Committee Summary for House Finance (01/23/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB197 00:02:25.760 - 9:01:21 AM	Public Hearing	relative to payment by the state of a portion of retirement system contributions of political subdivision employers.	Edgar, Michael(D)[CT]2024
HB97 00:35:46.200 - 9:34:42 AM	Public Hearing	making an appropriation to the department of environmental services for wastewater infrastructure projects.	Buco, Thomas(D)[CT]2024
HB246 01:06:21.279 - 10:05:17 AM	Public Hearing	directing the state conservation committee to implement the conservation district climate resilience grant program and making an appropriation therefor.	Aron, Judy(R)[A]2024
HB519 02:02:19.599 - 11:01:15 AM	Public Hearing	making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to fund and support the Waypoint youth and young adult shelter.	Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[CT]2024

HB197: Mike Edgar, representing Hampton Support00:02:25.760 - 9:01:21 AM; Representative Mike Edgar from Hampton introduced HB197, emphasizing the importance of the bill for both citizens and businesses in New Hampshire due to its impact on tax rates. He explained that the bill requires the state to pay 7.5% of political subdivision employer pension contributions for teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Edgar detailed the historical context of the state's fluctuating contributions to the retirement system, mentioning key years like 1967, 1977, 2009, and 2022 where the state's contribution varied from 40% down to zero. He argued that the state reneged on its promise to fund these pensions, which has led to increased local property taxes. Edgar urged the committee to vote 'ought to pass' on HB197 to partially reinstate the state's promise, providing relief to political subdivisions and helping offset the need for increased property taxes. He addressed concerns about local hiring practices, suggesting that the bill would not decrease the incentive for municipalities to hire necessary public servants but would ease financial pressures.
HB197: Representative Papich Mull Information Only00:07:25.080 - 9:06:21 AM; Representative Papich Mull asked Representative Edgar about the potential impact of HB197 on local government incentives to control costs. Edgar responded that while the costs would remain the same, the state's contribution would relieve some financial burden from the municipalities. Papich Mull followed up, inquiring if the state's contribution would affect local decisions on hiring and salary increases for public servants like firefighters. Edgar noted that current shortages in firemen and police suggest that the bill would not decrease hiring but could help with financial pressures.
HB197: Representative Daniels Information Only00:08:48.200 - 9:07:44 AM; Representative Daniels questioned the metrics used to determine if HB197 would enhance public education as stated in the bill's purpose. Edgar responded that while he was unsure of specific metrics, the bill would ease financial pressures on school systems, potentially helping with various budgetary needs such as transportation. He admitted uncertainty about the exact metrics but emphasized the overall financial relief the bill could provide.
HB197: State Representative John Clukey from Sullivan County District 6, representing Claremont and Cornish Support00:10:13.519 - 9:09:09 AM; Representative Clukey expressed strong support for HB197, emphasizing its importance and commending the prime sponsor, Representative Edgar. He shared his involvement with the bill, mentioning his collaboration with the late Representative Renie Kushen. Clukey discussed his experience at a Claremont City Council meeting where he faced criticism about high property taxes, attributing these issues to state downshifting from 2008 to 2014. He highlighted the challenges faced by local governments, including budget constraints and the struggle to hire essential workers like police officers and firefighters. Clukey argued that the bill, while modest, would provide some relief to communities like Claremont and Cornish, and stressed the fairness of returning to a higher state contribution rate to the retirement system. He urged the committee to pass the bill to at least provide a debate on the floor.
HB197: Marlene Fryer from Bradford, Selectman Support00:15:05.120 - 9:14:01 AM; Marlene Fryer, a selectman from Bradford, voiced strong support for HB197, emphasizing the severe impact of high school taxes on local budgets. She described the current budget cuts affecting road maintenance and other essential services, leading to a decline in community infrastructure. Fryer noted the exodus of young people and seniors due to unaffordable living costs and the strain on local schools, particularly the high costs associated with special education. She believes that the bill would help alleviate some of these financial pressures, potentially aiding in retaining teachers and other essential workers, and fostering goodwill among residents by showing legislative effort to address their concerns.
HB197: Margaret Burns from the New Hampshire Municipal Association Support00:22:52.480 - 9:21:48 AM; Margaret Burns, representing the New Hampshire Municipal Association, expressed strong support for HB197. She highlighted the association's longstanding policy of advocating for the restoration of state retirement contributions. Burns acknowledged the challenging budgeting process but emphasized the legislature's past efforts to support local governments, such as increasing the municipal meals and rooms tax distribution and providing one-time funding. She argued that while the bill would not fully restore the original promises made to municipalities when they joined the retirement system, it would be a step in the right direction. Burns pointed out that the majority of municipal retirement contributions cover unfunded liabilities, over which local governments have no control, and stressed that any state contribution would provide property tax relief and help alleviate budget crunches.
