Committee Summary for Senate Finance (01/13/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB406 00:04:36.320 - 12:03:22 PM	Public Hearing	making an appropriation to the city of Nashua for the purpose of purchasing the former Daniel Webster College property.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB481 00:23:42.720 - 12:22:28 PM	Public Hearing	(New Title) relative to the sale of the Sununu youth services center property.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB483 00:33:12.559 - 12:31:58 PM	Public Hearing	making a contingent appropriation to the department of health and human services for recruitment and benefit grants for child care employers.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB483 00:39:01.440 - 12:37:47 PM	Public Hearing	making a contingent appropriation to the department of health and human services for recruitment and benefit grants for child care employers.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB484 01:18:54.880 - 1:17:40 PM	Public Hearing	prohibiting Medicaid premiums and limiting Medicaid expansion cost sharing.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB484 -	Executive Session	prohibiting Medicaid premiums and limiting Medicaid expansion cost sharing.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB406 01:55:56.880 - 1:54:42 PM	Executive Session	making an appropriation to the city of Nashua for the purpose of purchasing the former Daniel Webster College property.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB481 02:04:21.679 - 2:03:07 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to the sale of the Sununu youth services center property.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025
SB483 02:11:01.760 - 2:09:47 PM	Executive Session	making a contingent appropriation to the department of health and human services for recruitment and benefit grants for child care employers.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025

SB406: Senator Cindy Rosenwald, District 13 Support00:04:36.320 - 12:03:22 PM; Senator Rosenwald introduced SB 406, explaining that it addresses the closure of Daniel Webster College in 2017 and its subsequent sale to a Chinese company, Shininoa Education Consulting Services. The 53-acre property near critical infrastructure like the airport, public water supply, BAE Systems, and military facilities raises national security concerns, especially given recent legislation restricting foreign ownership. Most of the site is unused, except for a small portion leased to a hockey program. She highlighted the potential for developing housing to meet the state's need for 90,000 units to support workforce growth. Noting improving state revenues, she urged delaying action until after crossover in late March to assess the fiscal picture.
SB406: Senator Jim Donas, Mayor of Nashua Support00:13:28.880 - 12:12:14 PM; Mayor Donas supported SB 406, confirming the property's purchase in 2017 by an entity named Zingwa Xinhua Educational Consulting, which translates to 'New China.' He emphasized removing Chinese ownership due to security concerns and developing the 53-acre site for housing, aligning with the city's master plan. The hockey school occupies part of it but cannot afford the full purchase. The property is for sale at $20 million, as confirmed by the local agent. He welcomed alternatives like involving the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority to facilitate public-private partnerships for housing development, addressing the statewide housing shortage of 90,000 units and low vacancy rates.
SB481: Senator Cindy Rosenwald, Senate District 13 Support00:23:42.720 - 12:22:28 PM; Senator Rosenwald introduced SB 481, explaining the need for additional funding for the Youth Development Center assault fund to settle cases out of court and reduce trauma to victims. She noted the agreement for up to $75 million per year, but only $20 million was appropriated, and the fund is depleted, with 1,700 pending cases and 200 ready to settle. Future commitments exceed funding by $50 million. She proposed an amendment to appropriate funds for next fiscal year, repayable if the property sells as directed. She argued against relying on the fiscal committee due to lack of legislative control and emphasized avoiding public trials to prevent retraumatization.
SB481: Senator Walk Information Only00:28:00.799 - 12:26:46 PM; Senator Walk questioned Senator Rosenwald about the Attorney General's letter referencing the ability to request funding from joint fiscal or the governor and council. He inquired if the AG intends to request more funding, noting about $10 million remains as a buffer.
SB481: Senator Cindy Rosenwald, Senate District 13 Support00:28:50.399 - 12:27:36 PM; In response to Senator Walk, Senator Rosenwald clarified that the $10 million buffer is not being used for settlements, making the fund effectively empty. She explained the AG represents the executive branch and cannot be directed by the legislature. She stressed the need for legislative action to fund settlements, avoiding costly court trials, given limited judicial resources and the risk of public embarrassment from abuse revelations. She confirmed that appropriating funding is the only way to proceed with settling the 200 ready cases out of 1,700 pending.
SB481: Unidentified Senator Information Only00:31:08.240 - 12:29:54 PM; The senator sought clarity on existing funding, mentioning $13 million per year for ongoing payments from prior settlements, plus the $10 million buffer, and asked if the $50 million shortfall is for future biennia. Senator Rosenwald confirmed it is for future commitments.
