Committee Summary for House Ways and Means (01/13/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:10:32.519 - 8:09:33 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Michael Kain, Legislative Budget Assistant Information Only00:10:32.519 - 8:09:33 AM; Michael Kain, the Legislative Budget Assistant, provided an overview of the budget process and the current fiscal status. He explained that the LBA is a nonpartisan office that supports various committees including Ways and Means, Public Works, Capital Budget, and Finance. Kain highlighted the role of Chris Shay, the deputy LBA, in assisting the Ways and Means Committee with revenue estimates. He discussed the ongoing process of finalizing the FY 25 budget, noting that the governor's budget deadline is February 15th. Kain provided details on the budget status document, emphasizing that the numbers are fluid and subject to change as the fiscal year progresses. He mentioned the delay in the annual comprehensive financial report for FY 24 and the impact of statutory appropriations and legislative specials on the budget. Kain also discussed the potential for lapsing funds and the importance of monitoring revenue performance throughout the year.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only00:29:47.440 - 8:28:48 AM; Commissioner Lindsay Stepp provided insights into the state's tax revenues, focusing on the meals and rentals tax and the real estate transfer tax. For the meals and rentals tax, she explained the tax rate, collection process, and the transfers to the school building aid debt service and municipal revenue fund. Stepp highlighted the performance of the tax over recent years, noting a slowdown in growth post-COVID and factors affecting its revenue such as unemployment rates, inflation, wages, and weather. She also discussed compliance issues related to online platforms like Airbnb. Regarding the real estate transfer tax, Stepp discussed the tax rate, recent revenue trends, and factors influencing the tax such as interest rates, inflation, inventory, and property values. She provided detailed statistics on the real estate market and the affordability index, noting the challenges of property assessments and their impact on tax bills.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only00:57:08.559 - 8:56:09 AM; Commissioner Stepp responded to a question about the process for checking town assessments. She explained that the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) monitors whether municipalities conduct reassessments every five years and ensures they meet state standards. If a municipality fails to perform a reassessment on time or not to standard, the DRA can petition the Board of Tax and Land Appeals to order a reassessment.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only00:58:13.039 - 8:57:14 AM; Commissioner Stepp addressed a question on commercial versus residential property valuations. She noted that while municipalities set a single tax rate for all properties, recent trends show residential property values increasing more than commercial due to factors like remote work reducing the need for office space. She also mentioned a shift in the residential market towards smaller homes and mobile homes due to affordability issues.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:01:06.440 - 9:00:07 AM; Commissioner Stepp explained the concept of 'total equalized value', which aims to bring all property values in the state to current market rates. This is crucial for municipalities that haven't reassessed in five years. She committed to providing the committee with a deeper analysis of how residential versus commercial property values have changed over recent years.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:03:05.119 - 9:02:06 AM; Commissioner Stepp responded to a query about new construction data, admitting that such data isn't typically captured on tax forms. She suggested that further information might come from subsequent speakers but noted the DRA would look into it if needed.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:04:02.559 - 9:03:03 AM; Commissioner Stepp discussed the challenges of finding assessors in the North Country. She mentioned the DRA's proactive approach in assisting municipalities and the Assessing Certification Board's efforts to address the assessor shortage. She was aware of a town under a court order to complete a revaluation but lacking an assessor.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:04:57.200 - 9:03:58 AM; Commissioner Stepp confirmed that information on how assessments are performed is available on the DRA website. She explained the role of the Assessing Standards Board in setting standards for assessments and the DRA's role in ensuring those standards are met.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:05:46.640 - 9:04:47 AM; Commissioner Stepp mentioned the Assessing Standards Board's recent establishment of a committee to address assessor shortages, with Betty Patton as chair. She encouraged interested parties to join the committee.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:06:42.680 - 9:05:43 AM; Commissioner Stepp discussed insights from an assessor regarding the economics of building condominiums versus rental towers in Lebanon. The assessor noted that building rental towers is more cost-effective and less affected by certain taxes like the real estate transfer tax.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:08:22.359 - 9:07:23 AM; Commissioner Stepp explained how the real estate transfer tax is collected at the county level and remitted to the state. She discussed the impact of high inflation and interest rates on housing prices and anticipated a potential decrease in prices and interest rates.