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New Hampshire Governor John Lynch-
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11/5/2008
In response to: "Lynch plans to bring his next round of proposed budget cuts to the joint legislative Fiscal Committee on Nov. 21, 2008", I do NOT like it when a politician is re-elected on FALSE promises and then he waits 17-days AFTER he is re-elected to disclose his NEXT round of budget cuts! That is NOT leadership, but rather, it is ugly political opportunism and campaign dishonesty. NH Governor John Lynch ran glowing TV & radio ads whereby he said he was making prudent decisions for the state government while advocating for the working class who have been impacted by the economic recession. Now, the REAL Governor John Lynch is going to make MORE budget cuts AFTER he was re-elected on FALSE promises to the same voters who depend upon the very state programs and services the governor knew he was going to cut into all along!
In Dissent!
Jonathan A. Melle
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"Dems retain control of NH state Senate, House"
By Norma Love, Associated Press Writer, November 5, 2008
CONCORD, N.H. --In a historic first, Democrats retained control of the state House and Senate in New Hampshire for a second consecutive election cycle.
"We definitely made history," Democratic House Speaker Terie Norelli said Wednesday. "There has never been a back-to-back Democratic majority in the House."
Norelli and acting House Republican Leader David Hess believe the Democratic majority will have roughly 222 seats -- give or take a seat or two once final tallies are confirmed. Republicans picked up a few seats from the 159 they had in the 400-member chamber over the past two years but fell short of topping 200 for a majority.
Democrats also maintained their 14-10 margin in the Senate -- which Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley said also marks the first time Democrats have been put in charge of the chamber two consecutive elections.
Democrats won control in 2006 with 14 of 24 seats. Both parties retained control of the same districts Tuesday -- though six will have new faces to replace incumbents who did not seek re-election.
Prior to the 2006 victories, Democrats had last controlled the state Senate in 1998, but their 13-11 advantage ended the next year with the death of Democratic Senate President Clesson Blaisdell. In the House, Democrats hadn't been in charge since 1922.
Senate President Sylvia Larsen said Tuesday's election also made history in another way. For the first time in the United States, women make up the majority of a state legislative body, she said. Thirteen women were elected Tuesday.
"It's another step in history," she said.
Hess said Democrats' victory may be Democratic Gov. John Lynch's "worst nightmare" with the economy in recession and lagging revenues forcing deep budget cuts.
"He won't be able to blame Republicans for anything in this fiscal nightmare," said Hess of Hooksett.
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Norelli and Larsen said they are very aware of the state's budget problems.
Lynch plans to bring his next round of proposed budget cuts to the joint legislative Fiscal Committee on Nov. 21.$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Lynch and lawmakers face at least a $160 million budget shortfall by July -- about 10 percent of the spending from general tax revenues.
"It's going to be very tough," Larsen said of making budget cuts. "We are celebrating today, but we also know we have to tighten our belts and make difficult reductions."
Norelli said the state of the economy keeps her awake some nights.
"What I know is it's not a pretty picture. The national economy is on its knees. New Hampshire is in better shape than many other states, which may not be comforting to us as we address our revenue shortfalls," she said. "We will have to consider all options."
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"About that deficit: What is Lynch to do?"
The New Hampshire Union Leader Online Daily Newspaper, Editorial, November 7, 2008
In exactly two weeks, Gov. John Lynch is supposed to deliver to the Legislative Joint Fiscal Committee his plan for balancing the state budget by the end of the fiscal year, June 30. The people have two weeks to find out if Gov. Lynch will try to balance his own deficit-ridden state budget by cutting spending or by raising taxes.
Gov. Lynch projects a $250 million budget deficit this year. With October revenues $14.7 million lower than projected, the deficit is already at $71.5 million. And it's only four months into the fiscal year.
Lynch has blamed the budget deficit on the slowing economy. That appears to be a factor in this fiscal year, the second of the two-year state budget. Revenues are not only below projections in the last few months, they are below previous levels. But in the first year of this budget, revenues were higher than in the previous year. The problem wasn't the revenues. It was the spending, which vastly outstripped the state's income.
Even though Republicans didn't lose a seat in the Executive Council or state Senate and gained 17 seats in the House on Tuesday, the perception that this was a Democratic year because of victories higher up the ticket prevails and could affect Lynch's actions.
When he had a Republican-majority Legislature in his first term, Gov. Lynch was careful to maintain the perception that he was fiscally conservative. But as soon as he got a Democratic majority to work with, he proposed massive spending increases funded by big tax and fee hikes. That budget is what now needs fixing. And if the governor feels that he has enough political cover to raise taxes and fees to fill at least part of the budget hole, he will do that.
But Gov. Lynch needs to be careful here. If he is hoping to hop up the political ladder in 2010, two straight years of tax and fee increases aren't going to help. He is sure to face a more serious challenger for any 2010 race than he has the past two elections. Solving this problem the traditional New Hampshire way -- by trimming excess expenses -- would be the wise political choice.
It also would be the responsible thing to do for the state and its people. But it was the responsible thing to do last time, and that wasn't enough to tempt the governor into doing it.
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Readers' COMMENTS:
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To Michael from Manchester, here you go. These are the state tax increases for 2007-through YTD 2008.
*Repealed communication tax exemption, increasing residential phone rates (HB 2)
*RGGI (unknown cost???)
*Increase in motorcycle registration fee by 25% (HB 2)
*Increase in registration fee for all automobiles of at least $6 per year (HB 2)
*Increase in the tax on both diesel and regular gasoline for cleanup fund (HB 1426)
*Increase in certain motor vehicle fees (HB 1596)
*HB 2 shifts to the county tax payers all future responsibility for all nursing home and Medicaid costs
*Increase in tobacco tax by .28 cents per pack (HB 2, 2007)
*Increase in tobacco tax by .25 cents per pack (if $50M is not raised by Oct-SB 321)
*New tax on cigars (HB 1309)
*Increase in tobacco licensing fees (SB 317)
*New tax on charitable gaming (HB 1509)
*Increase in the wild turkey fee from $5 to $15 for residents, and $5 to $30 for nonresidents (HB 2)
*Increase in the nonresident fee for moose permits to $450 (HB 2)
*Increase in tractor trailer registrations (HB 2)
*New fee for meals and rentals licenses (HB 599)
*New $25 fee assessed on each property transaction recording for LCHIP (HB 2)
Increase of registration fee for mortgage servicing companies (SB 161)
*Increase of fees for reviewing terrain alterations from $500 to $1250 (HB 2)
Increase of fees for shoreline structure application from $100 to $200, plus impact fee increase (HB 2)
*Increase of fees for impact dredge and fill projects application from $100 to $200 (HB 2)
*Increase of fees for hazardous waste management by $2500 (HB 472)
*New fee for certain cases in the judicial family court (SB 350)
*New $25 filing fee for court proceedings (HB 2)
- Don Rubby, Exeter, NH
LJC Manchester. "the $175M spent of the University systems should be eliminated. The students and their parents can cover that." Good idea, if that happened maybe they would study instead of party.
Leno, Raymond
- Leno Hebert, Raymond
No raised taxes. At all. CUT SPENDING. There is so much waste and welfare entitlement in this state that it's nauseating.
Liberals, who never mind spending other peoples' money for their pet programs, are fine with raising taxes.
Stop the liberals. Destroy them politically, before they destroy us all.
- Mike R., Bedford
One possibility is to charge a state income tax on people who work outside the state. There are probably about 100,000 people statewide who work in MA, ME, VT, etc that pay income tax to that state. For example, if 60,000 people work in MA and they pay about 5% state tax on an average income of $75,000, the state could potentially collect about $220 million annually from them. These are just some rough figures and that doesn't mean NH should collect income tax from everyone, only those who choose to work outside the state. And since they are paying income tax anyway, the only difference to them is that they are paying the tax to their home state where the moeny will benefit them instead of to the state where they have no polictical representation. I'm not sure what the legal ramifications are, but if it could be worked out, it would definitely add a substantial amount of money to the states bottom line.
- Ray Davies, Manchester
He could have a taken a major step last summer, when public pension plans were being discussed in the legislature, but he stood mute.
These plans are going to be woefully underfunded when current market valuations are factored in, and will require large public (ie. taxpayer) contributions to shore them up.
The exisiting plans are relics of the 1950s, when people lived a few years after retirement. They were never designed to have people work as few as 20 or 25 years, and then get paid for another 30 or more.
To protect current public employees nearing retirement, and not disrupt their plans, he could have proposed a new tier for newly hired employeees. Sadly, nothing was done.
Also, the $100mm school bond at the end of last fiscal year was deficit borrowing, since that amount had traditionally been paid with cash. I expect that another deficit bonding proposal, which will put us more into debt, will be part of this year's plan.
- Ditmar Kopf, Hollis
It's easy:
Cut spending and raise taxes
Compromise.
- Frank, Dover NH
New Hampshire needs to reduce the rooms and meals tax to encourage more tourism. New Hampshire and its tourism businesses need to advertise more and better especially in Canada.
New Hampshire needs to make it easier for businesses to do business in New Hampshire. New Hampshire needs to promote its highly educated work force and other benefits a lot more to attract more businesses.
I think the rooms and meals tax should be 5 percent. I think many more people would eat in our restaurants if many restaurants are allowed to have smoking. More people working in restaurants may lead to less money being spent on food stamps and Medicaid.
- Ken Stremsky, Manchester, NH
I think that medicare could be cut back on if we properly dealt with prescriptions. Nursing homes will order a 30 day supply of a med. The med costs $200.00. The pt. takes one dose, discovers he is allergic and and the other 29 pills are wasted even though they are in individual bubble wrapping. What's wrong with this picture? I think revamping the system would help us save a buck
- Tracy, Manchester, NH
Mr Tarr, I suggest that welfare reform be cut to 2 years. By cutting the limit from 5 years to 2 years, the welfare rolls would be greatly reduced and many recipients of my money for not working would likely move back to Massachusetts where they would have na extra year to sponge off the working people of that state. They would also take their tax and spend liberal ideas with them.
It's easy for them to vote Democrat (tax & spend) when they don't pay any taxes.
This is how the liberals work, they overspend massively, cut a few little tidbits during an election year (thus calling them fiscal conservatives), and then the cry for more revenues will turn into new broad-based taxes which will drive a stake in the heart of what is left of this once proudly conservative state.
After all, it's for the children.
- Mark C, Raymond
How silly this state has become. I remember multiple UL being the only media in the state publishing op-eds warning its' readers that a massive hike in the budget would result in a shortfall, but alas no one listened.
The BDS has become laughable. I had people knock on my door this past weekend telling me that the candidate for Merrimack County attorney had ties to Bush. When I asked them to explain they couldn't.
- Gavin G., Concord, NH
Many things NH residents are FORCED to pay for are federal budget items. Gov. Lynch has no choice but to pay for them. If he doesn't the state will fall into default.
Tell me the items Gov. Lynch has increased spending on for items WITHIN the state?
- Michael, Manchester
Just exactly where does the right wing think the state budget can be cut? What about cutting the $300M that goes to cities and towns? Surely they can make that up locally. Or perhaps the $175M spent of the University systems should be eliminated. The students and their parents can cover that. What about the $800M spent on medicare and the elderly? They are going to die soon anyway so why waste money on them. And why should we spend $27M a year on services to us veterans? We're tough; we can do without it.
The point is that contrary to what the right likes to claim, there is very little waste in the state budget. The problem is that we have an 18th century tax system. The property tax burden is out of control and various hidden taxes disproportionatly increase the cost of living on the middle class. The only way out of the current budget mess is to establish a modest, fair, progressive income tax. The time has come.
- LJC, Manchester
haha Yeah Bush is responsible for all of the overspending on the part of NH leaders. Maybe ya'll missed the story about how Cheney and Bush went to every state legislator put a gun to their head and told them that if they didnt overspend like bobcats on booze they would kill them
Did you also hear that its been now proven Bush was responsible for the earthquake that caused the tsunami in the Indian ocean?
- Craig D, Manchester
I don't understand where the Republicans get this notion that they gained 17 seats in the House. After the 2006 election, the configuration was 236 Democrats, 164 Republicans. After the 2008 election, it's 224 Democrats, 176 Republicans. By my math that adds up to a 12 seat gain, not 17.
- Dan, Manchester
Charlie from Manchester your rhetoric is getting old. I didn't realize that Bush and Cheney wrote the NH budget? There were loud critics against the massive budget hike but Lynch still signed it anyways.
- Alex Capri, Northwood, NH
Now George Bush and Dick Cheney are to blame for NH's budget deficit? Are you kidding?
George Bush did not have anything to do with New Hampshire's current budget. The facts are that the Democrats are to blame. The Governor, Executive Council, State Senate and House are all controlled by the Democats since 2006. The first chance they got, they increased the budget by 18%! John Lynch created and passed a budget that the Republicans rejected because the tax revenues were projected dramatically over previous levels when everyone except the Democrats believed to be a absurd. We all saw this storm coming except John Lynch.
No, George Bush isn't to blame, John Lynch is to blame and now the people of New Hamphire are going to pay his fiscal mismangement!
- Bob Hill, Concord NH
As we all know it is going to take a few years for our Governor to repair the damage that was done by the Bush/Cheney years. It is called the trickle down effect. And yes, we all feel it here in N.H. It took Bush 8 years to put us where we are and it will take a few years for our State to get back to where Governor Lynch tried to take us. He was on the right track until he was rail roaded by Bush/Cheney. We are finally heading in the right direction. Thank God and thank Barack Obama!!!
- charlie, manchester
Maybe President Elect Obama will follow through on his campaign promise to give 18 Billion dollars to states and municipalities with budget shortages.
Oh right, we made history and he has been elected so I am sure that goes right out the window now and our 4 electoral votes mean little to California's 55 and they have a much larger mess to deal with. I guess the American tax payers will be left holding the bag on this one as well because as "Good Democrats", we can't possible cut services or programs...... Sorry NH Can't afford thiss type of leadership. Now is the time to cut the budget and be responsible. I just don't have any faith the Gov Lynch is up to the task. He is drinking the Kool Aid the Democrats are passing out. I can only say "No Thank You!"
The only saving grace is that after four years of this type of Leadership, this generation's Jimmy Carter, AKA Barrack Obama can go back to Chicago and join the lecture circuit with Rev Wright and make his millions or write another provacative book!
- Bob Hill, Concord NH
Sad, I remember a time when NH was the envy of the country in terms of our fiscal responsibility and Yankee ingenuity. The other day I had to go by some road construction on a major highway and I easily counted more people standing around chin wagging then actually working...this seems to be a common theme with most of the our government organizations.
The bummer sticker I'm putting on my car now reads "Don't blame me, I voted for the right person, you didn't!"
- Mike, Manchester, NH
Let's see what the Governor comes up with. Certainly the national and international economic tsunami, as former Fed Chair Greenspan called it,has had a major impact on NH economic fortunes. It's time to work together to solve the problem and not be planning the 2010 election already as the editorial does. The election results show the UL to be completely out of step with the opinions of the majority of NH voters. It's time to adopt the same new tone in your editorials or risk further deterioration of your fortunes similar to those of the Republican party you have blindly supported.
- ed, londonderry
"Change we can believe" Makes a great bumper sticker, lousy way to govern. I guess the only change we can believe in is higher taxes and fees. Using the famous slogan from the ruling party to the south of us. Are we going to pay more "Yes we can"!!!
- Andy, Milford
How can Governor Lynch fix the deficit? Step down and let a fiscally conservative leader take his place. Democrats are spending us into a hole that it will be difficult to get out of, unless of course they institute another tax. Now their foolishness has been rewarded by the NH people giving them another chance. I thought it was only Massachusetts who voted for people who continually made life more difficult. Oh well, the people will get the government they deserve.
- Mike, Temple
The "Mr. Rogers" style of laid back governance projected by Governor Lynch is most unsettling to many in NH that are fiscal conservatives. As another poster said, we have abandoned the pay as you go philosophy for school construction and roads under Lynch and now must pay the piper. If pundits are right and the Dow bottom is in the 4000 range, this State with its cobbled together "rob Peter to pay Paul" funding is in for a tough road. Take roads for example, would we have to borrow for road repair if we weren't trying to fund the judiciary and HHS from gas tax revenues? But evidently our liberal Govenor doesn't want to take the hard path to financial sobriety!
- John LInville, Wolfeboro
This budget mess which the democrats were warned against over & over again will in the end cost them the house & senate in 2 years. Aside from the 17.5% they added to the budget they bonded 80 million dollars out for school construction.
We don't do that in NH. We were a pay-as-you-go state with these constrution costs.
- Jay Collins, Laconia
Tackling a deficit in times when the public cannot afford taxes means there will need to be cutbacks in services. There are far too many state workers to continue to carry on the roster. Layoffs need to happen but only after attrition and job eliminations.
- Jack Alex, Manchester
As I have said in this past election cycle, we must have welfare reform. Cut back from five years to three years. Create job programs to teach our population so that employers coming to our state have a pool of applicants to choose from. Another example is to stop the taxing of goods. In economics as taught in school, the more you increase taxes on goods, the less the consumer buys thus the end result is lower revenue. Same goes for property taxes, business taxes and other fees. The more you raise, the less likely they are going to sell in the market. With the Manchester Delegation of 28 Democrats to now 7 Republicans as well as it is seen throughout the state. The only ones to blame for poor choices and a larger deficit in the next budget cycle will be those with a bigger majority in Concord. Thus the majority of New Hampshire's people made thier choices and it's their choice to which we must reflect upon. When someone starts the blame game, we the minority of voters will point to the mirror and say: "There's who you blame, not us".
- Robert M Tarr, Manchester
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"The line-by-line details of spending cuts"
The New Hampshire Union Leader, Friday, November 21, 2008
Concord – The governor's press release on spending reductions and his two executive orders detailing the cuts follow:
Gov. John Lynch today presented the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee with a financial strategy to address a projected revenue shortfall and help ensure the state has a balanced budget by the end of the current fiscal year.
"We are in the midst of an unprecedented global economic crisis. We are in the midst of an unprecedented global economic crisis. When we crafted this budget 18 months ago, no one could have predicted the depths to which our nation's economy would sink," Gov. Lynch said.
"This crisis has led to budget shortfalls in states across the nation. And while we are better positioned than most states, New Hampshire is not immune to the global economic conditions. The challenge before us is very real and very significant," Gov. Lynch said.
The fiscal committee voted to approve two Executive Orders issued by Gov. Lynch.
The first Executive Order includes specific agency reductions totaling $53.6 million. As part of these reductions, The Department of Environmental Services will be deferring new state aid grants until the next biennium, which will save $3.3 million.
The Land and Community Heritage Investment Program will not enter any new commitments for 2009, and will repay the general fund $3 million of 2008 fiscal year funds. The University and Community College systems both agreed to pay their 8 percent reduction targets without increasing tuition.
The second Executive Order implements several cost-saving measures across state government directing agencies:
* To limit overtime wherever possible.
* To ensure that all state vehicles are parked overnight at state offices, unless absolutely necessary for a state employee to carry out their job responsibilities.
* To limit mileage reimbursement by requiring employees to car pools and use pooled state vehicles wherever possible.
* To print all publications exclusively online wherever possible.
* To retain only essential consulting services and to terminate existing consulting contracts where feasible.
* To cancel subscriptions for books, newspapers and periodicals wherever possible.
* To undertake a reduction in their telephone landlines where possible - a move that is saving the Judicial Branch $10,000 - and to reduce mobile cell phone use and encourage the pooling of cell phones.
In addition, no tuition reimbursements will be authorized without a waiver for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Together these Executive Orders will produce a savings of at least $56.6 million.
In addition, Gov. Lynch has been in discussions with the legislative leadership about the need for legislation that allows the state to reduce the revenue shortfall by about another $20 million. It would include legislative and judicial branch reductions and an additional lapse from the retirement system valued at about $2.6 million; authorize the Highway Fund to repay $5 million in general funds; to transfer about $10 million in surplus from various dedicated funds to the general fund; and to make $2 to $3 million in additional agency reductions that would require full legislative approval. It would also recommending the deferral of pay increases for non-classified and unclassified employees, which would save $500,000.
Gov. Lynch said he will continue discussions with representatives of employees about additional steps to address salary or benefit costs. Those changes would need to be agreed to as part of a renegotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The executive orders and proposed legislation, the revenue shortfall gap will be reduced from $250 million to about $75 million.
"We have made significant progress, but we must still work together to address the remaining challenge," Gov. Lynch said.
Gov. Lynch said that while a record $89 million remains in the Rainy Day Fund, those savings should be used only as a last resort.
"These are tough times for New Hampshire families and businesses. The global economic situation continues to be volatile, and we must continue to carefully watch revenues closely and take the necessary steps to manage the budget," Gov. Lynch said. "I am committed to ensuring we continue to be fiscally responsible and end the biennium with a balanced budget."