SB483: Senator Cindy Rosenwald, Senate District 13 Support00:33:12.559 - 12:31:58 PM; Senator Rosenwald introduced SB 483, which provides contingency general funds if federal TANF surplus cannot be used to continue the $15 million Child Care Workers Incentive Fund. The fund supplements low wages for child care workers via bonuses, raises, tuition discounts, and health insurance help, enabling parents to work. DHS requested federal permission, but no conclusive answer yet. Without it, child care capacity remains 10% below pre-pandemic levels, affecting preschool parents' employment and business hiring. Loss of the fund could lead to staff turnover, reduced capacity, or higher family rates, straining budgets. She urged delaying action until revenue clarity in two months to support this vital industry.
SB483: Stacy Neville, Vice President of Operations, Granite Y Support00:39:01.440 - 12:37:47 PM; Stacy Neville testified in support of SB 483, emphasizing the importance of the funding for recruitment and retention of child care workers. She noted that prior funding allowed the Granite Y to increase wages, sustain benefits, retain experienced staff, keep classrooms open, hire key positions, and expand spots. Without such grants, programs would have to raise tuition on families already struggling. The $15 million in SB 483 is essential to stabilize the child care system, supporting children, families, and the economy.
SB483: David Trumbull Support00:41:04.319 - 12:39:50 PM; David Trumbull supported SB 483, highlighting low wages in child care (second percentile), high costs for workers' own child care (98% of income for two children), and workforce statistics (87% with some college, 95% women, 25-40% turnover). He discussed negative impacts on businesses unable to expand, families facing reduced lifetime earnings and social security benefits from career breaks, and society losing 17,000 workers monthly due to child care shortages, costing $180 million in lost wages, $55 million in business income, and $14 million in tax revenue annually. He argued the investment pays for itself with over $9 return per dollar in preschool programs and urged NH to catch up to EU investment levels.
SB483: Jackie Cowell, Executive Director, Early Learning New Hampshire Support00:44:59.040 - 12:43:45 PM; Jackie Cowell spoke in support of SB 483, sharing survey results showing staff recruitment and retention as the top challenge for child care businesses since 2020. She thanked the committee for bipartisan inclusions in HB2 and 2023 funding, stressing the need for state general funds amid federal uncertainties. She presented letters from Tom Rafio of Northeast Delta Dental thanking for support and noting child care's broad industry impact; the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce endorsing SB 483; and Fred Coker endorsing it for its significance. She urged passage to address workforce issues affecting multiple sectors.
SB483: Karin Benfield, Executive Director, Staywork Play New Hampshire Support00:48:02.400 - 12:46:48 PM; Karin Benfield expressed support for SB 483, echoing others on child care's importance. She cited their 2025 quality of life survey where 85% of young respondents (ages 18-40) said child care affordability and access are worse in NH than other states, posing a retention risk. She stated that policies and funding for early childhood education infrastructure would greatly benefit young families.
SB483: Tori Potter, Marrimack Valley Daycare Service Support00:49:45.359 - 12:48:31 PM; Tori Potter testified in support of SB 483, sharing her experience since 2010 and as a mother. She emphasized early childhood education's role in building foundational skills and social behaviors. While passionate about the work, low pay means she relies on her husband's benefits as a type 1 diabetic; without them, she couldn't continue. She called early childhood educators 'superheroes' whose pay should reflect their importance to children's lifelong foundations.
SB483: Wendy Williams, Midstate Health Center Support00:52:27.760 - 12:51:13 PM; Wendy Williams supported SB 483, noting Midstate's unique child care center as a retention tool for healthcare providers in rural areas. Built during COVID and expanded in 2022 from 22 to over 80 spots, the funding secures spots, maintains high-quality trained staff, and boosts the regional economy by retaining workforce. It's a win-win-win for workers, providers, and the community.
SB483: Maryanne Barter, Executive Director, Marrimack Valley Daycare Service and Blueberry Express Daycare Support00:54:36.240 - 12:53:22 PM; Maryanne Barter supported SB 483, agreeing with prior economic arguments but stressing the focus on children. She highlighted high public education costs, special needs, and the benefits of early investment to catch issues early, intervene for families, and prepare kids for school success. High turnover resets progress, losing time for identification and referrals. Past funding helped immensely, but funds are depleted; continued support is crucial.
