Committee Summary for House Finance Committee Budget Briefing (04/08/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:09:25.200 - 9:08:06 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB1 02:08:52.000 - 11:07:33 AM	General Working Session	making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027.	Weyler, Kenneth(R)[B+]2024

Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:09:25.200 - 9:08:06 AM; The speaker began the session by providing an overview of the state's total budget, explaining it was divided into three sections: Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3. They highlighted that this was the first year without the interest and dividends tax, yet the budget managed to remain balanced despite the governor's budget being higher than what was estimated by Ways and Means. The speaker used pie charts to illustrate the allocation of funds, emphasizing that the general fund, affected by taxes, was a small part of the total budget but crucial as it was where taxes from 17 different categories were directed. Health and social services were noted as a significant portion of the budget at 55%, followed by education at 12%. Other categories included general government, administration of justice, resource protection, and transportation.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:13:26.440 - 9:12:07 AM; Continuing from the previous speaker, this individual elaborated on the total budget proposal of 16.267 billion dollars against the governor's 16.7 billion. They discussed the distribution across the budget, noting that health and human services comprised 43% of the total budget, with education at 21.6%. They also mentioned that transportation was largely self-funded through gasoline taxes and vehicle registrations, and highlighted the role of federal funds in the state's budget, which remained stable at around 32%.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:14:47.240 - 9:13:28 AM; The speaker discussed the revenue sources for the total budget, pointing out the significant contribution of federal funds at 32%. They explained how various taxes and fees contributed to the general fund, including business taxes, liquor sales, court fines, securities revenue, insurance taxes, communications tax, beer tax, and Medicaid recoveries. They also mentioned a proposed small co-pay for Medicaid patients to potentially reduce unnecessary use of services.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:20:25.120 - 9:19:06 AM; The speaker addressed a question regarding the interest and dividends tax, clarifying that while it was eliminated, there were still late payments from previous assessments, resulting in a smaller revenue of 8.7 million dollars compared to the previous 200 million annually. They also discussed how the budget managed to compensate for this loss through numerous small cuts across different areas.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:23:01.760 - 9:21:42 AM; In response to a question about the stability of federal funds, the speaker reassured that most federal funds, particularly those supporting individuals like Medicare and Medicaid, were expected to remain stable despite changes at the federal level. They noted that federal funds were spread across various departments, making significant cuts challenging.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:25:26.000 - 9:24:07 AM; The speaker addressed a question about cuts to Medicaid, explaining that despite stable federal funds, budget increases and revenue shortfalls necessitated cuts. They discussed how the previous budget increases and ongoing costs, such as fuel and wages, contributed to the need for these adjustments. They also mentioned cutting funding for long-term vacant positions as part of the budget management strategy.
Unclear: Representative Maguire Information Only00:29:04.240 - 9:27:45 AM; Representative Maguire provided an overview of the budget adjustments made in Division One, which includes numerous smaller miscellaneous agencies. He mentioned that slight cuts were made to the legislative branch and the governor's office compared to the governor's budget, but these cuts were still more than in the previous 2425 budget. A temporary position at the Governor's Commission on Disability was eliminated. The Department of Information Technology received a significant amount of money transferred from other government sectors, totaling a quarter of a billion dollars over the biennium, but was given a 5% back-of-the-budget cut. The Department of Administrative Services found savings in their budget, including reducing advertising on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn for hiring. The Sununu Youth Services Center, being decommissioned, had its maintenance costs deferred to a future biennium, and advertising for the paid family medical leave program was stopped. Changes were made to retiree health insurance funding, saving $4 million. Some smaller boards were either eliminated or combined for administrative savings, including merging the Public Employee Labor Relations Board, the Personnel Appeals Board, and the Right to Know Ombudsman into one entity, saving approximately a million dollars. The Commission on Aging was eliminated, deemed unnecessary.
Unclear: Representative Haskins from Exeter Oppose00:34:20.000 - 9:33:01 AM; Representative Haskins from Exeter expressed opposition to the elimination of the Commission on Aging, citing New Hampshire as the second oldest state in the country and referencing an op-ed in the Union Leader by the executive director. He argued that such a decision was unwise, especially considering the impact on the elderly population.
