Committee Summary for House Finance Division III (03/03/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:01:28.920 - 8:59:04 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:01:28.920 - 8:59:04 AM; The speaker, a committee member, opened the session by addressing logistical matters, including a reminder about a potential meeting on March 11th, which coincides with town meeting day. They mentioned that the meeting would be online and encouraged members to think about topics for discussion, specifically mentioning that the agenda for March 11th includes the Veterans Home, New Hampshire Hospital, Glencliff Home, and Hampstead Hospital, focusing on direct care providers.
Unclear: Nathan White, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only00:04:40.520 - 9:02:16 AM; Nathan White introduced the session by referencing the governor's operating budget, specifically pages 866 to 885, and mentioned the budget briefing book. He handed over the presentation to Karen Hebert, indicating that they prepared entries for accounting units over a million dollars annually.
Unclear: Karen Hebert, Director, Division of Economic Stability Information Only00:05:45.400 - 9:03:21 AM; Karen Hebert provided an overview of the Division of Economic Stability, established in 2018. She discussed the division's mission to advance health, economic, and social well-being. She outlined the key outcomes of the division, which include financial health, poverty reduction, and prevention, noting that services are provided from birth through end of life. She highlighted various programs that offer resources for necessities like healthcare, housing, utilities, food, childcare, and support for independence and self-sufficiency, including work and educational opportunities, and services promoting responsible parenting and child well-being.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:07:52.360 - 9:05:28 AM; The committee member expressed appreciation for the overview and inquired about the funding for the division. They specifically asked about the total general fund spending in 2017 and the expected spending for the first year of the new budget. Karen Hebert clarified that the programs existed before 2018 but were consolidated into a single division that year. She confirmed that budget data for the past six years could be provided without needing to retroactively adjust figures, and directed the committee to page 885 of the governor's operating budget for the current figures.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:09:41.959 - 9:07:17 AM; The committee member is discussing financial details related to the budget, specifically focusing on federal, general, and other funds. They are trying to understand the adjusted authorized amount, which is typically higher than the actual budgeted amount. They ask for clarification on the total general funds for 2026, which is confirmed to be 76.6 million. The committee member also seeks a breakdown of funding percentages for four operational areas, acknowledging the complexity due to overlapping programs. They suggest that examining accounting units could help identify general fund allocations and better understand the division's objectives.
Unclear: Representative Rich Alveno from Cheshire 9 Information Only00:13:09.160 - 9:10:45 AM; Representative Rich Alveno from Cheshire 9 asks for a working definition of 'responsible parenting' during the budget discussion. The chair indicates a preference to focus on financial matters, suggesting that the context of responsible parenting will be better understood through the accounting units of the bureaus.
Unclear: Unnamed Presenter Information Only00:15:09.440 - 9:12:45 AM; The presenter introduces the organizational chart and core values of the division but is redirected by the committee to focus on numbers and financial outcomes. They discuss the Bureau of Child Development and Head Start collaboration, which supports child care accessibility for low to moderate-income families in New Hampshire. The bureau's efforts include a 45% increase in the child care scholarship program utilization, helping approximately 15% of eligible children. The presenter also explains the Granite Steps for Quality program, which is voluntary and aimed at enhancing provider quality, with 160 out of 717 licensed providers enrolled.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:17:37.960 - 9:15:13 AM; The committee member seeks clarification on the percentage of the population benefiting from the child care subsidy and the federal poverty level qualification for the program, which is based on up to 85% of the state median income. They also inquire about the number of providers participating in the Granite Steps for Quality program and the total number of licensed programs in the state.
Unclear: Unnamed Presenter Information Only00:20:39.559 - 9:18:15 AM; The presenter continues to discuss the child care scholarship program and the Granite Steps for Quality program. They mention that $171 million has been invested in child care in New Hampshire, largely due to COVID-19 funding. Examples of initiatives funded by this money include the expansion of the Gorm Community Learning Center in the North Country, serving 49 children and families. They are asked about the costs of such initiatives and respond that they need to look into the specific class line for funding details.
Unclear: Representative Information Only00:23:12.080 - 9:20:48 AM; The representative comments on the economic benefits resulting from child care programs, suggesting that the division should look into these benefits. They acknowledge the committee's focus on financial impacts and costs related to the programs.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only00:23:45.679 - 9:21:21 AM; Representative Priest inquires about specific data points related to child care training and facility improvements funded by ARPA child care funding. They are informed that these were short-term projects with limited data available.