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State of New Hampshire
By His Excellency
John H. Lynch, Governor
Executive Order 2008-10
An order directing a reduction in Executive Branch expenditures
WHEREAS, RSA 9:16-b provides that "[n]otwithstanding any other provision of law, the governor may, with prior approval of the fiscal committee, order reductions in any or all expenditure classes within any or all departments, as defined in RSA 9:1, if he determines at any time during the fiscal year that: (a) Projected state revenues will be insufficient to maintain a balanced budget and that the likelihood of a serious deficit exists; or (b) The actual lapse for each fiscal year is not going to equal the level estimated in the forecast of funds, unappropriated surplus, as issued by the legislative budget assistant;"
WHEREAS, the Governor has determined that the budgeted state revenues are insufficient to fund state budgeted expenditures as authorized by Chapter 262, N.H. Laws of 2007;
WHEREAS, the Governor and Legislature are committed to taking such steps as are required to achieve a balanced budget by the end of the biennium;
WHEREAS, the Governor has met with the presiding officers of the House and Senate and has thus determined that it is in the public interest to meet with the legislative fiscal committee, which has, in turn, responded to the Governor's initiative by consenting to certain actions to reduce executive branch expenditures;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN H. LYNCH, Governor of the State of New Hampshire, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by RSA 9:16-b and part II, article 41 of the New Hampshire Constitution, do hereby order the following:
a. The appropriations as authorized for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 for each department listed below are hereby reduced by the amount indicated.
AGENCY PAU NUMBER DEPARTMENT AMOUNT
01-03 002 Executive Office 85,836
01-03 002 Commission on Disabilities 11,664
01-04 014 Administrative Services 2,816,469
01-05 032 Secretary of State 32,000
01-06 034 Cultural Resources 205,388
01-07 084 Revenue Administration 395,372
01-08 038 Treasury Department 7,043,744
01-09 089 Board of Tax & Land Appeals 13,000
01-11 028 Real Estate Commission 80,000
01-11 031 Joint Board 2,765
01-11 051 Accountancy Board 1,000
01-11 064 Commission on the Status of Women 6,556
01-11 064 Real Estate Appraiser Board 2,500
02-02 012 Adjutant General 193,023
02-03 018 Agriculture 130,238
02-04 020 Justice (Attorney General) 468,056
02-06 073 Public Employee Labor Relations Board 2,500
02-06 064 Manufactured Housing Board 50
02-08 086 Racing and Gaming 95,221
02-06 064 Labor 10,000
02-13 077 Liquor Commission 135,517
02-15 023 Safety 69,336
02-16 046 Corrections 705,575
02-18 007 Judicial Council 315,522
02-19 076 Human Rights Commission 500
03-01 075 Fish and Game 5,000
03-03 035 Resources & Economic Development 510,160
03-04 044 Environmental Services 3,387,417
03-04 064 Plumbers Board 500
04-01 096 Transportation 54,256
05-01 --- Health & Human Services 25,361,511
05-02 043 Veterans Home 509,131
05-03 066 Veterans Council 2,308
05-05 074 Cosmetology and Barbers Board 4,300
05-05 074 Nursing Registration 15,000
05-05 074 Medicine Board 1,200
05-05 074 Pharmacy Commission 6,000
05-05 074 Dental Examiners 4,737
05-05 074 Office of Allied Health Professionals 5,210
05-05 074 Massage Therapy Ad. Board 1,000
05-05 074 Chiropractic Board 1,129
05-05 074 Funeral Directors & Embalmers 1,346
05-05 074 Optometry Board 200
05-05 074 Nursing Home Examiners 50
05-05 074 Alcohol/Other Drug Abuse Prof. 100
05-05 074 Ophthalmic Dispensers 904
05-05 074 Dietitians Council 841
05-05 074 Hearing Care Providers 50
05-05 074 Naturopathic Examiners 453
05-05 074 Acupuncture 437
05-05 074 Electrolysis Board 222
05-05 074 Midwifery Council 41
05-05 074 Podiatry Board 50
05-05 075 Board of Mental Health Practice 4,849
06-01 057 Postsecondary Education Comm. 24,500
06-03 002 State Planning & Energy Program 71,812
06-03 056 Education 4,633,000
06-04 061 Christa McAuliffe Planetarium 27,444
b. In lieu of a reduction in appropriation, the University System has agreed to pay $4,516,101 prior to June 30, 2009. $4,516,101
c. In addition, the Community College System has agreed to pay $1,672,864 in monthly installments prior to June 30, 2009. $1,672,864
TOTAL $53,645,955
d. The reductions directed by this order shall remain in effect until June 30, 2009 or until terminated, provided, however, that individual exceptions to any of the above provisions may be requested by any department in writing to the Governor. Any exceptions granted by the Governor shall be transmitted to the fiscal committee.
Given under my hand and seal at the Executive Chambers in Concord, this 21st day of November, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and eight.
___________________________
Governor of New Hampshire
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State of New Hampshire
By His Excellency
John H. Lynch, Governor
Executive Order 2008-11
An order directing Executive Branch spending reductions
WHEREAS, RSA 9:16-b provides that "[n]otwithstanding any other provision of law, the governor may, with prior approval of the fiscal committee, order reductions in any or all expenditure classes within any or all departments, as defined in RSA 9:1, if he determines at any time during the fiscal year that: (a) Projected state revenues will be insufficient to maintain a balanced budget and that the likelihood of a serious deficit exists; or (b) The actual lapse for each fiscal year is not going to equal the level estimated in the forecast of funds, unappropriated surplus, as issued by the legislative budget assistant;"
WHEREAS, the Governor has determined that the budgeted state revenues for Fiscal Year 2009 are insufficient to fund state budgeted expenditures as authorized by Chapter 262, N.H. Laws of 2007;
WHEREAS, the Governor and Legislature are committed to taking such steps as are required to achieve a balanced budget by the end of the biennium;
WHEREAS, the Governor has met with the presiding officers of the House and Senate and has thus determined that it is in the public interest to meet with the legislative fiscal committee, which has, in turn, responded to the Governor's initiative by consenting to certain additional actions to further reduce expenditures for purchases in the executive branch;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN H. LYNCH, Governor of the State of New Hampshire, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by RSA 9:16-b and part II, article 41 of the New Hampshire Constitution, do hereby order the following steps to apply to all departments as defined in RSA 9:1 in order to effect a reduction in expenditures:
1. Overtime: Overtime hours funded with general funds shall not be authorized, with the exception of overtime that is necessary for direct care, to ensure public safety, to respond to emergencies, to comply with provisions of collective bargaining agreements or pursuant to a written overtime policy approved by the agency head and deemed essential to carry out the core mission of the department.
2. State Vehicles: All state vehicles shall be parked overnight at the primary business office of the state employee assigned to the vehicle, unless the agency head determines that storage of the vehicle at a personal residence or other location is necessary for the state employee to carry out his or her assigned duties.
3. Mileage Reimbursement: Departments shall require the use of car pools or pooled state vehicles when feasible for travel during the workday. Mileage reimbursement requests shall not be authorized where a car pool or state vehicle was feasible but was not used.
4. Publications and Printing: Reports should be published only electronically whenever possible.
5. Consultants: Departments shall only retain essential consulting services, and shall terminate existing consulting services, as feasible, unless determined to be essential to the department's operations.
6. Books, Periodicals, Newspapers and Subscriptions: Books, periodicals, newspapers and subscriptions shall be canceled, unless determined to be essential to the department's operations.
7. Tuition Reimbursement: No tuition reimbursement shall be authorized.
8. Phones: All departments shall implement a reduction in telephone landlines, by identifying lines that are not being used or are non-essential. All departments shall implement a reduction in mobile cellular phone usage by terminating non-essential mobile cellular phones and by encouraging the pooling of mobile cellular phones amongst state employees.
The steps directed by this Executive Order shall remain in effect until terminated, provided, however, that individual exceptions to any of the above provisions may be requested by any department in writing to the Governor. Any exceptions granted by the Governor shall be transmitted to the fiscal committee.
Given under my hand and seal at the Executive Chambers in Concord, this 21st day of November, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and eight.
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"Governor's spending cuts win quick approval"
By TOM FAHEY, State House Bureau Chief, NH Union Leader, 11/21/2008
CONCORD – Lawmakers quickly approved close to $60 million in state budget cuts Gov. John Lynch proposed this morning.
Lynch reduced spending in departments across state government as his latest step in trying to close a gap left by an estimated $250 million shortfall in state revenue.
The cuts affect hospitals, nursing homes, towns and cities hoping for environmental grants and revenue sharing, school districts waiting for buildings and special education aid, the state university and community college systems, as well as the state’s smallest administrative boards.
The cuts leave another $75 million to be addressed when the new Legislature convenes in January. The budget has to be balanced by the time the fiscal year closes in June.
Lynch said the latest decisions were not easy.
“We are not cutting fat; instead we are making the tough decision to defer worthy programs -- some new, some existing -- until better times,” he said. He said the state is among 41 others suffering the economic downturn that has roiled stock markets, prompted a $700 billion bank bailout package, and threatened the American auto industry’s future.
Lynch said he’s talking with legislative leaders about changes to state law next year that will save $20 million in the current budget. They will focus on highways, courts, the retirement system and accounts with funds aimed at single uses.
The state is not tapping the $89 million Rainy Day Fund, which Lynch said should be used as a last resort. The cuts don’t touch adequate education funding grants to all school districts. Lynch said he tailored the cuts to have a minimal impact on local budgets, so costs are not downshifted to property taxpayers.
Lynch has not proposed any layoffs of state workers, but he has deferred pay hikes for non-unionized department supervisors and managers. He said he hopes to find more savings in cooperation with State Employees Association membership. He cannot make unilateral changes in their current contract.
Lynch said he is not counting on economic stimulus aid from Washington. If the state gets new federal money, it will go first to Health and Human Services, which saw nearly $24 million in cuts. The biggest changes there were in payments for nursing home and home health care, welfare and Medicare Part D payments.
Sen. Ted Gatsas, R-Manchester, criticized the methods Lynch used in finding cuts, saying the Legislature should have been more involved.
Rep. Neal Kurk, R-Weare, said the law gives the governor clear powers in these instances, and called the package, “an exceptionally conscientious effort.”
Agencies larges and small will feel the effects.
The Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, for example, has been ordered to return $3 million in funding it already received for preservation projects around the state. The university and community college systems must give back $6.1 million from their budgets, without raising tuition next semester. Cuts cleaned out a fund with $750,000 for cancer screening programs. Boards overseeing acupuncture, funerals, nursing, and podiatry all have been asked to turn back money -- as little as $50 in some cases.
Overtime pay, state vehicle and cell phone use, mileage payments and printing costs are also being cut. Lynch wants state publications to be only on-line whenever possible.
The two executive orders the Legislative Fiscal Committee approved today are the latest in a series of Lynch belt-tightenings this year. He estimates they saved $100 million.
“We have made significant progress, but we still must work together to address the remaining challenge,” Lynch told the committee.
He said it was important for the committee to act quickly. The sooner the cuts go into effect, the more money the state will save by June 30, he said. The changes are slated to take effect Dec. 1.
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READERS' COMMENTS:
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Brian--Bush has Everything to do with the current mess we are in. Every dollar spent in the middle east to fight Bush's war(s) could have been used here to send to the individual states. God forbid the goverment "help" its citizens in the form of social programs instead of lining the pockets of the super wealthy. You must be a very rich man yourself Brian. There are a lot of former R's like me that think along the same lines. And yes, I am Very happy, no more Bush soon.
- Ed, Manchester
I don't think that the State of NH spends money excessively compared to most other states. The problem is that revenues are down because of the economy. This could be an opportunity to explore ways to increase revenues such as casinos. Our property taxes are oppressive.
- Ann, Manchester, NH
Although the economy played a roll in our current financial woes Governor Lynch helped create this financial mess. He ignored warnings and followed unrealistic revenue projections that created this financial dilemma we are in. But there is a reason for why he did what he did. Now that we are in this crisis he can appear to be fiscally responsible by making all these drastic cuts in an attempt to minimize this revenue shortfall "cuts by the way which will never be enough to offset the shortfall". Having made all these cuts he can then declare call for a state income tax citing that we have no other choice as all possible cuts have been made! What better way to push through an income tax and appear to be fiscally responsible. Now that gasoline prices have fallen they are also proposing an increase tax on gas. Why do you suppose there was a revenue shortfall regarding revenue derived from gas taxes in the first place? Because of high prices at the pumps people were driving less! These low prices are not going to last and we will see spikes in the cost of gas again only this time it will be even more expensive. Had our Governor taken a conservative approach in revenue projections we would not be in the mess we find ourselves in now. Someone should remind our governor our state motto is (Live Free or Die) not Tax me or die!
- Rob, Manchester
" ... governor should roll back the 17.5 ... "
Too bad people are still confused - and no doubt some are deliberately trying to confuse others - over this.
Most of the so-called 17.5 % increase was not discretionary, but committed to by previous (i.e. Republican) legislatures. Additionally, part of the increase was not an actual increase in overall spending, but a change in accounting, to actually make some previously hidden spending more transparent to the public.
The Governor is doing exactly what he said he'd do during the campaign. Too bad some folks are more interested in partisan attacks than in the good of the state.
I'd like to add a special note of respect for Rep Kurk, who has the integrity to give credit where it is due.
- tom, Candia
"You Republicans are too much." This has been THE theme of the Democrats in this state for the last two and a half years. Deflect out of control state spending by the Democrat controlled NH state legislature on the national economy. Bush had nothing to do with this state's Democrats spending spree over the last two years, NOTHING. The Democrats in this state can ride those coat tails for only so long. But hey, Keep sugar coating that NH Democrat lie. You must be very happy right now.
- Brian, Hampton
Well I am not shocked or surprised. Again HHS is slam dunked on funding. With healthcare and unemployment on the rise this will have a devastating affect. The NH Cancer Plan losing the remaining $750,000 means that more than 500 needed colon and breast cancer screenings will not happen for those in need of the screening. Cancer is on the rise in NH and many will lose the battle. Now my sister who is employed working TWO fulltime jobs and neither employer has health care coverage will go without much needed screening. I agree with the concept and benefits of casinos. And for those with a one sided opinion and want to complain about gambling addiction will be on the rise, don't forget about the addiction to prescription drugs, liquer, cigarettes, etc.
Norma Jean
American Cancer Society Advocate
Cancer Survivor
- Norma Gecks, Derry
You republicans are just too much. I used to be like you but was able to figure out that spending billions of dollars a month on a war that has done nothing but make Dick Cheney & the rest of BushCo ever "richer" instead of using the cash to help its own citizens is asinine. You lost, get over it. Your trickle down days are done and gone...thankfully!
- Ed, Manchester
And I'm sure he will still be raising our taxes...AGAIN!
- Chris King, Manchester NH
Too little, too late. The governor should roll back the 17.5 percent hike in spending he and the liberal Democratic legislature pushed through in the last two years, and this is just bill is a small part of that orgy of spending.
- Michael, Manchester
Care should be taken not to cut in the areas of law enforcement, investigators OT, CSI, forensic lab testing, prisons, prosecution and the entire judicial system as Crime has been on the steady increase and will like continue to rise sharply in these financially strapping times.
- Tony S., Concord, NH
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"Governor's spending cuts win quick approval"
By TOM FAHEY, State House Bureau Chief, NH Union Leader, 11/22/2008
CONCORD – Lawmakers quickly approved close to $60 million in state budget cuts Gov. John Lynch proposed Friday morning.
Lynch reduced spending in departments across state government as his latest step in trying to close a gap left by an estimated $250 million shortfall in state revenue.
The cuts affect hospitals, nursing homes, towns and cities hoping for environmental grants and revenue sharing, school districts waiting for buildings and special education aid, the state university and community college systems, as well as the state’s smallest administrative boards.
The cuts leave another $75 million to be addressed when the new Legislature convenes in January. The budget has to be balanced by the time the fiscal year closes in June.
Lynch said the latest decisions were not easy.
“We are not cutting fat; instead we are making the tough decision to defer worthy programs -- some new, some existing -- until better times,” he said. He said the state is among 41 others suffering the economic downturn that has roiled stock markets, prompted a $700 billion bank bailout package, and threatened the American auto industry’s future.
Lynch said he’s talking with legislative leaders about changes to state law next year that will save $20 million in the current budget. They will focus on highways, courts, the retirement system and accounts with funds aimed at single uses.
The state is not tapping the $89 million Rainy Day Fund, which Lynch said should be used as a last resort. The cuts don’t touch adequate education funding grants to all school districts. Lynch said he tailored the cuts to have a minimal impact on local budgets, so costs are not downshifted to property taxpayers.
Lynch has not proposed any layoffs of state workers, but he has deferred pay hikes for non-unionized department supervisors and managers. He said he hopes to find more savings in cooperation with State Employees Association membership. He cannot make unilateral changes in their current contract.
Lynch said he is not counting on economic stimulus aid from Washington. If the state gets new federal money, it will go first to Health and Human Services, which saw nearly $24 million in cuts. The biggest changes there were in payments for nursing home and home health care, welfare and Medicare Part D payments.
Sen. Ted Gatsas, R-Manchester, criticized the methods Lynch used in finding cuts, saying the Legislature should have been more involved.
Rep. Neal Kurk, R-Weare, said the law gives the governor clear powers in these instances, and called the package, “an exceptionally conscientious effort.”
Agencies larges and small will feel the effects.
The Land and Community Heritage Investment Program, for example, has been ordered to return $3 million in funding it already received for preservation projects around the state. The university and community college systems must give back $6.1 million from their budgets, without raising tuition next semester. Cuts cleaned out a fund with $750,000 for cancer screening programs. Boards overseeing acupuncture, funerals, nursing, and podiatry all have been asked to turn back money -- as little as $50 in some cases.
Overtime pay, state vehicle and cell phone use, mileage payments and printing costs are also being cut. Lynch wants state publications to be only on-line whenever possible.
The two executive orders the Legislative Fiscal Committee approved today are the latest in a series of Lynch belt-tightenings this year. He estimates they saved $100 million.
“We have made significant progress, but we still must work together to address the remaining challenge,” Lynch told the committee.
He said it was important for the committee to act quickly. The sooner the cuts go into effect, the more money the state will save by June 30, he said. The changes are slated to take effect Dec. 1.
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Readers' COMMENTS:
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Chris, Bedford -
The 50% waste in schools comes from 3 places. 1) poorly run school districts, 2) the public teachers' unions (the NEA and its local chapters) literally have monopoly power that makes it extremely difficult for school districts to manage their teachers and change with the times we live in, and 3) the Claremont decision.
I am so infuriated with the school funding plans since the Claremont decision.
There was a time when people who wanted to improve the quality of life, of themselves and their children, would MOVE to where life was better.
Claremont sued the state – We have no industry. We have no tax base. The rest of you all have to pay for our schools. BALONEY!
In the mid 1960’s my parents moved the 6 of us from New Haven, Connecticut to South Portland, Maine for better schools and a better life.
2 decades ago villages in Ethiopia were overrun by the dessert. Where did they build the refugee tent cities – in the stupid dessert! This creates a permanent dependency on the charities and relief organizations. How does that help the refugees? Using the state-wide portion of the property tax to help fund education creates the same kind of dependency for the cities and towns.
If there’s no money in your community for the things that you value, MOVE to a better community. That’s what people are SUPPOSED to do. Yes it sucks and can be painful but you just have to bite the bullet and do it.
Grow up people.
Stop asking for handouts because you don’t want to make the effort to improve your own life or the lives of your children. Be responsible and learn to do things for yourselves.
The Claremont decision is an abomination and should be killed by the state legislature.
- David R, Manchester
ALL Democrats support any popular opinion - whatever that opinion may be. Morals and Principles are neither required nor desired. STATE Democrats rode a NATIONAL left wing media driven propaganda wave and still managed to lose 17 seats in the NH legislature. STATE democrats are empty pantsuits at best. Expect rough times ahead - and the STATE Democrats will blame it all on the former NATIONAL regime. Eventually, the citizens of NH will see the light. "Its not our fault" excuses are already running on deaf ears.
- Brian, Hampton
We are not cutting fat; instead we are making the tough decision to defer worthy programs -- some new, some existing -- until better times,” he said.
When has special education become an unworthy program? Dont special education children have the same rights as other children? According to what I read, regular funding for schools wont be affected, only special education will be for those schools who have been waiting for it.
As a mother of a child who requires special education, I find this is entirely and completely unacceptable. NH children, special ed or not, are all worth the financial cost it will take to make sure that EVERY child gets an education. And when you make cuts the prevent those children from having access to special educations that they need to succeed in life, you are in essence, saying they arent worth the money it would take to get it to them. Parents across the board should be outraged.
- T.S., Dover
Sue from Manchester:
What is the 50% waste in schools that you see. Can you quantify the number or are you just assuming?