HB197: Representative Daniels Information Only00:26:26.399 - 9:25:22 AM; Representative Daniels inquired about the historical and current status of political subdivisions' involvement in the Retirement System. They specifically asked if towns are required to be part of the system, to which it was clarified that while initially encouraged in 1967, certain groups like police, teachers, and firefighters are mandated to be part of it. For other municipal employees, although initially voluntary, leaving the system incurs a significant unfunded liability cost, effectively making participation mandatory.
HB197: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:27:32.240 - 9:26:28 AM; The speaker discussed the impact of past legislative actions on the unfunded liability of the Retirement System. They noted that changes in benefits, investment decisions, and management of funds, none of which are controlled by municipalities, have influenced the costs. Legislative efforts to adjust the discount rate have also affected the liability. The state has made efforts since 2011 to reduce these costs.
HB197: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:29:08.200 - 9:28:04 AM; The speaker responded to a question regarding the effectiveness of state policy in addressing the unfunded liability. They highlighted that New Hampshire's policy aims to restore state contributions to municipalities and has supported legislative efforts to pay down the unfunded liability, with the state on track to meet its goal by 2039.
HB197: Representative Papa Vich Müller Information Only00:30:17.880 - 9:29:13 AM; Representative Papa Vich Müller sought clarification on how passing the bill would provide property tax relief while also addressing the issue of low compensation leading to hiring difficulties. The response explained that property tax relief does not necessarily mean reduced property taxes but can include offsetting existing municipal expenses, allowing investment in other areas desired by constituents.
HB197: Mark Fone, Town of Epping Support00:32:00.600 - 9:30:56 AM; Mark Fone from Epping spoke in favor of HB197, emphasizing the financial benefits it would bring to the school district. He mentioned that if the bill passes, the school district would save $781,000 the following year. He compared this potential saving against the cost of a new teacher contract, which would add over $400,000 to the budget, resulting in a net saving of $381,000. Fone also discussed the broader implications of not passing the bill and the teacher contract, noting that it could lead to an increase in the tax rate by 40 cents per thousand. He highlighted the importance of retaining teachers for maintaining educational quality and preventing staff turnover, which necessitates continuous retraining.
HB97: Representative Tom Buco, Carrol County District 1 Support00:35:46.200 - 9:34:42 AM; Representative Tom Buco introduced HB97 FN and requested that the finance committee recommend it ought to pass. He explained that this bill aims to continue funding wastewater projects, a recurring initiative he has supported in past sessions. Buco emphasized the importance of level funding this program to provide municipalities with assurance when issuing debt for expensive wastewater projects. He linked this funding to the governor's priority of expanding the state's housing program. Buco clarified that while money was included in the previous budget, it needs to be reappropriated each time, highlighting the necessity of consistent funding rather than separate bills for each project.
HB97: Representative Priest, Co-sponsor Information Only00:41:40.520 - 9:40:36 AM; Representative Priest, a co-sponsor of the bill, inquired about how HB97 would assist towns lacking public water and sewer infrastructure, specifically in relation to housing. The response highlighted that septic system issues limit housing expansion, and the bill now includes a housing program to address this, following the governor's initiative to partner with local communities. The bill aims to facilitate housing development by supporting wastewater projects.
HB97: Mr. Hansel, representing Lore Bartlet Water Precinct, North Conway Water Precinct, and Granite State Rural Water Association Support00:43:59.599 - 9:42:55 AM; Mr. Hansel, representing multiple water-related organizations, provided extensive testimony in support of HB97. He explained the historical significance of the bill, which integrates federal grants with the state aid grant program to fund wastewater treatment projects across New Hampshire. He detailed the financial mechanics, including how the state's $15 million annual investment leverages $600 million in infrastructure, supported by federal funds through various programs. He emphasized the bill's role in ensuring consistent funding, which is crucial for municipalities to confidently undertake and finance large-scale projects. He also highlighted the importance of this investment for economic viability and community health, particularly in areas like Mount Washington Valley, where infrastructure improvements have facilitated growth and protected water resources.
