Committee Summary for House Finance (01/16/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:00:55.239 - 9:00:01 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Ken Wier, Chairman of the Finance Committee Information Only00:00:55.239 - 9:00:01 AM; Ken Wier, the chairman of the Finance Committee, opened the meeting by introducing himself. He shared his background, mentioning his tenure in the committee since 1994 and in the house since 1990. He highlighted his educational background from MIT and his career as an Air Force and American Airlines pilot. He also mentioned his electoral history, including a year out of office due to a lost election and a subsequent special election.
Unclear: Dan McGuire, Epsom, Retired Computer Engineer Information Only00:02:18.920 - 9:01:24 AM; Dan Maguire introduced himself as a representative from Epsom and a retired computer engineer. He mentioned that this was his fifth term in the house, all spent in the Finance Committee, and noted his chairmanship of Division 1. He humorously mentioned his 11 years at MIT.
Unclear: Mary Jane Walner, Dean of the House Information Only00:03:04.400 - 9:02:10 AM; Mary Jane Walner introduced herself as the dean of the house, entering her 23rd term, with most of her time spent on the Finance Committee. She mentioned her educational background from UNH and her recent experience on Division 1, which she found eye-opening due to the variety of agencies involved.
Unclear: Karen Eil, Deputy Ranking Member Information Only00:03:42.040 - 9:02:48 AM; Karen Eil introduced herself as the deputy ranking member, entering her seventh term. She mentioned her background in public works and highways, her New Hampshire roots, and her education at Georgetown with a legal background, though she has not practiced law recently.
Unclear: Daniel Popovic Mueller, Second Term Member Information Only00:04:30.840 - 9:03:36 AM; Daniel Popovic Mueller introduced himself as a second-term member on the Finance Committee. He shared his background, mentioning his engineering degree from a communist country, an MBA from Boston University, and his experience in IT startups, technical training, corporate finance, and government finance.
Unclear: Harry Bean, Belknap County Information Only00:05:17.000 - 9:04:23 AM; Harry Bean introduced himself as a representative from Belknap County in his fourth term and third on the Finance Committee. He mentioned living on family property in Guilford since 1842.
Unclear: Gary Daniels, Milford Information Only00:05:48.440 - 9:04:54 AM; Gary Daniels introduced himself as a representative from Milford in his 10th term. He mentioned his previous nine terms on the Labor Committee and his time in the Senate, where he chaired the Senate Finance Committee.
Unclear: Mary Hackin Phillips, H Dover and Lym Information Only00:06:21.639 - 9:05:27 AM; Mary Hackin Phillips introduced herself as a representative from Dover and Lyme in her third term. She mentioned her background in law and finance before entering the house, having served on Ways and Means and Finance.
Unclear: Chris Muns, Hanover Information Only00:07:09.759 - 9:06:15 AM; Chris Muns introduced himself as a representative who grew up in Detroit and came to New Hampshire for an MBA at Dartmouth. He discussed his career in the private sector and as a CEO of an area agency for individuals with developmental disabilities. This is his third term, having served on different committees each term.
Unclear: Brian Seaworth, Engineer from RPI Information Only00:07:56.479 - 9:07:02 AM; Brian Seaworth introduced himself as an engineer from RPI in his seventh term. He mentioned his time on the Labor Committee with Chairman Daniels, serving in various roles over the years, and his excitement to learn and contribute to the budget process on the Finance Committee.
Unclear: Kate Murray, Newcastle and Portsmouth Information Only00:08:43.159 - 9:07:49 AM; Kate Murray introduced herself as a representative from Newcastle and Portsmouth in her fifth term, fourth on Finance. She shared her academic background in psychology of music and theology, and expressed her enjoyment and learning experience on the Finance Committee.
Unclear: Joe Sweeney, Salem Information Only00:09:36.760 - 9:08:42 AM; Joe Sweeney introduced himself as a representative from Salem in his second term on Finance and fifth term overall. He mentioned his background in marketing and his education at the University of New Hampshire, expressing excitement to be back on the committee.
Unclear: Jerry Griffin, Clerk Information Only00:10:24.399 - 9:09:30 AM; Jerry Griffin introduced himself as the clerk of the committee. He shared his background in the Air Force as an aircraft engineer and maintenance officer, his service in Vietnam, and his career as a CPA in industry. He mentioned this was his fourth term on Finance and humorously warned about mispronouncing names.