Unclear: Representative Daniels Information Only00:26:08.600 - 9:23:44 AM; Representative Daniels asks for a definition of the environmental rating scales used in child care programs. The presenter explains that it is one of several pathways for early learning and offers to provide more detailed information.
Unclear: Unnamed Presenter Information Only00:27:14.320 - 9:24:50 AM; The presenter discusses the number of children enrolled in the child care scholarship program by county, highlighting the need for more data to understand demand and accessibility. They explain that the data is managed by the New Hampshire Connections Information System within their bureau and mention potential future collaboration with the Office of Health Equity for demographic and needs analysis.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only00:29:14.600 - 9:26:50 AM; Representative Priest seeks clarification on the total number of children receiving daycare support and inquires about unmet needs, which the presenter confirms they do not have specific data for.
Unclear: Unnamed Presenter Information Only00:31:19.399 - 9:28:55 AM; The presenter discusses the operations of the Bureau, focusing on the child care and development fund, which is 100% federal, and the employment-related child care, which includes general funds to meet federal match requirements. They also mention the transfer of protective preventive child care funds to the Division of Children and Families (DCF) and discuss the Child Care Workforce Fund, which is 100% general funds as per a legislative requirement.
Unclear: Representative Walner Information Only00:32:54.600 - 9:30:30 AM; Representative Walner asks if the transfer of protective preventive child care funds to DCF will affect how providers are billed and paid. The presenter explains that the process might become more streamlined.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:34:16.599 - 9:31:52 AM; The committee member inquires about the impact of low utilization of child care scholarships on federal funding. The presenter explains that the funds are received as a block grant and can be used for quality activities, infant and toddler programs, administrative costs, and expanding services.
Unclear: Representative Nalco Information Only00:34:54.599 - 9:32:30 AM; Representative Nalco asks about the Head Start collaboration, learning that it's a cooperative effort with the Head Start Association in New Hampshire, supported by federal funds. They clarify that the collaboration's funding covers expenses for the collaboration itself.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:36:05.040 - 9:33:41 AM; The committee member confirms that on slide 10, general funds are only allocated to the employment-related child care and the child care workforce fund, as per legislative requirements. They seek clarification on the budget numbers, which the presenter confirms.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:38:07.160 - 9:35:43 AM; The speaker was discussing the budget and sought clarification on the total for the activity of child development, which was confirmed to be $41,111. They inquired about the impact of the Child Care Workforce program on federal funding and were informed that it does not bring supplemental federal funds.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only00:39:20.720 - 9:36:56 AM; Representative Priest asked about the federal funding for child development programs, specifically Child Development operations, child care development quality assurance, and head start, which are 100% federally funded. They expressed concerns over potential federal funding reductions and requested scenarios on the impact of such reductions on the number of people affected and whether the state could cover any shortfall.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:40:41.760 - 9:38:17 AM; The speaker responded to Representative Priest's inquiry, stating that they are in regular communication with the federal office of child care but have no clear information on future funding changes. They mentioned that as of the end of January, 4,032 children were receiving support, and any loss of funding would affect these children's child care funding.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:42:00.040 - 9:39:36 AM; The speaker suggested that Division Three should assume federal funding will come as they put together the budget, acknowledging that more information may be known later in the process. They emphasized moving forward with the budget without getting bogged down in worst-case scenarios.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only00:43:18.440 - 9:40:54 AM; Representative Priest justified their inquiry into potential federal funding cuts, citing their background in urban planning and environmental analysis, which involves preparing for worst-case scenarios. They highlighted the need for such data to be considered during budget review.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:44:33.160 - 9:42:09 AM; The speaker reiterated the need for Division Three to move forward with the budget and not spend time on hypothetical worst-case scenarios. They agreed to consider any new information that comes in before finalizing the budget.
Unclear: Representative Waller Information Only00:45:29.280 - 9:43:05 AM; Representative Waller inquired about the significant increase in the budget for grants for public assistance and relief, from $5 million in 2025 to $11 million in 2026, and what the federal government's expectations were for the use of these funds.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:46:55.839 - 9:44:31 AM; The speaker explained that the increase in funding for grants for public assistance and relief is due to a variety of contracts aimed at enhancing quality activities and services for child care providers. They outlined various programs and services funded by these grants, noting the federal requirement to allocate specific percentages of funds for quality, infant and toddler care, and direct care.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:48:15.200 - 9:45:51 AM; The speaker clarified that the $1 million mentioned was part of the funding allocated for quality activities and that they did not have a breakdown of the total percentage of funds used for quality at the moment.