HB97: Representative Papovich Information Only00:54:26.079 - 9:53:22 AM; Representative Papovich, from the Finance 2 committee, sought clarification on whether the funding for HB97 comes from the general fund or federal pass-through funds. Mr. Hansel clarified that the state's contribution comes from the general fund, but it supports local debt by covering 30% of the principal and interest, thus leveraging significant federal and local investments.
HB97: Representative Lehman Information Only00:55:58.119 - 9:54:54 AM; Representative Lehman questioned whether the funds allocated in HB97 were intended for new projects or to cover existing obligations. Mr. Hansel explained that the bill's funding covers both existing maintenance obligations and new projects, emphasizing the need for consistent funding to meet the state's infrastructure needs, especially with the addition of a housing component.
HB97: Margaret Burns, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support00:59:22.119 - 9:58:18 AM; Margaret Burns from the New Hampshire Municipal Association strongly supported HB97, which appropriates $15 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund local wastewater projects under RSA chapter 486. She highlighted the history of inconsistent funding that burdened municipalities and noted that the current biennial budget includes $27.9 million for state aid grants. Burns stressed that HB97 fulfills a policy promise to fund these grants consistently, supporting municipalities and taxpayers who approved projects expecting state aid. She mentioned several towns, including Durham, Marlow, Claremont, and others, that would benefit from this legislation, underscoring the importance of state-local partnership in infrastructure development.
HB97: Sheila Connelly, New Hampshire Water Pollution Control Association Support01:02:08.240 - 10:01:04 AM; Sheila Connelly expressed strong support for HB97, emphasizing the critical role of wastewater management in daily life and the necessity for adequate funding. She highlighted her long-term involvement with the New Hampshire Water Pollution Control Association and stressed that the funding proposed in the bill is essential for maintaining and improving wastewater treatment infrastructure. Connelly pointed out that nearly 100 out of New Hampshire's 234 communities have publicly owned treatment plants, many of which are regional solutions. She cited the example of Plymouth, New Hampshire, which has benefited from funding to upgrade its septage receiving capabilities, serving multiple towns in the North Country. Connelly also mentioned the importance of this infrastructure for business and environmental protection, noting that some pipes in Manchester are over a century old and at risk of catastrophic failure if not maintained. She concluded by acknowledging the committee's challenging budgetary decisions and encouraged continued investment in wastewater infrastructure.
HB246: Representative Judy Aaron, Sullivan County District 4 Support01:06:21.279 - 10:05:17 AM; Representative Judy Aaron introduced HB246, aimed at implementing the Conservation District climate resilience grant program with an appropriation of $50,000 annually for fiscal years 26 and 27. She highlighted the historical establishment of conservation districts in New Hampshire and their role in supporting landowners and farmers, particularly in the context of soil health and resilience against droughts, flooding, and pest infestations. Aaron emphasized that state funding would leverage additional private and federal investments, enhance farm resilience, increase agricultural production, and reduce the need for disaster assistance, ultimately benefiting the state's economy and food security. She encouraged the committee to consider the testimonies of others involved with the program to understand its impact and importance.
HB246: Representative Peter Bixby, Strafford District 13 Support01:13:26.239 - 10:12:22 AM; Representative Peter Bixby supported HB246, emphasizing the importance of leveraging private donations and the small but crucial state investment in the conservation district's grant program. As a homestead gardener, he shared personal experiences with changing weather patterns and the need for farmers to adapt to these changes to maintain profitability and resilience. Bixby highlighted the potential cost savings to the state by preventing future disaster relief expenses through proactive soil resilience measures. He stressed the bill's role in supporting New Hampshire's agricultural sector and encouraged the committee to consider the broader implications and benefits of the proposed funding.
HB246: Amanda Littleton, Cheshire County Conservation District Support01:17:20.480 - 10:16:16 AM; Amanda Littleton from the Cheshire County Conservation District testified in support of HB246, detailing the success of the grant program launched in 2022 to enhance farm resilience against extreme weather events. She explained that the program fills gaps left by state and federal funding, allowing farmers to implement innovative solutions tailored to their operations. Littleton reported that since its inception, the program has awarded 95 grants totaling over $705,000, supporting farms across all 10 counties in New Hampshire. She noted the high demand for the program, with 30% of applications being turned down due to insufficient funding. Littleton stressed the importance of state support to sustain the program, which would leverage private and farmer contributions, and ensure New Hampshire's agricultural sector remains competitive. She concluded by sharing a testimonial that underscored the preventive benefits of the program for the state's future.
