Committee Summary for Senate Finance (04/21/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:05:15.919 - 12:03:36 PM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 01:01:34.559 - 12:59:55 PM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Helen Hanks, Commissioner of the Department of Corrections Information Only00:05:15.919 - 12:03:36 PM; Commissioner Helen Hanks presented a detailed overview of the Department of Corrections' budget and the impact of proposed budget cuts by the New Hampshire House of Representatives. She highlighted the mission of reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety. Hanks discussed the financial comparisons between FY24, FY25, and the governor's and House-approved budgets, emphasizing the significant reduction proposed by the House, which includes abolishing 149 positions, including 41 sworn law enforcement positions. She detailed the impact of these cuts across various sectors of the department, including recruitment, public relations, training, finance, human resources, programming, logistics, investigations, medical, collections, administrative support, classification, mental health, and client records. The commissioner explained that the cuts would shift responsibilities to corrections officers, increasing their burden and reliance on overtime. She also addressed the correlation between population and staffing, noting that position counts do not solely depend on population. Hanks stressed the essential roles of civilian staff in various operations and the potential negative impacts on facility operations, safety, and compliance with legal and safety standards. She concluded by emphasizing that the proposed budget cuts would threaten the department's ability to operate legally and safely, potentially increase recidivism, and lead to higher long-term costs and public safety risks.
Unclear: Senator Lang Information Only00:36:15.920 - 12:34:36 PM; Senator Lang asked about the role of the Department of Corrections' professional standards group and the implications of cutting their positions. Commissioner Hanks explained that this group investigates inmate-on-inmate and inmate-on-staff crimes, as well as staff-related issues that could be criminal. She noted that cutting eight of these positions would leave only four to cover all correctional institutions, significantly impacting safety and compliance with legislative mandates. Hanks confirmed that the absence of these investigators would lead to increased litigation and safety risks.
Unclear: Senator Bertzel Information Only00:41:48.079 - 12:40:09 PM; Senator Bertzel questioned the impact of the House's decision to move funding from positions to overtime. Commissioner Hanks confirmed that this move would result in around 55,000 to 60,000 hours of overtime, negatively affecting morale among corrections officers. She emphasized the importance of the recruitment process in reducing vacancy rates and expressed concern about the impact of these changes on attracting new corrections officers.
Unclear: Senator Birdsel Information Only00:43:53.200 - 12:42:14 PM; Senator Birdsel asked if anyone from House Finance discussed the proposed budget cuts with the Department of Corrections. Commissioner Hanks stated that no such discussions occurred, except for the investigators' positions. She expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts on recruitment and the department's ability to fill positions, noting that the conditions might deter potential candidates from choosing to work at the Department of Corrections.
Unclear: Senator Rosenald Information Only00:45:03.480 - 12:43:24 PM; Senator Rosenald discussed the difference between the House's approach to budget cuts for the Department of Corrections and other departments. Commissioner Hanks noted that the House did not consult the department on the impact of these cuts. She also addressed the potential increase in recidivism rates due to the cuts, particularly in rehabilitative and re-entry programs, and the challenges inmates would face in accessing parole under these conditions.
Unclear: Senator Waters Information Only00:46:13.280 - 12:44:34 PM; Senator Waters raised concerns about the impact of the proposed budget cuts on mental health services and compliance with legal settlements. Commissioner Hanks confirmed that the cuts would violate the Lemieux consent decree and potentially lead to conditions similar to those challenged in the Holiday court order. She also discussed the impact of cutting educational and vocational programs on recidivism rates and the success stories that would be lost.
Unclear: Senator Pearl Information Only00:49:08.720 - 12:47:29 PM; Senator Pearl asked about the safety implications of the budget cuts, particularly regarding fatigue and overtime among corrections officers. Commissioner Hanks confirmed that the cuts would create an immediate safety hazard for both staff and inmates, potentially leading to increased reliance on the National Guard.
