Budget Bill Goes to Governor Hassan

The House and Senate, with great bipartisan gusto, passed the $10.7 billion state budget June 26. Next stop: Gov. Maggie Hassan's desk. 

The two-year budget does not include Medicaid expansion. Per a compromise reached last week, legislators will study it and report back by Oct. 15, after which, a special session could be scheduled in order for the state to possibly move forward with it, as part of the Affordable Care Act. Supporters of Medicaid expansion argue New Hampshire would lose out on millions of dollars, and the chance to provide care to an estimated 58,000 people.

In the lead video here, House Speaker Terie Norelli (D-Portsmouth) and House Finance Chairwoman Mary Jane Wallner (D-Concord) talk about the funding priorities met, including support for higher education, mental health services and the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program.

There was such bipartisan support behind the budget agreements that House Bill 1 passed by a 337-18 vote and House Bill 2 (the trailer bill) passed by a 346-12 vote.

Former House Speaker Bill O'Brien (R-Mont Vernon), while he voted against HB1, spoke glowingly from the well of the House about HB2, as it does not enact new taxes.

The budget also does not have expanded gambling, despite what casino advocates said was a missed opportunity. One of those, Rep. Ronald Belanger (R-Salem), said that, at this point, "It's about as good as we're going to get."