HB246: Ian Hanley, New Hampshire State Conservation Committee Information Only01:25:55.080 - 10:24:51 AM; Ian Hanley, the executive director of the New Hampshire State Conservation Committee, provided an overview of the funding situation for conservation districts in New Hampshire. He explained that the state does not provide operational support for these districts, and they are primarily funded at the county level. Five districts receive a lump sum for their district manager's position, while the other five have their district manager as a county employee. Beyond this initial support, districts receive little to no additional funding from their counties. Other funding sources are project-based, such as moose plate grants, cooperative agreements with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts. Hanley noted that these project-based funds cannot be used for the climate resilience grant, which has been primarily funded through private donors and foundations. He also mentioned that he included information in his testimony about what surrounding states do at the state level and the financial reporting requirements for conservation districts, which he oversees as part of his role.
HB246: Representative Edward Information Only01:29:16.840 - 10:28:12 AM; Representative Edward asked for clarification on the term 'climate resilient project,' questioning what specific projects fall under this category. He was curious if such projects could include ponds, retaining walls, tree lines, or other structures. The response indicated that the grant opportunity is open to various projects, but many focus on dealing with heavy rainfall and flooding or addressing water retention during droughts, which are becoming more frequent. It was mentioned that some farmers present would discuss their projects in more detail.
HB246: Representative Ms Information Only01:30:42.239 - 10:29:38 AM; Representative Ms inquired about the historical state funding for conservation districts, asking if they had ever received state funding and if so, when it stopped. Ian Hanley responded that to his knowledge, the districts have not received state funding, and if they did, it would have been decades ago. He mentioned having looked through old minutes from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, but found no evidence of state funding during his three and a half years in his role.
HB246: Donna Bascom, Charlestown, New Hampshire Support01:31:53.920 - 10:30:49 AM; Donna Bascom, a resident of Charlestown, testified in favor of HB246. As a farmer and market-scale gardener with her husband Dean Bascom, they operate a diverse farm including 50 head of sheep and a Sugar Bush of 6,000 taps. She emphasized the increased challenges and risks faced by farmers due to extreme and unpredictable weather conditions over the past decade. Bascom highlighted the importance of the climate resiliency grant program, which has provided critical tools and equipment to help farms adapt and thrive. This has enabled extended production seasons into December and January, improving farm profitability and operations. She shared a personal experience of a severe weather event that damaged her farm, and how the grant would help her implement caterpillar tunnels to increase resiliency against future weather challenges.
HB246: Lionel Chu, Sullivan County Support01:36:30.719 - 10:35:26 AM; Lionel Chu, the director of Natural Resources for Sullivan County and district manager of the Sullivan County Conservation District, testified in support of HB246. He emphasized the variety of food products capable of being produced in New Hampshire and the importance of these local products to the community's quality of life. Chu addressed the financial challenges faced by New Hampshire farms, noting that a significant majority gross less than $25,000 annually, with many operating at a net loss. He explained that the proposed state funding would be pass-through and not a change in policy, allowing conservation districts to leverage private funding and demonstrate state support for the climate resiliency grant program.
HB246: Steven Sampo, President of the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts Support01:44:43.719 - 10:43:39 AM; Steven Sampo, representing the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts, testified in support of including $50,000 in the state budget for the climate resiliency grant program. He highlighted the program's success in supporting small, new, and underserved farmers by enabling them to implement sustainable practices that enhance profitability and efficiency. Sampo noted that the grants, which have been funded primarily by private sources, have awarded over $700,000 to date. He argued that a modest state investment would signal commitment to the agricultural community and ensure the program's sustainability through a public-private partnership.
HB246: Rebecca Robinson, Pittsburgh, New Hampshire Support01:48:06.760 - 10:47:02 AM; Rebecca Robinson, representing her family farm in Pittsburgh, testified in support of HB246. She explained how the grant helped them improve their manure pit to manage stormwater and protect hay feed, contributing to cleaner waterways. Without the grant, these improvements would not have been possible. Robinson expressed hope that increased funding would allow more farmers to benefit from similar opportunities, emphasizing the local economic impact of spending grant funds within the state.
HB246: Keith Robinson, Pittsburgh, New Hampshire Support01:49:41.239 - 10:48:37 AM; Keith Robinson, co-chair of the Coos Conservation District supervisors, testified in support of HB246. He discussed how the climate resiliency grants have advanced economic opportunities for farmers in Coos County, allowing them to fund various projects that enhance resilience against climate challenges. He mentioned specific projects funded by the grants, such as stormwater collection systems and solar panel installations, and expressed hope that increased funding would enable more farms to thrive.