Unclear: Roger Phillips, Chairperson of the Adult Parole Board Information Only00:50:51.200 - 12:49:12 PM; Roger Phillips, Chairperson of the Adult Parole Board, discussed the impact of the proposed budget cuts on the parole office. He mentioned that the office consists of six employees and that a position was created following an audit in 2019 to ensure coverage during absences. Phillips highlighted the increased workload for the parole office due to the proposed cuts in the Department of Corrections, emphasizing the need to ensure that eligible inmates complete necessary programs and applications for parole.
Unclear: Jim Hackim, Director of Operations for the Parole Board Information Only00:53:29.359 - 12:51:50 PM; Jim Hackim, with extensive experience in corrections, highlighted the critical role of the positions that are proposed to be cut from the Department of Corrections (DOC). He emphasized that these positions are essential for preparing inmates for parole hearings by providing necessary input and support in creating parole packets and re-entry plans. Hackim noted that without these positions, the parole board's efficiency would be severely compromised, potentially leading to increased costs for the state due to longer incarcerations. He mentioned the parole board's average of 45 monthly releases and the financial implications of delays in the parole process. Hackim stressed the importance of rehabilitation programs and the challenges faced by the parole board in making decisions without adequate rehabilitative services.
Unclear: Senator Rosen Information Only00:57:23.160 - 12:55:44 PM; Senator Rosen inquired about the budget changes in House Bill One, specifically noting a decrease in permanent positions at the parole board but an increase in temporary appointments. He clarified that the increase in budget was due to higher stipends for parole board members, not office staff.
Unclear: Senator Waters Information Only00:58:39.680 - 12:57:00 PM; Senator Waters asked Jim Hackim about the impact of educational and rehabilitative services on recidivism. Hackim confirmed his observations from his time at the DOC, noting improvements under Commissioner Hanks and the ongoing parole board study on recidivism rates, which currently showed a 29% rate but expected to increase.
Unclear: Joseph Mollica, Chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, and Tina Deir, CFO Information Only01:01:34.559 - 12:59:55 PM; Joseph Mollica presented an overview of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission's operations and challenges. He discussed the control jurisdictions, the importance of product tracking to prevent counterfeit sales, and the competition from neighboring states, particularly Massachusetts. Mollica highlighted the impact of cannabis legalization on alcohol sales, global trends affecting alcohol consumption, and the performance of NHLC compared to industry trends. He detailed the commission's net sales, organizational structure, and the implementation of the new D365 system. Mollica also mentioned the proposed addition of a division of finance director, the sale of Hampton properties, and the commission's marketing and e-commerce strategies. He emphasized the significance of the enforcement division and the potential impact of a bill that would remove sworn staff from this division.
Unclear: Joseph Mollica, Chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Information Only01:01:34.559 - 12:59:55 PM; Joseph Mollica, Chairman of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, provided an update on calculated savings for fiscal years 26 and 27, which did not include the payout for employees in 26 and six positions identified for filling by bumping rights across the state. He discussed the budget, highlighting the repeal of the distribution to the alcohol abuse and prevention fund, which would remove a transfer of about $10.7 million to HHS, and the repeal of the prohibition on using general funds for the granted advantage program, which removes a transfer of $12.6 million annually.
Unclear: Tina Deir, CFO of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission Information Only01:15:24.400 - 1:13:45 PM; Tina Deir, CFO of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, discussed the budget adjustments made during the governor's and house phases, detailing cuts and changes to the division of enforcement's budget, which included a reduction of $3 million. She provided breakdowns of the agency's major budget categories, highlighting that salaries and benefits constitute 55% of the total budget, with cuts made by reducing seven positions and unfunding them. She also mentioned the request to add back funds for enforcement to bring the budget back to $4.7 million in FY26 and $4.9 million in FY27.