Unclear: Representative Seaworth Information Only00:49:42.799 - 9:47:18 AM; Representative Seaworth expressed confusion about the expected increase in federal funding and asked about the basis for such an increase. They were informed that the increase was due to rising utilization and the potential need to transfer TANF funding into the Child Care Development Fund to meet demand.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:50:32.960 - 9:48:08 AM; The speaker introduced the Bureau of Child Support, explaining its role in serving families of children whose parents do not live together. They detailed how the program engages with both paying and receiving parents, enforces court-ordered child support, and uses a variety of strategies and collaborations to assist parents in fulfilling their financial responsibilities.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:52:46.240 - 9:50:22 AM; The speaker clarified that the $1.1855 million mentioned was incentive funding from the federal government based on performance measures, not direct payments from parents. They explained the performance indicators and how incentive funding is calculated.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:54:05.760 - 9:51:41 AM; The speaker provided more details on the performance of the Child Support Services, stating that they typically earn about $2 million a year in incentive funding. They noted that their performance in collections was good, though they could not say if they were maxing out the incentive.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:55:22.039 - 9:52:58 AM; The speaker explained that the majority of the 126 staff members in the Child Support Services work on driving up the rate of collections. They specified that between 60 and 70 of these staff members focus on this task.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:56:40.200 - 9:54:16 AM; The speaker detailed the outcomes of the Child Support Services, noting that they served approximately 28,000 families annually and collected $78 million last year. They explained how this helps families become self-sufficient and reduces the need for public assistance. They also discussed how the program recovers costs for TANF expenditures.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:57:55.319 - 9:55:31 AM; The speaker addressed a question about waivers and streamlining the accounting process for child support, explaining that the Nexus system automates much of the distribution process, reducing the complexity of accounting.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:59:18.480 - 9:56:54 AM; The speaker responded to a question about the trend in the number of families served by the Child Support Services, noting a decline in caseload since 2019. They also mentioned that collections have remained stable despite this decline.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:00:38.799 - 9:58:14 AM; The speaker clarified that not every parent ordered to pay child support must go through the state's services. They explained that only those who apply for services or are required by law to use the state's disbursement unit for wage garnishments are involved with the state.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:01:29.480 - 9:59:05 AM; The speaker introduced the Bureau of Family Assistance, focusing on the director's office, which oversees the administration of federal and state financial assistance programs like SNAP, TANF, and state supplemental programs. They provided personnel counts and described the programs' aims to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:02:52.279 - 10:00:28 AM; The speaker confirmed that the director's office manages the Summer EBT program as part of SNAP and provided the personnel count for the office. They outlined the various accounting units and programs managed by the bureau.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:05:35.760 - 10:03:11 AM; The speaker inquired about the inclusion of transportation within the basic needs listed on page 13 of the budget document, specifically within the context of Medicaid managed care organizations providing transportation, and whether the family assistance program includes similar support. The response clarified that transportation is indeed covered under Medicaid but not under the family assistance program discussed.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:07:01.880 - 10:04:37 AM; The speaker requested data on the number of clients served by the state supplemental assistance programs, as mentioned on slide 13, and asked for historical data prior to fiscal year 2024. The response confirmed the availability of current numbers and the possibility of providing historical data.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:08:03.000 - 10:05:39 AM; The speaker inquired about forecasts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for the discussed programs, acknowledging the relevance of forecasts despite the limitations of predicting uncontrollable factors. The response indicated that budget amounts for these years were based on previous projections, and specific numbers could be provided.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:08:59.040 - 10:06:35 AM; The speaker discussed the timeline of the presentation, estimating it would continue into the early afternoon and planned a recess at noon. They also asked about the number of people currently receiving refugee assistance and whether these funds are federal or state-funded. The response clarified that as of January 2025, 162 adults and 85 children were receiving cash assistance for refugees, funded entirely by federal funds.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:09:53.120 - 10:07:29 AM; The speaker provided context on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, focusing on the fourth purpose of encouraging the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. They referenced the Nebraska program as an example and asked if there was a similar initiative proposed in New Hampshire's budget cycle. The response mentioned support through Family Resource Centers for two-parent families, with plans to discuss this further.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:11:51.280 - 10:09:27 AM; The speaker explained the composition of TANF funding, including federal block grants, state maintenance of effort, and unspent TANF balances. They noted the fixed nature of the state's maintenance of effort and the flexibility in spending these funds. A question was raised about the calculation of the state's $32 million maintenance of effort, and it was clarified that this amount is fixed and not based on a percentage or historical data.