HB246: Tom Bodri, Walpole, New Hampshire Support01:51:03.480 - 10:49:59 AM; Tom Bodri, a resident of Walpole with 40 years of dairy farming experience, testified in support of HB246. He currently raises grass-fed beef and works as a crop consultant. Bodri highlighted the decline in New Hampshire's agricultural landbase and the importance of a vibrant, resilient agricultural sector. He praised the climate resiliency grants for helping numerous producers and stressed the need for state support to leverage existing funding, given New Hampshire's agricultural disadvantage compared to neighboring states.
HB246: Jack Rxy, Fitz William, New Hampshire Support01:53:25.679 - 10:52:21 AM; Jack Rxy, a resident and farmer from Fitz William, New Hampshire, testified in support of House Bill 246. He owns and operates Dog Days Farm, distributing produce through farm pickups, wholesale to local co-ops and grocery stores, and operating farmers markets. Rxy emphasized the importance of the grant program associated with the bill, which has enabled his farm to purchase essential equipment like an agricultural flame weeder in 2023. He plans to apply for another grant in 2025 to enhance his greenhouses. Rxy highlighted the high startup costs and debt associated with farming, and stressed that the grant program is vital for small businesses like his to afford necessary equipment, pay employees fairly, and protect the soil.
HB246: David Trumble, Alstead, New Hampshire Support01:56:49.840 - 10:55:45 AM; David Trumble, from Alstead, New Hampshire, and owner of Good Earth Farm, testified in support of House Bill 246. With 40 years of farming experience, Trumble emphasized the importance of the bill's grant program for climate resilience and soil health. He cited examples of equipment like no-till planters and silage tarps that the grants support, which help reduce soil tillage, thereby increasing drought resistance and reducing soil erosion. Trumble underscored the public-private partnership aspect of the bill, noting that farmers have a duty to protect the land for future generations. He also highlighted the economic impact of farming in New Hampshire, mentioning the significant contribution to wages and the broader economy, and urged the committee to support farming as a vital sector.
HB519: Mary Jane Walner, New Hampshire Support02:02:19.599 - 11:01:15 AM; Mary Jane Walner, the prime sponsor of House Bill 519, testified in support of the bill, which aims to provide an appropriation to Waypoint, a New Hampshire nonprofit social service agency, for operating a Youth Shelter in Manchester. Walner highlighted the shelter's role as the only emergency shelter for young adults aged 18 to 24 experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire. Since opening in October 2022, the shelter has been at capacity, serving 98 young adults in 2023 and 79 in 2024, with many more turned away due to lack of space. She emphasized the importance of early intervention in preventing chronic homelessness and the need for $500,000 annually to sustain the program.
HB519: Heather Raymond, Nashua, New Hampshire Support02:06:13.400 - 11:05:09 AM; Representative Heather Raymond from Nashua testified in support of House Bill 519, providing context on youth homelessness in New Hampshire. She mentioned the closure of another youth homeless program in Nashua in April of the previous year due to funding and board issues, leaving many young adults without shelter. Raymond explained that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) only supports youth who have aged out of foster care or residential placement, and many choose not to participate in those programs. She emphasized the critical role of the Waypoint Youth Shelter in Manchester as the only alternative for these youth, and shared statistics on the lack of youth shelter beds in Nashua, highlighting the urgent need for state support.
HB519: Mandy Lancaster, Waypoint, New Hampshire Support02:11:23.239 - 11:10:19 AM; Mandy Lancaster, a social worker and program director at Waypoint, testified in support of House Bill 519. Lancaster detailed the services provided by Waypoint, including support for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, foster care, and home-based services. She cited a 52.1% increase in youth homelessness in New Hampshire in 2024, the highest in the country, and emphasized the importance of early intervention to prevent chronic homelessness. Lancaster described the Waypoint shelter in Manchester as more than just a place to sleep, offering an engagement center with life skills groups, professional development, and various Supportive Services. She stressed the shelter's impact on reducing chronic homelessness, improving workforce participation, and decreasing reliance on emergency services, urging the committee to support the bill.
HB519: Unidentified Speaker, Manchester Information Only02:22:21.520 - 11:21:17 AM; The speaker, a resident of Manchester, inquired about the effectiveness of Waypoint's programs in reducing chronic homelessness among youths. They asked for specific figures on how many youths have transitioned into productive citizens through Waypoint's services. Mandy Lancaster responded anecdotally, mentioning successes such as helping youths enter college, providing rapid rehousing beds, and transitional living spaces, but did not provide specific numbers at the time.
