Gov. Hassan reveals budget proposal

On Thursday Gov. Maggie Hassan (D) presented her budget proposal to the legislature.  Her proposal is a 6.4% increase over the previous budget, with most of the increase going to health and human services.  Here are the highlights:

• Increased funding for charter schools and some public schools.  In particular, Gov. Hassan's proposal would increase funding for schools with growing populations, and decrease funding for wealthy communities and districts losing students.

• Increased funding for community college and higher education.  Gov. Hassan said that her proposed increase would be enough for community colleges to lower tuition.  In an interview with NHPR, House Finance Committee Chairman Neal Kurk said that he liked this idea, but the state must change its economy, not just improve higher education, to stop young people from migrating out of state.

• Continued funding for expanded Medicaid eligibility.  New Hampshire's expanded Medicaid program is set to expire by 2017.  Gov. Hassan said the program benefits New Hampshire by reducing uncompensated care, providing a healthier workforce, and increasing insurance premium tax revenue through new health insurance sign-ups.  Rep. Kurk said, "I do not believe that the House budget will contain any money for the second half of 2017, our fiscal year, for expanded Medicaid."

• Increased funding for other health and human services programs.  For example, Gov. Hassan's budget proposal funds more beds at the state veteran's home, and increases funding for drug abuse prevention and treatment.  Rep. Kurk said the state should instead "redirect our resources from health and human services to infrastructure, education, and economic growth."

• Increased revenue by raising the cigarette tax 20-cent per pack, raising vehicle registration fees, and authorizing Keno.  Gov. Hassan emphasized that her budget did not include a sales or income tax.  Rep. Kurk said that the Republican-controlled House will oppose any tax or fee increase.