Unclear: Jess Edwards, Auburn, Chester, Candia, and Deerfield Information Only00:11:14.480 - 9:10:20 AM; Jess Edwards introduced himself as a representative from Auburn, Chester, Candia, and Deerfield in his fifth term. He shared personal details about his family and a unique professional achievement as a hospital administrator establishing a combat arms training facility. He highlighted his specialties in healthcare finance and his involvement in various legislative duties.
Unclear: Keith Th, New Hampshire Information Only00:12:00.079 - 9:11:06 AM; Keith Th introduced himself as a representative who grew up in Connecticut, attended school in Boston, and moved to New Hampshire to work for a startup company. After the startup failed, he started his own software services and application development company. He is currently serving his fourth term in the House, his first three terms were on Division Three of the Finance Committee under Chairman Edwards, and he is now the chairman of Division Two.
Unclear: Moren Money, Marlow, Hillsborough County Information Only00:12:41.880 - 9:11:47 AM; Moren Money, in her sixth term representing Marlow in Hillsborough County, introduced herself as the vice chair of Division Three of the Finance Committee. She has previously served on the Election Law Committee, the Judicial Committee, and the Rules Committee, and held various positions within the caucus. She expressed her anticipation for the upcoming term.
Unclear: Peter Leechman Information Only00:13:07.639 - 9:12:13 AM; Peter Leechman introduced himself, noting his 13th term in the House, with nine of those terms spent on the Finance Committee in Division One. Outside of the legislature, he works in the railroad business and expressed his happiness to be present.
Unclear: Jose Cells, Loudon, representing Canterbury and Loudon Information Only00:13:27.040 - 9:12:33 AM; Jose Cells introduced himself as a representative from Loudon, also representing Canterbury. A Northeastern graduate and retired engineering executive in the military electronics industry, he is in his third term, having served on the Science, Technology, and Energy Committee in his first term and now serving as the vice chair of Division One of the Finance Committee for the last two terms.
Unclear: Laura Tersi, Nashua Information Only00:14:22.440 - 9:13:28 AM; Laura Tersi, representing Nashua, introduced herself as being in her fourth term in the House. She served her first two terms on the House Transportation Committee and joined Division Three of the Finance Committee last term. She holds a degree in history from Georgetown University and a master's degree in Middle Eastern studies from the University of Chicago.
Unclear: David Priest, Hillsborough District 17, Manchester Information Only00:15:10.560 - 9:14:16 AM; David Priest, representing Hillsborough District 17 in Manchester, introduced himself. He has a graduate and doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison and has worked as an urban and regional planner for 44 years in both public and private sectors. He has been in New Hampshire for 20 years, serving as the executive director and CEO for the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission in the Manchester area. He is in his second term in the House, having served on the Municipal and Division Three of the Finance Committee.
Unclear: New Be, originally from Maine, now in New Hampshire Information Only00:15:56.399 - 9:15:02 AM; New Be introduced himself, originally from Maine, having attended Kents Hill School and the University of Southern Maine. He has worked in finance as a banker and commercial mortgage lender, then moved to manufacturing, working for an international multimedia firm which he helped take public. After a short retirement, he went into education, serving 10 years on the Board of the Montessori School of New England, where he was involved as a project manager and fundraiser. He thought he was retired but is now back in service.
Unclear: Eileen Kelly, representing Merrimack District 8, Bradford, Henniker, Warner Information Only00:16:26.759 - 9:15:32 AM; Eileen Kelly introduced herself as a former staff member at the state house for 22 years, serving as a senior policy assistant in the Democratic office and later as chief of staff for Speaker Shurtleff. She mentioned her familiarity with many committee members and her educational background in English. Kelly also noted her status as a new member of the committee.
Unclear: Rich Noveno, representing Cheshire District 9, Alstead, Gilsum, Marlow, Stoddard Information Only00:17:13.520 - 9:16:19 AM; Rich Noveno introduced himself and mentioned his 24 years of residence in New Hampshire following a career in the international oil and energy business. He highlighted his travels to 63 countries and his educational background, including an engineering degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. Noveno also noted his five grown children and 15 grandchildren, expressing his vested interest in the future of New Hampshire.
