How Should NH Spend its Budget Surplus?

Gov. Maggie Hassan announced last week that strong fiscal management, an improving economy and the settlement of lawsuits resulted in a $76.1 million budget surplus for fiscal year 2013.

"A strengthening economy and sound fiscal management from state agencies resulted in a strong surplus, improving our ability to address our fiscal challenges," Hassan said.

She has suggested using at least some of the surplus to rebuild the state's Rainy Day Fund and to reduce cuts that were made to the Department of Health and Human Services that impact programs ranging from services for people with disabilities to child care.

House Speaker Terie Norelli (D-Portsmouth) has echoed those sentiments, saying she will work with the governor to reduce the Health and Human Services cuts.

Republicans, however, have urged caution, saying it would be better to save the money.

"Even with the good news, we mustn’t rush into a spending spree," said House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett). "We will have a thorough discussion on how to best apply these surplus funds that will best serve the needs of our state, it’s people and our fiscal health."

What do you think the state should do with this unprecedented budget surplus? Leave your thoughts in the comments field below.