The top priority for our caucus this year was passing a balanced budget that includes one of the largest ever funding increases for our public schools and allocates $40 million in municipal aid. As a result Greenland received $146,200 in the 2020-2021 budget agreement. Other large towns and cities received over $1 million and some property rich towns ended up in deficit for a few thousand dollars.
Overall this budget increased adequacy funding by $138 million over state law, fully funds full-day kindergarten, allows communities to keep excess SWEPT funds and increased funding for higher education.
The budget expands health care access in New Hampshire including expanded Medicaid funding and funds critical mental helath services and expands the resources available to those in need.
One of the most controversial issues that was holding up adoption of the budget was the fourth round of tax cuts to the Business Profits Tax and Business Enterprise Tax. The Ways and Means Committee was concerned that revenue forecasts would be weaker in the upcoming years, so it recommended to “freeze” the taxes at current levels. The governor did not accept that view and we agreed to a compromise that established a revenue “trigger” that if not met, the freeze would go into affect.
Another significant tax reform ensures that small businesses in NH do not get double taxed in other states and ensuring that large out-of-state businesses pay their share.
For the healthcare workforce, we approved meaningful raises for health providers by funding a 3.1% Medicaid reimbursement rate for this year and next.
Along with fully funding child protection staff necessary to protect our childdren, consisten with the DCYF released audit the legislature provided funding to begin construction on a 25-bed Secure Psychiatric Unit.
The legislature also dramatically increased DOT funding over the governor’s budget.