- Chris, Bedford
Let's see if these Dems really have the will to cut spending. In DHHS alone there are hundreds of unclassified positions, and many so-called "program specialists" who get promoted as a reward and contribute very liittle. Many are "connected" people and no one wants to cut them. Boo-hoo. Sure take away cancer money and services and leave these fat jobs...no guts. Yes, Ed is a wackjob, when stupid-blame Bush.
- Tom, Manchester
OH and by the way, this past election proved that it's really the DEMOCRATS who are the 'party of the rich'. You can no longer ride on that old chestnut either!
Just look at the $650M that was spent to elect that empty suit Obama and who are the 5 most rich Congressmen in the current 14% approved US Congress -- ALL DEMOCRATS!
Dems=Party of Rich NOT R's... LOL
- Sue, Manchester
Ed from Manchester -- we think you are on the wrong article. I don't think anyone in the state of NH has spent money on the war and Bush is not our governor. It's Lynch who is to blame for raising the budget 17.5% You Democrats can't blame Bush for everything as much as you would like to try.
It's rather hypocritical of you to think more spending can't be done without raising taxes, no matter WHAT it's for. Education needs massive cuts, there's 50% waste there alone.
Yes Dems are happy to perpetuate the big lie, Goebbels would be proud. BUSH BUSH BUSH had NOTHING to do with the BUDGET OF THE STATE OF NH!
- Sue, Manchester
Unfortunately, there will be more and more state government cuts in the years ahead.
According to most independent scientific studies, global oil production will now decline from 74 million barrels per day to 60 million barrels per day by 2015. During the same time demand will increase 9%.
No one can reverse this trend, nor can we conserve our way out of this catastrophe. Because the demand for oil is so high, it will always exceed production levels; thus oil depletion will continue steadily until all recoverable oil is extracted.
Alternatives will not even begin to fill the gap. And most alternatives yield electric power, but we need liquid fuels for tractors/combines, 18 wheel trucks, trains, ships, and mining equipment. The Energy Watch Group (funded by the German Parliament) concludes in a current report titled: “Peak Oil Could Trigger Meltdown of Society:”
"By 2020, and even more by 2030, global oil supply will be dramatically lower. This will create a supply gap which can hardly be closed by growing contributions from other fossil, nuclear or alternative energy sources in this time frame."
http://www.globaliamagazine.com/?id=482
We are facing the collapse of the highways that depend on diesel trucks for maintenance of bridges, cleaning culverts to avoid road washouts, snow plowing, roadbed and surface repair. When the highways fail, so will the power grid, as highways carry the parts, transformers, steel for pylons, and high tension cables, all from far away. With the highways out, there will be no food coming in from "outside," and without the power grid virtually nothing works, including home heating, pumping of gasoline and diesel, airports, communications, and automated systems.
This is documented in a free 48 page report that can be downloaded, website posted, distributed, and emailed: http://www.peakoilassociates.com/POAnalysis.html The information in this report was presented at a meeting of the NH Municipal Managers Association in January 2008.
I lived in Manchester, NH until January 2008 and directed the MPA program at UNH and UNH-M.
I moved to a more sustainable place. Anyone interested in relocating to a nice, pretty, sustainable area with a good climate and good soil? Email: clifford dot wirth at yahoo dot com or give me a phone call which operates here as my old USA-NH number 603-668-4207. http://survivingpeakoil.blogspot.com/ By mid December there will be an article on this blog about local government preparations for Peak Oil impacts.
I hope NH government officials and my former MPA students will call. I am always glad to discuss Peak Oil and government, as both are my areas of expertise.
- Clifford J. Wirth, Ph.D., Manchester, NH, now living in Mexico
There is one option to get us out of this deficit without a tax, "CASINOS"!!!
It's time for NH to say yes.
- Josh, Manchester
The old NH way of conservative government was always best. Since the liberals came into power, then all the libs try to do is make the wolrd perfect for everyone. This isn't a problem with the federal government, there is too much spending going on.
- Shoals, Portsmouth
Ed, this is not a zero sum game being played with the money, just because it is being spent on fighting two wars (which on a side note, I get why you call Irag "Bush's War" but why Afghanistan) does not then mandate that we are out of money here...If so then how do we get the bail out money that both parties in the federal government are trying to give out.
- Rick, Manchester
Ann, you are correct, state revenues are down because of the economy. BUT, if NH didn't base the majority of its revenue on discretionary types of taxes (cigarettes, gas, tourism) - all of which will suffer during an economic down-turn - of course the state isn't going to be able to meet its revenue projections!
We need to stop counting our chickens fore they hatch!
- Christine, Pittsfield
Brian--Bush has Everything to do with the current mess we are in. Every dollar spent in the middle east to fight Bush's war(s) could have been used here to send to the individual states. God forbid the goverment "help" its citizens in the form of social programs instead of lining the pockets of the super wealthy. You must be a very rich man yourself Brian. There are a lot of former R's like me that think along the same lines. And yes, I am Very happy, no more Bush soon.
- Ed, Manchester
I don't think that the State of NH spends money excessively compared to most other states. The problem is that revenues are down because of the economy. This could be an opportunity to explore ways to increase revenues such as casinos. Our property taxes are oppressive.
- Ann, Manchester, NH
Although the economy played a roll in our current financial woes Governor Lynch helped create this financial mess. He ignored warnings and followed unrealistic revenue projections that created this financial dilemma we are in. But there is a reason for why he did what he did. Now that we are in this crisis he can appear to be fiscally responsible by making all these drastic cuts in an attempt to minimize this revenue shortfall "cuts by the way which will never be enough to offset the shortfall". Having made all these cuts he can then declare call for a state income tax citing that we have no other choice as all possible cuts have been made! What better way to push through an income tax and appear to be fiscally responsible. Now that gasoline prices have fallen they are also proposing an increase tax on gas. Why do you suppose there was a revenue shortfall regarding revenue derived from gas taxes in the first place? Because of high prices at the pumps people were driving less! These low prices are not going to last and we will see spikes in the cost of gas again only this time it will be even more expensive. Had our Governor taken a conservative approach in revenue projections we would not be in the mess we find ourselves in now. Someone should remind our governor our state motto is (Live Free or Die) not Tax me or die!
- Rob, Manchester
" ... governor should roll back the 17.5 ... "
Too bad people are still confused - and no doubt some are deliberately trying to confuse others - over this.
Most of the so-called 17.5 % increase was not discretionary, but committed to by previous (i.e. Republican) legislatures. Additionally, part of the increase was not an actual increase in overall spending, but a change in accounting, to actually make some previously hidden spending more transparent to the public.
The Governor is doing exactly what he said he'd do during the campaign. Too bad some folks are more interested in partisan attacks than in the good of the state.
I'd like to add a special note of respect for Rep Kurk, who has the integrity to give credit where it is due.
- tom, Candia
"You Republicans are too much." This has been THE theme of the Democrats in this state for the last two and a half years. Deflect out of control state spending by the Democrat controlled NH state legislature on the national economy. Bush had nothing to do with this state's Democrats spending spree over the last two years, NOTHING. The Democrats in this state can ride those coat tails for only so long. But hey, Keep sugar coating that NH Democrat lie. You must be very happy right now.
- Brian, Hampton
Well I am not shocked or surprised. Again HHS is slam dunked on funding. With healthcare and unemployment on the rise this will have a devastating affect. The NH Cancer Plan losing the remaining $750,000 means that more than 500 needed colon and breast cancer screenings will not happen for those in need of the screening. Cancer is on the rise in NH and many will lose the battle. Now my sister who is employed working TWO fulltime jobs and neither employer has health care coverage will go without much needed screening. I agree with the concept and benefits of casinos. And for those with a one sided opinion and want to complain about gambling addiction will be on the rise, don't forget about the addiction to prescription drugs, liquer, cigarettes, etc.
Norma Jean
American Cancer Society Advocate
Cancer Survivor
- Norma Gecks, Derry
You republicans are just too much. I used to be like you but was able to figure out that spending billions of dollars a month on a war that has done nothing but make Dick Cheney & the rest of BushCo ever "richer" instead of using the cash to help its own citizens is asinine. You lost, get over it. Your trickle down days are done and gone...thankfully!
- Ed, Manchester
And I'm sure he will still be raising our taxes...AGAIN!
- Chris King, Manchester NH
Too little, too late. The governor should roll back the 17.5 percent hike in spending he and the liberal Democratic legislature pushed through in the last two years, and this is just bill is a small part of that orgy of spending.
- Michael, Manchester
Care should be taken not to cut in the areas of law enforcement, investigators OT, CSI, forensic lab testing, prisons, prosecution and the entire judicial system as Crime has been on the steady increase and will like continue to rise sharply in these financially strapping times.
- Tony S., Concord, NH
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"Lynch: 'No Sales or Income Tax'"
Concord, New Hampshire - January 9, 2009
During his inaugural address, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch says although the state is facing a $100 million shortfall, there is no reason to implement a sales or income tax.
Instead, Lynch emphasized the need to examine every area of spending. The Governor will include public works projects in the capital spending plan that can start quickly and get people back to work.
He also urged expansion of a job training program started two years ago.
Source: www.wcax.com
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Supreme Court Chief Justice John Broderick congratulates Gov. John Lynch after swearing him in as governor for a third term as Dr. Susan Lynch looks on. (BOB LAPREE)
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"Lynch: Time to get tough"
By TOM FAHEY, State House Bureau Chief, Friday, Jan. 9, 2009
CONCORD – Gov. John Lynch took the oath of office for a third time yesterday and headed into what will be the most difficult of his years as the state's chief executive.
"Let me be very clear," Lynch said in his inaugural speech. "We face a budget challenge of unprecedented dimensions." Lynch, 56, appeared in Representatives Hall to take the oath from Chief Justice John T. Broderick of the New Hampshire Supreme Court before a crowd of cheering supporters and officials.
Lynch promised to work across party lines to find solutions to fiscal problems, and said he plans to keep the state free of a sales or income tax. He called for quick action at the national level for an economic stimulus to lift the economy out of its historic slump.
Despite a global economic downturn and a looming budget deficit estimated at a half-billion dollars by 2011, Lynch said: "My faith in our ability to work together and my belief in the spirit of the people of New Hampshire give me optimism about our future."
Lynch referred to last month's ice storm as a reminder of the strength and cooperation the state can muster when times demand. He said his budget work will be guided by four key roles for government -- protect public safety, help the weakest among society, educate its children and preserve quality of life.
But the economic prospects mean tough choices are ahead, Lynch said.
"We will have to examine every area of spending, look at every program and say 'no' more often than we would like," he said. "We won't be able to do everything we want to, or even everything we should do as a state."
But he noted the state has made ends meet in the past without sales or income taxes, "and we will continue to do it that way."
Despite the difficulties, he urged calm and dedication to solving the problem in a bipartisan way.
"We must have confidence in our ability to seek common sense solutions to uncommon problems, to employ calm in the face of fear, and to assert the certainty of our core values in these uncertain times," Lynch said.
He added that the state needs to be careful not to make mistakes that will compound themselves over time.
"These tough times will not last forever. If we act wisely now, we can meet our responsibilities, honor our core values and still prepare New Hampshire for the future," he said. "History will define this moment as one of unprecedented challenges. Let us define this moment in our history as one of cooperation of courage and of action."
Lynch proposed two ideas aimed at boosting the economy.
He proposed a Green Jobs Initiative, which will put people to work weatherizing homes, improve the energy efficiency of public buildings, train new workers for energy-sector jobs and offer low-interest loans for businesses investing in energy efficiency equipment.
The program would be funded by money that comes from auction of pollution credits under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
He also proposed expansion of the Job Training Fund, which has helped 3,000 workers at 70 businesses through grants each business must match with private funds. He wants to open up the program to the unemployed.
Republican critics said after Lynch's speech that he and other Democrats set the stage for difficult times by spending too liberally in the past.
Former Gov. John Sununu, the lone candidate for chairmanship of the state Republican Party, said: "We've been on this slippery slope for 10 years now, of overspending the budget, building up spending momentum and making it harder and harder each year for New Hampshire to be fiscally responsible."
Rep. Anthony Renzullo, R-Hudson, said Republicans are ready to help Lynch, "if he wants to do that hard thing, which is cutting spending. But not on raising taxes."
State Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley said Republicans are more interested in criticizing than coming up with solutions.
"I think it's interesting that once again their House and Senate leadership refuse to offer an alternative," he said.
"I think the governor set the right tone, and it's easy to understand why the people of New Hampshire connect so well with him," Buckley said. "He gave a somber but optimistic message: We'll get through this together, but it going to be tough."
Senate President Sylvia Larsen, D-Concord, said the speech helped prepare the public for what's ahead.
"I think we need to get the public ready to understand how big the cuts will be," Larsen said. She added that she is confident, "essential services will be met."
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Readers' COMMENTS:
The department heads of state agencies were the drunken sailors spending our money. They all needed to be replaced, and slowly but surely that has happened, although there are still a few dinosaurs on Hazen Drive. We need to find new ways to generate revenue, such as allowing individuals to pay a fee to use their own digital photograph for their drivers license, Manchester Monarch license plates, raise prices at the liquor stores, increase fees for court filings, make hunting and fishing licenses good for five years like a drivers license. The revenue created now by these types of actions will allow us to make it through these tough times. As for those of you who love to bash Lynch, take a look at what Benson spent during his short time in office. I would also remind Mr. Sununu that when he and President Reagan took office this country was the largest creditor nation in the world, but when they left we were the largest debtor nation in the world...Nice work senior!
- Tim, Enfield
Can anyone imagine if they had not passed the whopping $475 million spending increases?!?!?! We would be only facing a $25 million deficit and I am sure they would be able to find that amount in belt tightening. To bad they spent us into this mess, we would be sitting pretty comfortable compared to the other states right now.
Here's a suggestion Mr. Buckley: Get the Budget back to the numbers it was operating at BEFORE your party (Democrats) passed the huge spending increases. Ooops, wouldn't that be a novelty.
- Mike, Nottingham
Time to get tough?! LOL.
The time to get tough was BEFORE the 17.5% budget increase.
Governor, as always, you are a day late and some number of millions of dollars short.
- Mark, Amherst
Here's an idea... how about we enforce driving laws and ticket the bad guys instead of letting them off with warnings? How about ticketing people who aren't clearing snow off their vehicles and license plates? Corrupt monetary systems combined with lack of government competition lead to corrupt lazy local law enforcment agencies.
- saaby, Derry NH
42 of 50 states in the country are currently operating in a budget deficit. This isn't just a problem in NH.
- Matt, Merrimack
I'm concerned about the Governor's suggestion that we move $5 million from the HW Trust Fund. Art 6A of the NH Constitution (The Good Roads Amendment) Prohibits using Highway Funds for anything but Highways. Transferring these HW Funds to the General Fund is a violation of the Constitution, particularly when we need more investment in construction and repair of our Highway system.
- John, Croydon
Tough choices are ahead and Lynch is up to the task of dodging them. He got us into this mess and he'll get us in deeper.
- Rowland, Fremont
How long, exactly, will the "tough" times last? Let's not celebrate too wildly, though. There might not be a sales or income tax around the corner, but I'm sure the good governor and our representatives in Concord will soon discover more "creative" ways to get more money from us folks.
- Guy Plante, Manchester
The time to get tough was during last year's budget process. New Hampshire's time is running out. Johnny has put us in a position that New Hampshire has never been in and state government is ready to implode. Johnny dug his hole and now he has to climb out of it and look for help. Solution: I'll blame it on the national economy. Won't work this time. People are already looking for another Governor who can make tough decisions.
- Jack Truman, Middleton
The photo of Lynch shaking Broderick's hand was snapped 60 seconds too late. A better one would show him holding his hand up actually taking the oath. Because an oath is a solemn promise.
This oath, printed as read and said would remind citizens that our Constitution is the highest law in the State, and that Lynch has promised to uphold it. But otherwise, a very good article.
- Steve, Manch
Tough is getting Lynch to utter a single, declarative sentence that gives a firm, unwaverable stance on any position that he might be held accountable for at some point in time.
He is perhaps the master of general vague non-committal utterings without equivocation.
- RG, Manchester
haha Chris--- I agree wholeheartedly. He seems like a good guy and all, but when I read the headline "Lynch: Time To Get Tough" I lost my mind.
- Brian, Concord
Listening to Governor Lynch talk tough is like hearing Mr Rogers say "Go ahead, make my day".
- Chris, Merrimack
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"Lynch's big year: He must stand firm in 2009"
NH Union Leader, Editorial, Friday, Jan. 9, 2009
As Gov. John Lynch begins his third term, the state budget faces massive deficits, school funding remains unresolved, and the push is on for either a broadbased tax or the legalization of some sort of casino gambling. It is safe to say that this is the year everything comes to a head for the governor first elected in 2004 to wisely and frugally manage state finances.
Five years ago, Lynch campaigned as a savvy business manager. The voters expected him to apply the same discipline he used in turning around furniture maker Knoll, Inc. He didn't. Now, he must.
The current state budget raised general fund spending by 17.5 percent, or $475 million. Lynch has spent much of the past year trying to undo that disaster. Late last year, he finally issued executive orders cutting a range of unnecessary spending and mandating efficiencies in state operations. It was not enough.
The state needs immediate and large changes in spending. The governor, who has always been capable of presenting lean budgets, now has to deliver. If he doesn't, legislators will find a new revenue source that will forever change this great state. Unfortunately, even the gloomy tone of yesterday's inaugural speech failed to prove that he will now take a firmer stand.
Gov. Lynch is sharp and capable. He has lacked only the will to make the political enemies that tough budget decisions require. He has to show that courage this year, or we are seeing the last of the New Hampshire Advantage and all of its benefits.
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Readers' COMMENTS:
I wish we could see the last of John Lynch and the 'death by a thousand cuts' freedom-robbing legislature-- they even have a bill in to control you every time you sneeze.
It is shameful, but they are gearing up for the taxpayer revolt and have put in HB0072 to try to STOP PRIVATE VOTING. What is wrong with people that they accept this? It's dictatorial and undemocratic!
- Sue, Manchester
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KEN WILLIAMS / Concord Monitor staff
Gov. John Lynch addresses lawmakers at his inauguration yesterday. “Let me be clear: We face a budget challenge of unprecedented dimensions. The next budget cannot be balanced by tweaks and minor adjustments,” he said.
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"Budget problem 'unprecedented': Governor delivers address amid growing fiscal crisis"
By LAUREN R. DORGAN, Concord Monitor staff, January 09, 2009
Gov. John Lynch struck a stark tone in his third inaugural address yesterday, telling the assembled crowd of lawmakers and dignitaries that recession has brought the country to a "critical juncture" and that the state of New Hampshire now faces a "budget challenge of unprecedented dimensions."
Although Lynch peppered his speech with praise for New Hampshire's people and expressions of optimism for the future, the tone was largely grim, as the governor underlined the growing budget crisis that veteran lawmakers have described as the worst they've seen.
"Let me be clear: We face a budget challenge of unprecedented dimensions. The next budget cannot be balanced by tweaks and minor adjustments. This problem will not be solved by closing our eyes in hopes it will go away, and there is no magical pot of gold at the end of a mythical rainbow," he said.
Despite $150 million worth of cuts and late-added revenue, the state's current budget still has a $100 million hole. The 2010-11 budget is expected to be worse. If promises are kept and services maintained at current levels, analysts have estimated, lawmakers may need to find as much as $500 million in new revenue.
To address the budget crisis, Lynch said yesterday, lawmakers "will have to say 'no' more often than we would like" and will have to defer worthy programs for better times.
He added: "We will not be able to do everything we want to or even everything we should do as a state."
Lynch took the oath of office from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Broderick, who oversees a judicial branch that, starting in mid-February, will cancel a month's worth of jury trials as a money-saving measure. Broderick told the Monitor last month that he feared that if his branch is forced to cut its budget to 97 percent of this year's trimmed budget, "I don't think we can run the justice system."
Lynch, 56, a centrist Democrat and former businessman from Hopkinton who has twice been re-elected with 70 percent of the vote, didn't delve into detail on where he would say "no"; he will roll out a more detailed plan during his budget address next month.
He did, however, repeat his promise to steer clear of an income or sales tax, a pledge he's taken during each of his three campaigns for governor. Yesterday, the promise inspired a lopsided ovation in Representatives Hall, with Republican lawmakers on the right side of the room standing and many Democrats on the left side holding their seats.
The speech contained few new promises or programs.
Among the bigger plans: Lynch proposed creating a "Green Jobs Initiative" using some of the $20 million to $30 million that the state already expects to get from utility companies through two new environmental programs, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the Renewable Energy Fund. He sketched out a picture of carpenters, electricians and plumbers working to weatherize homes; of state and municipal buildings receiving energy-efficiency upgrades; and of the state training workers in new skills needed in green industries. He also proposed creating a "low-interest revolving loan fund" to help small businesses bolster their energy efficiency and convert to renewable energy.
