Committee Summary for House Finance (02/14/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:00:49.320 - 1:27:15 PM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Governor Information Only00:00:49.320 - 1:27:15 PM; The Governor presented a detailed budget proposal for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, emphasizing a recalibration of spending to protect vulnerable populations and youth, while continuing to drive the state's economy. Key points included increased funding for local communities and education, with a near 50% increase in special education funding. The budget also proposes an overhaul of the group two retirement system to aid in recruiting and retaining state employees. The Governor highlighted the budget's approach to not raising taxes and spending $150 million less in general funds compared to the last budget. The Governor also addressed the challenges faced in the current fiscal year, including an operating deficit projected for fiscal year 2025 due to off-budget spending and a revenue downturn. The budget aims to support workforce development, enhance safety measures, streamline housing permitting, and ensure healthcare access, particularly for mental health and disability services. The Governor expressed optimism about New Hampshire's economic prospects and emphasized the importance of living within means.
Unclear: Representative Maray Information Only00:16:05.240 - 1:42:31 PM; Representative Maray questioned the Governor about the expansion of the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, expressing concerns over fiscal responsibility and the lack of accountability mechanisms in the program. The Governor responded by highlighting the historic investments in public and special education within the budget and the importance of providing educational options for students not succeeding in public schools.
Unclear: Representative Ms Information Only00:17:54.840 - 1:44:20 PM; Representative Ms thanked the Governor for presenting the budget and acknowledged the effort put into its creation. They asked about the portion of federal funds at risk in the budget if there were changes in federal funding from Washington. The Governor assured that the budget was based on current revenues and federal funding and that they had been in communication with the White House to ensure continuity of funding.
Unclear: Representative Lehman Information Only00:19:20.720 - 1:45:46 PM; Representative Lehman expressed that the current budget proposal is one of the most challenging they have seen. They questioned the Governor about plans to address the state's failing dam infrastructure, noting a significant funding shortfall. The Governor mentioned an additional allocation in the capital budget and a potential increase in dam fees to address the issue, with further collaboration planned with the Department of Environmental Services.
Unclear: Representative Edwards Information Only00:21:29.480 - 1:47:55 PM; Representative Edwards was about to ask a question but the transcript ends before the question is completed.
Unclear: Governor Information Only00:21:33.480 - 1:47:59 PM; The Governor responded to Representative Edwards' question about federal changes and advocacy in Washington. They mentioned an upcoming trip to the National Governor's Association meeting to meet with cabinet officials and advocate for New Hampshire. The Governor expressed hope to advocate for block grants, believing they could stretch federal dollars more effectively.
Unclear: Representative Mooney Information Only00:23:14.919 - 1:49:40 PM; Representative Mooney complimented the Governor's address and presentation, noting the Governor's priorities align with campaign promises. They inquired about the necessity of a new position in the Cold Case unit of the Attorney General's office. The Governor explained the addition of a full-time Cold Case Investigator, funded in a fiscally responsible manner, to address the needs of victims and families, and to utilize new forensic and investigative techniques.
Unclear: Representative Walner Information Only00:25:07.039 - 1:51:33 PM; Representative Walner asked the Governor about state employee pay raises and unfunded positions in the budget. The Governor confirmed a 12% pay raise as per the collective bargaining agreement is included in the budget. They also mentioned eight positions across state government would be cut, but arrangements would be made to rehire those individuals elsewhere in state service.
Unclear: Representative Pri Information Only00:26:53.760 - 1:53:19 PM; Representative Pri discussed the need for affordable housing and childcare. The Governor shared an example from Keene, where a project was completed in seven months due to cooperative permitting, emphasizing the importance of such processes in their budget. They also highlighted the need for partnerships to increase affordable housing, mentioning examples from Rochester and the importance of working with various stakeholders to overcome community resistance.
Unclear: Governor Information Only00:31:32.200 - 1:57:58 PM; The Governor responded to Representative Pri's follow-up question about childcare, noting the continuation of child care scholarships in the budget and the planned focus on community college resources for the childcare workforce.
Unclear: Representative from Salem Information Only00:32:25.799 - 1:58:51 PM; The representative from Salem expressed support for the governor's budget proposal, particularly praising the proposed 60-day window for state permitting. They believe this, combined with the C-Pacer legislation, could lead to a historic era of development in New Hampshire, positively impacting business tax revenues. They inquired if the governor's revenue predictions account for these efforts.
Unclear: Governor Information Only00:33:11.559 - 1:59:37 PM; The Governor responded by stating that the revenue predictions did not account for the changes from the permitting reform and C-Pacer legislation. They emphasized the importance of housing for workforce recruitment and expressed optimism about the state's economic growth, highlighting a focus on new startups and a rebound in business taxes.
