• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Economy New Hampshire Gov. Sununu unveils $14.9B budget plan
Economy

New Hampshire Gov. Sununu unveils $14.9B budget plan

by February 15, 2023
by February 15, 2023 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

Promoting what he called ‘pathways of opportunity,’ New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu proposed a two-year $14.9 billion budget Tuesday that includes hefty pay raises for state employees, more money for schools and a streamlined professional licensing system designed to attract new workers.

The total, which includes federal funds, would be a 12% increase over the current biennial budget. It assumes current revenues will hold steady, includes no new taxes or fees and would boost the state’s ‘rainy day’ fund by $180 million.

‘Government is not here to guarantee a solution to your problems, but it is here to give a pathway to opportunity,’ he told lawmakers. ‘Pathways for economic growth, pathways for educational opportunity, pathways for lower taxes and pathways for more personal freedoms.’

Sununu, who was elected to a fourth two-year term in November, also is considering a run for president in 2024 and has been bolstering his name recognition with travel and media appearances. He claims other governors frequently ask him for the secret to New Hampshire’s success, which he said comes down to managing money smartly with a budget that prioritizes people over programs.

‘We can not let this budget serve as a vehicle for partisan maneuvering,’ Sununu said. ‘It must be about the individual, our employees, our children and our taxpayers.’

During the last budget cycle, abortion opponents added to the budget a provision banning the procedure after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Sununu signed it, saying the alternative would have been a veto that would have shut down state government during the coronavirus pandemic.

His new proposal includes several items aimed at boosting the state’s workforce, including the largest pay increase for state employees in nearly 50 years. There are roughly 10,000 state workers, all of whom would get 10% increases in the first year of the biennium and an additional 2% the second year. That proposal, which was negotiated with labor unions, is meant to address a state workforce vacancy rate of 20%, but Sununu’s budget also includes more targeted investments in specific industries.

He proposed increasing the reimbursement rate for Medicaid health care providers by 3%, providing student debt relief for those who pursue careers in mental health treatment and streamlining the state’s professional licensing system. Sununu wants to allow someone licensed to do a specific job in another state to perform the same work in New Hampshire without getting re-licensed. He also wants to eliminate 34 outdated licenses and 14 underutilized regulatory boards.

‘Let’s remember who we are, let’s remember it’s about individual freedom,’ he said. ‘Less red tape and more common sense, that’s how we grow our economy.’

With an eye to the workforce of the future, Sununu proposed spending $5 million to certify hundreds of new computer science teachers and bring robotics instruction to every middle and high school classroom. The biggest education-related proposal amounts to spending $200 million over the next two years by changing the formula used to send money to public schools.

Both the base per pupil amount and the amount sent to schools with a high percentage of students receiving low-cost or free lunches would be increased. A third funding stream, known as stabilization grants, would be phased out over five years and would be replaced by new grants targeting the neediest communities.

Education freedom accounts, which allow low-income families to use state aid to pay private school tuition, also would get a boost. Sununu wants to double funding for the program and expand income eligibility for certain children, including those in foster care, those who have been bullied and those with disabilities.

House Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm, D-Manchester, pointed to that funding as proof that Sununu’s budget is ‘filled with partisan policy priorities.’ But he also saw opportunities for collaboration in areas such as workforce development and affordable housing.

‘Today was an important first step in the process,’ he said in a statement. ‘House Democrats look forward to working with the Governor and our colleagues to craft a budget that gives all Granite Staters an opportunity to succeed.’

Senate President Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, said the governor has worked hard to make New Hampshire more competitive, lower taxes and encourage economic growth.

‘This budget is no different,’ he said. ‘I think it’s great that we’re going to try to address education funding, that will be property tax relief across the board. And I think his effort to streamline the office of the professional licensure is going to make a huge difference in terms of trying to attract professionals, especially health care professionals, to come to New Hampshire.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • Lindsey Graham says Turkey becoming ‘The Squad’ of NATO after President Erdogan called Israel a ‘war criminal’
  • Biden, Xi meeting will be forum for ‘intense diplomacy’ amid tensions between US, China: Officials
  • GOP leaders excoriate Oregon Dems for passing ‘most extreme’ abortion, transgender law ‘in history’
  • Trump calls for death penalty for human traffickers, vows to revive Title 42 to end child trafficking
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
White House sees ‘no indication of aliens’ in the unknown objects shot down, but that won’t stop chatter
next post
Maine judge upholds law allowing decades-old sex abuse suits

You may also like

Gold and Silver: Gold continues to climb to higher levels

October 18, 2024

‘Tennessee three’ to visit Biden at White House next week

April 20, 2023

Biden tells kids visiting White House he knows where to...

August 17, 2023

Georgia county home to Atlanta approves task force to study...

February 10, 2023

Trump praises GOP challenger, says there could be place for...

July 17, 2023

Doctors express concern about Biden’s apparent cognitive issues during debate:...

June 29, 2024

We must hold Iran accountable for backing terrorism. Here’s how

March 16, 2024

I’m a pro-life Democrat who presents a big dilemma for...

October 4, 2023

Democratic leader has 2 words for Republicans looking to impeach...

March 29, 2024

Trump leads Biden among Hispanics, registered voters overall: poll

March 3, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • How to Find Compelling Charts in Every Sector

      July 10, 2025
    • White House accuses Powell of mismanaging Federal Reserve, citing headquarters renovation

      July 10, 2025
    • Italian chocolate giant Ferrero to buy Kellogg’s Froot Loops maker

      July 10, 2025
    • OpenAI to release web browser in challenge to Google Chrome

      July 10, 2025
    • Sports executive charged with bid-rigging in Texas arena project

      July 10, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 3,631 views
    • 2

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,919 views
    • 3

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,607 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,577 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,450 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,171)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,662)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 2

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 3

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • How to Find Compelling Charts in Every Sector

      July 10, 2025
    • White House accuses Powell of mismanaging Federal Reserve, citing headquarters...

      July 10, 2025
    • Italian chocolate giant Ferrero to buy Kellogg’s Froot Loops maker

      July 10, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,171)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,662)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Taiwan elections were major talking point...

    June 26, 2023

    Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply: Keep...

    November 28, 2022

    KuCoin Fined $300M for Unlicensed U.S....

    January 28, 2025
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here