Lynch also urged the Legislature to expand the state's job-training fund to help the unemployed, although he didn't set any targets.
Looking to Washington, Lynch urged Congress to speed along an economic stimulus package promised by President-elect Barack Obama, a roughly $800 billion effort to defibrillate the national economy that is expected to include significant aid to states, many of which are in worse straits than New Hampshire. Lynch said federal money should go to infrastructure repairs and to bolstering the nation's "safety net for America's most vulnerable citizens."
After the address, former governor John Sununu, who is running for chairman of the state Republican Party, criticized Lynch's speech as short on solutions.
"I was a little surprised and somewhat disappointed to hear that the cornerstone of our strategy to deal with the huge deficit we're facing seems to be that we'll wait for the bailout from Washington," Sununu said.
Sununu also criticized Democrats for their response to Lynch's tax pledge, saying he was "extremely disappointed to see a very significant number of Democrats in the House and Senate" staying in their seats.
Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley said the governor's budget address is yet to come, and he batted aside Sununu's criticism of his party on taxes, saying that while Democrats have been divided, "John Lynch has taken that issue off the table."
Legislative Republicans were muted in response, saying they agreed generally with Lynch's call for fiscal discipline but, as Senate Minority Leader Peter Bragdon put it, "the proof is in the pudding."
Bragdon, of Milford, said he feared Lynch had left the door open to tapping the state's $89 million rainy day fund to balance the budget. That, Bragdon said, would be shortsighted.
"It's drizzling now compared to what it's going to be doing in the next two years," he said.
One issue Lynch barely touched: his old push for a constitutional amendment on education funding, an effort that has failed in the House for the past two years.
In his last inaugural address, Lynch made a signature issue of an amendment. Education-funding amendments generally aim to restrict the role of courts in the education-funding debate while potentially allowing lawmakers to target aid to needy communities instead of having to send every community a base amount to underwrite an adequate education for every child, as the state Supreme Court has said New Hampshire must do.
Yesterday, Lynch said that he still believes in targeting aid but that he recognizes there has not been "a consensus in the Legislature." As for an amendment, he said, "discussion will continue," even as lawmakers push ahead with the court-appointed process to define, cost out and fund an adequate education.
Afterward, Senate President Sylvia Larsen said lawmakers have much to do, which pushes an education-funding amendment down the priority list.
"He recognized that this isn't the year we're going to do it," the Concord Democrat said.
Larsen praised the Green Jobs idea and called the address "forward-thinking." As for cuts, she said, it's too soon to say which programs will be pared or ended, although she said everything but essential human services and public safety could be on the chopping block.
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"Pay raise - and friendship - intact: State employee says of Lynch: 'I love him'"
By LAUREN R. DORGAN, Concord Monitor staff, January 09, 2009
What's a little pay raise disagreement between friends? Yesterday morning, as Gov. John Lynch hosted the traditional preinaugural celebration for state workers, they celebrated him right back.
"I'm excited for a third term," said Sara Swaski, who works for the Department of Health and Human Services. "I think we've got it good."
"I love him. I love him," said Lynn West, who works for the Postsecondary Education Commission. "I just think he's the nicest person."
"Working for a guy like John Lynch makes it all kind of worth it," said Danny Caudle, who works for the Department of Administrative Services.
Lynch's attempt to push the State Employees' Association to give up its long-awaited 5.5 percent pay raise at the beginning of 2009 didn't appear to faze Lynch's fans among state workers. Of course, it didn't hurt that union leadership has so far rebuffed Lynch's request to revote the contract and that workers are now getting the raise.
"I think we passed that," West said. "I don't think it's even an issue at this point."
State workers crowded into the New Hampshire Historical Society to dine on frittatas, Stonyfield Farm yogurt, melon slices and Lindt truffles as a smooth-jazz band churned out such retooled rock classics as "And I Love Her," "Fever" and "Folsom Prison."
Meanwhile, a steady stream of employees lined up behind a blue rope to shake Lynch's hand and pose for pictures with the Democrat and his wife, Susan. Among those who mugged for a shot with the governor: the SEA leadership team.
SEA President Gary Smith pointed to lines down the hallway, saying his members support the governor "wholeheartedly." Still, yesterday didn't compare to the crowds four years ago. That year, Lynch took power from former Republican governor Craig Benson, who frequently knocked heads with state employees.
That party, Smith said, was a "liberation celebration."
"When he first got elected, it was out the door, down the road, round the block," Smith said.
State workers said they recognized the toll the economy has taken on the state and its budget, so they weren't too surprised at Lynch's request that they defer their raises. But, several workers said, they needed the raise, particularly given that it was paired with an increase in health care costs.
Many said the state's real problem is that it doesn't bring in enough money, and a few suggested an income or sales tax, something Lynch has vowed to veto.
"It's my own personal feeling that they don't have a spending problem in New Hampshire, we have a revenue problem," said Diane Bechtler, who works for Health and Human Services.
"I think the real problem in New Hampshire is revenue, not expenditure," West said.
But, she said, she has faith in Lynch. "I just think he's going to figure it out," she said.
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"Lynch to Legislature: You Figure It Out"
By James W. Pindell, Politicker.com Editor
CONCORD -- Gov. John Lynch, after being sworn into his position for the third time today, spoke in his inaugural address about large budget deficits and the tough economic picture ahead. And while he holds the most political clout than any New Hampshire governor of a generation, he basically went did the equivalent of a shrug of the shoulders and a "have a nice time figuring it out, just don't spend too much" to the Democratic majority legislature looking for a direction and some cover.
His speech was "long on platitudes and short on substance" according to one Republican critic, Hooksett State Rep. David Hess. But, as State President Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord) suggested, this speech isn't the time for the specifics.
"This speech was not meant as much for the Legislature as it is for the state-wide audience who aren't paying as much attention," said Larsen.
Even if the right somber tone was struck, many legislators, including Democrats, wondered what it was exactly that Lynch was asking for.
"My constituents love him, and I deeply respect his judgement, so just lead me down and path and I will follow," said one Democratic state representative, who asked not to be named because of his relationship with the governor's office. "This is the most frustrating part of him being governor. The guessing."
It is probably fair to say that the economic times -- and the looming $150 million deficit -- does not allow governors to be proposing bold new initiatives or programs. It is the reason, Lynch said, that he didn't propose a single new initiative while running for governor last year. But for all that was said in the speech there was all that wasn't said. There was no plan for how the state could deal better with natural disasters, no roadmap as to what to cut out of the budget or what taxes to raise. The hot question of whether or not to expand gambling wasn't even addressed. (There was so debate as to whether the line "There is no magical pot of gold at the end of a mythical rainbow" was a reference to opposing gambling. Lynch spokesman Colin Manning said it was not.)
State Sen. Lou D'Allesandro (D-Manhcester), a gambling proponent, said he wasn't sure if anything could be read in a non-mention of the issue.
Former Gov. John H. Sununu, who is expected to become the state Republican Chair this month, said Lynch's only approach to fixing the deficit problems appeared to be "wait for the federal government to bail us out."
Senate Majority Leader Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter) objected to the idea that a full roadmap needed to be laid out as lawmakers figure out their options.
"What he did is respect the constitution because he understands that there are three branches of government and it is the legislature's job to have a say in this," said Hassan.
Though when she begins to carry the water and begin defending cuts of popular programs it will be her name in the paper, the rising star politician, and not the already popular politician John Lynch.
Just the way he wants it.
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James W. Pindell is a Politicker.com Editor and can be reached via email at james.pindell@politicker.com.
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"Let me be very clear. We face a budget challenge of unprecedented dimensions."
- Governor John Lynch, in his inauguration day remarks in Representatives Hall.
Source: New Hampshire Sunday News: Union Leader, Sunday, January 11, 2009, Vol. 63, No. 14, New Hampshire News, Page B3, "They Said It".
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"State House Dome: Lynch says NH still $75m in the red after cuts"
By TOM FAHEY, State House Bureau Chief, NH Union Leader, Sunday, January 11, 2009
THE NEXT big step in cutting this year's deficit comes Tuesday, when House hearings open on Gov. John Lynch's move to trim $15 million as quickly as possible.
Even at legislative light speed, this could take awhile. The bill is scheduled to go before the full House on Jan. 28, then start in the Senate.
The big money it would produce comes from $5 million in the highway fund as repayment for an infusion of general-fund dollars in 2007; $4 million in training funds for police and fire recruits; $1 million from teachers licensing fees, roughly $2.5 million in Medicaid savings and about $1.1 million from the legislative and judicial branch accounts. After all that, we'll still be $75 million in the hole by Lynch's best estimates.
House Finance Committee chair Marjorie Smith said the exact dollars in the bill haven't been pinned down yet because of the vagaries in government accounting. The hearings will lead to some refinement, she said.
The Medicaid money will come through a change in law that will block hospitals from charging premium fees on bills for doctors' practices they own. They collect a higher payment than non-hospital doctors get, plus an extra fee called a "facilities charge." Former Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen pushed hard to get this change two years ago, but lawmakers balked. The plan has been on hold ever since.
State Medicaid director Katie Dunn said that federal rules changed last month, so the state can now just lock in what already has been cleared in Washington.
"This particular change is pretty much verbatim from federal language," Dunn said.
National Education Association president Rhonda Wesolowski was surprised that the Department of Education has $1 million in teacher license fees to hand over.
"When they raised our fees, they told us they absolutely needed that money for us to renew our certificates because it would go to support the credentialing department," she said.
Judy Fillion, director or program support at the Department of Education, said the fund has more than $2 million in it now. The account swells in the fall when teachers pay their fees. Credentialing, postage, training programs and reviews get paid out of the fund as the year goes on, she said.
Education Commissioner Lyonel Tracy said he was assured that this is a one-time deal, and not a policy change for how the money is used from now on.
Lynch's team also may have found an extra $3 million across all state agencies, in unused salary and benefits money. Administrative Services Commissioner Linda Hodgdon told the Executive Council Thursday that the job freeze Lynch put in place was supposed to save about $8 million.
"It looks like we're on target for $11 million now," she said. Hodgdon needed council permission to sweep those accounts quickly.
"We don't want to leave any money in agency accounts and give them time to spend it," she said.
Permission granted.
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DEAN OF THE COUNCIL: Lynch announced at the brief meeting that Executive Councilor Raymond Burton is now the longest-serving person to hold that post in state history. At the conclusion of his term, Burton will have been in office for 32 years.
Lynch said he plans a formal recognition for Burton at a meeting that will be more heavily attended than the 20-minute affair that followed the inauguration reception.
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WHERE'S THE BEEF?: Lynch's inauguration speech touched on a lot of issues, but did not delve into much detail.
That had some listeners frustrated because they were looking for hints on what direction the next budget will take. They'll have to come back next month for his budget speech.
Things that Lynch mentioned but didn't spend much time on could provide a glimpse into future headlines.
He took a swing at electric companies over performance during the ice-out of electric service last month.
"We must thoroughly review the utilities preparedness and communications," he said.
He plans to tap revenue from the auction of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative pollution credits to pay for upgrading public buildings for better energy efficiency and for job training for weatherization workers. During budget hearings, some worried the RGGI funds would be tapped to balance the budget.
Lynch's plan for the money creates jobs for workers like electricians, carpenters and plumbers at a time when housing starts are in a nose dive.
Then there were the unspecified programs that will have to be deferred to better times.
A few eyes in the hall, especially among Democrats widened when Lynch said, "We won't be able to do everything we want to, or even everything we should do as a state." As for the kinds of cuts, they won't be a series of little nicks, Lynch said.
"This next budget cannot be balanced by tweaks and minor adjustments, "¦ there is no magical pot of gold at the end of a mythical rainbow."
Lynch painted a somber tone, but managed to bring the audience to its feet a dozen times in 25 minutes. Not all the excitement was about issues. In fact, the first four ovations were for, in order, his wife, Dr. Susan Lynch; men and women in the military; electric utility workers; and volunteers who helped during last month's ice storm.
Lynch didn't do too much bragging. Where many observers expected some sort of list of accomplishments over the past four years, Lynch summed it all up in about six or seven quick sentences. He covered education, job creation and tax credits in 11 words. Air and water quality and LCHIP got 10 words combined.
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SUNUNU ATTACK CASH: Democrats were upset that former Gov. John H. Sununu, unopposed in a bid to be Republican Party chair, went on the attack right after Lynch's speech. But they made the most of it.
New Hampshire Democratic Party executive director Mike Brunelle said he sent an e-mail out Thursday night criticizing Sununu for criticizing Lynch.
Brunelle said the e-mail raised $3,000 in 12 hours.
"We didn't know John H. Sununu would be so helpful in our fund-raising efforts," Brunelle said. He didn't really answer when we asked if he'd invite Sununu to Lynch's budget address next month.
Sununu stumbled twice Thursday over Lynch's initiative to raise the mandatory school attendance age to 18. For one, he didn't know the measure is already law. Secondly, he said he hoped it would pass, apparently unaware that his party opposed it as an unfunded mandate during debates in both the House and Senate.
Republicans had argued that local schools would be saddled with the double cost of hiring more teachers to handle unruly 17-year olds who'd rather be anywhere but school, and of alternative programs for them.
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LOW-DIGIT VANITY: Rep. Phil Preston has come up with a way to get a quick quarter million dollars. He wants to treat low-digit license plates like vanity plates. Every year, holders of the plates with four or fewer digits would fork over $25, just like every other vanity plate holder.
"It's not going to solve the problem, but every little crumb will help," Preston said.
These low-number plates used to go only to the well-connected. Under Safety Commissioner John Barthelmes, those who want the plates make an application. The numbers are awarded as they become available, and go to those with records of community or other service.
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PAYCHECK CASHING CATCH: Sen. Ted Gatsas is pushing a bill that would block banks from charging workers a fee to cash their paychecks, even if the check came from that bank.
Gatsas said labor law requires the employer to cover the fee on a payroll check. One constituent complained the fee was $6 for a single paycheck.
Gatsas expects push back from the banks, but said he thinks its unfair that a bank can charge a fee to honor its own paper.
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Tom Fahey is State House bureau chief of the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News.
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Readers' COMMENTS:
State House Dome: Lynch says NH still $75m in the red after cuts.
That means that the govenrment is not done cutting. They still need to cut another 75 million dollars.
- John Krats, Manchester, New Hampshire
HB71, HB72, HB53, HB114 ALL BAD BILLS including the one to raise the fee on car tags.
These Democrats are out of their MINDS. A few calling themselves Rs too, like the infamous Ms Betsy Patten who is trying to take away our right to vote at town meetings in private.
This is criminal!
mike talk about belligerant and ultra-partisan, have you ever been harrassed by Buckley and Sullivan?
This state is quickly accepting Marxism as its basic way of doing things. Lynch should resign for the mess he's made and take Lyonel with him.
- Sue, Manchester
Vagaries in government accounting, millions of dollars lying around, unused. Nice work, Democrats!
Keep cutting.
- Tom, Campton
Lynch always strikes me as someone who would make a great governor of Massachusetts.
Oh and Lynch said his team might have found "$3 million across all state agencies, in unused salary and benefits money.".
I didn't realize losing $3 million was so easy...and this man is suppose to be our governor who's finger is on the pulse of NH?!?!?!
- Mike, Epping
End entitlement programs. If someone wants to live for handouts instead of trying to work, they can move to Mass, it's right over the border.
That'd solve multiple problems at the same time.
- Jeff, Bedford
Steve, you have hit upon something.
Watching attend each disaster (floods, tornado, etc.) is what the news people cover. And, unfortunately hat is what a majority of voters see and hear.
The majority remain unwilling to dissect the real John Lynch (Teflon governor).
We know what he has done to affect our fiscal matters by increasing spending 17.5% - and now looks like a hero because he is "cutting". Keeping young people in school until age 18 - attacking home schooling and charter schools are favors to the NH NEA.
Parents right have been under attack for Lynch's 4 years.
Our NH conservative culture has changed - and not for the better!
But then Steve, you and I see the reality of his tenure.
bnyoung@metrocast.net
- Niel Young, Laconia
Simply put, Gov. Sununu has never led us down the road to double digit deficits that Lynch proudly touts this past week as successful. Look for more blow hard statements from the Democratic Party as they celebrate their victories from 08 and ignore New Hampshire's spending crisis.
- Roger, Manchester
Sununu created the Augenblick plan then he, and his cohorts refused to fund it, result, Claremont I and the ever continuing mess. He's the best thing that could happen to the democratic party, he's uninformed, beligerant and ultra-partisan, just the formula that wrecked the last 8 years!
- mike, bedford
Sununu's extremely successful record as three term governor and his prescient hardline stand on the Augenblick 'Plan' more than makes up for minor disagreements like mandatory attendence for 18 year olds. Lynch subjected homeschoolers to State Control last term, but no peep about that. He also intimidated charter schools by withholding their 'Claremont' funding. He knows his power and how to use it.
By keeping education as the main topic, we can finally have the true, honest, and overdue debate that this time includes citizens -- unlike the controlled ones that led to the unfortunate court decisions.
- Steve, Manch
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"State official: Social services in NH must be overhauled"
Friday January 16, 2009, CONCORD, N.H. (AP), www.vpr.net
Health and Human Services Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas says social services must be overhauled in New Hampshire.
Toumpas told House lawmakers his department can't do business as usual given the lack of money for state programs. Toumpas calculates his agency needs $200 million more than in a pared-back budget Governor John Lynch asked him to prepare. Toumpas says now is a good time to re-examine the department's functions and all the services it provides anyway.
He says the $200 million gap can't be closed with tweaks. He says it will mean cutting some services. Toumpas says it is too early to know what services will be cut but that people should be ready for changes.
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"Gov. Lynch: The next state budget can't be balanced without layoffs"
By TOM FAHEY, State House Bureau Chief, The NH Union Leader, 1/29/2009
Concord – Layoffs among state workers will be unavoidable in the next two years if the state’s next budget is going to be balanced, Gov. John Lynch said this morning.
Lynch said he has been meeting six days a week with department heads across state government to find programs that are no longer necessary or can be combined with others. As those programs are cut or consolidated, some workers will lose their jobs, he said.
While he said he has not talked about any across-the-board layoffs, he said they must come as part of cost-saving moves for fiscal 2010 and 2011.
“Some layoffs are unavoidable, particularly as we look to eliminate programs,” he said.Estimates are that state revenues will be $500 million short of what is needed to fund government operations over the next two years.
Lynch said he has focused entirely on costs and ways to manage it more efficiently. He said has not begun looking at tax policies for extra revenue.
Lynch said cuts in other programs such as school building aid, revenue sharing with cities and towns, and environmental grants are all being examined closely. He said he would not try to cut adequate education grants to local school districts. There are also moves to find savings in the corrections system and increase net income from state liquor sales.
As he considers where to cut, Lynch said he’ll be sensitive to the impact on property tax payers and try to avoid shifting more costs onto them.
Lynch also said he is creating an office of economic stimulus to handle federal stimulus grants, and had tapped Deputy Attorney General Bud Fitch to head it.
Lynch said he still needs to be convinced that gambling is a healthy option for the state, and that social costs it brings will not hurt the state’s quality of life.
Lynch plans to present a balanced budget proposal to the Legislature on Feb. 12, 2009.
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Readers' COMMENTS:
I agree on the Casino idea. Not only will it help the state and town budgets but can truly bring a boost to a community such as Berlin or the surrounding area that has been hit hard. Our state is already a high tourist dependant state and this will only help!
- Jeff, Litchfield
Economy has tanked, large revenue shortfalls and too many additional state funded programs. Residents have themselves to blame. Wanted 'change', you got it.
- Mike, Merrimack
Let's face it, it takes about 5 NH state employees to do the work of 1 private sector employee. They get full medical for themselves and every member of their families, they get 5.5% raises while us private workers deal with cutbacks. Just look at the Vet Home down the street, 200 Vets, 400 employees, seriously, you need 2 employees for each patient? Insane. Guy running that place gets 100k plus and his state car and his gas and whatever else.
Not to many of us in the private sector getting 100% medical for the entire family, how about state employees pay their fair share like the rest of us.
Lynch doesn't know what he's doing but he keeps smiling and getting re-elected. The state employee union singlehandedly chased Benson out... Hmmm, I wonder why.
- Bill, Tilton
Let's cut Umile's salary. Why should a hockey coach have the highest salary as a state employee?
- Skip Poundstone, Bedford
You know when management does a lay off they will lay off the employees that actually do the work. Managment is not going to lay themselves off. Managements is the ones sitting in their big offices just socializing all day and the poor low paid employee is hard at work at their desks. All a lay off is going to accomplish is lay off the low paid employee and cause longer lines at motor vehicles or unemployment.
Maybe we should lay off all the police, fire, and snow plows and all you complaining babies can protect your own homes for armed men, or from fires and you can shovel your own way to work. Yeah lets do that!!! Lets be real, the governorment has no choice but to things that no one else wants to do.
