New Hampshire Senate Approves $15.7 Billion Budget Amid Controversies
Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Senate Finance Committee voted along party lines Tuesday, advancing a $15.7 billion budget plan that diverges significantly from previous proposals. The Senate’s proposal allocates approximately $200 million more than the House’s budget but is $200 million short of what Governor Kelly Ayotte had advocated.
This Senate plan notably reverses several cuts made by the House, restoring funding for higher education, Medicaid provider rates, and vital mental health services. Key government agencies, including the Office of Child Advocate and the Human Rights Commission, face elimination under the House’s proposal but are preserved in the Senate’s plan.
Both the House and Senate budgets rely on increased revenues from video slot machines and call for state agencies to identify unspecified savings. However, this budget season presents unique challenges, particularly with the cessation of federal COVID aid that previously bolstered state finances.
Republican lawmakers, including Senate President Sharon Carson, expressed optimism, asserting the budget positions the state toward future prosperity. “This budget launches us into the next biennium more prosperous than we are today,” Carson stated.
On the other hand, Democratic leaders voiced concerns, warning that the budget could exacerbate financial instability amidst looming federal Medicaid cuts and growing liabilities from past youth detention center abuse cases. "Once we get through the budget, I’ll be worrying about the next," cautioned Democratic Senator Cindy Rosenwald.
Significant provisions of the plan include restored Medicaid funding and a budget for the Department of Corrections, alongside maintaining education grants for school districts. The Senate’s budget broadens access to its voucher-like Education Freedom Account program, while also imposing restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in educational institutions.
The budget awaits further discussions as both parties weigh its long-term implications for New Hampshire’s fiscal health.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