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:12:49.360 - 10:10:25 AM; The speaker discussed challenges in the current budget, including 74 unfunded positions within the division, which could impact the state's ability to meet the maintenance of effort for TANF. They mentioned the possibility of reallocating the $32 million to provide more services if necessary.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:14:50.440 - 10:12:26 AM; The speaker asked if funding for Waypoint in Manchester could be credited under TANF, given its services for young adults and families in need. The response was that they would need to check if Waypoint's programs align with TANF purposes.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:16:08.639 - 10:13:44 AM; The speaker confirmed that Waypoint received $500,000 in funding in the budget and suggested exploring if this could be credited under TANF. They also asked if TANF funds could be used to support Employment Security's job preparation efforts to avoid duplication of services. The response affirmed collaboration with Employment Security for this purpose.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:17:37.800 - 10:15:13 AM; The speaker sought clarification on the consequences of not using TANF funding, learning that unspent federal funds are carried forward but could lead to reduced funding and penalties in subsequent years. They also asked about the definition of 'child' in the context of TANF, which was clarified as up to age 18 or 19 if still in high school.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:20:13.080 - 10:17:49 AM; The speaker inquired about special programs or benefits for teen mothers under TANF or child care scholarship programs to assist with continuing education. The response indicated that there are no specific additional criteria for teen mothers but noted that income eligibility might not count the grandparents' income in some cases.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:21:31.520 - 10:19:07 AM; The speaker expressed frustration over the lack of a specific proposal in the budget cycle to support two-parent families as per TANF's fourth purpose. They requested a focused plan for the next budget cycle. The response apologized for not bringing forward such a plan and promised to address it.
Unclear: Colie McKinley, Bureau of Family Assistance Information Only01:23:15.560 - 10:20:51 AM; Colie McKinley confirmed that two-parent families in New Hampshire can be eligible for TANF if one parent is incapacitated or disabled.
Unclear: Chris Ananello, Associate Commissioner Information Only01:24:37.520 - 10:22:13 AM; Chris Ananello mentioned historical challenges with TANF work participation rates, particularly for two-parent households, which led to the discontinuation of a specific program due to potential penalties for not meeting the rates. He suggested exploring alternative uses of TANF funding for external services.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:25:55.000 - 10:23:31 AM; The speaker proposed that a specific plan be developed to address the fourth purpose of TANF regarding two-parent families and suggested presenting this plan in an upcoming division hearing. The response agreed to develop such a plan.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:27:06.199 - 10:24:42 AM; The speaker discussed slide 16 of the budget document, which outlined areas for TANF spending, including cash assistance, work programs, education, barrier reduction, and family support services. They also mentioned the importance of measuring outcomes and collecting data to improve program effectiveness.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:28:22.159 - 10:25:58 AM; The speaker asked about the key vendors providing family planning services under TANF and the nature of these services. The response indicated that these services focus on prevention of pregnancies through education, with no funding for abortions.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only01:29:20.920 - 10:26:56 AM; The speaker presented data from 2023 on TANF recipients, highlighting employment gains, income changes, and reasons for case closures. They emphasized the importance of understanding these numbers in context, suggesting benchmarking against similar states to assess effectiveness.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only01:32:29.960 - 10:30:05 AM; Representative Priest inquired about the actual numbers of families or individuals assisted by each program listed on page 16 of the budget presentation. They also requested data from slide 17 for the year 2024, which was promised to be provided later as it needed to be extracted from the system. They mentioned that the data currently displayed was directly sourced from a federal website.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:33:46.480 - 10:31:22 AM; The speaker responded to Representative Priest's query about the number of families served by the Comprehensive Family Support Services, stating that 1,158 families were served. They noted that they would need to gather numbers for other items such as the re be great program.
Unclear: Representative No Vanum Information Only01:34:35.719 - 10:32:11 AM; Representative No Vanum asked about the patterns on page 17 of the budget presentation, specifically whether there were any significant changes over the last five years. The response indicated that the patterns were relatively consistent, but more detailed data from 2024 might reveal some changes.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:35:53.119 - 10:33:29 AM; The speaker addressed a concern about the success rate of the TANF program, noting that only about 25% of participants were considered successful by the metric of gaining employment or resources to no longer qualify for TANF. They discussed the need for new outcome metrics to better assess the effectiveness of the TANF-funded work programs, mentioning ongoing efforts to measure employment outcomes post-exit from the program.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:37:04.159 - 10:34:40 AM; The speaker elaborated on the new metrics being developed for the TANF program, which include tracking employment rates two and four quarters after participants exit the program. They also discussed collaboration with the New Hampshire Employment Security to gather data on participants' earnings post-exit and their educational achievements, such as high school diplomas or equivalencies, within the first year after leaving TANF.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:38:12.920 - 10:35:48 AM; The speaker explained that the TANF work participation rate, which measures the involvement of participants in work or activities to gain employment, was over 69%, the highest in years. They noted that this data would be presented in a future slide and discussed the federal requirement of a minimum 50% participation rate.
