Committee Summary for Fiscal Committee (10/28/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:04:35.759 - 9:03:06 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Lori Weaver, Commissioner of Health and Human Services Information Only00:04:35.759 - 9:03:06 AM; Lori Weaver introduces the emergency fiscal item to accept and expend $2 million to contract with the New Hampshire Food Bank to support SNAP recipients during the federal shutdown. She explains that federal funds for SNAP, approximately $12.6 million monthly for 74,000 recipients, will not be available starting November 1st. The plan involves increasing mobile food pantries targeted at SNAP households, requiring proof of SNAP eligibility, with operations during day and evening hours to provide access to fresh food. This is a temporary measure to bridge the gap, with flexibility in the contract for potential extension if the shutdown continues. The department aims to mobilize immediately upon approval.
Unclear: Nathan White, Chief Financial Officer Information Only00:24:36.880 - 9:23:07 AM; Nathan White provides details on the fiscal aspects, noting the $2 million comes from excess Medicaid Enhancement Tax (MET) revenue from state fiscal year 2025, allowable under state law and SB249. The funds will support the Medicaid program by offsetting general funds for the cost-reimbursement contract with the food bank. He clarifies that SNAP benefits are typically drawn from a federal line of credit, and this expenditure is outside that, with potential reimbursement depending on federal budget outcomes. The action involves accepting the funds and transferring them to the appropriate class line.
Unclear: Karen Heert, Director of Division of Economic Stability Information Only00:11:44.880 - 9:10:15 AM; Karen Heert describes the deployment timeline, estimating one week to mobilize mobile pantries and distribute food through networks statewide. Locations are targeted based on SNAP recipient data per town, avoiding duplication with existing four monthly pantries by adding two more per week. Emphasis is on areas of greatest need, balancing coverage across communities, and coordinating with partners for transportation and resources. She notes collaboration with the food bank to identify high-need areas and integrate with local pantry networks.
Unclear: Senator Waters Information Only00:09:56.640 - 9:08:27 AM; Senator Waters thanks the department for their efforts and asks about accessing USDA's $5 billion reserve fund for SNAP during the shutdown, confirming outreach to federal entities without success. He inquires about program logistics, including how $2 million covers needs beyond the usual $12.6 million, mobilization timeline, targeting areas like the North Country and Strafford County with high food insecurity, and notification methods.
Unclear: Representative Wallner Information Only00:13:55.920 - 9:12:26 AM; Representative Wallner asks about notification plans for SNAP recipients, learning of mail, text, email, website updates, partner communications including grocers and family resource centers, and social media. She inquires about other affected programs like WIC (funded through November 10th) and heating assistance (okay until December), noting school meals continue unaffected.
Unclear: Patricia Tilly, Department Representative Information Only00:17:06.559 - 9:15:37 AM; Patricia Tilly adds that WIC planning is day-by-day, with benefits through early November and high redemption rates recently to encourage stocking up. She stresses the need for partner communication amid uncertainties.
Unclear: Senator Carson Information Only00:17:59.600 - 9:16:30 AM; Senator Carson asks which food bank is involved, confirming the New Hampshire Food Bank, and questions potential federal reimbursement for the expenditure, noting it depends on future federal budget details as this is unprecedented.
Unclear: Senator Carson (follow-up) Information Only00:19:13.280 - 9:17:44 AM; Senator Carson suggests a public service announcement encouraging donations to food banks, potentially involving the governor. He follows up on the food bank's network of 417 partners, requesting a list to facilitate community donations through local channels, emphasizing New Hampshire's giving nature to combat food insecurity.
Unclear: Senator Gray Information Only00:22:20.000 - 9:20:51 AM; Senator Gray comments on involving religious leaders like the Catholic bishop or the governor for donation requests to avoid departmental issues, and moves to adopt the item FIS-25-257.
Unclear: Representative Mooney Support00:30:03.200 - 9:28:34 AM; Representative Mooney commends the department for quick, creative, and proactive action despite budget constraints, contrasting it with federal issues, and states intent to vote yes.