor.

The council is responsible for recommending policy to attract and retain young workers in New Hampshire. Their first report is due December 1.

NH's population is getting older

New Hampshire needs more young workers to balance its aging population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, since 2010 the number of residents age 15-44 has decreased by about 2%, while the population over age 65 has increased by over 26%. 

This aging population will shrink the workforce and place more strain on health care providers and social services.

Click here to learn more about the challenges of New Hampshire's aging population. 

Skepticism over impact

The state Democratic Party issued a statement arguing that Gov. Sununu has so far rejected policies that would attract millennials to the Granite State. 

"Sununu's policies have been squarely at odds with millennial concerns, from failing to freeze our state's record-high University System tuition costs, to signing a bill that directly targets student's access to their legal right to vote in the state, to denying transgender Granite Staters protection from discrimination, to vigorously opposing expanding passenger rail service to Manchester."

A spokesman for Sununu responded:

"From creating a statewide, full-day kindergarten program to establishing the Governor's Scholarship Program, and increasing funding for the Community College System, Governor Sununu has signaled to millennials that their concerns and ideas are a top priority."

How do you think New Hampshire should attract and retain young workers? Share your opinion in the comments below.