Unclear: Representative Daniels Information Only01:39:27.000 - 10:37:03 AM; Representative Daniels expressed concern about the 39.4% of TANF participants who do not fulfill the work participation requirement. They questioned the lack of tracking for participants after they close the program, which makes it difficult to determine the program's effectiveness. The response highlighted the challenges in obtaining feedback from former participants.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:40:32.000 - 10:38:08 AM; The speaker introduced slide 18, discussing work requirements for the SNAP program. They explained that able-bodied adults without dependents, aged 18 to 55, must meet work or educational program requirements to continue receiving SNAP benefits. They provided statistics on current participation and the age criteria set by the federal government.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:41:56.239 - 10:39:32 AM; The speaker continued discussing the SNAP program, detailing a time limit of three months for benefits if recipients are not working or participating in a work program. They provided the number of individuals currently not participating and mentioned exemptions from these requirements, such as pregnancy or participation in substance misuse programs.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:42:42.280 - 10:40:18 AM; The speaker confirmed the existence of an employment and training program for SNAP recipients, noting it is voluntary and relatively new. They promised to provide numbers for this program, which is about three to four years old.
Unclear: Representative Neno Information Only01:44:02.639 - 10:41:38 AM; Representative Neno asked about exemptions under the category of limited exemptions for SNAP recipients and whether these exemptions had the same three-month limitation. The speaker promised to find and provide this information, listing several exemptions including pregnancy, substance misuse programs, and receiving certain benefits.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:45:08.800 - 10:42:44 AM; The speaker clarified that eligible students over 18, as part of the SNAP exemptions, could be attending part-time or full-time educational programs.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only01:45:44.800 - 10:43:20 AM; Representative Priest requested the information mentioned in the response to the previous representative's question be made available to them.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:47:02.080 - 10:44:38 AM; The speaker apologized for stepping away due to personal reasons and continued discussing the TANF participation rate, explaining it was the highest it had been in years. They addressed a question about whether the rate should be higher, expressing a desire to continue increasing it.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:48:16.800 - 10:45:52 AM; The speaker provided context on the Bureau of Employment Supports, detailing its role in working with TANF and SNAP recipients to achieve self-sufficiency through employment and training programs. They mentioned collaboration with various state departments and the goal of ending dependency on public assistance.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:49:26.719 - 10:47:02 AM; The speaker addressed questions about fraud and abuse in the EBT and SNAP programs, explaining the existence of a special investigations unit and the measures in place to prevent misuse of TANF funds. They provided examples from other states and detailed New Hampshire's monitoring activities and restrictions on certain business types.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:52:02.480 - 10:49:38 AM; The speaker responded to an observation about businesses no longer accepting EBT, explaining that the federal government promotes the use of SNAP and TANF benefits through various arrangements but that these are not administered by the state department.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:53:14.079 - 10:50:50 AM; The speaker addressed a discrepancy in the numbers between TANF participation rates and employment outcomes, explaining the fluid nature of the data and the challenges in tracking participants after they leave the program. They mentioned a new voluntary post-TANF program aimed at better understanding the effectiveness of the training programs.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:56:13.960 - 10:53:49 AM; The speaker raised a question about the potential disincentives within the eligibility requirements for welfare programs, specifically questioning if there are scenarios where not seeking full-time work could lead to reduced total income. They inquired about the impact of exceeding 80 hours of work per month and the consequences of not participating in work programs for TANIF and able-bodied programs. The response indicated that non-participation in work programs could lead to benefit loss after three months and sanctions including benefit reduction or closure for TANIF.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only01:57:26.639 - 10:55:02 AM; The speaker suggested taking a recess for lunch, indicating a need to pause the session to maintain the integrity of the presentation. They proposed a 45-minute break and checked with the department for any issues with this timing.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:46:47.840 - 11:44:23 AM; The session resumed after the lunch break, and the speaker provided clarification on a TANIF slide, explaining that the data represented cases closed for specific reasons in that year. They confirmed the data's inclusivity and suggested moving to the next slide.