SB483: Lyanna Lord, Chief Operating Officer, White Birch Center, Hooksett Support00:56:21.920 - 12:55:07 PM; Lyanna Lord strongly supports Senate Bill 483 for continuing childcare workforce retention and recruitment grants. At White Birch Center, they used the grant for 5% wage increases for frontline educators facing rising costs, helping retain staff like Miss Michelle and Miss Emma. They also offered sign-on and retention bonuses, which aided in keeping new hires during transitions. These grants provided stability and kept trusted adults in classrooms, making childcare possible though not profitable. Without continued funding, they risk losing educators due to affordability issues. She urges passage of the bill to invest in those caring for New Hampshire's youngest children.
SB483: Megan Braybeck, Save the Children Action Network, Newmarket Support00:59:23.359 - 12:58:09 PM; Megan Braybeck supports the bill, echoing previous testimonies. She provides polling data from last year showing 80% of New Hampshire voters, including majorities of Republicans and Independents, favor state funding for recruiting and retaining childcare and preschool teachers. She views this as a solid investment, not an area to cut amid budget challenges. The funds have been helpful in the past and will continue to be. She offers more poll context and her written statement.
SB483: Lyn Wlette, Director, Nelly's Treehouse, Amherst and Milford Support01:00:34.720 - 12:59:20 PM; Lyn Wlette agrees with colleagues and supports the bill, noting the funds helped retain 85% of lead teachers. She describes high demand for care, with waiting lists that could fill her 69-student center in Amherst and the new Milford center multiple times; she received six calls today alone, especially for infant and toddler care. Hiring at around $15/hour is difficult, so they've raised wages. They took over the closing Milford center to save 19 families from losing care, and she now runs both centers while teaching a classroom due to staffing shortages. She strongly supports the bill.
SB483: Karen Heert, Director, Division of Economic Stability, DHS, with Brian Clark, General Counsel Information Only01:02:54.960 - 1:01:40 PM; The department is neutral on SB 483 but emphasizes the importance of childcare support for families, communities, and businesses. They discuss TANF funding: states can use it directly for eligible families' childcare or transfer up to 30% to CCDF, where it must meet CCDF requirements like 70% for direct services, 12% for quality activities, and 5% for admin. The budget transfers $21 million to CCDF, already allocated including for professional development, resource referral, and credentialing. Federal response was unclear on whether recruitment/retention bonuses meet TANF purposes. They assume general fund appropriation if the bill passes, as TANF direct use for bonuses is uncertain. No waiver process exists, and they prioritize compliance to avoid penalties. They offer to seek further clarification.
SB484: Senator Cindy Rosenwald, Senate District 13 Support01:18:54.880 - 1:17:40 PM; Senator Rosenwald introduced SB 484, which repeals Medicaid premiums to align with federal law and implements a cap on cost sharing for Medicaid expansion enrollees. She explained that premiums enacted via House Bill 2 are set to begin soon but will be prohibited federally starting January 1, 2028, with cost sharing allowed up to $35 per service. She highlighted the unaccounted costs for premium collection systems that would only be used for 18 months, calling it wasteful. Rosenwald argued that $35 cost sharing is unaffordable for low-income individuals, especially for frequent treatments like radiation, potentially leading to skipped care, providers absorbing losses, or limiting Medicaid patients. She suggested a $5 cap to avoid discouraging care and noted historical bipartisan consensus against premiums as enrollment barriers. She urged changing course to avoid waste and lower costs for families.
SB484: Senator Waters Information Only01:23:25.760 - 1:22:11 PM; Senator Waters asked Senator Rosenwald about the consequences of New Hampshire's statute conflicting with federal law on Medicaid premiums and cost sharing, referencing discussions with Medicaid officials from the previous spring.
SB484: David Trumbull, town of Ware Support01:25:04.480 - 1:23:50 PM; David Trumbull supports the bill, explaining the financial burden of the proposed $80 monthly premium for a family of two at 100% of the federal poverty level ($21,150 annually). He describes a scenario where a single mother renting an apartment for $1,500/month would have only $3,000 left for essentials, making the $1,000 annual premium unaffordable, leading her to forgo her own healthcare. He notes that low-income individuals already pay a higher percentage of income in taxes (9% vs. 2-3% for the wealthy) and that the premium would exacerbate this inequity. The bill eliminates this unaffordable premium, promoting equity and opportunity for vulnerable families.
SB484: Jim Monahan, Dupont Group on behalf of Community Behavioral Health Association Support01:28:36.000 - 1:27:22 PM; Jim Monahan supports the legislation, highlighting concerns for the 10 community mental health centers in New Hampshire, where 80-90% of revenue comes from Medicaid. He discusses the misalignment between House Bill 2's premium-based cost sharing and the 'one big beautiful bill act's' co-pay structure, which exempts mental health, primary care, and SUD services. This creates uncertainty about which applies, potentially leading to double cost sharing. Providers must offer care regardless of payment ability, increasing uncompensated care risks despite the $5 million appropriation. He urges resolving these issues via the bill to avoid higher uncompensated care and maintain access.