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:11:04.000 - 9:10:05 AM; Commissioner Stepp provided detailed information on the tobacco tax, including its collection methods, rates for different products, and recent trends in revenue. She noted a shift in revenue from traditional cigarettes to other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:16:23.880 - 9:15:24 AM; Commissioner Stepp further elaborated on the tobacco tax, discussing the reasons for the decline in traditional cigarette tax revenue and the increase in other tobacco products, particularly e-cigarettes. She highlighted the lower tax rate on e-cigarettes as a factor in the shift.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:19:05.199 - 9:18:06 AM; Commissioner Stepp responded to questions about the impact of tax rate differences on cigarette and e-cigarette consumption. She noted that e-cigarette tax rates have remained unchanged since their introduction in 2020, contributing to their competitive advantage over traditional cigarettes.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:20:53.920 - 9:19:54 AM; Commissioner Stepp discussed the collection of tobacco taxes by wholesalers and the challenges in ensuring compliance among retailers. She mentioned potential legislative efforts to consolidate enforcement and improve tax collection.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:23:21.040 - 9:22:22 AM; Commissioner Stepp addressed a question about the impact of neighboring states' tobacco tax increases on New Hampshire's revenue. She mentioned an initial increase in sales followed by a tapering off as consumer behaviors adjust.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:24:21.719 - 9:23:22 AM; Commissioner Stepp discussed the correlation between tobacco tax increases in neighboring states and ancillary sales in New Hampshire, citing anecdotal evidence from border retailers. She also mentioned challenges in tracking online tobacco purchases and the DRA's efforts to address this issue.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:25:56.960 - 9:24:57 AM; Commissioner Stepp shared historical insights into efforts to raise tobacco taxes for revenue and smoking reduction. She mentioned the impact of gas prices on tobacco revenue due to out-of-state purchases and noted potential changes in consumer behavior due to tax rates.
Unclear: Representative ORS Information Only01:28:56.600 - 9:27:57 AM; Representative ORS asked about the tax revenue generated from the New Hampshire Advantage, specifically referencing the tax revenue from liquor and cigarette sales from surrounding states. They inquired if there is a monetary value associated with this revenue, noting that the Tax Foundation report attempts to quantify cigarette revenue, and requested this information be brought to the committee.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:29:43.119 - 9:28:44 AM; Commissioner Stepp responded to Representative ORS by explaining that the Tax Foundation report attempts to quantify the revenue from cigarettes and tobacco products leaving the state, and they agreed to bring this information to the committee. They then shifted the discussion to the utility property tax, explaining its imposition on utility property at a rate of $6.60 per $1,000 of value, with assessments reaching $48.8 million based on a utility property value of $7.3 billion. They noted that factors affecting this tax include the addition of renewable energy facilities and utility property valuations. They also addressed Representative Schamberg's question about broadband expansion, stating that it falls under internet access and is covered by the Communication Services Tax (CST).
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:32:33.000 - 9:31:34 AM; Commissioner Stepp continued discussing the Communication Services Tax (CST), which is a 7% tax on two-way communication services, generating around $30 million annually. They highlighted that CST does not tax internet access due to federal law, and the tax has been consistent despite shifts in communication trends. They then moved on to business taxes, explaining the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) and Business Profits Tax (BPT), and how New Hampshire follows static conformity with the Internal Revenue Code. They noted recent legislative changes, including a cap on credit carryovers and a slight reduction in the BPT rate, which have affected state revenue.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:35:21.800 - 9:34:22 AM; Commissioner Stepp discussed business tax revenue trends, noting their volatility and significant contribution to the state's revenue. They highlighted factors impacting these revenues, such as economic stimulus, legislative changes, and apportionment methods for businesses operating in multiple states. They also addressed Representative Aly's question about the timing between when companies earn money and when revenue increases or decreases are seen, explaining that most business tax revenue comes from quarterly estimates, with detailed returns filed much later.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:51:44.079 - 9:50:45 AM; Commissioner Stepp continued to provide detailed insights into business tax revenue, emphasizing that the majority of this revenue comes from large multinational corporations. They discussed the significant increase in business profits over recent years and provided a summary of all taxes covered during the session. They also mentioned the repeal of the Interest and Dividends Tax effective January 1, 2025, and its continued impact on state revenue through compliance efforts.
Unclear: Commissioner Lindsay Stepp, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only01:57:27.239 - 9:56:28 AM; Commissioner Stepp concluded by summarizing the fiscal year 2025 revenue collections to date, noting that they were below plan but still expected to collect the majority of revenue in the second half of the year. They discussed other taxes administered by the department, such as the Medicaid Enhancement Tax and the Statewide Education Property Tax, and addressed questions about business tax trends, credit carryover caps, and the state's revenue estimates.