- Jim, Hudson
A casino might bring in jobs. But it will destroy the lifestyle of whatever community it is placed next to or in. Say goodbye to Bedford Falls, hello Pottersville.
Don't think I'm joking either. The people who used to live in quite communities near Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods now have to put up with drunks parking in their driveways, urinating and defecating on their lawns, trash of all kinds thrown in their yards, and pennyless losers cruising for another fix.
Oh yeah, somebody will get rich off it. But it won't be the average Joe or Jane in NH.
- Michael D. Houst, Barrington, NH
Then I guess you're going to have to lay them off.
Don't hold the cut list close to your chest. Notify the people affected as early as possible so they can start seeking other jobs.
- Michael D. Houst, Barrington, NH
Lynch still can't do his job! He was supoosed to have the commissioners cut out all abuse of state vehicles in their departments...still not happening! Division Directors, Wardens.....the list goes on and on. Lynch was going to stop employees at the top from retiring from high paying jobs and still continue working part-time at the same rate...These folks are not even paing into the retirement system but are collecting brecause they are friends with the commissioners at their department...just look at HHS, Corrections, Safety, DOT etc. Lynch needs to hol the commissioners accountable this isn't happening and his spending has gone unchecked.
- John, Concord
Tim, Enfield, Gov. Lynch has been fully in charge of this state for four years. He is solely responsible for allowing a 17.5% spending increase in the last budget knowing full well that revenue was not going to support that increase. That it's somebody else's (federal gov) fault doesn't cut it, not then, not now; especially since the Democrats have been running Congress for the last four years, too...remember?
One way the State could save hundreds of millions would be to stop the what I call the "retirement entitlement game". Retirement annuity should be figured on base pay only, not base pay plus all the OT worked in the last three years of employment. Required years of service and age for retirement need to be increased. The whole retirement system needs to be revamped. The token changes made by the legislature last year were a joke.
All you talking about legalizing gambling -look at Conn, Ala, Miss, et.al. They bring in billions from gambling profits and they are still broke - even with Statewide property taxes, sales taxes and income taxes - you know why? Because they are all Democratically controlled and Democrats only know how to do one thing - tax and spend.
The last thing this State needs is more sources of revenue. The First thing this State needs to do is to DECREASE SPENDING.!
- sandy, thornton
State employee's will receive their 5.5% raise - and a 3% step increase. County and local goverment employees will lose their jobs. Thanks to Gov. Lynch and the 400+ inefficient - uneducated State Representatives who will then return to their County duties and cut cut cut - of course all after they cost shift to the County and in turn our local communities - of course they'll find a way to feel good about that - largely because they are so inefficient at their State roles - in the end REAL PEOPLE who need services will lose them when they get cut out of the County budgets. Great job folks.....
- Tim, Lincoln
Financial problems are almost always caused by mis-management and waste. A few years ago I was hired as a consultant to find out why one division of a company was losing while others were showing profits. Through re-organization and waste reduction I turned a 40K monthly loss into a 30K monthly profit in just 30 days. That is how obvious the waste usually is and everyone can see for themselves the mismanagement and waste in government. I reallly enjoyed turning that division around, I can only imagine how much joy there would be in showing any governing body their errant ways.
- Jackswebb, Hudson
Scott in Chichester.... Areas with casinos routinely have high crime rates. Casinos do equal jobs but they also equal crime. The solution is simple. Cut social services. Stop accepting boat loads of "refugees". We need to spend money on sensible things, cut the fat and pork out.
- Phil Hubbard, Northfield, NH
Obama will obviously send some money our way here in NH.
Just add "NH" to the ridiculous "stimulus" package. At least all GOP members had the backbone to vote NO on that one.
- John, Dover
why not really do the horse tax too bad the rep got calls to scare her if you can afford a horse you can well afford 25 fee
- henry, concord
Most state employees are paid less than fair market value, which is why many have the attitude that they only need to "put in their time".
Yes, there are some highly paid employees, but if you didn't pay legal staff over $100k per year, do you think anyone qualified would be willing to do those jobs?
Maybe it is time to get rid of the "closed shop" state employee union so managers can actually hold employees accountable to productivity during their work day. Imagine that: hard workers would be paid for their hard work, slackers would be the ones unemployed.
- JAC, Manchester
If "Layoffs among state workers will be unavoidable in the next two years if the state’s next budget is going to be balanced" so WHY did the governor give away $500,000 in raises (to the unclassified employees) which he had complete control to deny?
- Steve, Concord
Frank in Gilford.. YUP. Bumping rights screw the lower end employees and keep the high paid employed. Did any of you actually read the list of salaries and see how many pages up from the bottom you would have to flip to be able to support your family? But yes, the state employees are living the life of luxury with their fat paychecks... oh wait, thats about 5% of the population.
- Andrew, Franklin
DUH! This is what I have been saying all along. WE NEED SMALLER GOVERNMENT. Get rid of the 6 figure workers and replace them with new people at a lower rate and put the money "saved" back into the state where it belongs easing the burdens on the taxpayers.
Yes, that would be nice, but unfortunately, I don't think Lynch has the brains enough to save anything but his own hide.
Lets' hope this step is the first of many to help us out and not just a ploy to get re-elected.
- Pauline, Franklin
Gov. Lynch needs to think about gambling and if it will affect the NH quality of life. If he wants to see what has affectively deteriorated the quality of life in the state, he need only to look into a morror.
- Bob H, Londonderry
To Frank from Bethlehem. Why would the amount of property taxes paid drop? If everyone's property value deceased then the property tax rate must go up to support you school and town budget. If you don't like your property tax rate then move! Stop whing!
- Pete, Northern NH
To Frank in Gilford...How do you propose that they just "get rid of" a police Sgt. or someone else at the top of the pay scale? And as for laying off state employee's, I believe they have a "bump" system in which employee's with more years of service, if they get laid off, can bump out another employee in another office, department, etc., who has less years experience. If this is the case, and please correct me if I am wrong, this would only get rid of the lower pay workers and keep the higher paid "seasoned" worker's.
- Frank, Gilford
Personally, I'm ready to lay Gov. Lynch off!
- Ryan Johnson, Manchester, NH
New Hampshire should allow people to smoke in restaurants. This may help increase employment in many restaurants. This may save jobs in many restaurants. More people employed in restaurants the fewer people who may need food stamps and Medicaid. New Hampshire may obtain more rooms and meals tax revenues from many restaurants.
New Hampshire should allow casino gambling in many parts of the state. To help deal with addicts and crime, New Hampshire taxes the casinos, taxes winnings above a certain amount, and charges people a fee for entering the casinos. New Hampshire would also benefit from rooms and meals tax revenues from the casinos.
I think the rooms and meals tax should be 5 percent to increase the odds that people from New Hampshire and other states will visit our restaurants and hotels.
New Hampshire's state government and local government need to make it easier for small businesses to do business in New Hampshire by eliminating regulations that are not necessary, by eliminating laws that are not necessary, and by reducing many fees and paperwork.
- Ken Stremsky, Manchester, NH
Why don't we reassess the welfare system? We are spending all this money on some people (not all) that won't work, so that the people that do have jobs lose them?
We could also look at the justice system. How much do we have to pay to lock up Johnny Pothead? Instead, give a huge fine or garnish his wages. That is revenue right there! Don't give him a place to stay, meals, and health care.
A casino is not the answer. If it was, they wouldn't have laid off several hundred at Foxwoods. People can't afford to gamble. They may think they do, but they can't. You can watch the foreclosure rate increase.
- Beth, Raymond
To Tim in Enfield - you forget there was a little thing called a 17+% INCREASE in most recent 2-year budget that was 100% under Gov. Lynch's perview. If he did not get such a huge increase the amount of reductions needed would be smaller and maybe less painful.
- Mike, Derry, NH
I think your right some programs should be cut. Did you see the amount of people that made more than John Lynch? And he is responsible for the State. Get rid of the State Police Sargent making $160k per Year of the Correctional LT making $150
- Frank, Concord NH
Well how about starting with some of the employees on that "highest paid state employees" list that the UL posted last week!
Also, maybe the governor and some state reps should sacrifice his/their salaries that they get from the state as a sign of solidarity with many of us who are going without as well.
- Justin, Manchester
I have and Idea stop letting Police , fire
and other deptment retire in just 20 years with great pay and bennies. I don't know of any other companies that give that to there employee's,, Just lay off the dead wood in all of your departments and we would save a lot of money.. because there is a lot of dead wood thats been arround for a long time.
We see them on the streets and in the schools every day. just go into the state bldgs in concord and try to get something done or get info. WOW Scary!!
fight back middle class their after
your money again.
- -pete, deerfield
I have and Idea stop letting Police , fire
and other deptment retire in just 20 years with great pay and bennies. I don't know of any other companies that give that to there employee's,, Just lay off the dead wood in all of your departments and we would save a lot of money.. because there is a lot of dead wood thats been arround for a long time.
We see them on the streets and in the schools every day. just go into the state bldgs in concord and try to get something done or get info. WOW Scary!!
fight back middle class their after
your money again.
- -pete, deerfield
Bob,
I'm a state employee and make less than 30,000 a year. I am the majority. Just a little reality check.
- Mary, Concord, NH
Don't forget people, the State employees will be receiving their 5.5% raise in their checks tomorrow. And on top of that, a good majority of them will also be receiving a step increase of about 3.0%. Lynch's announcement today is his way at getting back at the Union because they would not consider giving back, delaying, or cutting the big raise. Basic Politics 101 folks.
- Mike, Dover
Hey Frank, buy a calculator.
If the budget is even the same and property values go down the tax rate needs to go up to collect the same amount of money.
That's the beauty of property taxes, you owe them even if you lose your income.
- Mike, Salem
I can't point a finger? Why not? Let's stop with the baloney, the private sector is getting killed, layoffs and layoffs.. and the state workers seem to think they have some "right" to a job for life doing about nothing.. Like "us", the state needs to cut back.. and then means people get let go, salaries are reduced, no more make work jobs. While doing th cutting, how about spending wisely, aka .. the cop details? Let some of the lower paid, soon to be let go state, country workers direct traffic at a reasonable rate..
- tom, manchester, nh
The governor followed unrealistic revenue projections despite numerous warnings, He didn't curb spending, and is now trying to look fiscally responsible by going through the motions of cutting to show that he is tying to manage this financial crisis that is really of his own making. NH will soon have a state income tax and gambling is on the horizon! Sigh...what ever happened to the republican state NH once was?
- Rob, Manchester
Cut police services and schools. Think of all the money we'd be saving if people were responsible for their own safety (wait they already are. Police for the most part are there to take pictures of a crime scene and ticket people), and the schools don't teach kids how to learn and think, they teach 'em to take tests and love their Uncle Sam.
- Jay, Manchester
We need to stop talking about how to funnel more money into schools and start working towards spending less. We spend astronomical sums on K-12 and have little to show for it.
Its time to end the union government monopoly in subsidized education. The Big Ed gravy train must be derailed before its too late. Restore parental education rights.
Start by getting rid of all of this "Educational Adequacy" nonsense, which is nothing more than a thinly veiled plan to centralize education spending at the state level.
- Jim Peschke, Croydon, NH
I agree with Scott in Chichester; bring in gambling. Have you ever been to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun? These places are in beautiful areas of Connecticut; places you feel safer than walking some streets in Manchester at night.
This state has to do something about increasing revenue -- there seems to be a disproportionate amount of attention energy regarding cutting spending. While there is probably fat to cut, how about government comes up with some outside-the-box thinking on revenue growth!
- Sean, Manchester
Why should state employees, otherwise known as Democrats be immune from layoffs?
When the Republicans ran the Legislature we had no deficits. Now we have a $500 million. The Democrats have run New Hampshire into the ground. Oh, that's right, they plan on passing the buck to Obama and the enlightened Marxists in Washington DC.
What's their plan? Print money until our economy is somewhere between that of Zimbabwe and Argentina. The electorate will rue the day they put all of these morons into office.
- John Krats, Manchester, New Hampshire
Wait, wait....I can fix the whole budget problem.....how about this......
How about all state workers use their own personal cars to travel back and forth from home to work and back home instead of using state owned vehicles and gas from state pumps?
Anybody put that thought to paper and pencil and figure out the savings yet? How about it, Union Leader...you up for the task? Bet this could be huge, maybe even tomorrow's headline!
- DM, Derry
If our government trims budgets thats great. We do have a flawed system of burden on homeowners. However cut too much and there may be irreparable damage, loss of very talented people. The state pays their people way under market value. What keeps people is the health care they are provided. How about we start letting convicted felons out ? or at least cut staffing levels to dangerous levels...! what are your thoughts on that ?
- Patrick, Conocrd
I expect an income tax within the next 5 years. Too bad, I remember a time when NH was a model of fiscal responsibility that most other states in the country were envious of...even during the rough times!
- Mike, Epping
Wow, what a concept. Living within our means. It's unfortunate that our fine Governor did not come to the same conclusion years ago before he and his Legislators strated spending our money like the Big Boys in Washington.
We the people are hurting, our town property taxes are killing us, our 401K's are in the dumper, and some of us our loosing our jobs faster than they can reposes our homes. When will the people who claim to work for us get the message, we are tapped out, the well is dry.
- Bob, Deerfield
I took a look at what we're paying employees in the state's judicial system and was amazed at the salaries that they're bringing in. Maybe it's time to replace some of those employees with professionals that can get by on less than $130,000 a year.
- Bob, Hillsborough
PSNH just raised its rates three times with more to come...What is next? I think casinos should be considered. That is how schools are funded in Michigan and it has been very successful. Anything you bring in will result in crime--no question.
- JT, Manchester
Then lay them off. Do they have some sort of sacred right to their jobs? Live within your means. Everyone else is doing it, except for the Government. It's time for the state to get with the program.
- MP, Hampton Falls
Property values throughout NH and across the country have dropped significantly. There should be a proportional drop in property taxes collected. If your property tax goes up this year perhaps it's time for a class action suit by all home owners in the state. Maybe then someone will pay attention.
- Frank Reeve, Bethlehem,NH
I'll tell you what: if my little town increases property taxes again (and they probably will) then you may start to see the village die. There are 2500+ residents and a minimal business base, yet the funding for the school is approaching college level. And not every resident in the village has kids. So why is the budget so high?
The state going to have to comply with the constitution and the supreme court. The govenor should look to leveraging ALL lottery earnings to go to school funding, and reduce the size of the HHS budget. I for one am tired of seeing illegal aliens and 'political asylum' people living better that Americans who actually work for a living and have paid into the system.
It's time America was for Americans, and not just a huge welfare office.
- john, goffstown
how about a casino? hhmmm... i love how the morons who think "casinos only bring in crime" can't back up their statements with true facts. ANYTHING brings in crime! put a mall in, brings in crime! bring a car dealership in... brings in crime! well, let's get rid of the population, that will COMPLETELY eradicate crime!
guess what? put in a casino... it creates jobs, with jobs those people will be less likely to commit a crime, especially for those who live in the northern part of the state who CONTINUALLY burn their houses down because... EGAD NO JOBS!
anyone notice this vicious circle? nope! too many stupid people on this planet to understand SIMPLE logic relating to simple economics.
- scott, chichester
No big surprise here...those of us in the private sector have been dealing with this reality for two years, and it is only getting worse. I don't want to hear any bashers of Gov. Lynch pointing fingers...there are a number of factors that have tanked the NH economy, and none of them were within his purview. If you must point fingers, then point them at your congressional delegation.
- Tim Lenihan, Enfield
You know the situation's desperate when they start talking about axing patronage jobs. That's their bread and butter!
Lynch is in a trap and he's mulling over whether to chew off his own leg.
- Rowland, Fremont
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"A challenging couple of weeks for governor: First Senate, then state budget mess"
By LAUREN R. DORGAN, Concord Monitor staff, OPINION, February 08, 2009
It was a seismic week in New Hampshire politics - U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg is leaving, Bonnie Newman's on her way to Washington, U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes is officially official in his race for Senate, and politicians new and old are looking at running for office.
This will be a huge week in New Hampshire policy, when Gov. John Lynch lays out his budget plan, showing exactly how bad he expects the next two years to be and what cuts he recommends.
It must have been a little strange to be Lynch last week, taking calls from would-be senators, Gregg himself and White House aides even while trying to settle on, say, the state Department of Cultural Resources budget. (I myself got an anonymous Texan caller suggesting Charlie Arlinghaus for the job and an e-mail telling me that former state senator Rick Russman could do it. No can do, fellas.)
Big coffees and even bigger boxes of budget paperwork were the order of the day in the governor's office last week.
And after word from Lynch that layoffs will be "unavoidable," state employees have had a worrisome time. The State Employees' Association girded employees in a newsletter last week, saying that it expects decisions about what's going to be cut to be worked on throughout the spring and the "likeliest announcements in mid-June."
Town Fair
Amid all the drama and uncertainty of the past week, it was something of a relief for New Hampshire to unite against common enemies: Massachusetts and taxes.
Lynch and Attorney General Kelly Ayotte jointly decried Massachusetts for trying to collect that state's 5 percent sales tax from Bay Staters who shop in New Hampshire's branches of Town Fair Tires, a Connecticut company that is taking its protest to Massachusetts's Supreme Judicial Court.
On Thursday, Ayotte filed an amicus brief with the court, com-
ing down on the side of Town Fair and state sovereignty. Lynch took the matter a step further on Friday, introducing a bill that would ban New Hampshire businesses from collecting taxes on behalf of Massachusetts. Senate Majority Leader Maggie Hassan of Exeter is sponsoring the bill.
"We need to send a clear message that Massachusetts and other states shall not impose their sales taxes on New Hampshire businesses," Lynch said in a statement.
Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta responded with a message of his own: Right on, and get in line. Guinta thanked Ayotte in a statement to the media (no word on how he feels about Lynch) and noted that he'd been spreading the word about Massachusetts's tax grab since Tuesday.
"As I stated in my letter earlier this week, it is imperative that policymakers at all levels of New Hampshire government decry this attack on our sovereign ability to regulate revenue," Guinta said in a release Friday. "I am glad that more officials have joined me in shedding light on this outrageous policy by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it is important that the state takes decisive action, and I thank AG Ayotte for doing exactly that."
Death penalty
On Tuesday, the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety committee will hold a day-long hearing on death penalty, starting at 10 a.m. and extending past 6 p.m.
Gipper awards
Erin Hass and Aaron Goulette will take home the 2009 Gipper Awards from the New Hampshire Young Republican Federation this week.
Hass, formerly the minority policy director in the state Senate, now works for the Dennehy-Bouley lobbying firm. Goulette has worked on Gordon Humphrey's 2002 Senate campaign, George W. Bush's 2004 presidential campaign and John McCain's campaign last year.
The reception will be held at the Upham-Walker House on Wednesday at noon. Guinta will speak and hand out the awards. Former congressional candidate Grant Bosse's bringing the food: Toothpick meats and jelly beans.
Now you know
The last time a governor willingly appointed a member of the other party to the Senate was in 1960, according to Betty Koed, assistant historian in the U.S. Senate. At that time, then-Oregon GOP governor Mark Hatfield appointed a former Supreme Court justice Hall Lusk to fill out the term of Richard Neuberger, who died in office.
A few states, Koed said, have laws requiring governors to pick senators of the same party as the senator they are replacing. We didn't count those in our tally.
Shaheen on Europe
New Hampshire's now-senior Sen. Jeanne Shaheen was named chairwoman of the Foreign Relations subcommittee on European Affairs, which watches over NATO, the European Union, Russia and more. Shaheen succeeds President Obama in this role.
Humane honor
The Humane Society of the United States will honor Hodes next week for his work helping the family of Newport Army Spc. Justin Rollins adopt the Iraqi puppy he cared for shortly before he was killed. The reception will be held on Tuesday.
At the same ceremony, the Humane Society will also hand out awards in its congressional photo contest, with awards including Barker of the House, Senate Pawjority Leader and Elder Statesdog.
DeJoie ride
Word got to us from a Very Reliable Source that Concord state Rep. John DeJoie is among those considering a run for Congress now that Hodes has made clear that he's running for Senate. DeJoie neither confirmed nor denied those reports.
"You know me," DeJoie said. "I'm a firefighter, and I'm an elected representative, and I love serving the public. So I'm reviewing all my options."
Finance
The House Finance Committee will once again take budget hearings on the road this year.
The hearings are set for March 9 at 6 p.m. at Salem High School; March 12 at 6 p.m. at River Valley Community College; and March 16 at 6 p.m. at the White Mountains Regional High School in Whitefield.
'Secrecy'
At last week's hearing on whether the state should collect DNA from felons, Rep. Tim Robertson of Keene said he was trying to get his mind around "this secrecy thing."
Robertson described how he had to submit to fingerprinting and a background check after he was elected to his local school board. He wasn't too upset about any invasion of his privacy, he said, since the district gave him an ID badge that allowed him free access into the school buildings.