Unclear: Chair Information Only00:18:00.000 - 9:17:06 AM; The chair provided logistical and procedural information to the committee members. They emphasized the importance of punctuality, communication about absences, and the role of Janet, the committee's administrative assistant. They also mentioned the committee's coffee fund and lunchroom arrangements, and stressed the need for professional conduct due to being on TV. The chair outlined rules regarding electronic devices, seating arrangements, and handling disruptive testimonies. They discussed the process of handling bills with fiscal notes, the assignment of members to subcommittees, and the importance of keeping personal calendars updated. They also explained the procedure for executive sessions and the role of the legislative budget assistant in managing the budget process.
Unclear: Michael Kaine, Legislative Budget Assistant Information Only00:34:00.159 - 9:33:06 AM; Michael Kaine introduced himself and his staff, emphasizing their roles and the support they provide to the committee. He explained the budget process, including the governor's submission deadline, the role of the trailer bill, and the importance of the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR). Kaine detailed the different funds contributing to the state budget and the significant portion allocated to Health and Human Services and education. He discussed the fiscal committee's responsibilities and the tracking of additional funds received outside the budget process. Kaine concluded by highlighting the support his office provides to the committee, including drafting amendments and providing detailed financial reports.
Unclear: Representative Edwards Information Only01:21:48.840 - 10:20:54 AM; Representative Edwards shared their positive experience working with Kevin Ripple from the LBA, praising his capability, trustworthiness, and discretion. They emphasized Ripple's effectiveness in facilitating amendments and maintaining situational awareness between the House and Senate finance committees. Edwards underscored the vital role of the LBA in the committee's operations.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:24:08.159 - 10:23:14 AM; The speaker raised a concern about double counting in the budget, specifically mentioning the Department of Information Technology (DOIT) as an example where one agency budgets for IT expenditures and then DOIT records these as income before spending it on salaries. The speaker inquired about how double counting is addressed in budget pie charts and whether the figures include or exclude such double counting.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:24:54.679 - 10:24:00 AM; In response to the question about double counting, the speaker explained that the pie charts in the budget document reflect gross figures, which include double counting. They detailed that on page 26 of the document, there is an adjustment for double counting in budget transfers, specifying the amounts for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. They further explained that the budget document shows both gross and net totals after accounting for transfers, allowing for monitoring of each accounting unit's budget.
Unclear: Representative Mo Information Only01:26:27.280 - 10:25:33 AM; Representative Mo expressed appreciation for the detailed budget document and sought clarification on a recurring phrase in appropriation bills, 'the governor authorized to draw a warrant,' found on page 90 of the document. They asked for insights into the frequency and significance of this phrase.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:27:13.840 - 10:26:19 AM; The speaker explained that the phrase 'the governor authorized to draw a warrant' is necessary for any general fund appropriation. They detailed that it authorizes the governor to provide a letter to the Department of Administrative Services to set up the accounting unit for the appropriation. The speaker noted that similar language would be used for other fund types, and it's crucial to check for this language in bills to ensure proper authorization for general fund expenditures.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:28:46.400 - 10:27:52 AM; The speaker announced logistical details for the continuation of the session, including the scheduling of division meetings and orientations. They mentioned adjustments to the schedule to accommodate members attending the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) orientation, and directed members to their respective division rooms for further briefings.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only01:29:33.760 - 10:28:39 AM; The speaker concluded the session by expressing satisfaction with the day's orientation and the members' backgrounds. They reminded everyone of the division assignments and encouraged members to break for lunch before resuming in their designated rooms. They also mentioned that the day was likely full and appreciated everyone's attendance.

Weyler, Kenneth(Chairman)(R)[B+]2024	Griffin, Gerald(Clerk)(R)[A]2024	McGuire, Dan(V Chairman)(R)[A+]2024
Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[CT]2024	Daniels, Gary(R)	Leishman, Peter(D)[D-]2024
Ebel, Karen(D)[CT]2024	Muns, Chris(D)[CT]2024	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A-]2024
Seaworth, Brian(R)[A]2024	Preece, David(D)[CT]2024	Nalevanko, Rich(R)
Mooney, Maureen(R)[B+]2024	Edwards, Jess(R)[B+]2024	Murray, Kate(D)[CT]2024
Cambrils, Jose(R)[A]2024	Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A+]2024	Rung, Rosemarie(D)[CT]2024
Bean, Harry(R)[A-]2024	Kelly, Eileen(D)	Hakken-Phillips, Mary(D)[CT]2024
Telerski, Laura(D)[CT]2024	Stringham, Jerry(D)[CT]2024	Erf, Keith(R)[A]2024
DeRoy, Susan(R)