Unclear: State Treasurer Monica Mapelli Information Only02:16:17.559 - 10:15:18 AM; State Treasurer Monica Mapelli provided an update on the state's finances, cash reserves, and bonding ratings. She highlighted the reasons for the state's recent credit rating upgrade, including a strong and diverse economy, healthy cash reserves, and low debt levels. She discussed the positive trend in state revenues over the last decade, except during the brief recession caused by the pandemic, and the use of additional revenues for key investments in housing, water infrastructure, and broadband. She also addressed the challenges posed by lower-than-planned revenues and higher expenditures in fiscal year 2024, and the impact of the repeal of the Interest and Dividends Tax. She emphasized the importance of the Revenue Stabilization Account (Rainy Day Fund) for maintaining the state's financial stability during economic downturns.
Unclear: Representative ORS Information Only02:08:03.679 - 10:07:04 AM; Representative ORS asked about the potential loss of interest income due to the state holding onto funds that will eventually be refunded due to the credit carryover cap. Commissioner Stepp confirmed that the state does earn interest on these funds, and a reduction in the amount held would result in less interest income.
Unclear: Representative ORS Information Only02:08:49.040 - 10:07:50 AM; Representative ORS inquired about the sustainability of business tax revenues despite reductions in tax rates, and Commissioner Stepp explained that while the rates have decreased, the base of the economy has grown significantly, making it difficult to separate the effects of rate changes from economic growth. They noted that any legislative changes to tax rates are analyzed statically, without considering potential behavioral changes.
Unclear: Representative Aly Information Only02:11:32.239 - 10:10:33 AM; Representative Aly discussed the historical trends in business tax revenues, pointing out significant increases in 2016, 2018, and post-pandemic periods, attributing these to economic recovery, tax cuts, and stimulus programs. They noted the lag between economic events and when these increases are recorded in state revenues.
Unclear: Representative ORS Information Only02:28:00.880 - 10:27:01 AM; Representative ORS asked if the state's current bond rating affects borrowing costs, and Treasurer Mapelli explained that while the current rating allows for low-cost borrowing, achieving a AAA rating could make the state's bonds more competitive and reduce borrowing costs further. They also noted that the state's rating indirectly benefits municipalities and counties when they issue bonds.
Unclear: Representative Aly Information Only02:30:50.479 - 10:29:51 AM; Representative Aly inquired about the impact of the state's bond rating on municipalities and counties, and Treasurer Mapelli confirmed an indirect benefit through the Municipal Bond Bank. They also asked about the significant reduction in the Rainy Day Fund in 2022, which Treasurer Mapelli explained was due to a one-time transfer to create the YDC settlement fund, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the fund for economic downturns.
Unclear: Representative Shamberg Information Only02:32:04.319 - 10:31:05 AM; Representative Shamberg inquired about the investment of tax revenues and the stabilization fund. The Treasurer explained that all operating funds are invested according to policy, with fixed income investments like U.S. Treasuries and corporate bonds, while the rainy day fund, which has a longer duration, is invested differently but still within the policy framework.
Unclear: Representative Om Information Only02:32:57.399 - 10:31:58 AM; Representative Om asked about the impact of credit ratings on interest rates for long-term bonds. The Treasurer responded that significant reserves positively affect the credit rating, allowing for a strong rating that can influence interest rates favorably.
Unclear: Senator Rosenwald Information Only02:33:49.200 - 10:32:50 AM; Senator Rosenwald inquired about the state's banking relationships. The Treasurer explained that the state does business with major banks in New Hampshire and maintains a separate program with community banks, holding about $400 million with larger banks and $130 million with community banks.
Unclear: Senator Lang Information Only02:35:42.399 - 10:34:43 AM; Senator Lang discussed how high cash availability in the stabilization fund and low debt levels contribute to a high bond rating, which in turn benefits municipalities through lower interest rates and reduced debt service costs.
Unclear: Treasurer Information Only02:36:36.160 - 10:35:37 AM; The Treasurer provided a detailed overview of the state's debt levels, emphasizing conservative debt management and the impact of low debt burden on the state's credit rating. The Treasurer also mentioned a recently issued debt affordability study and the stable outlook from rating agencies.
Unclear: Representative Ol Information Only02:42:21.000 - 10:41:22 AM; Representative Ol asked about the consistency of the debt burden percentage over time. The Treasurer clarified that the state's conservative bonding recommendations help maintain low debt metrics despite revenue fluctuations.