"I think me, wandering into a kindergarten, they'd like to know that I'm a child molester," Robertson said, to a long silence.
"I'm not."
Dems eye Salem
Democrats have their hopes high that they'll be able to pick up a House seat in the heart of Sununu territory: Salem.
Though a special election has not been set, Democrats hope that economist Daphne Kenyon will mount a run.
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(Monitor staff writers Meg Heckman and Margot Sanger-Katz contributed to this column.)
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Published on New Hampshire Public Radio (http://www.nhpr.org)
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"Major Changes for HHS in Governor's Budget"
By Elaine Grant, nhpr.org, Created 02/13/2009 - 15:37
Under Governor Lynch's proposed 2010-2011 budget, the Department of Health and Human Services undergoes a radical transformation.
Synopsis:
New Hampshire’s Health and Human Services department took it on the chin in the governor’s budget.
The governor is proposing that HHS eliminate entire programs and lay off up to 150 employees.
Transcript:
HHS makes up more than half of all state spending.
So it’s hardly surprising that the governor would look to the department for millions of dollars in savings it needs to close its estimated $500 million shortfall in the next biennium.
The 2010 budget funds HHS at $721 million dollars.
That’s an $85 million cut off of the department’s original request.
Almost $30 million comes from the payroll.
The governor says HHS would need to lay off 125 to 150 workers – about half of all state employee layoffs – and that it would leave 200 positions vacant.
Dick Cohen is executive director of the Disabilities Rights Center.
He says HHS is already understaffed and that further cuts will compromise the department’s ability to provide safe and high-quality services.
Dick Cohen: "We’re going to want to take a strong look at that. We think they’re probably cutting into the bone, here."
EG: "A sober Nick Toumpas, the HHS Commissioner, said operating with fewer employees will be challenging."
Nick Toumpas: "We’re potentially reducing some of our staffing or more importantly maintaining a higher level of vacancy rate at a time when we’re seeing very increased levels of need from the people that we serve."
EG: "Rather than cut jobs across the entire department, the governor is proposing eliminating certain programs altogether."
Governor Lynch: "We faced the fundamental question of breadth versus depth. If we attempt to do everything, we risk doing nothing well."
EG: "So he would close the Tobey School, a facility for children with special needs.
He would also eliminate a catastrophic illness program; end reimbursement for chiropractic and podiatry services; and cut state assistance for medical training.
But the governor’s proposed HHS budget is just as notable for what it does do as for the cuts it imposes.
Despite early rumors to the contrary, it does not cut Medicaid reimbursements to hospitals and providers.
And rather than house mentally ill patients in a new million-dollar facility on state hospital grounds, Governor Lynch proposes building community residences.
Louis Josephson is president of Riverbend Community Mental Health Center in Concord."
Louis Josephson: "It’s a lot cheaper to care for people in the community than in the state hospital so it’s a win-win for everyone."
EG: "But Josephson cautions that such a plan won’t work without enough money to pay community health care workers.
For example, he says, Riverbend is in the midst of closing a 13-bed community residence because Medicaid reimbursements are too low to maintain it."
Louis Josephson: "We were losing about $150,000 a year on that care."
EG: "For months, Commissioner Toumpas has been saying publicly that the state’s health care system is unsustainable and needs radical transformation.
This budget kicks off an 18-month transformation plan designed to make delivery of health care more efficient.
HHS plans to establish so-called medical homes for Medicaid patients.
Finally, the governor is looking to the health care system for some unexpected revenue.
The state maintains its own malpractice insurance fund, through which some 500 doctors – or about 10 percent of the state’s physicians – are covered.
The governor estimates that the fund has a $110 million surplus, which he would use to fill budget gaps this year and in the 2010-2011 budget.
The governor says the funds can’t be returned to the doctors and nurses who contributed to the plan.
New Hampshire Medical Society president Charles Blitzer says its members just learned about the idea Wednesday.
Blitzer says although the society hasn’t determined its position on the plan, its members don’t see eye to eye with the governor."
Charles Blitzer: "Probably the people who paid into it are the ones who are responsible for a surplus and therefore they would be the ones appropriately entitled."
The budget now moves to lawmakers for what will likely be lengthy debate and many changes.
For NHPR News, I’m Elaine Grant.
Audio file: NHT021209eg1.wav
Source URL: www.nhpr.org/node/21440
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"NH budget: Layoffs, cuts, and pinching pennies"
By TOM FAHEY, State House Bureau Chief, NH Union Leader, Friday, February 13, 2009
CONCORD – The state will spend less, cut up to 300 workers, close eight courts and the Laconia prison as part of a move to balance its books under the two-year budget plan Gov. John Lynch proposed yesterday.
Lynch told lawmakers, "This budget recognizes the extraordinary economic crisis facing our state and our nation by lowering costs, making state government more efficient and meeting our fundamental responsibilities to people."
Besides spending cuts, he outlined a series of
higher taxes and fees. It will cost more to smoke, drive on turnpikes, register cars, eat out or rent a room.
Lynch renewed his pledge to veto a sales or income tax bill. As for expanded gambling, he said, "I remain skeptical." He did propose
a new tax on charity gambling winnings.
Lynch would hold back for state use about $83 million it shares with local communities, and use federal stimulus money to cover the move.
Republicans said after hearing the budget details they question the need for all the tax increases, and will look carefully at whether Lynch's revenue projections are realistic. They also promised a fight over any move to
shift state expenses onto property tax rates.
As Lynch mapped out his ideas for closing a projected $500 million budget deficit in 2010-11, legislators listened in sober silence. At one point, when Lynch mentioned
a $10 increase in motor vehicle fees, a few let out a gasp.
Lynch's plan lowers spending of state funds by $43 million over two years, to $2.97 billion or 1 percent less than in the last two years.
Lynch did not change adequacy grants to local school districts, which will go up by $123 million over the next two years. He leaves the building aid program untouched, bonding it at $83 million over the next two years.
Lynch said he wants to eliminate so-called bumping rights, where state workers whose jobs are cut can bump a less senior worker out of a different job in the same agency.
State Employees Association spokesman Jay Ward defended bumping.
"We don't believe it's nearly as onerous or unwieldy as he made it out to be," he said, adding it helps "preserve the seniority and longevity of state employees."
House Minority Leader Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, said of revenue-sharing changes, "We're very concerned about the
cost shifting. We haven't seen details on how money will be shared or how it can be spent."
Senate Minority Leader Peter Bragdon, R-Milford, credited Lynch for spending cuts.
"I'd say this is a step forward for smaller government," he said. "The thing that concerns us is what happens when federal money runs out."
Lynch also outlined his solution to this year's budget problems. Money from a little-known malpractice insurance account, a boost in federal Medicaid funds and $38 million in Rainy Day Fund money will cover what remains of a $250 million revenue shortfall.
Lynch invited legislators to add their ideas to the mix for 2010-11.
"These extraordinary times demand that all of us come to the table together to serve our families," Lynch said. "If you disagree with something in this proposal, I respect that. But it is not enough to simply say no or to criticize."
Lawmakers will have less than five months to come up with their own budget package. The goal is to adopt a balanced biennial budget by June 30, when this fiscal year ends.
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READERS' COMMENTS:
To Michael in Manchester
The fact that you don't pay taxes on the things you mentioned only shows you feel it fine to tax others and it's ok because it does not effect you personally. How nice of you. Maybe rather than raise the taxes on those already paying them we need to find a way to get those like yourself to pay some and lowering the cost to those you mentioned.
Your claim about owing the state it's share of money is exactly why our government feels it can simply expand and spend at tax payer expense because it's already their money when if fact it's all your neighbors money.
It's always easy to tax others to pay for ones ideas but in the end all we get is bigger government that will always cost more and more to keep running. We need teachers, police, and fire fighters, etc. It is sickening how those positions are used on the people to raise taxes when their are actual ham sandwiches hidden deep in the budget we could most likely cut if we the people knew what they were.
- Ross, Derry
Michael in Manchester - - If you think for one minute that you don't pay NH taxes, then you are seriously delusional. You may not own property here, but if you rent, the property taxes and business taxes your landlord pays are figured into your rent. If you use a land line or a cell phone, you're paying NH use taxes. If you use electricity, you're paying NH taxes. If you buy gasoline or motor oil, you're paying the state. The businesses in this state pay state fees and taxes. When you purchase anthying from a NH business, the price you pay includes taxes paid to the state. The list goes on and on, my friend. Time for you to wake up to reality.
- Brian, Farmington
Craig in Derry:
You listen too much to a one-sided story so therefore stopping telling us that we pay too much in taxes! You don't even know how to spell "fiscal."
I pay nothing but Federal taxes and occasional meals and entertainment taxes and oh car registration. My life is wonderful! I don't use toll roads. I don't speed and pay attention to traffic laws so I don't pay fines to the city and towns. I don't own property so no property taxes. I don't own a business and I am not self-employed so I don't pay NH income taxes. I don't play bingo and the lottery so who cares?
Stop using up state resources and you won't be owing the state "their share" of the money. Until NH has 0% crime rate there will always be a need for police services. Until NH has no death and no diseases and disorders, there will always be a need for healthcare and medical services. Until NH has roadways with absolutely no need for maintenance and upkeep then we will always need snow removal and maintenance crews and tolls.
- Michael, Manchester
For those of you talking about reforming the time for welfare, there was just such a bill before the Health and Human Services Committee last week that I sponsored--cutting to 2 years max. (which is what MA is) The Dept of HHS said that people would just go and ask for the money they don't get and expect the town to give it to them....
- Fran, New Hampton
Hey Registered voter in Manchester,
The Governor's proposed budget has 83 MILLION dollars of school construction aid that is usually funded as an operating expense now being funded by BONDING. This is like taking out a credit card to pay off another credit card. Or putting it on our children's shoulders, which you seem to think that Lynch's budget doesn't do.....the devil is in the details....
- Fran, New Hampton
I just want to say that the governor and the commission for the department of corrections should be considered extremely negligent in their proposal and approval of cutting the Department of Corrections staff. Recession does not lessen crime it creates it. If Offenders of any kind are released enmasse, it will only create a jobless population that will make it necessary for the offenders who were prematurely released, to reoffend and end up back in the inmate population. This will create overcrowding which is one part of the recipe for rioting. If a riot occurs, there will not be sufficient staff to respond and it will put the citizens of New Hampshire at risk.
The Department of Corrections main goal is to protect the public safety. In this way we preserve the quality of life that we as citizens of New Hampshire expect and deserve to live. Without every last one of the staff that are trained and ready to keep everyone safe, we might as well lock our doors and windows and pray that we are safe. If this plan goes through...good luck and god save us all.
Michelle LaBelle
- Michelle LaBelle, Bristol, NH
Sadly it has taken a democrat in office to finally get what we all need - smaller government and state run agencies. Since we have taken the tax payers for as much as we can, do you think its possible that we reign in spending? That way the children of the next generation do not have to pay the price of our stupidity? Just a thought...
- Registered Voter, Manchester NH
Lets just make this really simple and look at the root problem, enough blasting of parties. The absence of any sort of regulation in the banking and mortgage industry over the last decade led to our high unemployment and in turn a weakened economy. This entire depression we are in was foreseeable and could have been prevented.
- Brian, Manchester
I would make the state employees pay some of there health benefits. The state pays for a spouse, children and even step children. This would save a ton of money.
- Donna, Concord Nh
This is what happens when Democrats take over the place. They like to spend other people's money and they get jobs for all their friends and family.
- Tim, Alton
Whatever happened to the possibility of state employees working a 4-day workweek (longer day, same weekly hours) in hopes of saving money on operating expenses, electricity, heat, etc., for fixed-facility employees? I realize it's not possible for all types of workers, but there must be savings available in this area. Utah State employees have been on a 4-day workweek for almost a year now!
- Andy, Merrimack
Welfare is supposed to be a safety net, not a hammock.
Cut it to two years. Now.
We are wasting money and attracting Lowell and Lawrence's worst with the promise of five years of free living.
- David Goss, Manchester
What about the fraud and waste in DHHS? Not to mention their recent incompentance of divulging sensative information of hundreds of disabled citizens to dozens of organizations. And all they can say is OOPS.
Considering the crash of the housing market and the fraud involved, cities and towns will still be looking to raise property taxes. I for one intend to fight any increase, and actually demand a decrease. I pay my mortgage, have no children, and am sick of paying the ridiculous amount of property tax.
When is the state going to comply with the Supreme Court and the Constitution?
And the pensions. How about we cut those people who have been taking money for 4o years, and revise the pension plan to 401ks like the rest of us? Why should state workers get full salary pensions, while my retirement funds dwindle to nothing.
An keep your damn hands off my bingo winnings.
- JOHN, GOFFSTOWN
So the Democrats RAISE spending last year by 17.5% and then only propose cuts by 1% and then want to raise taxes?? How about they repeal the reckless spending spree that almost everyone knew would lead to higher taxes? Lynch and the Dems in the legislature can claim they don't know what to do, but THEY GOT US HERE. Yes, the economy is in play, but we would not be in half the mess we're in if they hadn't been so reckless with our pocketbooks.
- Jack, Concord
Here we go, the democratic tax increases. Lets stifle people to go out and stay here in NH. Raising tolls collects more $ but its totally inefficient. Poor management of resources and lack of vision there Lynch. When is this state going to wake back up to being fiscally conservative and not look to raise tax as an only option. Too many government officials collecting there pay checks and not being creative with managing the budget.
- Doug, Manchester
Some of you have not read the story right. There will not be a $30.00 a month minimum on the tolls you pay via transponder but rather a max of $30.00 a month. This is to placate all the people that live in Merrimack and Bedford. They will eliminate all discounts for any users so if you already have a transponder then you get nothing for it except a ride through the toll booths without opening your window.
On the other hand in case no one had noticed the state will now officially have a 10% income tax. The starter for now is that if you have a winning lottery ticket that is $600.00 or more , which is when you have to get the money via the lottery head quarters , you will now have to pay the state a 10% fee on your winnings. It's bad enough the state has so few winning tickets but now they will be charging a higher "income" tax rate than any other state in the US.
- Don Armstrong, Henniker
This is a sure indicator that we have the wrong person for Governor and the wrong party controlling the finances of the state. The Republican party needs to be revitialized and get our state back from these Sociallists who have taken over.
- Rich D, Dalton
As a child of a single parent, I was a recipient of welfare assistance. Yet I have to agree, NH needs welfare reform. My mother used the system for what it was intended - it helped her get back on her feet, get some training, and get a JOB! Spike in Brentwood hit the nail on the head, "Entitlements are bailouts, and all bailouts DELAY ADAPTATION!" His comments are pretty insightful...
- B, Auburn
Cutting state welfare recipients off will only cause your property taxes to go up even more. All the people not eligible for state welfare end up the responsibility of their town's welfare dept under RSA 165.
- Jane, Charlestown
honestly goverment officials need to stop crying like babies about budget cuts. if any thing they should following in the govenors footsteps. stop spending our money on useless areas. i'm sure they all got pay raises
- brian, manchester
What's next? HIGHER property taxes. The state will be sending LESS money in the future to cities and towns. That SHORTFALL will need to be made up somehow, and it will be your PROPERTY TAX. My suggestion to EVERYONE is that they contact thier local TAXPAYERS association and be well informed on the issues.
- Paul, Bedford
Scott, Apparently you never worked on a snow removal operation. It might not stop snowing after 8 hours, just because your crews have to go home. It may continue for days. You can't expect the limited number of personel to work round the clock to keep up. YOU NEED FRESH PERSONEL. You sound just like Mr. Tarr, think you know what you're talking about, but in fact, don't have a clue
- Midge, Manchester
What an amazing group of people shouting out their opinions without bothering to read the budget. One poster has the governor placing a minimum on the toll use of transponders when it is a maximum. Are you so filled with cut taxes and eliminate services that you can't even figure out what is being done? $200,000 for stocking pheasants? I don't even have to look for that one. You are referring to stalking peasants. That's when police stop non-white people and deport them for being illegal immigrants and trespassing. I was waiting for some conservative Republican to stand up and appologize for your party's greed and lack of compassion that has trashed our economy but probably those people were in the line where they thought God was handing out brains and asked for the caboose.
Then there are those that stole the money in the first place. Now they are all part of Hussein Obama's cabinet and his popularity has plunged from 68% to 67%.
- William, Deerfield
The other day Pres. Obama said something that really scared me. He said government was the only answer to our problems. Government was the only one who had the resources to get us out of this mess. I disagree. We the people are the answer as we adopt good sound fiscal principles. It appears that this has not happened in our State Government. If you want good sound fiscal principles look into Dave Ramsey's plan. He is on the Fox Business channel and the radio 5 days a week. Also I understand Mike Huckabee has some good fiskal principles. Maybe he would want to be NH's next Govenor.
- Craig, Derry
Why cut job and put others out of work when you can do a pay cut back for everyone who works for the State of New Hampshire. I saw that troopers (Bruce Twyon) was making more other high ranking staff. Give everyone a 10% to 20% pay cut and save us the tax payers. Cut back on take home cars and the gas it takes for them. I think the Government needs to start looking in its own back yard over higher tolls across the state.
- kirk, manchester
1. Back in the 60's and 70's NH had the toughest welfare laws and fewest recipients. Now we have the laxest laws and one of the highest percentages of recipients.
2. A sales tax WILL NOT bring down the property tax. Politicians, Dems. and/or Republicans, will just find more ways to waste OUR money. Check the statistics on states with sales taxes. I had a discussion with several people last year in Atlanta. Funny how they were saying the same thing about their property taxes being so high and they have a sales tax.
- John, Manchester
Richard in NC what you seem to be mossing is this. if we impose a sales or income taxes out taxes will go up and none of the existing ones will go down. All we have to do is look at the states around us that have both of those taxes and their budget wos are equal to or worse than ours. More taxes only gives them more reason to spend needlessly. You may not notice it but I bet you would not mind having that $110.00 in your pocket right now? You talk of the "revenue" it brings in. So tell me does that mean your taxes have gone down? I think we both know that answer.
- Bill B., Pelham
Can someone help me out here? The last budget was a 16.5% increase in spending. This year's budget is a 1% decrease in spending - I am assuming that the 1% decrease means that all those nifty spending programs brought about by the 16.5% increase have not been affected in the least.
While I applaud the Governor for finally recognizing that reducing spending is the number goal, where does this leave us?
How much savings will these layoffs and other cuts bring and what affect will it have in reducing the deficit?
- Sandy, Thornton
Midge,
An organization does not become more efficient by adding employees.
When an entity becomes more efficient the workforce is decreased or stays the same, almost never increased.
I believe there are efficiencies to be gained at all levels of government in New Hampshire and this is the time we should be looking to become more efficient.
- Scott, Bedford
Cut welfare back from 5 to 3 years? To 1 year? If I were forced to take charity, it wouldn't take more than 2 weeks to realize I had to change something--move to where there are jobs or change my profession. Except of course, when the charity comes from the state, forever, with encouragement from bureaucrats and no serious pressure on me to change anything. Entitlements are bailouts, and all bailouts DELAY ADAPTATION.
I have two friends who are declared "permanently unable to work" (except under the table). One's impediment is overeating and the other's is Budweiser. Many paraplegics and blind people are willing to find out how to serve their fellow man for pay. In contrast, cut these parasites loose today without even an apology. You will be helping them.
But the Governor would rather close safety rest areas. We are lucky he hasn't proposed to zero out the snow removal budget, then use the next storm to justify an income tax.
- Spike, Brentwood NH
I am outraged with Govenor Lynch's Budget, I am outraged with his fiscal priorities that he would close justice in the form of closing courts when our courts are already running in a slow but steady manner. He instead, according to the Humane Society will pour $200,000 into Pheasant Stocking, a practice when farm raised birds are purchased, caged and then released into a small area for hunters to shoot at in the name of sport. It is nice to see that our hard earned tax dollars are going to be used in such a manner. Get your priorites straight Govenor and work for the people who elected you.
- Danielle Davies, Manchester, NH
Joel R, Hooksett. I gather from your rant you must be for gambling as the cure to all of your tax, fee, registration and inspection woes. I personally don't care one way or the other about gambling. But I do know if the state/towns/fed's get more money for something they spend it. They don't cut something else. Either you haven't lived very long or aren't very observant.
- Bob H, Londonderry
Just call us New Hamshirchusetts.
- James J., Manchester
Robert M Tarr, Manchester, Your always the first to find fault, but never one to have any positive imput. You complain about the city work crews and snow removal. Yet you complain when the city wants to increase it's work force to become more efficent. You can't have it both ways. You complain about the Fish and Game dept. and vow to clean it up. I don't see you getting anything done there. Time to step it up
- Midge, Manchester
Unfortunately, the good gonvernor doesn't mention that he and his party, since having total control of the state for the last couple of years, have spent this state into oblivion and would be facing these cuts/additional taxes regardless of the condition of the economy....get ready for more on the federal ledvel with a one party system.