SB484: Sam Hawkins, NAMI New Hampshire Support01:33:59.199 - 1:32:45 PM; Sam Hawkins supports SB 484, citing rapid changes in health policy from the state budget and the 'one big beautiful bill act,' causing confusion and fear among Medicaid enrollees with mental health or substance use disorders. He emphasizes the benefits of access to services, including reduced hospitalizations, homelessness, incarceration, and costs, plus preventing loss of life. The bill protects this access amid policy conflicts, as the act shifts to point-of-service cost sharing exempting mental health and SUD services, making premiums potentially contradictory. He urges recommending passage to resolve uncertainties and safeguard care.
SB484: Christine Stoddard, Bystate Primary Care Association Support01:37:22.320 - 1:36:08 PM; Christine Stoddard, director of public policy at Bystate Primary Care Association representing New Hampshire's community health centers, clarifies that these centers, also known as FQHCs, are federally regulated and do not benefit from the state's uncompensated care fund. She highlights the potential conflict if SB 484 is not passed, as federal regulations would take precedence over state statutes. She notes that policy changes increasing co-pays or premiums lead to people forgoing insurance, resulting in higher uncompensated care at community health centers. This has real impacts, such as site closures in Franconia and Canaan due to uncompensated care burdens, affecting constituents' access to care, as seen after HB2 last year.
SB484: Sam Burgess, New Futures Support01:39:41.280 - 1:38:27 PM; Sam Burgess, health care policy director at New Futures, a nonprofit nonpartisan organization, emphasizes that premiums and cost sharing cause immediate coverage losses, citing Oregon's 2003 experience where sliding scale premiums led to enrollment drops and increased emergency room use. This would drive up uncompensated care costs in New Hampshire for strained hospitals. He notes cost sharing shifts but does not reduce overall costs. Medicaid and CHIP keep neighbors healthy, stable, and able to work, so New Futures urges an ought to pass vote on SB 484 for fiscal, practical, and human reasons.
SB484: Bianca Gentiel, Waypoint Support01:41:24.800 - 1:40:10 PM; Bianca Gentiel, advocacy policy director for Waypoint, a nonprofit serving New Hampshire families for over 175 years, focuses on children and families. She states that of 176,000 Medicaid enrollees as of November last year, nearly 86,000 were children, often in low-income families. Children's care impacts family well-being. She shares an anecdote of a mother who fled domestic violence, used Medicaid to access therapy, overcome substance abuse, earn her GED, and reconnect with family, illustrating Medicaid's benefits. Waypoint asks the committee to support SB 484.
SB484: Rob Barry and Olivia May, Division of Medicaid Information Only01:43:22.800 - 1:42:08 PM; Rob Barry, general counsel, and Olivia May, director of Medicaid Enterprise Development, from the Division of Medicaid, provide information with no position on the bill. They share a fiscal note indicating a $23 million revenue reduction in FY27 and FY28, and $22,655,750 in FY29 due to repealing cost sharing. They discuss potential CMS guidance on reconciling with OBBBA provisions. In response to questions, they explain no MMIS impact for premiums, which the state would collect via the eligibility system, not managed care entities. They lack estimates for system costs or staffing but will investigate. Discussion clarifies the bill's effect of reducing revenue from HB2 premiums and requiring $23 million in general fund to compensate DHHS. They address uncompensated care impacts and community health center confusion, agreeing to follow up with Director Leman for speculation on costs and clarity on rules.
SB406: Committee Member Oppose01:55:56.880 - 1:54:42 PM; A committee member moves for ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) on SB 406, arguing the state should not buy the building for Nashville. They note legitimate discussion on bonding but assert the state doesn't need to be involved, citing personal experience bonding land in Rochester without state help.
SB406: Senator (unnamed) Oppose01:56:47.599 - 1:55:33 PM; The senator opposes using state money to purchase the land, suggesting Nashua should fund it through bonds if desired.
SB406: Senator (unnamed) Oppose01:56:47.599 - 1:55:33 PM; The senator is not in support of the motion, arguing that housing benefits everywhere but clarifying that Nashua was not involved in the private sale between Daniel Webster College and Shinwa Consulting Company, similar to the water bottling plant issue.
SB406: Senator Ling Support01:57:41.199 - 1:56:27 PM; Supports the motion to inexpedient to legislate, noting that state purchase would remove $20 million from Nashua's tax rolls, shifting burden to local citizens, and should be a local decision.