Unclear: Representative Maguire Information Only00:35:29.839 - 9:34:10 AM; Representative Maguire responded to Representative Haskins, explaining that the budget could not satisfy everyone and that the Commission on Aging, while helpful, was not deemed absolutely necessary. He then discussed the budget for special education, maintaining a permanent position and eliminating the Office of the Child Advocate, as there were other organizations focused on child welfare. The Department of State was asked to reduce its budget by about half a million dollars over the biennium. The Department of Revenue Administration saw no significant changes from the governor's budget, though it was becoming more expensive due to computer operations. The state treasury kept rooms and meals tax distributions to cities and towns flat at the fiscal year 2025 level, saving approximately 11 million dollars over the biennium. The budget also deferred bond payments for the new men's prison due to delays in bonding.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:38:56.640 - 9:37:37 AM; The speaker discussed the retirement system's budget, noting that a significant increase in expenses was requested but denied, keeping expenses flat. There were improvements in retiree benefits for Group Two employees (corrections, police, and fire), with a budget allocation of 55 million dollars in general funds, to be repeated over the next four budgets, totaling about 280 million dollars. A new retirement structure for newly hired state employees was introduced, resembling private sector plans to improve hiring and retention, as over half of these employees do not stay long enough to become vested.
Unclear: Dave Walker from Rochester Oppose00:41:22.960 - 9:40:03 AM; Dave Walker from Rochester opposed the elimination of the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, arguing that it would shift the cost to taxpayers who would now have to hire lawyers for Superior Court appeals, potentially intimidating elderly taxpayers. He criticized the move as not serving taxpayers well.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:42:31.599 - 9:41:12 AM; The speaker defended the decision to eliminate the Board of Tax and Land Appeals, stating that the cost per case at the Superior Court was significantly lower than at specialized boards, emphasizing that the user should pay for the service they wish to use.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:44:56.560 - 9:43:37 AM; The speaker discussed the creation of a new retirement group plan, explaining that it was similar to private sector plans like 401k or IRA, which would be more beneficial for employees who typically do not stay long enough to be vested under the current system. The plan was intended to make state employment more attractive by allowing employees to retain their earned benefits.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:50:00.960 - 9:48:41 AM; The speaker addressed questions about the Human Rights Commission, noting its operational issues and backlog of cases. The decision was made to eliminate the commission, allowing cases to be moved to court with no fees, based on poor performance audits.
Unclear: Representative Brier Oppose00:51:08.640 - 9:49:49 AM; Representative Brier opposed the new retirement group plan, stating that state employees, particularly those represented by the state employees union, preferred the current system and feared it would create class warfare between different employee groups.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:52:13.119 - 9:50:54 AM; The speaker responded to Representative Brier, explaining that the new retirement plan was aimed at employees who do not stay long enough to benefit from the current system, thus making state employment more attractive. He compared defined benefit and defined contribution plans, highlighting the benefits of the latter in terms of flexibility and potential growth.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:54:52.559 - 9:53:33 AM; The speaker discussed budget adjustments for the Department of Military Affairs and Veteran Services, mentioning minor savings and a fee increase for cemetery plots for non-veteran family members. The Department of Agriculture saw fee increases to balance the budget, with some fees going into the general fund, which was criticized as a tax increase.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:57:06.000 - 9:55:47 AM; The speaker provided further details on the Department of Agriculture's fee increases, including a new fee for pet transfers to fund inspections. The Department of Justice's budget had increased rapidly over the past decade, and a significant back-of-the-budget cut was implemented, with some funding expected to come from federal grants. The speaker also discussed the allocation of settlement funds for the YDC abuse cases.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:00:02.000 - 9:58:43 AM; The speaker discussed changes to the Liquor Commission, including the elimination of its law enforcement arm and the automatic funding from the liquor fund to the Granite Advantage Program and the Commission on Drug and Alcohol, moving these funds to the Division Three Health and Human Services budget. The speaker also addressed questions about the Sununu Youth Services Center property and its potential transfer to the Department of Administrative Services.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:03:48.799 - 10:02:29 AM; The speaker defended the decision to eliminate the Liquor Commission's law enforcement division, citing a past audit that criticized the division's focus on activities outside its intended scope. The speaker emphasized that licensing enforcement would be sufficient to regulate alcohol sales.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:06:07.440 - 10:04:48 AM; The speaker discussed the Department of Energy's budget, mentioning the use of the renewable energy fund to help balance the budget over the biennium, with plans to return the money to ratepayers after the biennium, as per House Bill 504. House Bill 219 was also mentioned as part of the budget, aimed at saving ratepayers money.