- Bill, Keene
I guess my confuson is that yes we are having hard times yet you raise fees and taxes which does not help anyone especially the middle and lower income families and individuals. While Obama is talking about tax cuts (miniscule as they will be) your taking all of that and more back which in the end leaves us worse off. How about going through the budget line by line and cutting out some of these "feel good" programs? This is not about sacrificing for our state this is about poor money management and once again taking it out on the very ones who can afford it least. Good thing it is only a two year term and hopefully the voters will show their dissatisfaction next year!!
- Bill B., Pelham
Chris, Merrimack I hear you load and clear on the Management thing. Here's a good example. Lynch to close 16 Liquor stores. How the heck can you not make a profit selling booze, in which you have a monopoly on by the way. You have casino's chomping at the bit to get a chance to do buisness in NH, who's buisness is selling booze and gambling. Both of which the state of NH cannot show a profit. Talk about mismanagement, holy cow
- Glen, Loudon
As a former state employee I do not like to see lay-offs but I sincerely believe that gov. is too big. It lends itself to waste and I have seen it.
Also, I never believed in a sales tax but having relocated to a state that has a sales tax I now am in favor of it. It spreads out the tax over the purchasing periods and you really don't notice it that much, and it is surprising how much revenue it can bring in. In two months I have paid over $110 in sales tax and have not really noticed it since it is all in small amounts, all individual amounts under $10.
- Richard, N. C.
Michael, we wouldn't HAVE to raise the Rooms & Meals Tax or any other tax if this state could spend within its means.
It was able to do so before John Lynch and now--all of a sudden--the only way out of this is to raise taxes.
Perhaps if John Lynch hadn't been so inept at managing the state budget we wouldn't be in this mess today.
- William Smith, Manchester, NH
Lynch would hold back for state use about $83 million it shares with local communities, and use federal stimulus money to cover the move.
This is what's going to happen with the "stimulus" funds everywhere. Just like the highway funds, they will be misdirected to cover other expenses. All we'll be left with is a big bill for the whole mess as everyone shuffles responsibility and plays musical chairs until the music stops and it's the taxpayers that are left standing.
- Tom Grinley, Bradford
Please take a moment to contact Governor Lynch and demand that he cut welfare entitlements in NH from 5 years to 2 years:
http://www.governor.nh.gov/contactus.htm
It's unacceptable for him to raise taxes and fees while lazy people sit on welfare, feeding off the blood of the taxpayer.
Be sure to contact your legislators too:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/whosmyleg/
We need welfare reform in NH and we need it now!
- Bob Johnston, Milford
Hey folks, Our good state representitives have car pooled for the last fourty years, sometimes as many as 6 to 7 in a vehicle and guess what...they each put in a voucher for mileage...isn't politics great!?
- J. Boswick, Colebrook
If he really wants to pinch pennies, lose the flowers by the podium. Does he really need an expensive bouquet of flowers to make a speech?
- Mike, Deerfield
Lynch hasn't gone nearly far enough in his cuts. The first order of business should be to cut welfare from 5 years to 2 years. It is totally unacceptable that the welfare parasites can feed off of the state of New Hampshire for 5 years!
Well governor, what are you doing to fix the welfare problem in this state? Given our current finances how in the hell do you justify letting people sit on their asses for 5 years and do absolutely nothing to earn a living?
- Bob Johnston, Milford
The problem with raising the rooms and meals tax is that the average family will stop dining out as it will become cost prohibitive. So if people aren't dining out, that industry will suffer.
- Dawn, Manchester
These cuts and tax and toll increases will damage the "lynch" brand. This governor has survived at the benefit of the photo op. He gives up leadership for popularity, both he and his own party have benefited. Now it's time to make tough choices and it is hard to manage your image under these circumstances.
We need a change in Concord, the whole time I have lived in NH I have never seen this state so badly managed.
- Chris, Merrimack
I spoke to the Gov. Lynch last year at a meeting and I said to him then to increase the Rooms & Meals to 10%. I see his proposal is for an 8.75%. Forget that make it simple 10% and maybe we can cut back on some of the other increases. I know for sure that if the $30 minimum for the toll transponders is put into effect, I'll be sending back to him 2. We won't need them anymore. Also, I put a time agree limit welfare and also doesn't it seem odd that certain families continue the tradition of recieveing welfare or assistance? I can think of a couple here in town.
- Michael King, Epping
How about cutting welfare down to one year. These leaches have to be cut off. Let them go to another state for a change and suck the life out of that state. This society has turned into an entitlement state and are taking away from those who work hard and pay their dues. Not fair.
- Richard Morrison, Manchester
Jeff from Bedford, you are correct, Our government should have looked at welfare reform and changed it from five years to three. Reduce tax payer subsidies. Where only the fraction of people use those services yet the majority of tax payers pay for it. How about putting out to bid services that could in the end save the state money at the same time employ people throughout the state who need work? How about putting off projects and bonding that are not in a major need at the moment? Have those representatives in city/towns car pool with each other to save the state money in transportation cost? I'm sure if everyone contacted their newly elected officials with ideas, something better could come out of this. This reader is going to do just that. It may get tossed out or ignored but at least I tried instead of doing nothing.
- Robert M Tarr, Manchester
And are they going to cut the welfare eligibility from what is it...five years? People come here for welfare.
- Jeff, Bedford
"Besides spending cuts, he outlined a series of higher taxes and fees. It will cost more to smoke, drive on turnpikes, register cars, eat out or rent a room." Making state government more efficient and meeting our fundamental responsibilities to people." How is raising taxes and fees more responsible and fundamental to the people? Just look what has happened when they raised parking fees in the downtown area of Manchester? Less people came to the downtown and went else where. Is that whats going to happen to our state? People will stop coming to NH because, (thank god we don't have a sales or income tax...yet) it will be too costly to enjoy all that New Hampshire has to offer. Thank you Governor Lynch for killing the tourist industry and losing more revenue for our state and local communities. Is the price of asprin still within reason, or is that going to cost me too?
- Robert M Tarr, Manchester
Well the anti-gambling cronies got their wishes. Cut services and raise fees like they are going out of style. Guess what anti-gambling cronies next on the table is your property taxes are going to be raised through the roof and your income is going to be taxed !! I can't wait for the fifty dollar car inspection and the five hundred dollar car registration bill I am going to get in June. GOOD LUCK TO ALL !!!!!!!!
- Joel R., Hooksett
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Gov. John Lynch outlines his budget in an address yesterday. (CHERYL SENTER)
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More on the state budget cuts:
"Cost-cutters look at closing 16 to 19 state liquor stores"
"Governor's plan would shutter eight district courts"
"9 rest stops slated to close"
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"Spending cuts paired with hike in revenues"
By TOM FAHEY, State House Bureau Chief, NH Union Leader, Friday, February 13, 2009
CONCORD – Gov. Lynch's proposed 2010-2011 budget spends 1 percent less in state funds than the budget for 2008-09. It would spend $2.97 billion in state funds over the next two years, compared to $3.02 billion this year and last.
Total spending, including federal and other funds, is up 12 percent, at $11.3 billion, from $10.1 billion this biennium.
The budget maintains a hiring freeze, eliminates 400 vacant jobs to save $40 million, and cuts up to 300 active workers in program phase-outs. Tax and fee hikes affect the tobacco tax, turnpike tolls, car registration fees and gambling.
Among the other major cost-cutting moves Lynch plans to:
Close the Laconia prison, to save $8 million; Close eight district courts, to save $2 million operating costs; Close poorly performing state liquor stores, open "agency" private stores in their place, sell the Liquor Commission's Concord warehouse; Boost insurance costs for active and retired state workers, to save $10 million; Close the Tobey School for troubled youth, to save $1.4 million.
New revenues would come from higher:
Car registration fees, by an average $10, for road improvements; Rooms and Meals tax, up 0.75 percent, to 8.75 percent; Tobacco tax, up 35 cents to $1.68 per pack. That compares to $1.99 in Vermont, $2 in Maine and $2.51 in Massachusetts.
Turnpike tolls, up 50 cents in Hampton, Hooksett and Bedford, and up 25 cents in Dover and Rochester. The E-ZPass discount will be eliminated, and monthly toll bills will be capped at $30. Extra income will help fund improvements and high-speed tolling for E-ZPass users; Lynch also proposes a new 10 percent tax on gambling winnings over $600.
Revenues include roughly $230 million in federal stimulus money for Medicaid programs over this and the next two years, and $160 million in federal stimulus money for communities.
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READERS' COMMENTS:
Is it just me or does anyone else notice that the tax hikes these liberals propose always hurt the poor and the lower income earners the most?
Scared to tax somene who may contribute to your political campains Lynch?
- Brian, Laconia
Where were these spending cuts when the economy was good? This is so typical of government. They just love to waste the money that is not theirs.
Raising taxes should always be the avenue of last resort regardless of the economy but especially when times are bad!
- Jesse, Orofrd
How about addressing the state's spending problems in more detail instead of "nickel and diming" the taxpayers to death! Benefits and wages of state and local employees are way out of step with the private sector and need to be reigned in to balance the budget. That should be the first step in this process, instead it is completely ignored by Gov. Lynch (aka the puppet of the special interests, like unions).
- John, Manchester
The absolute worst thing you can do in a recession is raise taxes. If you increase the meals and rooms tax .75%, then I'll be forced to raise my prices by .75% to compensate. In a down economy, when people are watching their wallets very carefully, raising prices will drive more than ever to stay home.
What about my restaurant, Mr. Lynch? What about my 30 employees? Here's an idea: cut spending levels back to where they were before your 17.5% increase two years ago. And instead of cutting courthouses, try cutting non-essential functions like welfare.
- Keith Murphy, Manchester
Well Mr. Lynch i think its time for you to make all n.h. state employees pay their fair share for their medical insurance, for years they have been skating and we taxes payers pick up the tab and why your at it get UNH in line too, but we know this will not happen,RIGHT.
- Richard Blake, Rochester
And have you heard of one person (other than Bernie Madoff who is just a thief) being punished or even losing one perk? Absolutely not. Those that haven't been appointed to the cabinet are trying to figure out how to get a third $800 billion. People sitting blue lipped in trailers with nothing to burn and CEO's going on junkets to Las Vegas in private jets. Does this make the income disparity any clearer? Now they are going to try and default on the Social Security trust fund again. How much is enough? The only thing Republicans are conserving is their bank balances.
- Robert, Deerfield
How about a tax on beer and wine instead of cigarettes.
- Randy, Milford
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"Toll hikes proposed across the state"
By CLYNTON NAMUO, New Hampshire Union Leader Correspondent, Friday, February 13, 2009
PORTSMOUTH – Tolls across the state will rise under a proposed budget that seeks to keep the state Department of Transportation solvent amid dwindling revenue.
Tolls in Bedford, Hooksett and Hampton would increase by 50 cents, while those in Dover, Rochester and at the Hampton and Hooksett ramps would go up 25 cents, according to a budget announced yesterday by Gov. John Lynch.
Those increases are coupled with a bill working its way through the legislature, which eliminates the E-ZPass discount and limits the amount of tolls New Hampshire residents pay to $30 per month per transponder.
Reaction to the toll increases was subdued yesterday, particularly because the $30 limit would cut costs for those who use the turnpikes most.
"It's fair; if you wanna play, you gotta pay," said Steve Orvis of Rochester, who passes through tolls four times each day on Route 16. "Nobody likes to pay tolls, but nobody likes driving over frost heaves and potholes either."
Some even saw a silver lining in higher tolls.
"To be totally honest with you, if anything it could have a temporary benefit if you will because of people going on Route 1," said Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce President Doc Noel.
Boynton could not say how much more money the Turnpike bureau will make from the toll increase, but it's likely to be substantial. He said the extra funds will help pay to install full speed tolling, also known as E-ZPass Express, on Interstate 95 by summer 2010 and by 2012 in Hooksett and 2013 in Bedford.
Yesterday's budget also proposes the state sell a 1.6 mile portion of Interstate 95 from the Portsmouth traffic circle to the Maine border to the Turnpike bureau for $30 million. The Turnpike bureau already owns the rest of Interstate 95 in New Hampshire, Boynton said. The move is essentially a way to shuffle money from a relatively financially healthy agency, the Turnpike bureau, to the Department of Transportation's highway fund.
While the Turnpike bureau is technically part of DOT, it is fully funded by tolls and had a nearly $19 million surplus for the fiscal year that ended in June. The same can't be said for the rest of DOT, which gets its money from the federal government and the highway fund.
The highway fund, which is financed by vehicle fees and the gas tax, is in particularly bad shape, Boynton said.
"We're looking at a $150 million budget deficit in the next biennium, but we're looking at a billion-dollar budget deficit by 2018," he said of the fund, which he noted is burning through $100,000 more per day than it's bringing in.
Boynton said the Highway Fund has been struggling because people are driving less, leading to less gas tax money. The same trend has hurt the turnpike bureau, but to a lesser extent because tolls increased in October 2007.
The House public works committee yesterday approved the proposal to cut the E-ZPass discount and limit the tolls, Boynton said, but the bill must still be voted on by the full house and then approved by the Senate.
The toll increases must be approved by the executive council.
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New Hampshire Union Leader Correspondent Lauren Sausser contributed to this report.
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READERS' COMMENTS:
Bill...
I do own a home and have seen my property taxes increase the last 5 years. I am not happy but come on...do you really think NH has that many state funded programs compared to other states. We certainly have overpaid state employees and the idea that the NH Men's Hockey coach is the highest paid state employee is absurd but NH does not overspend at the levels we think.
We only generate state funding from a limited amount of resources compared to our neighbors and our property taxes are the primary driver for funding your local town and school system. I will pay my property taxes with pride to ensure my kids have text books and good teachers. I will also pay an extra $.25 to drive on the highway so potholes are fixed and maybe another one of my fellow Granite Staters will have a job to feed their family. It is time to take care of our state and it has to start somewhere.
- Ryan, Manchester
Jean
You and everybody else in Merrimack buying EZPass transponders to use in the Merrimack ramp tolls undermines all the efforts everybody was trying to make to get rid of those stupid toll booths. How? The easier it is to pay the toll, the more you use the road and the more money you spend at the ramp tolls. The more money made at the ramp tolls the more justified the state is in keeping them there. Merrimack needs those tollbooths to be operating at a loss. "Penny protests" will not change anything.
I am glad to hear you are getting rid of the transponders, just to bad you are out $100.00.
- Chris, Merrimack
Way to go, William in Deerfield.
The other Jack took his numbers from the paragraphs 9 and 10 of the story. Do you have a better source that shows the UL got the numbers wrong?
Assuming that the UL got it right, then the other Jack didn't make up anything.
Also, last I heard, it's DOT that maintains ALL the highways. Although I'm sure that the cost for the toll rolls is transferred from the Turnpike Account to the DOT fund.
Lastly, it's amazing how so many complain about nickle and diming that the legislature does when it affects them so personally on a day to day basis, but no one wants to address the fact that they have more of a spending problem than a revenue problem.
I don't doubt that revenues are down, but the spending has always been more than the revenues support. And these boobs in the legislature increase taxes and fees, etc., and still spend more.
- Another Jack, Manchester
Hey Ryan:
Buy a house and pay a property tax bill. NH's spending is out of control. Cut some costs for once, enough with worthless programs and massive overspending on overpaid state employees. CUT THE BUDGET the well is drying up!!!
- Bill, Durham
How about adding tolls to Nashua, Manchester and Concord. After all they have received huge improvements to their section of turnpikes and can drive across their cities free of charge.
Charge a toll for airport access road.
- Tim, Merrimack
I have lived in NH for 14 years and I am still perplexed at the outrage from my fellow residents when the state tries to generate any form of funding. We have it better than any of our New England neighbors...in case you forgot we do not pay income tax or sales tax. Where do you think the money comes from to fund your state? The money comes from the people and from where I sit we have it pretty d**n good.
The Live Free or Die motto has turned into "give me everything but do not dare think of asking me to help contribute". I read everyday about the possibility of state layoffs and the comments are consistent...how dare we put people out of work! The government proposes ideas that will save some jobs however it will require our NH citizens to dip into their pockets and now the idea seems foolish b/c it has a personal impact.
We all make sacrifices but at the end of the day would you rather lose 8% on the items you purchase and 5% of your income or increase tolls? I will gladly pay an extra $0.25 when I use a toll and keep 5% of my income. It is a matter of simple economics we have to become a progressive state (increased tolls, casinos, etc) or an income/sales tax will need to be implemented...it may take a few years but it will happen.
- Ryan, Manchester
Are you kidding me????? Merrimack has tolls at Exit 10, 11 and 12. So we bought 4 transponders @ $25.00 each so there is $100.00, we do not travel the highways everyday. If they cap the usage at $30.00 per month, per transponder that will be $120.00 per month, so that really helps the economy. Okay now we cancel our EZ Passes, any suggestion what to do with our $100.00 purchase now????? Where or maybe who's, should I shove them up?? Thank you for reading this and have a nice day !!!!!
- Jean, Merrimack
Jay in Nashua,
Some people do drive a lot! I got to college in concord, and my husband works in concord. We both go through 10 times a week, that's twenty times a week for both of us. Our EZ pass is constantly being used, and we have quite a bill for tolls. I am sure others use it more!
- Jessica, Manchester
Way to go Jack. Just make stuff up. The DOT is selling a 1.6 mile section of route 95 between Portsmouth and the Maine border to the Turnpike Authority for $120 million dollars. The Turnpike authority already maintains this piece of road. The department of transportation has had no surplus - 19 million or any other fantasy number.
- William, Deerfield
this is just great. I have no job or money and I want to go for an interview but I can't because you have increased the tolls. Clean up the waste in government you jerk. Get your head out of the clouds.
- rich, bristol, nh
So, take away the NH resident discount of 30%, then hike the tolls to $1.50. Now, folks who cross through tolls occassionally, say from Manchester to Concord and back will pay $3 instead of $1.40. A trip from Nashua to Concord, our fair state capitol, will cost $6 instead of $2.80.
If the toll is hiked, and the 30% discount remains in place, the cost of a trip from Manchester to Concord will be $2.25, and a trip from Nashua to Manchester will be $4.50.
Since the Turnpike authority had a surplus, is there not a better way to balance the hike and retain, at least a portion of (think 25%), the resident discount?
Meanwhile, I'm still trying to figure out why people are driving through the tolls more than twice a day? What is their job? If its something like a courier, well, I've got limited patience for your complaint because I suspect you're reimbursed for that. I can't imagine passing through the tolls so may times as to wrack-up a $100+ bill; that's a minimum 142 trips through the tolls in a month, or 5 trips through a toll each day of the month - what are you doing?! Maybe you should pay that touch more as you are using the roads a heck of a lot more! If the full hike runs and the discount is taken away, then put the cap at $50, still a $10 savings for a traditional work commute.
- Jay, Nashua
The tolls go up .. but the cops still sit in their cars .. Governor Tefflon,, how about some FLAGGERS? So that unemployed NH residents can have a JOB.
- tom, manchester,nh
I'm perplexed. The turnpike bureau had a $19M surplus this past year? Why are tolls going up? Furthermore, the turnpike bureau will purchase 1.6 miles of I-95 for $30M as a way of shuffling money from one fund to another? What does that mean? Are we "floating adrift" or is there a captain aboard this ship?
- Jack, Manchester
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Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta
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"The governor's proposal takes away $9.5 million in aid expected to come Manchester's way in fiscal 2010,
according to the mayor. Most of the losses are due to cuts in revenue-sharing and rooms-and-meals tax rebates."
Source: "Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta has 'grave concerns'", By SCOTT BROOKS, New Hampshire Union Leader Staff, Friday, Feb. 13, 2009
&
"He's saying the federal government's going to save us, so wait for that money. That's a terrible way to set policy." -
Republican Mayor Frank Guinta of ManchesterSource: "Reaction To Lynch's Budget Address", wmur.com/politics, POSTED: 2:36 pm EST on February 12, 2009.
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"N.H. should use Medicaid funds to help Medicaid"
seacoastonline.com, Feb. 24, 2009 — To the Editor:
New Hampshire is set to receive about $250 million in additional federal Medicaid funding. As The Associated Press reported on Tuesday, Gov. John Lynch plans to use $50 million of the additional Medicaid money to help balance this year's state budget. Those funds are intended to offset the strains that the current economic situation has placed on state budgets because more and more citizens are now eligible for the Medicaid program and should not be used for other purposes.
Every penny earmarked for Medicaid that New Hampshire gets from the federal stimulus package should go to the state Medicaid program to help provide care to the growing number of people it serves. That money is critically important for health care in New Hampshire and should not be used to fund other parts of the state budget.