Unclear: Nathan White, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only02:49:55.000 - 11:47:31 AM; Nathan White clarified the number of positions and unfunded positions within the Division of Economic Stability in the governor's recommended budget for State fiscal year 26. He confirmed 587 positions with 73 unfunded, and directed the committee to page 885 of the budget book for further details.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:51:51.800 - 11:49:27 AM; The speaker questioned the placement of a 1.1 million dollar grant for public assistance and relief under the director's office in the budget, suggesting it should be under an operational bureau. Nathan White clarified that the funds were for SNAP education, which is 100% federal, and logically placed under the director's office.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:52:36.880 - 11:50:12 AM; The speaker raised a concern about the department's approach to public education and training, referencing a previous budget cycle's decision to create a separate PR program for brain health. They questioned whether this program had been integrated into the department's ongoing budget, to which Nathan White confirmed it was a one-time appropriation and not included in the current budget.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:55:14.000 - 11:52:50 AM; The speaker inquired about the criteria for deciding which positions remain unfunded and the implications for workforce reduction in the division. Nathan White explained the statutory authority that allows the department to fill unfunded positions and move money between personnel lines, and described a centralized hiring process that assesses the department's overall needs.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:56:21.600 - 11:53:57 AM; The speaker expressed concern about the impact of not filling the unfunded positions on workload and service lag time for families, specifically mentioning eligibility workers. They asked about the New Heights eligibility system and its impact on productivity. The response indicated concerns about the impact on clients and discussed the high turnover rate among eligibility trainees, as well as ongoing efforts to improve business models and the New Heights system.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only02:59:48.600 - 11:57:24 AM; The speaker summarized the ongoing discussion about New Heights and its role in enhancing productivity. They noted that despite significant investments, many enhancements were driven by federal and state requirements rather than staff efficiency. The department is planning to implement changes to both the IT system and business models to improve efficiency, though they acknowledged challenges in keeping up with demand due to the lengthy implementation process.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:02:14.760 - 11:59:50 AM; The speaker moved on to discuss the accounting unit under the Bureau of Family Assistance, focusing on slide 21 which detailed the TANIF program and other state and federal assistance programs, along with the necessary funding.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:02:57.520 - 12:00:33 PM; The speaker inquired about a significant increase in the budget line item 074 for public assistance and relief grants for the years 2026 and 2027. They were informed that this increase is related to Workforce Development contracts, specifically for longer-term, more intensive activities for individuals in the Employment Program. The increase also incorporates the post-TANIF support programs with federal funding.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:04:30.479 - 12:02:06 PM; The speaker asked about the budget line for contracts for program services, which had zero funding in existing years but was set to increase by $1.5 million each year. This increase is attributed to an expansion of the SNAP employment and training program, which will include new vendor services for case management, job search, resume development, career building, and educational support.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:05:18.399 - 12:02:54 PM; The speaker discussed the budget allocations for various programs under the Bureau of Family Assistance. They clarified the age range for children in the state's separate TANIF program, noting it covers ages 19 to 26, particularly for those transitioning out of foster care.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:06:21.680 - 12:03:57 PM; The speaker raised concerns about the funding for refugee grants, confirming that it is 100% federally funded with no indication of fund withdrawal. They also inquired about the SNAP incentive program, which is under $1 million and aimed at promoting healthy food purchases through the double up food bucks program.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only03:08:18.439 - 12:05:54 PM; Representative Priest requested figures on the number of people served by the Bureau of Family Assistance over the past five years. They questioned if such data was already included in the budget briefing books and were informed that historical data was not included but could be provided in a table format.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:10:31.800 - 12:08:07 PM; The speaker discussed the specifics of employment supports within the Bureau of Family Assistance budget, mentioning the development of new outcome measures based on federal regulations to be integrated into the system for tracking and reporting purposes.
