Governor Hassan's Statement on Senate Finance Committee Vote on SB 233

Statement

Following today's party-line vote in the Senate Finance Committee to recommend killing SB 233, critical legislation that would help ensure a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2015, Governor Maggie Hassan issued the following statement:

"In light of the year-to-date shortfalls in revenue from business taxes and the interest-and-dividend tax, additional appropriations approved by the legislature, and a rising number of children receiving traditional Medicaid coverage because of a change in federal law, I have taken a number of pre-emptive steps to ensure a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2015, including recommending this legislation that makes reductions to legislative spending.

"Combined with our prudent management and strategic actions in the Executive Branch, this legislation would put us in a position to finish Fiscal Year 2015 in the black. While I have been working with state agencies to responsibly address our budget challenges, members of legislative leadership have yet to put forward any alternative proposals, and it is disappointing that Senate Republicans oppose this effort to ensure a balanced budget. If the Senate is not willing to pass a bill that includes reductions to legislative spending, I will continue to remain open to hearing alternatives for reductions in order to maintain fiscal responsibility and ensure a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2015."

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