Unclear: Chief Mark Armagan, Director of Liquor Enforcement and Licensing Information Only01:28:54.320 - 1:27:15 PM; Chief Mark Armagan, Director of Liquor Enforcement and Licensing, discussed the impact of budget cuts on the enforcement division. He explained that the cuts could jeopardize $12.8 million in funds to HHS through the Sinard program and $14 million in revenue received by the division. He emphasized the enforcement division's role in maintaining 80% compliance with tobacco retailers, which is crucial for receiving federal funds. He also highlighted the division's accreditation and its elite status in enforcement.
Unclear: Charlie Arlinghouse, Commissioner of Administrative Services Information Only01:32:24.880 - 1:30:45 PM; Charlie Arlinghouse, Commissioner of Administrative Services, along with Sheri Rockburn, Assistant Commissioner, and Cassie Keane, Deputy Commissioner, presented an overview of the department's budget. Arlinghouse highlighted the department's cost reductions over the years, noting a 7% decrease from fiscal year 19 to 25 while the general fund increased by 33%. He discussed the department's structure, focusing on retiree health spending and the maintenance of state buildings. Arlinghouse also requested the reinstatement of five positions to maintain operational efficiency.
Unclear: Cassie Keane, Deputy Commissioner of DAS Information Only01:37:41.639 - 1:36:02 PM; Cassie Keane, Deputy Commissioner of DAS, detailed the retiree health program's financial management, explaining the challenges faced in managing healthcare costs. She discussed the implementation of Medicare premium contributions and the transition to a Medicare Advantage plan, which resulted in significant savings for the state. Keane also addressed the upcoming adjustments due to the federal government's call letter and the department's strategy to smooth out premium increases over a 10-year period.
Unclear: Cassandra Sanchez, Child Advocate Information Only02:04:23.280 - 2:02:44 PM; Cassandra Sanchez, Child Advocate, along with Attorney Lisa Massio, Associate Child Advocate, provided an overview of the Office of the Child Advocate's operations. Sanchez highlighted the office's full staffing status but noted the unfunding of the office coordinator position. She presented data from the annual report, discussing the high case loads and the amount of comp time earned by staff. Sanchez outlined prioritized needs, including reclassification of positions to better manage case loads and the need for additional staff and operating expenses.
Unclear: David Rogers, Chairman of the Housing Appeals Board Information Only02:13:24.079 - 2:11:45 PM; David Rogers, Chairman of the Housing Appeals Board, introduced himself and deferred the presentation to Elizabeth Manard, the board clerk. He mentioned the significant work she had done in preparing materials for the committee.
Unclear: Elizabeth Manard, Housing Appeals Board Clerk Information Only02:14:22.719 - 2:12:43 PM; Elizabeth Manard discussed the Housing Appeals Board's situation, mentioning its budget challenges and its role since its inception in 2020. She highlighted the board's efficiency and expertise, explaining how it offers an alternative to the superior court for housing-related appeals. She provided statistics on the number of appeals handled and the board's impact on housing development, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and quicker resolution times compared to the superior court. She also discussed the board's operational budget and recent efforts to streamline processes through a new case management system.
Unclear: Charles Russell, Vice Chair of the Personnel Appeals Board Information Only02:34:46.560 - 2:33:07 PM; Charles Russell introduced himself as the vice chair of the Personnel Appeals Board and discussed the board's role in hearing appeals from state employees on personnel issues. He mentioned the board's budget, which was historically under the Department of Administrative Services but is proposed to be moved under the Public Employee Labor Relations Board. He also requested adjustments for hardware and software to resolve legal issues and improve operations.
Unclear: Kristen Monturemani, Advocate for Special Education Information Only02:38:26.240 - 2:36:47 PM; Kristen Monturemani, along with her colleague Tim Lahan, discussed the role of the Advocate for Special Education office. They emphasized the office's non-duplicative function in helping parents navigate special education services for their children, providing legislative advice, and addressing the escalating costs of special education. They requested shifts in budget line items to maintain flexibility in operations despite not receiving additional funding for new staff.
