Committee Summary for House Finance Division II (01/27/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:02:53.159 - 12:01:49 PM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Katherine Preventure, Chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire Information Only00:02:53.159 - 12:01:49 PM; Chancellor Preventure provided an overview of the University System of New Hampshire, which includes the University of New Hampshire, Keene State College, and Plymouth State University. She highlighted that in the past fall, the system had an enrollment of 23,000 students, with UNH comprising 69% of the total. She noted the system's operating expenses for fiscal year 2024 were $928 million, with a significant portion allocated to research, particularly at UNH, which is classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie classification. The Chancellor emphasized the university system's role in delivering public higher education, graduating about 3,000 individuals annually into the New Hampshire workforce, and its substantial $3.7 billion economic impact on the state. She also discussed the system's collaboration with businesses for internships and curriculum development and its alignment with the state's employment needs, as well as the impact of resident and non-resident graduates on the state's workforce.
Unclear: Lauren Banker, Senior Director of Government Relations for the University System of New Hampshire Information Only00:02:58.000 - 12:01:54 PM; Lauren Banker introduced herself as the Senior Director of Government Relations and apologized in advance for potentially repeating information previously presented to the education funding committee. She mentioned that feedback from the committee had influenced changes in their presentation. Banker detailed the state's investment in the University System for fiscal year 2025, which amounted to $95 million, with $81 million used to reduce in-state tuition for New Hampshire residents, and $14 million allocated to statutory programs such as Cooperative Extension and the Agricultural Experiment Station. She provided a breakdown of tuition costs, highlighting the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition, and the state subsidy per New Hampshire student. Banker also discussed the tuition rates at UNH, Plymouth State, and Keene State, and how these rates compare to other New England public institutions.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:08:48.640 - 12:07:44 PM; An unnamed representative sought clarification on the figures presented by the Chancellor regarding the percentage of New Hampshire resident and non-resident students who stay and work in the state after graduation. The representative noted a potential discrepancy between what was said and what was written in their notes, expressing a need for further clarification on these statistics. The representative also asked about the breakdown of the state's investment in the University System and how tuition and fees have increased over recent years, comparing the institutions within the system to their peers in other New England states.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:08:48.640 - 12:07:44 PM; The representative discusses the state's coverage of tuition at universities, questioning how other universities compare in terms of programs and costs to students. They highlight that New Hampshire invests less in public higher education compared to surrounding states, and while tuition and fees at UNH, Plymouth, and Keene are comparable to their peers, the net tuition and fees for New Hampshire students have decreased due to flat tuition rates and increased financial aid.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:18:03.240 - 12:16:59 PM; The speaker discusses the financial aspects of the University System of New Hampshire, including tuition, fees, and financial aid. They mention that New Hampshire invests less in public higher education than neighboring states, but efforts have been made to keep tuition flat and increase financial aid, resulting in a decrease in net tuition for New Hampshire students. They also address enrollment changes and demographic challenges, noting a decline in high school graduates and increased competition for students.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:18:49.840 - 12:17:45 PM; The speaker continues to discuss the University System of New Hampshire's financial situation, emphasizing the importance of understanding student costs and comparing them to other universities. They mention that surrounding states invest more in public higher education and speculate that the cost to deliver education at comparator institutions is likely higher due to more state support. They also discuss out-of-state tuition and fees, noting an increase of about 2.5% per year.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:22:00.679 - 12:20:56 PM; The speaker discusses the University System of New Hampshire's financial strategy, including keeping tuition flat for five years and increasing financial aid, which has led to a decrease in net tuition and fees for New Hampshire students. They also mention an increase in New Hampshire enrollment and the competitive landscape across New England due to demographic changes and the need to retain young talent in the state.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:22:46.600 - 12:21:42 PM; The speaker addresses the demographic challenges facing the University System of New Hampshire, with fewer high school students and increased competition across New England. They discuss projections showing a continued decline in potential students and the importance of bold action to ensure the university system can fulfill its mission of delivering a high-quality workforce. They also mention workforce housing and childcare as significant issues the state is tackling.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:25:02.080 - 12:23:58 PM; The speaker discusses financial challenges faced by the University System of New Hampshire, including a 2% increase in employee compensation over five years and a reduction in full-time and part-time employees. They mention exiting leased spaces, such as the system office in Concord, and investing in new technology like Workday. They also highlight partnerships with the community college system, including 100 pathways for seamless transfer and direct admit programs.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:28:54.720 - 12:27:50 PM; The speaker continues to discuss partnerships and initiatives, including strong internship programs with businesses across the state, which significantly increase the likelihood of out-of-state students staying and working in New Hampshire. They mention the University of New Hampshire's involvement with the New Hampshire Life Sciences Association and innovation efforts, such as the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center and partnerships with businesses in the Monadnock region for diamond turning equipment manufacturing.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:32:07.399 - 12:31:03 PM; The speaker discusses Plymouth State University's approval for five three-year bachelor's degree programs, aiming to meet students where they are and offer more affordable and faster degree completion options. They mention partnerships with businesses and the importance of innovation, such as the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and highlight the need for students to gain hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing equipment.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:33:02.440 - 12:31:58 PM; The representative expresses satisfaction with the university's focus on developing curriculum that aligns with business needs, especially in manufacturing. They appreciate the efforts to shorten degree times and focus on practical skills, which they believe are crucial for addressing workforce shortages in manufacturing and other industries.