Community Corner
Legislative Updates by Rep. Maureen Mooney for April, 2023
The full NH House adopted its version of the State Budget (HB 2) on April 6, 2023. Now it's on to the State Senate for review and input.
Greetings!
State Budget Update: The House Finance Committee presented its multiple amendments to the Governor’s first draft of the state budget, called HB 2. The full House adopted its version of the state budget on April 6, 2023. After multiple floor amendments and debate, the full House ultimately voted on a voice vote to send its version to the State Senate. Here are some highlights of the House amended version of HB 2:
- No new or increased taxes or fees;
Find out what's happening in Merrimackfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Phases out the Interest and Dividends Tax by July, 2025 (instead of July 2027 as is the law now);
- Establishes targeted Medicaid reimbursement rates;
Find out what's happening in Merrimackfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Eliminates only three professional licenses: Hawkers & Peddlers, Itinerants, and Athletic Agents;
- Restores retirement funding for Police and Firefighters (Group II);
- Grants raises for state employees (10% in the first year, 2% in the second year);
- Funds public schools with an approximate additional increase of $3 million more for Merrimack public schools;
- Increases funding for public charter schools (first time since 2017);
- Funds the Town of Merrimack Kidney Cancer Phase 3 Feasibility Study;
- Allocates monies for a Christa McAuliffe statue in front of the NH State House;
- Allocates monies for the renovation of the Whittemore Center Arena.
See full text of HB 2 as amended and adopted by the House here: https://www.gencourt.state.nh....
A special "thank you" to those that contacted me about the budget. As a member of the House Finance Committee, your input is very valuable.
Next step, the process starts all over again in the New Hampshire State Senate working off of the House amended version. There is still opportunity for public input. Remember, all this money belongs to the taxpayer!
Rep. Maureen Mooney is in her fifth term as a NH State Representative serving Merrimack. She serves on the House Finance Committee (Vice Chairman of Division III), the Fiscal Committee (alternate), and is co-chair of the Speaker’s Advisory Group. Her website is: www.votemooney.com and Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/maureenmooneynh.