Unclear: Representative Thomas Oppose01:07:12.400 - 10:05:53 AM; Representative Thomas opposed the use of the renewable energy fund for budget balancing, arguing it was a dedicated fund meant for renewable energy initiatives and suggested that this action could lead to legal challenges. He questioned the morality of using these funds for other purposes.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:08:36.000 - 10:07:17 AM; The speaker justified the use of the renewable energy fund, explaining that dedicated funds can be changed by law and were used to balance the budget. The speaker also discussed House Bill 219, which aimed to save ratepayers money by removing support for the solar portion of the renewable portfolio standard.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:14:46.159 - 10:13:27 AM; The speaker discussed the Department of Corrections' budget, noting that despite a decrease in the number of inmates over the past decade, the number of employees had increased. To address this, a layoff of 150 employees was proposed to rightsize the department to its staffing levels from ten years ago when it had more inmates.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:17:30.159 - 10:16:11 AM; The speaker discussed the implementation of employee reductions within the Department of Corrections, emphasizing that no corrections officers were laid off. Instead, the layoffs targeted ancillary staff such as teachers, social workers, counselors, and cooks. The list of positions to be cut is considered 90% final but still subject to changes based on ongoing information gathering. The committee has lost confidence in the Commissioner of Corrections and has not received input from her on these cuts. The speaker also mentioned adjustments to the Judicial Council's budget, increasing it by $3.6 million due to their convincing case for additional funding. Additionally, the speaker discussed a cut to the Department of Travel and Tourism's budget, which involved suspending a portion of the rooms and meals tax used for advertising. The Department of Transportation was directed to sell non-toll bike rest areas and welcome centers, saving $2.3 million for the general fund.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:20:57.679 - 10:19:38 AM; The speaker responded to a question about the testimony that led to the decision to cut $14 million from the Division of Travel and Tourism. They disputed the claim that every dollar invested in tourism yields a $15 return, arguing that the department's figures were not credible. The speaker emphasized the need to find $770 million in savings, with the $14 million cut representing only a small portion of that. They also questioned the effectiveness of state-funded advertising for tourism, suggesting that successful tourist businesses manage their own advertising effectively.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:22:08.000 - 10:20:49 AM; The speaker addressed concerns about the impact of suspending the rooms and meals tax allocation for tourism advertising, arguing that it was a form of corporate welfare and that the industry could manage its own advertising more effectively. They also noted that the rooms and meals tax tends to increase during economic downturns as people opt for cheaper vacation destinations like New Hampshire.
Unclear: Rep. Damon, Sullivan County Information Only01:27:10.880 - 10:25:51 AM; Rep. Damon expressed puzzlement over the decision to cut funding for travel and tourism, emphasizing the importance of economic development and the statewide adverse impact of such cuts. They also inquired about changes in the allocation of the rooms and meals tax and how it might affect municipalities, to which the response was that the distribution method and amount would remain the same for the biennium.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:28:39.600 - 10:27:20 AM; The speaker clarified that the distribution of the rooms and meals tax would remain flat at $137 million for the biennium, despite potential increases in revenue. They mentioned a minor foregone amount of payments to municipalities if the tax revenue increases, but emphasized that it was a small amount relative to the total budget.
Unclear: Representative Gilman, Exit Information Only01:30:16.960 - 10:28:57 AM; Representative Gilman raised concerns about the cuts to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the elimination of the Division of the Arts, noting their impact on local revenues and tourism. They questioned the placement of the housing fund under this department instead of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, suggesting it was inappropriate and would add more work to an already reduced department.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:32:13.199 - 10:30:54 AM; The speaker corrected a typo in the document, stating that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources should be replaced with the Bureau of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) in a specific section. They also discussed the potential for increased revenue from charitable gaming, suggesting it as an alternative funding source for arts organizations.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:34:34.960 - 10:33:15 AM; The speaker detailed changes made to the Department of Environmental Services, including increases in various fees and making the solid waste area self-supporting through a new tipping fee. They also mentioned collecting unused state aid grants and implementing a back-of-the-budget cut, although the department would still see an increase in general funds compared to the current budget.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:35:54.159 - 10:34:35 AM; The speaker discussed the savings from the Office of the Child Advocate, which amounted to $2.2 million over the biennium, primarily from salaries and other expenses. They explained that the office's role in legislative activities related to child welfare could be handled by other groups such as parents, foster parents, and teachers.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:37:24.800 - 10:36:05 AM; The speaker expressed concerns about the duplication of efforts within the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). They argued that instead of creating a new agency to oversee DCYF, the existing internal mechanisms for handling complaints should be improved. The speaker suggested that the proposed changes were unnecessary and that DCYF should be fixed internally rather than creating an external agency with no real authority over DCYF.