Unclear: Representative PRI Information Only03:11:10.880 - 12:08:46 PM; Representative PRI asked for clarification on inter-agency transfers listed on page 867, line 085. They were explained that these transfers fund information exchanges with Employment Security and the State Workforce Innovation Board, and serve as pass-throughs for federal funding to the community college system for SNAP employment and training services.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:11:57.800 - 12:09:33 PM; The speaker sought clarification on the budget line for contracts for operational services, which showed a jump to $3.8 million for the next two years. They were informed that funds previously allocated to class 74 were moved to class 103.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:13:45.319 - 12:11:21 PM; The speaker discusses tracking 100% federally funded contractor agreements in system 74, noting that these movements are common throughout the years. They then shift to discussing the Bureau of Family Assistance's field operations, focusing on slide 24. They explain that field operations handle eligibility determinations for about 50 medical and economic assistance programs, helping individuals and families access these services.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:14:57.279 - 12:12:33 PM; The speaker continues discussing the responsibilities of the field operations, particularly their role in determining financial eligibility for all programs, including long-term care applications. They mention that the bureau operates through 11 district offices and three additional units that provide direct services over the phone, including long-term care, disability determination, and state office-based staff working on eligibility cases.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:16:03.720 - 12:13:39 PM; The speaker clarifies the role of the field operations staff in assessing financial eligibility for long-term care services but not in determining the level of care needed, which is handled by managed care organizations. They discuss potential collaboration with counties to assist in financial eligibility determinations for long-term care, aiming to enhance processing capacity and timeliness.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:17:17.399 - 12:14:53 PM; The speaker elaborates on the collaboration between their department and the Division of Long-Term Supports and Services for assessing both financial and medical eligibility for long-term care. They mention a pilot with a county to assist in determining financial eligibility and note that a more detailed discussion on medical eligibility would occur the following week.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:18:29.319 - 12:16:05 PM; The speaker explains that New Heights, a system used for eligibility determinations, houses client profiles of financial and medical needs. They clarify that managed care organizations (MCOs) do not use New Heights for long-term care eligibility, and counties have varying levels of access. The system is on-premises at Hazen Drive and does not operate as a software as a service.
Unclear: Adam, Project Manager for New Heights Information Only03:19:43.160 - 12:17:19 PM; Adam explains the access levels of counties to New Heights, mentioning a pilot program with Mart County that has not yet started. He confirms that MCOs have minimal access to New Heights, only viewing eligibility information without update capabilities. He also clarifies that New Heights is an on-premises system at Hazen Drive, not cloud-based.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:20:43.720 - 12:18:19 PM; The speaker highlights the challenges faced by the Bureau of Family Assistance in field operations, including a 23% vacancy rate and the high volume of work. They detail the monthly workload, including processing new applications, redeterminations, handling phone calls, and document processing for over 200,000 people.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:22:32.680 - 12:20:08 PM; The speaker discusses the lack of manpower benchmarks for workload management within the Bureau of Family Assistance. They explain the difficulty in setting benchmarks due to varying staff experience and training levels, which affects the ability to handle the workload consistently.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only03:23:51.160 - 12:21:27 PM; Representative Priest asks if the monthly outcome and result figures presented are an average over the last year, which is confirmed by the speaker. They further inquire about the training duration for new staff and the complexity of eligibility determinations across multiple programs.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:24:59.920 - 12:22:35 PM; The speaker explains the training process for new staff, emphasizing the complexity of policy and procedure learning required for eligibility determinations. They mention the use of a training unit and the challenges in keeping up with the need for trained staff.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:26:18.319 - 12:23:54 PM; The speaker discusses the workflow management within the Bureau, mentioning the use of a daily dashboard to guide staff on tasks. They explain that new trainees start with simpler cases and progress as they gain competency.
Unclear: Carrie Schroer, Bureau Chief for BFA Field Ops Information Only03:27:04.680 - 12:24:40 PM; Carrie Schroer explains that new trainees learn programs sequentially, with their case load reflecting their current level of training. They handle a mix of straightforward and complex cases to assess and improve their competency.
Unclear: Representative Tki Information Only03:28:18.880 - 12:25:54 PM; Representative Tki inquires about the communication between the Bureau and the Department of Education regarding eligibility for free and reduced lunch meals. The speaker confirms an electronic interface is used for this communication.
Unclear: Representative Ala Information Only03:29:29.279 - 12:27:05 PM; Representative Ala asks about the workflow and specialization within the Bureau, particularly how staff handle different types of tasks based on their training level. The speaker explains the division of tasks and the role of generalists and specialized units.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:30:26.199 - 12:28:02 PM; The speaker elaborates on the workload management within the Bureau, detailing how different units handle specific tasks such as document processing and eligibility determinations. They discuss the manual work involved in long-term care applications and the need for system improvements.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only03:32:19.239 - 12:29:55 PM; Representative Priest requests historical data on workload averages to compare with the current year's figures. The speaker mentions that nuances in data collection make direct comparisons difficult but offers to provide comparable data from the previous year.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:33:41.399 - 12:31:17 PM; The speaker discusses the tier one call center's performance, noting a 2.7% abandonment rate and a 17-minute average wait time. They highlight the necessity of the call center, stating that without it, wait times would increase significantly. They also mention the need for additional funding to maintain the call center's capacity.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:37:02.680 - 12:34:38 PM; The speaker mentions the need for a ranking of prioritized needs and inquires about the minimum funding required for essential services. They discuss the potential for adjusting service levels based on available funds and the need to go out to bid for these services.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:38:49.760 - 12:36:25 PM; The speaker concluded their previous discussion about administrative services and outreach activities, suggesting an office visit to discuss prioritized needs in more detail. They noted that some needs seem to have a business case behind them, indicating a need for further discussion outside of the current session.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only03:40:09.319 - 12:37:45 PM; Representative Priest raised a question about the eligibility call center, pointing out that the totals seemed incorrect and requested a review. They also expressed interest in understanding the cost efficiencies of the prioritized needs, emphasizing the importance of business cases given the limited budget.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:41:25.359 - 12:39:01 PM; The speaker discussed the concept of cost aversion alongside cost efficiencies when considering prioritized needs. They provided an example of reducing the SNAP error rate to lower the risk of future federal penalties, framing it as a business case for risk management.