SB406: Senator Brosa Oppose01:58:44.320 - 1:57:30 PM; Feels badly for Nashua but believes the state and all residents should not pay for Nashua's issues; supports local control and notes it would increase taxes by removing property from tax rolls.
SB406: Senator Waters Support01:58:44.320 - 1:57:30 PM; Highlights affordable housing as a bipartisan priority; suggests developing bonding authority for New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, paid by developers, to avoid state spending and allow oversight on development without general funds.
SB406: Senator Rose Support02:01:06.159 - 1:59:52 PM; Appreciates discussion on state's role in helping communities; cites examples like funding water infrastructure in Salem and loan payoff in Webster's Pillsbury Lake Village District, questioning if the state has money and values building needed housing.
SB481: Senator Lang Oppose02:04:21.679 - 2:03:07 PM; Argues the bill for $130 million is premature; notes recent responsible decisions to fund the program, with mechanisms like fiscal committee backstop in place.
SB481: Senator (unnamed) Information Only02:04:21.679 - 2:03:07 PM; Brought an amendment to cut the first year, making it a $75 million bill, but acknowledges it's not appropriate to the ITL motion.
SB481: Senator Waters Support02:05:07.440 - 2:03:53 PM; Emphasizes the ongoing difficulty and conscience call regarding victim settlements; notes 1700 cases, lack of apology, 200 settleable cases, no administrator, and insufficient funding; fears inaction compounds pain and fiscal responsibility without further discussion or amendment.
SB481: Senator (unnamed) Oppose02:08:23.520 - 2:07:09 PM; Takes exception, noting policy through fiscal committee (with Senate members present) and existing systems for housing; cites Rochester's 200 units built using partnerships.
SB481: Senator Rose Support02:09:35.920 - 2:08:21 PM; Notes average settlement cost implies $113 million for 200 cases, spread over time, more than zero currently available; suggests discussion at fiscal committee.
SB481: Senator L Oppose02:09:35.920 - 2:08:21 PM; Expresses concern even with the amendment (though not discussing it).
SB483: Senator Lang Information Only02:11:01.760 - 2:09:47 PM; Moves to SB 483; notes prior public hearing questions on how, when, and what could be done.
SB483: Senator Waters Information Only02:11:01.760 - 2:09:47 PM; Asks for clarification on available money, specifically $7.5 million TANF per year and if it's already allocated.
SB483: Department Representative Information Only02:12:06.800 - 2:10:52 PM; Explains TANF funding complexity: states can transfer up to 30% ($21.5 million biennium) to CCDF, already budgeted for 2026-27 and allocated for quality activities; bill adds $7.5 million per year as TANF for child care workforce, but direct TANF use for workforce pay is not allowable per federal guidance—must transfer to CCDF first.
SB483: Senator Rosen Information Only02:14:18.079 - 2:13:04 PM; Senator Rosen questions the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the $15 million TANF appropriation for child care workforce bonuses, seeking clarification on federal compliance and approval status. He inquires whether the funds are still available and if they could be repurposed or transferred to other funds like CCDF to support retention bonuses, noting the bill's contingency on federal approval.
SB483: Department Representative Information Only02:14:18.079 - 2:13:04 PM; The department explains that the $15 million appropriation is subject to federal approval, which has not been received, and that direct payment for recruitment and retention bonuses is not an allowable use of TANF funds. They confirm the TANF balance exists but cannot be used for this purpose without approval, and transfers to CCDF are limited by regulation.
SB483: Senator L Support02:18:40.240 - 2:17:26 PM; Senator L requests the agency to more aggressively pursue federal approval or waivers for using TANF funds for child care retention, emphasizing the importance for working-class families in New Hampshire. He suggests involving the federal delegation if needed and advocates making the ask to federal authorities despite regulatory limits on transfers to CCDF.
SB483: Committee Chair Information Only02:16:23.679 - 2:15:09 PM; The chair decides not to take action on SB 483 today, suggesting further discussions offline. He notes the need for homework outside the meeting to explore alternative uses of the funds and agrees to hold the bill while awaiting more information.
SB483: Committee Chair Information Only02:21:39.280 - 2:20:25 PM; The chair briefly mentions SB 484, giving opportunity for comments but anticipates no action at this meeting, with time until March 25th for final action on Senate bills. He inquires about the department's spending plans but receives no immediate response.

Gray, James(Chairman)(R)[B-]2025	Innis, Daniel(V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Carson, Sharon(R)[B]2025
Watters, David(D)[D-]2025	Birdsell, Regina(R)[B-]2025	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025