Unclear: Treasurer Information Only02:45:07.520 - 10:44:08 AM; The Treasurer responded to a question about the potential for additional bonding, stating that while the state could take on more debt, the impact would be on the operating budget due to increased debt service costs.
Unclear: Taylor Caswell, Commissioner of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs Information Only02:48:36.000 - 10:47:37 AM; Commissioner Taylor Caswell presented on the role of his department in promoting the state's economy through economic development, planning and community development, and tourism. He highlighted New Hampshire's ranking for economic freedom, the significant challenge of housing, investments made through the Invest NH program, the importance of high-speed internet access, capital expenditures by businesses, the development of a New Hampshire Business Gateway, and the growth in international trade. He also discussed visitor spending, the state's tourism marketing efforts, and the need to address childcare to support workforce participation.
Unclear: Representative ORS Information Only03:08:55.840 - 11:07:56 AM; Representative ORS asked about the department's budget and its impact on state revenue. Commissioner Caswell mentioned the department's general revenue and federal funding budgets and highlighted a significant return on investment for tourism marketing.
Unclear: Representative Berer Information Only03:10:13.640 - 11:09:14 AM; Representative Berer raised concerns about low state support for public education, high college tuition, and increased homelessness, questioning the relevance of the state's ranking for economic freedom. Commissioner Caswell acknowledged the challenges but noted they are reflective of economic growth and strain on existing systems.
Unclear: Representative Information Only03:11:58.279 - 11:10:59 AM; A representative inquired about the progress of a previous project related to Dean Cayman and the Army. Commissioner Caswell agreed to gather and provide information on the project's impact.
Unclear: Representative Information Only03:12:50.439 - 11:11:51 AM; A representative asked about the availability of reports mentioned by Commissioner Caswell. The Commissioner provided the website where the reports can be found and offered to send them directly via email.
Unclear: Senator Rosenwald Information Only03:13:43.200 - 11:12:44 AM; Senator Rosenwald asked about the political leanings of the organization ranking New Hampshire for economic freedom and about the affordability of units funded by the Invest NH program. Commissioner Caswell responded that the ranking organization is international and non-partisan and offered to provide data on the affordability of units.
Unclear: Opel Information Only03:15:59.960 - 11:15:00 AM; Opel inquired about the potential impact of significant federal tariffs on New Hampshire's economy, focusing on the effects on exporting businesses and the possibility of retaliatory tariffs from the EU. The response from the commissioner indicated that early assessments showed that long-term tariffs could be detrimental, particularly due to New Hampshire's heavy reliance on cross-border trade with Canada. The commissioner also mentioned a current uptick in activity around products potentially affected by tariffs, but highlighted the challenges if this situation persists long-term. The experience during the COVID-19 border closure was cited as instructive, noting that reopening the border led to significant economic benefits.
Unclear: Dr. Kenneth Johnson, University of New Hampshire Information Only04:04:42.640 - 12:03:43 PM; Dr. Kenneth Johnson, a demographer and professor at the University of New Hampshire, presented on demographic trends in the state. He discussed the slowing of population growth in recent decades but noted an increase in migration and population growth in the short term. He explained the components of population change, including natural change (births minus deaths) and migration (both domestic and international). Johnson highlighted that New Hampshire's population growth is now entirely driven by migration, with more deaths than births. He discussed the state's high population turnover and the importance of migration for bringing in educated and skilled individuals. He also addressed the aging of the population, the geographic diversity of population change, and the increasing racial and ethnic diversity, particularly among the younger population. Johnson emphasized the multifaceted reasons people move to or stay in New Hampshire, including family, natural environment, quality of life, employment, and taxes. He concluded by underscoring the importance of policies that attract and retain families, enhance employment opportunities, and preserve the state's natural beauty.
Unclear: Representative Bolton Information Only04:54:10.760 - 12:53:11 PM; Representative Bolton expressed belief in the rejuvenation of certain towns in New Hampshire and questioned the funding of the university system as a strategy to retain young people in the state. They highlighted the importance of keeping New Hampshire kids in state for education and employment to counter the aging population and dependency on immigrants from Massachusetts. Dr. Johnson agreed on the value of the university system and the need for policies to retain young people, noting that many leave in their early 20s but might return later in life.
Unclear: Representative Murphy Information Only04:59:10.120 - 12:58:11 PM; Representative Murphy inquired about the reasons migrants give for leaving New Hampshire. Dr. Johnson responded that it's challenging to gather such data because it requires knowing where the migrants went to ask them directly. He mentioned the difficulty in obtaining this information and expressed a desire to have clearer answers on this topic.