HB519: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:24:18.880 - 11:23:14 AM; The speaker asked about the allocation of the $500,000 funding over two years for Waypoint's operations, specifically questioning how much would be spent on fixed costs versus ongoing operations. They expressed concern about the sustainability of operations beyond the two-year funding period. Mandy Lancaster responded that the funding would augment operations and expressed fear of closure without ongoing support, citing the example of Nashua.
HB519: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:25:05.319 - 11:24:01 AM; The speaker inquired about the number of youths with children or pregnant at Waypoint's facilities. Mandy Lancaster detailed the support provided, including case management, life skills, and parenting groups, and shared examples of young people transitioning from the hospital to their own apartments or into Waypoint's transitional living programs for pregnant and parenting youth.
HB519: Representative Edwards Information Only02:26:42.680 - 11:25:38 AM; Representative Edwards compared Waypoint's mission to that of The Liberty House, expressing admiration and a desire to support the program. They questioned the sustainability of Waypoint's operations, suggesting the need for a framework similar to other organizations that have affiliations with DHHS or other funding systems. Borha Alvarez responded by discussing the financial sustainability of the shelter and the need for ongoing state support, mentioning the efforts to secure funding and the challenges faced.
HB519: Emily Lawrence, Waypoint Information Only02:29:16.600 - 11:28:12 AM; Emily Lawrence introduced herself as the advocacy director with Waypoint and deferred questions to the CEO, Borha Alvarez, indicating that Borha would provide more detailed answers regarding the organization's efforts and challenges.
HB519: Borha Alvarez, CEO of Waypoint Support02:30:01.880 - 11:28:57 AM; Borha Alvarez provided a detailed account of Waypoint's financial sustainability efforts, including a capital campaign that raised $2.5 million to build the youth shelter. They discussed the operational costs and the challenges of securing ongoing funding, mentioning meetings with Governor Sununu and the Department of Health and Human Services. They emphasized the shelter's importance as the only one for youth in New Hampshire and the risk of closure without state support in the upcoming budget.
HB519: Elliot Barry, Retired Private Citizen, New Hampshire Support02:40:28.399 - 11:39:24 AM; Elliot Barry, a retired attorney from New Hampshire Legal Assistance, supported the bill by sharing his experiences with young clients who benefited from services similar to those offered by Waypoint's shelter. He highlighted the array of problems faced by these youths, including substance abuse, evictions, job instability, and domestic violence, and stressed the importance of the shelter's programs in helping them achieve independent living.
HB519: Sam Hawkins, NAMI Support02:43:38.279 - 11:42:34 AM; Sam Hawkins from NAMI expressed support for the bill, indicating they would provide a brief summary of their written testimony due to time constraints.
HB519: Sam Hawkins, NAMI New Hampshire Support02:43:46.120 - 11:42:42 AM; Sam Hawkins, representing NAMI New Hampshire, spoke in support of House Bill 519, emphasizing the critical link between stable housing and good mental health. He highlighted that stable housing is a protective factor for mental health and a crucial tool for recovery for individuals with mental health conditions. Hawkins stressed the importance of the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult shelter in providing a safe space and connecting youth and young adults to necessary services, warning that the closure of such shelters could perpetuate homelessness and jeopardize mental health and wellness.
HB519: Emma Savini, New Futures Support02:47:53.560 - 11:46:49 AM; Emma Savini from New Futures expressed strong support for House Bill 519, focusing on the bill's potential to mitigate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). She explained that ACEs can lead to severe health and mental health issues in adulthood, such as mental illness, substance misuse, and chronic health conditions. Savini emphasized that the Waypoint shelter provides a protective factor by offering stable housing, which can help reduce the long-term and dangerous health consequences of ACEs. New Futures urged the committee to pass the bill to prevent the compounding of ACEs and the associated costs to the state.
HB519: Kati Fox, Director of the Division for Behavioral Health Support02:50:20.840 - 11:49:16 AM; Kati Fox, representing the Division for Behavioral Health, stated the department's support for House Bill 519. She briefly mentioned that the bill's relevance would be discussed further in relation to the department's Mission Zero to reduce emergency department boarding and its place within the children's system of care. Fox indicated that more detailed discussions would occur in the upcoming division meeting.

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)