Unclear: Representative Wars Information Only01:38:14.639 - 10:36:55 AM; Representative Wars thanked the finance committee for their work and humorously mentioned his relief at not being part of it. He touched upon concerns about tariffs and the stock market, suggesting that these should not be major worries due to effective negotiations. He offered to discuss these concerns further with anyone interested.
Unclear: Representative Earth Information Only01:40:43.760 - 10:39:24 AM; Representative Earth discussed the impact of eliminating tourism funding, citing studies from other states showing negative effects. They emphasized the importance of tourism and arts to New Hampshire's economy and questioned how quickly funds could be restored if negative impacts were observed.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:42:38.000 - 10:41:19 AM; The speaker explained the budget as a point-in-time estimate for the next two years, subject to adjustments by the fiscal committee and governor and council. They highlighted a projected $150 million shortfall for the current biennium and discussed the necessity of making cuts, particularly in advertising funds, which businesses could handle independently.
Unclear: Representative U Herbert, Manchester Information Only01:44:00.000 - 10:42:41 AM; Representative Herbert expressed a philosophical view on balancing spending and cutting, emphasizing the need to support young families and the elderly. He argued that spending in certain areas could be more beneficial than tax cuts, highlighting a need for a more balanced approach to state finances.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:45:26.159 - 10:44:07 AM; The speaker continued the discussion on budget cuts, emphasizing that even with a budget of $15 billion over the biennium, cuts of about 3-5% were necessary. They argued that the state's financial situation required careful management and that spending could sometimes be a solution rather than cutting.
Unclear: Representative Earth Information Only01:47:38.400 - 10:46:19 AM; Representative Earth provided an overview of Division Two's budget management, focusing on various funds including general, education trust, federal, highway, fish and game, and turnpike funds. They discussed the need to address deficits in highway and fish and game funds, suggesting fee increases to balance these funds and support department priorities like snow removal and incentive payments for plow drivers. They also touched on adjustments to the education trust fund to ensure proper funding distribution for state adequacy grants.
Unclear: Representative Earth Information Only01:47:38.400 - 10:46:19 AM; Representative Earth concluded their discussion on the budget, mentioning no changes to the grant in FY26 and a significant increase in per pupil special education aid by $1,040 in FY27, with an estimated impact of $28 million. They also mentioned the reintroduction of fiscal capacity disparity aid to support communities with low equalized valuation per pupil.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:57:20.480 - 10:56:01 AM; The speaker discussed the impact of the extraordinary needs grant on cities like Manchester, which saw a significant increase in FY24 and a projected increase in FY27. They also noted that the grant is now capped for large districts, limiting Manchester's increase in FY27 to $30 million. Changes to K-12 funding related to special education aid were mentioned, with $100 million budgeted for the biennium.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:59:51.040 - 10:58:32 AM; The speaker concluded their overview of the budget changes and invited questions from the audience, mentioning Vice Chair Daniel Papovich Mueller's availability to address inquiries.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:00:49.280 - 10:59:30 AM; The speaker raised concerns about the funding for the University System of New Hampshire (USNH), noting that New Hampshire has among the lowest funding for public higher education in the country. They questioned the impact of a 30% cut on tuition costs for students, given the state's already high debt loads.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:01:58.159 - 11:00:39 AM; In response to the previous question, the speaker explained that the committee spent considerable time discussing the USNH budget. They argued that the cut, while painful, represents only about 2.1% of the university's total revenues, based on the annual report for 2024, and not the 30% as suggested.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:03:18.639 - 11:01:59 AM; The speaker countered the previous response, emphasizing that the state colleges are already struggling and that any cut, even if it's less than 30%, could be detrimental. They noted that one state college is in a precarious situation due to the already low funding levels.