Unclear: Governor Information Only00:33:57.039 - 2:00:23 PM; Continuing the discussion on revenues, the Governor mentioned consulting with Commissioner Lindsay Stepp and Ryan Gotlib to estimate tax collections and the economy's performance. They highlighted the expertise of these individuals in their respective fields and expressed confidence in the revenue projections provided.
Unclear: Governor Information Only00:34:43.440 - 2:01:09 PM; The Governor cautioned against 'recency bias' when considering the state's economic future, using a sports analogy to illustrate that current conditions may not persist indefinitely. They emphasized New Hampshire's economic diversification and strength, particularly in job growth compared to other New England states.
Unclear: Governor Information Only00:36:15.960 - 2:02:41 PM; The Governor discussed the impact of transitioning to slot machines on charitable gaming revenue, noting a significant increase that would benefit charities, law enforcement, and education. They mentioned that the revenue estimates came from the lottery commission.
Unclear: Representative Stringham Information Only00:37:01.960 - 2:03:27 PM; Representative Stringham appreciated the Governor's time and shared goals, mentioning inflation's continued impact. They inquired about Medicaid rates, particularly whether the base levels for the new budget would remain the same and if there were funds available for rate increases in areas where service dislocations might occur.
Unclear: Governor Information Only00:37:47.760 - 2:04:13 PM; The Governor explained that the Medicaid rates in the proposed budget are the same as those set previously, with some areas having upward calibrations. They highlighted the importance of maintaining certain rates, such as those for homeless shelters, even though they were originally funded through ARPA.
Unclear: James (Advisor to the Governor) Information Only00:39:20.319 - 2:05:46 PM; James elaborated on the Medicaid rate discussion, noting the importance of maintaining funding levels for homeless shelters and addressing uncompensated care at community mental health centers. The Governor's budget includes a $10 million appropriation over two years to support these centers, emphasizing the need to prevent their closure.
Unclear: Representative Information Only00:40:52.880 - 2:07:18 PM; The representative asked about the affordability of Medicaid co-pays and whether they would make program benefits unattainable for some recipients. The Governor responded that co-pays are capped at 5% of income and that the approach is based on national models, including those used by other states like Massachusetts.
Unclear: Representative Eel Information Only00:42:26.319 - 2:08:52 PM; Representative Eel appreciated the Governor's moratorium on landfill permitting and discussed concerns about the judicial branch's budget cuts. They mentioned the potential closure of court houses in Candia and Claremont and the elimination of jury trials, which could affect the administration of justice across the state.
Unclear: Governor Information Only00:43:58.240 - 2:10:24 PM; The Governor expressed respect for the Judiciary but disagreed with their proposed cuts, particularly the elimination of jury trials. They suggested the Judiciary look into consolidating administrative functions to find savings rather than cutting essential services. They emphasized the need to maintain access to the court system.
Unclear: James (Advisor to the Governor) Information Only00:46:19.200 - 2:12:45 PM; James provided more detail on the judicial branch's budget, noting that a 4% reduction was requested from a historically high funding level. He suggested that the Judiciary could find ways to make the cuts without the proposed Draconian measures, given their spending history.
Unclear: Representative McGuire Information Only00:47:42.400 - 2:14:08 PM; Representative McGuire asked about potential budget cuts to avoid using the revenue stabilization fund. The Governor mentioned implementing a hiring freeze and scrutinizing all positions, except for public safety roles, and reviewing contracts and out-of-state travel to save money.
Unclear: Representative Edwards Information Only00:49:56.760 - 2:16:22 PM; Representative Edwards discussed the use of one-time money for operational expenses, referencing the adult Dental Medicaid Program as a pilot project. They requested the Governor to monitor the program's value, given its potential to reduce long-term healthcare costs. The Governor agreed to follow up with the director.

Weyler, Kenneth(Chairman)(R)[A-]2025	Griffin, Gerald(Clerk)(R)[A-]2025	McGuire, Dan(V Chairman)(R)[A]2025
Wallner, Mary Jane(D)[F]2025	Daniels, Gary(R)[A-]2025	Leishman, Peter(D)[D-]2025
McGuire, Carol(R)[A+]2025	Ebel, Karen(D)[F]2025	Muns, Chris(D)[CT]2025
Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025	Seaworth, Brian(R)[A-]2025	Preece, David(D)[CT]2025
Nalevanko, Rich(R)[B+]2025	Mooney, Maureen(R)[B+]2025	Murray, Kate(D)[F]2025
Cambrils, Jose(R)[B+]2025	Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A-]2025	Rung, Rosemarie(D)[CT]2025
Bean, Harry(R)[B+]2025	Kelly, Eileen(D)[F]2025	Hakken-Phillips, Mary(D)[F]2025
Telerski, Laura(D)[CT]2025	Stringham, Jerry(D)[D-]2025	Erf, Keith(R)[A]2025
Farrington, Samuel(R)[A+]2025