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:33:57.840 - 12:32:53 PM; The representative requests a breakdown of the university's direct research spending, asking for details on federal and state funding sources and the split between direct and indirect costs. They emphasize the importance of understanding these financial details for future planning and decision-making.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:34:48.639 - 12:33:44 PM; The representative discusses the university's financial situation, noting the thoroughness of the financial presentations and asking about factors that enabled a reduction in net tuition. They mention increased financial aid and institutional sources, including the granite guarantee program and changes to the 529 college savings plan, as contributing factors.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:37:30.160 - 12:36:26 PM; The representative inquires about the university's endowment growth, to which the speaker responds that returns and philanthropy have helped grow the endowment. They also discuss faculty and staff reductions, attributing them to fewer students and an early retirement program during COVID, emphasizing no loss in educational quality.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:38:16.040 - 12:37:12 PM; The representative asks about the impact of faculty reduction on the quality of education and the seamless transfer from the community college system to the university system. The speaker argues that there is no loss of quality despite fewer students and staff, and they highlight the importance of the partnership with the community college system in providing educational pathways for students.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:43:44.640 - 12:42:40 PM; The representative inquires about the status of the university's rink project, to which the speaker responds that it is in the design phase and nearing board approval. They also ask about the university's partnership with the Music Hall in Portsmouth, seeking details on how it benefits the university financially.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:45:09.599 - 12:44:05 PM; The representative requests historical data on the university's use of state appropriations to buy down in-state tuition over the last ten years, seeking to understand trends and impacts. They also ask for a detailed version of the university's budget for the upcoming cycle and express concerns about potential budget cuts.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:47:27.880 - 12:46:23 PM; The representative asks about the university's concerns and drivers for the upcoming budget cycle, to which the speaker expresses deep worry about potential budget cuts beyond the previously modeled 4% reduction. They mention the university's efforts to maintain a balanced budget and the need for strategic planning in response to possible funding reductions.
Unclear: Mark Rubenstein, Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire Information Only01:00:42.799 - 12:59:38 PM; Chancellor Rubenstein discusses the community college system's mission to create opportunities aligned with state needs, emphasizing accessibility, affordability, and high-quality programs. He highlights the system's presence across the state, the significance of online and hands-on learning, and the impact of early college programs, which have seen significant enrollment growth and savings for students.
Unclear: Shannon Reed, Director of Government Affairs for the Community College System of New Hampshire Information Only01:00:42.799 - 12:59:38 PM; Shannon Reed introduces the materials provided, including a slide deck and a document on workforce training and partnerships. She emphasizes the community college system's role in serving a diverse student population, including non-traditional students, and the importance of the state's investment in early college programs, which have provided substantial financial benefits to students and the state.
Unclear: Christine Dudley, Director of Workforce Development at Manchester Community College Information Only01:11:33.760 - 1:10:29 PM; Christine Dudley discusses the community college system's role in supporting vulnerable students, many of whom face significant barriers to education. She highlights the system's focus on workforce development, particularly in healthcare, and the impact of state funding in scaling and expanding programs to meet regional needs. She also mentions the importance of scholarships and infrastructure support for students.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only01:17:41.080 - 1:16:37 PM; The representative discusses the challenges of public transportation for community college students, noting that while transportation within cities is good, cross-city travel remains a barrier. They also inquire about the demographics of students over 25 and the status of federal PEL grants for short-term workforce programs, expressing interest in supporting these initiatives.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only01:23:09.560 - 1:22:05 PM; The representative acknowledges the difficulty in quantifying the impact of community college programs, especially when targeting specific areas. They request a list of courses available in dual and concurrent enrollment programs and recent annual reports on math learning communities, expressing appreciation for the community college system's efforts.
Unclear: Unnamed Representative Information Only01:23:54.679 - 1:22:50 PM; The representative discusses the community college system's budget and priorities, including funding for early childhood education courses and the importance of continuing to freeze tuition. They emphasize the value of dual and concurrent enrollment programs and the need to support workforce credential programs, highlighting the system's efforts to build a core curriculum for automated manufacturing and biofabrication.
Unclear: Chancellor Information Only01:29:33.960 - 1:28:29 PM; The Chancellor discussed the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment program, explaining its original intent was to provide early college opportunities to students who might not have considered postsecondary education. Over time, these programs have also attracted highly motivated students looking for alternatives to AP and honors courses, which has somewhat displaced the original target demographic. The Chancellor highlighted the importance of expanding these opportunities, especially for students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers, noting that 30% of early college credits last year were earned by students at CTE centers. The current limit allows students to take two courses per year, totaling up to six courses over three years at state expense. The Chancellor also mentioned ongoing legislative efforts to clarify and possibly expand the credit limits for these courses.
Unclear: Chancellor Information Only01:34:13.320 - 1:33:09 PM; In response to questions about the nursing program, the Chancellor discussed the employment status and retention of nursing graduates in New Hampshire. Many of these students are older and already established in the community, reducing the likelihood of them becoming travel nurses. The Chancellor noted that while there is a wage premium in Massachusetts, the stability and community ties of these students often lead them to stay in New Hampshire. The Chancellor also highlighted the success of New Hampshire's nursing education, with the state having the highest first-time NCLEX pass rate for six consecutive years, reflecting well on the quality of healthcare provided by these graduates.
Unclear: Chancellor Information Only01:36:31.760 - 1:35:27 PM; Addressing concerns about future budget cycles, the Chancellor acknowledged the challenging revenue estimates facing the state. Despite this, the Chancellor emphasized the importance of continued investment in education, noting a return on investment for the state. The Chancellor recognized the need for the state to balance competing pressures but stressed the significance of educational investments for students' complex lives.