The last time I wrote, we were approaching a critical vote on the biannual state budget — a process that, as expected, came with a long day of debate and dozens of amendments added to HB2. What was less expected was the surprise motion late in the day to table HB2, forcing both parties into a 15-minute recess that ultimately stretched to nearly 45 minutes. It was a dramatic moment in a day full of important decisions.
I’ve found great interest in watching how amendments are made to the budget. Many of them have a direct impact on our local communities, including our schools, colleges and state services. A few key amendments stood out to me:
Amendment 1499h, which passed, was particularly important for our local school districts. This amendment removed HB 675 from the budget — a bill that would have imposed a mandatory tax cap on school budgets. I supported this amendment. In my view, if a community wants to impose a tax cap, it should be a decision made by the voters, not mandated by the state.
Some argue that only a minority of residents vote on school budgets. While that’s true, every registered voter can participate in all-day voting. Perhaps instead of instituting tax caps, we should have a conversation about returning to the old system of voting during school district meetings, where more discussion and engagement could take place before votes are cast.
Amendment 1545h, which failed, proposed removing additional funds earmarked for universal school vouchers and redirecting that money back to the University System of New Hampshire (USNH). Without these funds, USNH stands to lose nearly $50 million, which could force tuition increases on students attending our state colleges and universities. For families already struggling with the cost of higher education, this would be a serious blow.
Amendment 1567h, which failed, proposed eliminating additional funding designated for universal school vouchers while also scaling back several fee increases included in HB2. The fees impacted by this change would include those related to motor vehicles, Fish and Game licenses, Department of Transportation services and Department of Environmental Services charges, among others.
Throughout the session, approximately 30 amendments were proposed to alter the finance committee’s recommendations. As the afternoon turned into evening, many of us in the chamber were caught off guard when HB2 was suddenly tabled. With a midnight deadline looming to get HB2 over to the Senate, there was real concern about what might happen if it stayed tabled.
When HB2 was finally taken off the table, another surprise motion was made: “move the previous question” — effectively ending all debate. Although this created some frustration, a series of parliamentary inquiries helped clarify the practical impacts of the amendments that had been adopted.
While we may all have different views on how and where government should spend taxpayer dollars, I am optimistic about the work ahead. The Senate will now take up the budget, and I am hopeful that both bodies can find common ground. Compromise is not only an important part of the process — it’s essential to good governance.
I encourage everyone to stay involved by monitoring Senate hearings and sharing your thoughts. Your voice matters in shaping the decisions that impact all of us.