Unclear: Representative Seaworth Information Only03:42:19.439 - 12:39:55 PM; Representative Seaworth inquired about the eligibility call center, seeking clarification on the federal funding match. They confirmed that the funds were additional to the existing budget, not reallocated from other areas.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:43:32.199 - 12:41:08 PM; The speaker proposed an office meeting to discuss business cases related to prioritized needs, inviting members from different parties and the department to brainstorm together.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:44:51.680 - 12:42:27 PM; The speaker introduced slides 26 and 27, focusing on the New Heights integrated eligibility and enrollment system, which is expanding into other divisions. They emphasized the system's role in continuous improvement and creating efficiencies for access and staff processing, mentioning the large number of households served and the use of technology like New Hampshire EASY for self-service.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:47:10.479 - 12:44:46 PM; The speaker continued discussing the New Heights system, detailing its support for long-term supports and services, including case management and services for various Medicaid waivers. They highlighted the system's impact on operational efficiencies and user experience, particularly for long-term care.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:48:31.040 - 12:46:07 PM; The speaker suggested that ongoing discussions about migrating long-term service support to managed care organizations (MCOs) might affect project prioritizations within the New Heights system. They recommended holding off on some long-term care projects pending further information.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:49:45.800 - 12:47:21 PM; The speaker briefly discussed priority areas for the Bureau of Family Assistance (BFA), emphasizing the need to leverage changes in business models to address operational challenges. They mentioned a shift from a case-based to a task-based processing model and the role of Deo in analyzing potential changes.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:52:04.279 - 12:49:40 PM; The speaker highlighted the ongoing work with Deo to identify and prioritize changes based on funding and complexity, noting the chronic staffing issues and the potential for automation and AI to improve operations.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:53:08.920 - 12:50:44 PM; The speaker concluded by emphasizing the need for further discussion on prioritized needs and business cases, given the tight budget constraints. They mentioned the possibility of revisiting the topic in another session.
Unclear: Representative Daniels Information Only03:55:18.399 - 12:52:54 PM; Representative Daniels asked for clarification on budget figures and how to understand them better, suggesting a need for more detailed explanations and documentation. The speaker recommended initially consulting the LBA and working with them to get answers.
Unclear: Representative Stringham Information Only03:56:22.399 - 12:53:58 PM; Representative Stringham sought verification on TANF spending and concerns about staff reductions affecting future funding. The speaker confirmed ongoing analysis and promised to provide updates within a week or two.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only03:58:34.000 - 12:56:10 PM; The speaker discussed the potential impact of unfunded positions on compliance and accounting, noting the hiring freeze and the anticipated long-term effects on vacancy rates. They mentioned the need to monitor these effects over the next biennium.
Unclear: Representative Priest Information Only04:00:45.880 - 12:58:21 PM; Representative Priest sought clarification on the number of unfunded positions and their financial impact. The speaker clarified the figures, noting the general fund impact over the biennium and historical budget reductions.
Unclear: Trina Engelfinger, New Futures Support04:03:12.760 - 1:00:48 PM; Trina Engelfinger from New Futures emphasized the economic benefits of investing in child care, citing a report from the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute on the economic impacts of child care shortages. She supported maintaining funding for the child care scholarship program, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and federal matching funds.
Unclear: Jackie Cowell, Early Learning New Hampshire Support04:07:58.399 - 1:05:34 PM; Jackie Cowell from Early Learning New Hampshire advocated for restoring the $15 million investment in the child care workforce, which was included in the previous biennium but removed from the governor's budget. She discussed the economic losses due to child care shortages and the potential for using allowable funding sources to maintain the investment.