Unclear: Lily Wellington, Executive Director for the Commission on Aging Information Only02:46:01.080 - 2:44:22 PM; Lily Wellington introduced herself as the new executive director of the Commission on Aging and highlighted the commission's role in advising on policies related to aging in New Hampshire. She discussed ongoing projects funded by ARPA, including a community transportation needs assessment and a multisector plan for aging. She also presented the commission's budget, noting reductions and seeking support for the governor's prioritization of the commission.
Unclear: Charlotte Harding, Interim Director of the Conservation Land Stewardship Program Information Only02:53:08.000 - 2:51:29 PM; Charlotte Harding discussed the Conservation Land Stewardship Program's role in monitoring conservation interests in New Hampshire. She mentioned the program's funding sources and operational budget, noting no changes proposed for the upcoming biennium. She also expressed support for a proposal to move the program under the Fish and Game Department to enhance collaboration and address issues on conservation properties more effectively.
Unclear: James Gary, Director of Policy and Finance for Governor Aayot's Office Information Only02:56:47.359 - 2:55:08 PM; James Gary discussed the fiscal conservatism of the Governor's Office, highlighting its small size and budget despite the state's legislative demands. He mentioned that the governor's recommended budget includes a 2.6% cut and no new staff or pay raises. He also noted a $50,000 back-of-the-budget cut by the House, which the office does not support.
Unclear: Taylor Caswell, Commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs Information Only02:59:55.600 - 2:58:16 PM; Taylor Caswell, Commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs, provided an overview of the department's operations, including economic development, travel and tourism, and planning and community development. He discussed the department's budget, noting the House's restoration of funds for the welcome centers and a request to remove position number cuts. He also requested an additional year to spend remaining funds on the housing champions program.
Unclear: Liz Graham, State Director for the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center Information Only03:05:50.800 - 3:04:11 PM; Liz Graham discussed the impact of the loss of the Northern Border Regional Commission grant, which had funded two full-time positions in the North Country, specifically in Coos and Carroll counties, as well as Cheshire and Sullivan counties. She emphasized the need for additional funding to support business advisors in these distressed areas, noting that one full-time business advisor supports roughly 250 clients per year. She highlighted the center's success in serving 1,910 small businesses across the state, helping them secure $19 million in capital and support 6,500 jobs.
Unclear: Robert Quinn, Commissioner of the Department of Safety Information Only03:08:29.920 - 3:06:50 PM; Commissioner Robert Quinn, along with Amy Newberry, Director of Administration, presented the House-approved FY26 and FY27 budget for the Department of Safety. He outlined the department's mission to enhance safety, security, and quality of life in New Hampshire through professional services. He discussed the growing demand for public safety services, including emerging threats to schools and the need for well-equipped fire services. He highlighted the Division of Motor Vehicles' efforts to modernize systems and maintain service levels despite rising costs.
Unclear: Amy Newberry, Director of Administration, Department of Safety Information Only03:11:12.479 - 3:09:33 PM; Amy Newberry provided a financial overview of the Department of Safety's budget request, detailing the funding for each of the seven divisions. She discussed the budget allocations for FY26 and FY27, emphasizing the department's personnel-driven nature and the critical role of salaries and benefits. She also outlined the requested actions carried over from the House phase, including technical adjustments, position transfers, and opposition to fee increases that could impact the fire fund.
Unclear: John Skipa, Director of New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Information Only03:41:34.960 - 3:39:55 PM; John Skipa, along with Assistant Director Max Schultz, presented the budget request for the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training. He outlined the agency's mission to shape and sustain the competency of law enforcement in the state. He discussed the new responsibilities taken on in the last budget cycle, including crisis intervention training, law enforcement accreditation, and the establishment of the Law Enforcement Conduct Review Committee. He also requested adjustments to fund an IT manager position and mentioned forgoing the purchase of simulation training equipment to reallocate funds.

Gray, James(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Innis, Daniel(V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Carson, Sharon(R)[C]2024
Watters, David(D)[CT]2024	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[CT]2024	Pearl, Howard (R)[C+]2024