Unclear: Representative Timothy Hardy from Durham Information Only02:04:26.480 - 11:03:07 AM; Representative Hardy expressed concerns about the budget cut's impact on Durham, a college town. He questioned the state's interference with university operations and criticized the cut as showing a lack of support for higher education. He also thanked the committee for raising fees, acknowledging the political pressure it alleviates.
Unclear: Representative Wars from Chester Information Only02:06:31.280 - 11:05:12 AM; Representative Wars inquired about the decision not to follow the lottery commissioner's advice to increase the tax rate from 30% to 45% for casinos. The response detailed the market dynamics between historic horse racing machines and video lottery terminals, explaining why a 30% rate was chosen to encourage a transition to more profitable machines.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Oppose02:08:52.000 - 11:07:33 AM; As a parent of three children, two of whom have completed college and one a UNH graduate, the speaker strongly protested against the proposed 30% cut to the university system, highlighting its potential negative impact on students and families.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:08:52.000 - 11:07:33 AM; The speaker concluded their testimony about the budget at 02:08:52.000.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:10:10.760 - 11:08:51 AM; The speaker expressed concerns about the funding cuts to the University of New Hampshire (UNH), highlighting that UNH is one of the lowest-funded university systems in the country. They argued that these cuts contribute to an exodus of talented students to other states, exacerbating the brain drain and loss of young families in New Hampshire.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:11:27.679 - 11:10:08 AM; The speaker responded to the previous comments, noting that despite the concerns about losing residents, New Hampshire is experiencing significant population growth from migration. They emphasized that the state remains attractive to residents and will continue to be so.
HB1: Linda Haskins, Exeter Information Only02:12:46.159 - 11:11:27 AM; Linda Haskins from Exeter addressed a question to Rep. Sweeney about perceived trends in budget cuts. She mentioned her involvement with the New Hampshire Council for Problem Gambling and her concerns about the impact of budget cuts on programs addressing addiction, particularly within the correctional system.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:13:57.119 - 11:12:38 AM; The speaker acknowledged that gambling can be addictive and mentioned that the budget allocates a quarter of a percent of gambling revenues to problem gaming services, amounting to around $300,000 a year. They noted that the Lottery Commission and DHHS would collaborate on these services.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:15:15.520 - 11:13:56 AM; The speaker expressed concern about the state's increasing reliance on revenue from gambling, questioning the allocation of funds to charities and the potential increase in problem gambling. They suggested that the state should not increase revenue from so-called sin taxes.
HB1: Representative Sally Fellows Information Only02:16:37.280 - 11:15:18 AM; Representative Sally Fellows questioned the funding disparity between the University System of New Hampshire and the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH). She highlighted that the university system's full-time equivalent enrollment is three times that of the community college system, yet both are funded at similar levels.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:17:47.599 - 11:16:28 AM; The speaker explained that the University System of New Hampshire has different revenue sources than CCSNH, and both need to be funded appropriately for their respective student populations. They suggested that full budget presentations from both systems in future years could clarify funding issues.
HB1: Dave Luno, Hopkinton Information Only02:18:57.920 - 11:17:38 AM; Dave Luno from Hopkinton expressed appreciation for the reintroduction of fiscal capacity disparity aid in the budget. He noted that it only benefits about 40 towns and suggested expanding it to cover more towns with lower property values per pupil.
HB1: Rita Matson, Dublin Information Only02:21:06.000 - 11:19:47 AM; Rita Matson from Dublin raised concerns about the impact of electric vehicles on road maintenance, suggesting that the $100 annual fee for electric vehicles is insufficient. She inquired about other potential revenue sources for road upkeep.
HB1: Tracy Berkkey, Penacook Information Only02:23:13.120 - 11:21:54 AM; Tracy Berkkey from Penacook questioned the budget's allocation for Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), noting a discrepancy between the budget's estimate and the fiscal note's projection. She referenced a study by Josiah Bartlett that influenced the budget's calculations.
HB1: Connie Lane, Concord Information Only02:24:10.000 - 11:22:51 AM; Connie Lane from Concord questioned the necessity of increasing funding for EFAs when public schools are struggling. She argued that the program primarily benefits higher-income families and should not be expanded.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:25:25.760 - 11:24:06 AM; The speaker defended the allocation of funds to EFAs, stating that education programs should not be means-tested. They highlighted that the Claremont decision supports adequate funding for education without income caps, and that the original intent of EFAs was to not have income limits.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:26:44.640 - 11:25:25 AM; The speaker expressed frustration with the budget's focus on EFAs, arguing that it diverts funds from more pressing needs like public education in less affluent towns. They emphasized that tax dollars should prioritize those in need.