Unclear: Representative Opel Information Only05:00:02.480 - 12:59:03 PM; Representative Opel suggested using voter registration data as a potential source for understanding why people leave New Hampshire, acknowledging that New Hampshire has withdrawn from a national system that could provide such data. Dr. Johnson acknowledged the idea but noted the high cost and difficulty in implementing such a study.
Unclear: Representative Wer Information Only05:01:48.360 - 1:00:49 PM; Representative Wer mentioned that real estate agents could provide insights into migration patterns, especially for those with the resources to buy or sell houses. This comment was in response to the discussion about understanding migration out of New Hampshire.
Unclear: Representative Ors Information Only05:02:49.400 - 1:01:50 PM; Representative Ors observed a housing boom in Chichester, noting that people are moving back with their children, suggesting a trend of return migration. Dr. Johnson acknowledged similar observations in other areas during the early stages of the pandemic and the uncertainty about whether this trend would be temporary or permanent.
Unclear: Rich Labers, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:04:02.040 - 1:03:03 PM; Rich Labers introduced the work of the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security, focusing on the Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau. He discussed the department's role in administering the state's unemployment program and operating the New Hampshire Works offices. Labers then turned the presentation over to Brian Gutb to discuss economic and labor market trends.
Unclear: Brian Gutb, Director of the Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:05:40.718 - 1:04:41 PM; Brian Gutb provided an economic outlook for 2025, emphasizing the strong performance of the US economy and the low probability of a recession. He highlighted the positive trends in consumer spending, wage growth exceeding inflation, and the low job loss rates both nationally and in New Hampshire. Gutb noted New Hampshire's recent job growth exceeding the national rate, driven by entrepreneurial activity and new business formations. He discussed the challenges of demographic and labor constraints and the importance of migration for labor force growth, as well as the housing shortages exacerbating these issues. He presented data on inflation, wage growth, consumer expenditures, small business optimism, and job growth comparisons with other states, illustrating New Hampshire's competitive position.
Unclear: Rich Labers, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:17:42.040 - 1:16:43 PM; Rich Labers continued the presentation by discussing the sector-specific job growth in New Hampshire since the first quarter of 2020. He highlighted the significant growth in professional, scientific, and technical services, noting its flexibility and appeal to younger workers. He also pointed out growth in business services, administrative support, and construction, while noting declines in hospital employment, skilled nursing, local government, and retail. Labers emphasized the uneven distribution of job growth across different sectors.
Unclear: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only05:21:06.480 - 1:20:07 PM; The representative inquired about the impact of tax rate adjustments on the manufacturing sector, specifically if a reduction in tax rates could improve hiring within manufacturing companies. The question was directed towards Deputy Commissioner Rich Labers and Brian from the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security.
Unclear: Rich Labers, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:21:51.638 - 1:20:52 PM; Rich Labers responded to the query about tax rate impacts on manufacturing, suggesting that a decrease in tax rates could influence costs of production but did not guarantee an increase in hiring. He highlighted that manufacturers are adapting to a 2% drop in production costs post-pandemic and are facing challenges like an aging workforce and the need for retraining due to new technologies.
Unclear: Brian (Unnamed Last Name), New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:22:40.480 - 1:21:41 PM; Brian added to Rich's comments, discussing the broader context of manufacturing, including increased productivity and a shift towards less labor-intensive methods. He mentioned the difficulty manufacturers face in finding labor due to retirements and the need for new skills training, suggesting that tax rates are just one factor among many affecting the sector.
Unclear: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only05:24:13.320 - 1:23:14 PM; The representative asked if New Hampshire was losing manufacturing companies and requested data on this. Brian responded that the number of manufacturing establishments has remained stable, though there might be changes within sub-sectors, and that some industries find it harder to compete in New Hampshire.
Unclear: Rich Labers, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:26:01.000 - 1:25:02 PM; Rich Labers discussed trends in unemployment benefits, noting a historically low volume of new claims post-pandemic. He explained adjustments in data presentation due to the scale of claims during the pandemic and provided insights into the characteristics of the unemployed, distinguishing between 'good' and 'bad' unemployment categories.
Unclear: Brian (Unnamed Last Name), New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:27:44.400 - 1:26:45 PM; Brian elaborated on the unemployment data, discussing the household survey's categorization of unemployment and the significance of voluntary job leavers as a positive indicator of labor market confidence. He provided statistics on the unemployed in thousands and discussed seasonal variations in unemployment.