HB1: Jim Gruber, Alstead Information Only02:28:48.560 - 11:27:29 AM; Jim Gruber from Alstead raised concerns about the budget's impact on public education and university funding. He questioned the expansion of the EFA program without income limits while cutting university budgets, and sought clarification on policies affecting public school funding related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:30:58.200 - 11:29:39 AM; The speaker reiterated previous points about EFA funding and justified the budget's stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, stating that they violate discrimination laws and should not be adopted in the education system.
HB1: Wayne Burton, Durham Information Only02:32:11.120 - 11:30:52 AM; Wayne Burton from Durham, a member of the Durham Town Council, expressed opposition to the budget's proposed reduction in funding for the University of New Hampshire. He shared that the council passed a resolution against the cuts, emphasizing UNH's importance to the state and its role in attracting and retaining educated professionals.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:35:43.040 - 11:34:24 AM; The speaker responded to Wayne Burton, clarifying that the statistics used were directly from the university's annual report and that the committee was aware of UNH's importance to the state and Durham. They noted that funding had been increased in previous cycles.
HB1: Representative Freeman Tilton, Belmont Information Only02:36:29.680 - 11:35:10 AM; Representative Freeman Tilton from Belmont inquired about previous budget cycles and whether there were any increases to the university system. It was confirmed that funding was increased by 12.5% in the last cycle and that the last cut was in 2011.
HB1: Representative Timothy Horat, Stafford County District 10 Information Only02:37:39.040 - 11:36:20 AM; Representative Timothy Horat from Stafford County District 10 questioned the governance and constitutionality of the EFA program, administered by an out-of-state nonprofit. He expressed concerns about the program's alignment with state laws and its potential to promote certain ideologies.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:39:40.479 - 11:38:21 AM; The speaker discussed the integrated nature of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) budget, covering areas like Veterans Affairs, the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Misuse, and the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. They highlighted the budget's challenges due to limited resources and the need to prioritize direct care.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:42:13.880 - 11:40:54 AM; The speaker detailed the budget reductions in Division 3, including a significant reduction in general funds and the prioritization of direct care for patients in state facilities. They mentioned efforts to find additional revenue sources, such as selling properties and implementing cost-saving measures.
HB1: Zoe Manos, Stratham Information Only03:11:46.399 - 12:10:27 PM; Zoe Manos from Stratham expressed concern about the elimination of funding for family planning services, which are used by four federally qualified health centers. She questioned the rationale behind defunding these essential services.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:12:59.840 - 12:11:40 PM; The speaker explained that family planning was fully funded in previous budgets but had to be cut due to limited resources. They suggested that private donations could help fund these services and noted that the decision was difficult but necessary.
HB1: Linda Haskins, Exeter Information Only03:19:02.399 - 12:17:43 PM; Linda Haskins from Exeter expressed sympathy for the difficult budget decisions and questioned the impact of the 3% Medicaid rate cut on Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). She also inquired about the budget's approach to addressing vaping among young people.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:19:48.800 - 12:18:29 PM; The speaker acknowledged the impact of the Medicaid rate cut on FQHCs and explained that while vaping is on the rise, the focus remained on reducing cigarette use due to its greater health threat. They expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of government spending on cessation programs.
HB1: Tracy Berkkey, Penacook Information Only03:22:14.800 - 12:20:55 PM; Tracy Berkkey from Penacook suggested reinstating the interest and dividends tax and eliminating EFAs as a means to increase revenue. The speaker responded that these were not within the finance committee's purview and defended the EFA program's role in providing educational choice.
HB1: Molly Howard, Hancock and Greenfield Information Only03:24:32.720 - 12:23:13 PM; Molly Howard from Hancock and Greenfield questioned the cost difference between Governor Sununu's suggestion for EFA eligibility and the current policy. She also inquired about the potential savings if public dollars were not used for religious schools.
HB1: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:25:47.760 - 12:24:28 PM; The speaker clarified that EFAs are not vouchers and defended the program's role in providing educational choice. They noted that the program saves money for the state and emphasized the need for competition in education.