Unclear: Rich Labers, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:32:06.320 - 1:31:07 PM; Rich Labers continued discussing unemployment trends, focusing on the duration of unemployment claims and its impact on the unemployment compensation trust fund. He noted a slight increase in average duration but emphasized that New Hampshire's unemployment situation remains better than pre-2019 levels.
Unclear: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only05:34:37.240 - 1:33:38 PM; The representative asked about the reasons behind the increase in unemployment duration, questioning if it was due to people being pickier or facing challenges in finding jobs. Rich Labers suggested it might be a combination of factors, including a slowdown in hiring.
Unclear: Brian (Unnamed Last Name), New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:35:27.200 - 1:34:28 PM; Brian added to Rich's response, agreeing that both employer caution and employee pickiness contribute to the increased duration of unemployment. He mentioned the cautious hiring practices post-pandemic and the demand for remote work as factors.
Unclear: Rich Labers, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:37:17.080 - 1:36:18 PM; Rich Labers discussed the impact of unemployment taxes on employers, noting historically low tax rates in New Hampshire. He compared New Hampshire's unemployment tax burden to other states and discussed the current solvency of the unemployment trust fund.
Unclear: Brian (Unnamed Last Name), New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:41:06.040 - 1:40:07 PM; Brian presented data on job openings, explaining that the job openings rate in New Hampshire has been higher than the national average due to labor constraints. He discussed the implications of job openings for businesses and the labor market.
Unclear: Rich Labers, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:42:07.840 - 1:41:08 PM; Rich Labers discussed industry-level demand for jobs, focusing on healthcare, particularly the demand for registered nurses. He mentioned the competition from out-of-state employers and the role of staffing agencies in the healthcare sector.
Unclear: Representative (Unnamed) Information Only05:45:41.080 - 1:44:42 PM; The representative asked how New Hampshire's demand for registered nurses compares to other states and the nation. Rich Labers explained that it's a nationwide issue, with competition for nurses being particularly fierce due to higher salaries offered by staffing agencies.
Unclear: Brian (Unnamed Last Name), New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:49:49.280 - 1:48:50 PM; Brian discussed the labor force size in New Hampshire, noting that it's smaller than before the pandemic but that job growth has been facilitated by workers commuting from neighboring states. He highlighted the employment to population ratio as a measure of labor market tightness.
Unclear: Rich Labers, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:52:40.440 - 1:51:41 PM; Rich Labers provided insights into population growth in Northern New England, focusing on domestic and international migration. He discussed the role of housing availability in accommodating population growth and highlighted New Hampshire's reliance on international migration.
Unclear: Brian (Unnamed Last Name), New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:56:58.638 - 1:55:59 PM; Brian continued discussing migration patterns, emphasizing the importance of international migrants to New Hampshire's workforce. He noted the higher labor force participation and employment rates among immigrants and discussed their distribution across key industries.
Unclear: Rich Labers, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only05:58:49.718 - 1:57:50 PM; Rich Labers discussed the impact of housing on population growth, comparing New Hampshire and Maine's housing permit data. He emphasized the need for adequate housing to accommodate new residents and support labor force growth.
Unclear: Brian (Unnamed Last Name), New Hampshire Department of Employment Security Information Only06:01:19.120 - 2:00:20 PM; Brian provided an outlook on job growth in New Hampshire, expecting modest improvements compared to the national level. He discussed economic threats, including higher tariffs, reduced immigration, and potential reinflation, and their potential impacts on New Hampshire's economy.
Unclear: Senator Rosenwald Information Only06:04:21.558 - 2:03:22 PM; Senator Rosenwald inquired about workforce participation rates post-pandemic and the recovery of childcare facilities. Rich Labers and Brian committed to providing updated data on these topics.

Janigian, John(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Ohm, Bill(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Ulery, Jordan(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
Almy, Susan(D)[F]2025	Oppel, Thomas(D)[F]2025	Smith, Steven(R)[B]2025
Malloy, Dennis(D)[CT]2025	Schamberg, Thomas(D)[CT]2025	Southworth, Thomas(D)[F]2025
Tierney, James(R)[B]2025	Cole, Brian(R)[A-]2025	Aures, Cyril(R)[B+]2025
Bolton, Bill(D)[F]2025	Elberger, Susan(D)[F]2025	Smith, Geoffrey(D)[D-]2025
Soti, Julius(R)[A+]2025	Spahr, Terry(D)[D-]2025	Bryer, Scott(R)[B]2025
Murphy, Mary(R)[B+]2025	Ford, Mary(R)[B+]2025