Medicaid helps pay for the state's most vulnerable patients to receive quality health care in hospitals across New Hampshire, and the state continues to make drastic cuts. Hospitals suffered nearly $30 million in Medicaid reimbursement reductions last November. Lynch's budget address this month included elimination of Medicaid funding that supports doctors' medical education, and a freeze on current provider reimbursements. Last week, the governor signed into law new legislation which promises another $6.9 million in Medicaid payment cuts annually to New Hampshire hospitals.
We strongly urge Lynch to restore cuts in services and payments to providers with the new federal Medicaid dollars available.
Steve Ahnen
President, N.H. Hospital Association
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"House OKs gas tax hike; E-ZPass discount stays"
By TOM FAHEY, State House Bureau Chief, Thursday, MarCH 5, 2009
CONCORD – The New Hampshire House yesterday voted to raise the state's gasoline tax by five cents in each of the next three years.
The measure, which passed 190-162, will raise an estimated $111 million a year for the state highway fund by the time the full 15-cent increase takes effect. Diesel fuel will see the same 15-cent increase, but the three hikes will be spread out until 2013 to ease the effect on truckers. The bill calls for the first five-cent increase to hit on July 1.
The House rejected, 181-161, a move to cap all E-ZPass bills at 33 uses per month, and cut in half the 30 percent discount that E-ZPass owners now enjoy.
Opponents of the bill, HB 670, said those who use the turnpikes most often should bear the highest cost of upkeep and improvements.
A third highway measure, allowing the $120 million sale of a small stretch of I-95 to the turnpike bureau, passed 230-128. The exchange is considered key to a plan to install open road, or high-speed tolling for E-ZPass users at the Hampton toll plaza. The 1.6-mile stretch of highway is between the Portsmouth traffic circle and the Maine border over the Piscataqua River.
The state's gas tax hasn't been raised since 1991. It stands at 19.6 cents, with 18 cents dedicated to the state highway fund. Those who proposed the increase said the highway fund faces a $1 billion shortfall in 10 years. Maintenance is falling behind while the cost of fixing deteriorating roads and bridges rises steadily, they said.
If the Senate approves the bill, HB 644, the state gas tax will increase to 34.6 cents per gallon by April 1, 2011 -- 33 cents per gallon for highways and bridges and 1.6 cents per gallon for an oil cleanup fund.
Rep. David Campbell, D-Nashua, sponsor of the bill, said the average driver would spend an extra $25 a year for each nickel increase.
Gov. John Lynch said yesterday he opposes the tax hike. His budget would boost the highway fund by increasing motor vehicle registration fees by $10 a year.
"I think the proposal that I set forth in my budget is a better proposal for how we close the operating and capital budget gaps within the Department of Transportation," Lynch said.
Opponents said the bill hurts independent truckers and people suffering through an ailing economy.
"I know we need money, but this is not the way to get it, taxing guys who are already losing their trucks up there," said Rep. Paul Ingersoll, D-Berlin.
House Minority Leader Rep. Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, said, "We are in the biggest recession -- I think we're close to depression -- and now is not the time to hit people who can barely afford to put gas in their cars."
Rep. Gene Chandler, R-Bartlett, said the move was premature, given unanswered questions about how the highway fund will fare as the number of hybrid cars increases, a possible federal gas tax hike, and the effect of economic stimulus money.
He also criticized the move to change E-ZPass discounts. He said the state cut frequent-user discounts four years ago, to 30 percent from 50 percent, when it eliminated highway tokens and set up E-ZPass.
"I know this Legislature can't make promises that last forever, but they should last longer than four or five years," he said.
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READERS' COMMENTS:
What we need isn't more taxes but more responsible spending of the taxes collected. Spend the monies on the roads the way it was intended not on pet projects that transulate to waste and lining of the politicans pockets.
- Terry, Stratham
QUOTE> "The state's gas tax hasn't been raised since 1991. It stands at 19.6 cents, with 18 cents dedicated to the state highway fund. Those who proposed the increase said the highway fund faces a $1 billion shortfall in 10 years. Maintenance is falling behind while the cost of fixing deteriorating roads and bridges rises steadily, they said."
Well if this is the Case WHY is $Money$ diverted from the Highway Fund to other "PRODJECTS"?????? WOWWOW!!! So EXTRA $$$$$$ for other Prodjects Needed not the Highway or Road Maintenance??????? WHAT A JOKE!!!!!!!
- E M, Concord
As Thatcher said, "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other peoples' money."
Go back to Mass, you liberal pro-tax idiots. Get out of here. You came here for the quality of life, and you're RUINING it!
- Mike R., Bedford
We vote in liberals, and we are surprised that they want to tax us into oblivion. The solution is simple, quit voting for the tax and spend Democrats. History will prove that no matter what they say, they are tax and spend, always will be tax and spend, and that is all they are. We should send this mentality back to Massachusetts.
Vic, Derry
- Vic Chiasson, Derry
JP Warner. Thank you. and for that obviously liberal socialist who said something like it's only a flippin 5 cents so get over it - you go to you know where.
The Transportation fund has been a slush fund for the legislature for years. They have spent the money intended (legally) for roads and bridges on other than what is was appropriated for so they could fund their pet projects - whether or not the citizens of NH agreed. That is the crux of the problem. Folks it is time to start protesting and demanding that our state government spend the money we give them for what it was intended for and nothing else. If they don't have enough, then we don't DO IT.!!!! That's what I do.
- sandy, thornton
Good for New Hampshire! The roads could seriously use the extra funding and I would rather they raised the money through taxes to do it than just borrow the money. I don't mind paying more at the pump as long as I see some improvements to the highways that I actually use.
And to everyone who is worried about paying more to get to work maybe this is a sign to invest in public transportation? I wouldn't mind paying higher taxes if we could get some more public transportation. New Hampshire is lagging in that regard and its time we got caught up and thought about the future.
- Bill, Hooksett
If you use the states streets and highways you have to pay for them. Stop complaining.
- LJC, Manchester
I see a lot of new taxs and new laws to
get more money from the working class.
I saw on the news last night that fish and game want to charge 15 dollars for a salt water fishing license, First ever. All of the new taxes and fees will hurt the local economy. Most companies are turning into ghost towns and all the state can do is find new ways to rip off the little guy.
- -PETE, DEERFIELD
Greg- I would certainley choose to work closer to home, that is if there were employment opportunities near me.
Not everyone is as lucky as you are, to be employed, and to be employed right down the street from home.
I for one do believe that it is necessary to have higher taxes, increased gas tax and perhaps even an income tax, but only if there is a way to ensure it is properly spent rather than saying it is going to one thing only, and then splitting it up and putting it in other places it doesnt belong to fill gaps others have created.
You are right however people always do want something for nothing, but in reality that is not the case. I am not sure what world people live in but we are in dire straights, this is here and now.
- Frank, Manchester
Paul(Manchester) et al, "only a flipping nickel per gallon" you say.
Well excuse us, Paul. You see, some of we clear thinkers out here would like to keep that "flipping nickel" in our pockets, rather than give it to an increasingly wastefull, increasingly tax hungry group of kleptoctrats, who always seem to find new and inventive ways of squandering our money.
We have lives, Paul. We would just like to keep your pals, the tax and spenders, the "flip" out of them.
- Mike P., Manchester
How can people be expected to drive less? There are many neighborhoods with no sidewalks. There is hardly any public transportation. They need to offer solutions instead of creating more problems.
- B, Manchester
Sensible solution. Nobody likes paying taxes but so long as this is used for roads, bridges, etc then I support this increase in the gas tax.
Don't muck with the EZPass discount. The State made a sales pitch to get it here and immediately changing the terms would be a bait and switch.
Gas tax hasn't gone up since 1991. Costs are higher and the sooner we start moving away from oil the better. Slightly higher gas taxes will continue to curb our use which keeps profits down for big oil and foreign governments and might just fund our highways appropriately. And no .. I don't drive a Hybrid .. I drive a Jeep .. and I'm still fine with the increase. It's right for the long term.
- Jim M, Hooksett, NH
hey greg, not everyone CAN move closer to there jobs-unless you work at Mcdonalds. you are a typical out-of-touch lib who wouldn't know a bad tax when he see's one. what about all the service industry companies out ther that take care of people like you-theyWILL pass the increases on to you. oh yeah you didnt think about that now did you-
- jon, derry
"We could raise the gas tax (click) we could raise the gas tax (click) we could raise the gas tax..."
- Zoot, Derry
This is to the anti-gambling cronies who don't want to put slot machines at the racetracks. Be prepared to have every tax and fee in this state raised through the roof !!!!!! You asked for a tax and fee increase and now your wishes are going to come true !!!!!!!!!!
- Chuck S., Litchfield
I am convinced some people on here just feel the need to complain about everything. The roads are not plowed to your satisfaction, but when they are, someone complains that they are blocking the road. The state proposes a higher gas tax, which some would probably go towards plowing, and you complain about that. Everyone wants something for nothing.
Here is an idea...LIVE CLOSER TO YOUR JOBS!!!!! I live six miles from work, so I can go two weeks between fillups. Therefore, the whopping 15 cent gax tax hike would cost me about $40 a year for my commute. If people didn't live 50 miles from where they worked, they wouldn't have to worry abou such things as tolls and higher gas taxes. If you want to live where you want, regardless of where your job is, you have to pay, simple as that. It's not the government's problem that you live in Concord and work in Boston and have to pay all that extra gas tax and go through two toll booths now if they put the border one up.
- Greg, Manchester
The problem is that the Liberals raid the Transportation Fund which is funded by Tolls and Fuel Taxes in order to pay for Non-Transportation Expenditures....and then they complain that we don't have enough money to fix roads and bridges.
As much as I despise more legislation, we need a Bill that prohibits Concord from robbing the Transportation Fund without fully funding Road and Bridge Repairs/Initiatives.
The PROBLEM is not that we don't have enough money, its that these Liberals in Concord are patently dishonest and steal from Transportation to give to their pet projects
- JP, Warner
Chris (Deerfield),
I couldn't quite tell from your post, but are you saying that running a red light is acceptable?
Regards,
Dan
- Dan, Auburn
Notice how they give you three bumps in the tax with only one vote. They like the autopilot on taxes. They are hoping you don't remember next election.
- Bob H, Londonderry
Art, Paul and Linda,
Thanks so much for moving from Massachusetts! You are really improving the quality of our lives!!
For once, the Governor actually makes some sense.
- Patricia, Raymond
Stop your whining all of you. Your anti-democrat fanaticism is showing. I a flipping nickel per gallon, a half dollar on the average fill up. Get lives out there.
- Paul, Manchester
As much as we all hate to pay more at the pumps, its a way to get a little money out of the hordes of people on disability that work under the table. Those users are killing the country.
- rich, Winchester6
Great move. We need better roads, and wishing for some magical, free solution is not going work. There is no 'road fairy' that is going to fly down and make everything peachy keen.
I would have like to see the EZ-Pass pass also, but maybe that was too many changes, too fast. Maybe next year.
- Art, Portsmouth
People need to understand the impact this bill has on cities and towns. They only have two ways to fix their roads and bridges: state aid and property taxes. This bill gives cities and towns 12 percent of the revenue. Without this added revenue, property taxes could go up. If this bill passes, it will help the relief of property taxes... cause if they don't get the money with the state aid gas tax they will hike property taxes to get the money.
- Linda, Manchester, NH
I can't reduce how far I drive to work. This is a TAX that will hit me hard. Please kill this Gov Lynch
- BuzzinNH, Brookline
Politicians should not be raising taxes in tough economic times. They just do not get it. Instead cut back spending.
- Jim, Manchester
Thanks to Tom, Manchester for the Tea Party info. I look forward to this!
- Patricia, Raymond
On July 4th, 2009 .. all over the USA,, there will be Tea Party protests of what is happening to "our" country... look up on line,, get involved.. If not, our country will be lost.. More taxes, each and every day. when does it stop..
- tom, manchester,nh
We wish to thank you for conserving gas and for those who cannot afford to drive we will reward you by raising the tax to get you to conserve more and others to make it more expensive for those that cannot afford it now.
Remember that change is good but for who? The more it costs companies for gas the more the products will cost making more people to afford less.
These wonderful changes are brought to you by the democrats and all the people who moved into the state to make it more like Massachusetts that they moved away from to escape the Mass. taxes.
There are only two things wrong with this country Democrats and Republicans .
Even though the people want certain things our representatives only vote along party lines never for the will of the people. Does that not sound like certain Asian countries.
We are asked to make sacrifices while our representatives vote themselves raises because it is costing more for them to exist .When will they sacrifice ? Oh! I am sorry. It is us to sacrifice not them.
We get what we vote for. Then complain that our voted representative break every promise that they made.
Look up the word liar and see the pictures of all our politicians.
- larry, bedford
We wish to thank you for conserving gas and for those who cannot afford to drive we will reward you by raising the tax to get you to conserve more and others to make it more expensive for those that cannot afford it now.
Remember that change is good but for who? The more it costs companies for gas the more the products will cost making more people to afford less.
These wonderful changes are brought to you by the democrats and all the people who moved into the state to make it more like Massachusetts that they moved away from to escape the Mass. taxes.
There are only two things wrong with this country Democrats and Republicans .
- larry, bedford
One would think that the cost of maintaining roads and bridges should drop as the cost of fuel and asphalt and other commodities falls with the economy. Also with the tremendous drop in construction, wages in that industry should start falling too.
How is this increase justified?
Why is it only the taxpaying subject, notice I didn't say citizen, has to do with less and less?
- Steve, Raymond
Some people don't have the option to drive less...I drive the least amount possible as it is and my drive to work which provides insurance is over 45 miles each way. This gas tax is a bad idea. I agree a $10.00 increase in registrations would be more fair as those people with electric cars - what are they putting in towards the road repairs? They benefit too.
I barely make ends meet as it is & this gas hike will effect me alot more than the average $25 a person that they are estimating.
- Cindy, Exeter
By the way, those of you who are angry about this should take a minute and contact your state senators to tell them your feelings:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/whosmyleg/
And you should contact Governor Lynch too and demand some accountability for the money they are currently getting BEFORE they spend even more:
http://www.governor.nh.gov/contactus.htm
There is no point in being silent now. Let them hear from you in no uncertain terms how you feel about this awful attempt to financially rape New Hampshire drivers.
- Bob Thornton, Milford
The biggest problem with this tax increase is that the state government is STILL SPENDING GAS TAX MONEY ON OTHER DEPARTMENTS! Did you get that liberals? Do you understand that millions of dollars of the gas tax we currently pay is being used for things that have NOTHING to do with roads and bridges!
It's a total violation of the law and this gas tax rape of the New Hampshire taxpayer needs to be stopped until the legislature insures that EVERY DIME of the gas tax goes to roads and bridges. Not one single cent for other things!
It's absolutely outrageous for the state government to steal more of our money when it's wasting so much on programs that should be cut and that have nothing to do with roads and bridges.
I personally will simply cut my driving WAY back and whatever the amount is extra that I have to pay I will simply cut the spending I do at local businesses in and around my town. So the state will still get less gax tax money from me and by raising this tax it will also hurt the businesses in my area.
Cut the spending and make sure the current gas tax money is allocated properly BEFORE you come after us for more money, greedy legislative pigs!
- Bob Thornton, Milford
The affluent "progressives" that infest the state house don't care if this hurts the rest of us. We are rapidly becoming New Hampshachusettes.
On top of this tax hike they have a bill to introduce red light cameras that will further enhance revenue. Again, rich liberals can afford to pay $100 for being two tenths of a second too slow getting through an intersection but to the rest of us that is real money.
- Chris, Deerfield, NH
Hey Pete from Manchester come on up to the real northern part of NH. The gas prices are just the same in VT as they are in NH. And our prices are alot higher than what you folks are paying and we also have to travel alot farther to work. But like all most everyone from the lower part of NH they just tell us to suck it up because that's the way it's going to be. But we got good fresh air.
- Danny, Columbia, NH
High speed rail is not the answer. It would cost billions to lay the track, buy the right of ways, and develop the trains. A better answer right now is to start using the energy resources we have in this country and start building more nuclear plants. Also, look at who is proposing this tax hike in the economic times we are in. When is a politician going to stand up and start identifying parts of government that can be cut. I do hope the governor veto's this plan.
- Steve, Pembroke
So this is how the economy is going to be 'stimulated'?
By adding more taxes?
That's going to 'stimulate' just the opposite.
Less available money to pay the mortgage, rent, food, and forget visiting the Mountains.
Too expensive!
Good thing I was able to get one of those digital converter boxes as free tv is the only vacation we can afford.
- C.Gustave, Candia
I fully understand and support the NEED to have tax revenue for the DOT and NH's highway system. The increased price is not a new tax, just an increased one. What I do not understand is why so many commentors here expect something for nothing.
The retail prices on fuels more than doubled since the early 1990's when the last gas tax increase occurred, why not rebel against the private (for profit and greed) sector as much as you do against the public sector politicians and taxes in general?
Further, if some of this tax revenue were to support a good and reliable public transit system, then individuals would be spending less on travel via privately owned vehicle, less on parking fees at their work location, and could be more productive during their commute between work and home than just sitting in a traffic jam, idling the car, and polluting the air the rest of us breath.
Payment of taxes are a necessity because they cover the costs of services provided by government. Perhaps if governments were permitted to make a profit, then taxes could be reduced or eliminated. Unfortunately, most governmental services are not those that a private sector company would provide because there is no profit realized.
Bottom line: If a service or product is desired, then the purchaser is required to pay for it. As laundry folks in the Far East used to say, "no ticky, no laundry" -- IE: no taxes equals no services.
- Gary L. Kerr, Chichester
Dean Kamen is reported to have a Tesla Roadster which is an electric super car capable of 200+ miles per charge. Since the vehicle is all electric he pay's no gas tax just like all other owners of electric vehicles. As the proliferation of hybrids and electric cars continues we will see lower revenue from the gas tax and therefore need to continue raising it even higher to keep budgets balanced. This will not happen overnight but it is coming. This is the reason why we need to focus on alternative transportation methods such as high speed rail.
- Joshua, Manchester
Joshua,
Good for Dean Kamen but you idea is not for me. I for one refuse to drive an unsafe, slow, boring economy car. I enjoy having a safe, full framed, 4x4. After all this is New England. Once the government tricks us into becoming dependent on electric powered and public transportation, they will tax the &$)) out of that to make up for the loss in gas tax profits. Anybody who doesn’t think this tax hike is a bad idea will have a different point of view when gas creeps back to 4.00/gallon.
Brian
- Brian, Exeter
Does this tax increase mean at the pump? So if gas is about $1.87/gallon now, on July 1st it would hike it up five cents more?? I know its not rocket science, but just a simple question...anyone?
- Ramon, Nashua
Don't cry poor over the gas tax rising. NH has some of the cheapest gas in the country and we have been spoiled. Drive to any other state in the northeast and you will pay about 15 to 20 cents more, so NH will be in line with what the rest of the country is paying. And to everyone complaining about taxing and spending, you really aren't looking at the big picture. I am sure you enjoy roads that are not falling apart as much as I do. Running a deficit on transportation budgets is a poor decision. This tax will pay for necessities that are rising in costs. Welcome to the 21st century, our country is getting older and more expensive to maintain the services we have enjoyed for many many years. This day was bound to come and its here, get ready to spend lots of money on taxes. You are going to for the rest of your life no matter if you live in NH or anywhere else.
- Pete, Manchester
Whoever said this is the best highway system in the country needs to be examined. NH Highways are not the best. They are not the worst but certainly not the best.
So, today the gas tax will go up .15 over 3 years. Our proerty taxes will be going up because municipal costs are rising. OUr grocery bills will be going up because the gas tax went up thus, the truckers will pass the cost to the consumer. Where does it all end? In the end, the government is going to put us all out of our homes, we will live in communes and share everything. At the rate this country is going, homeownership will be a thing of the past. Oh, and lets not forget, the homeless population will go through the roof because families can no longer afford to pay either their rent or mortgages. Yeah government.
- Jeff, Manchester
JG of Londonderry - I hate to be the one to break the news to you but every politician says what people want to hear to get elected, voters only find out what their real agenda is once they are in office.
- John, Manchester
That'll chew up most of the $13 a week "tax cut" Obama sent us, and we'll still owe trillions of $$$ to China.
- Tom, Campton
The gas tax is going up. There is nothing we can do about it, except drive less.
The consumer will pay for it in the long run. Businesses will pass whatever increases it gets in fuel onto John and Jane Sheople, who will already be paying more for their own fuel.
- Paul, Bedford
The fedearal governement is spending money like drunken sailors to stimulate the economy, meanwhile states are digging into consumers pockets raising taxes. By doing so consumers will have less money to spend on consumable goods, therefore the economy stays stagnent. You just can't have both the feds are giving money to fix roads and bridges so why doses the state need to do the same?
- Steve, Manchester
Joshua,
Don't get too worked up over electric vehicles. Politicians are pigs. When a sizable number of people migrate to electric vehicles, the swine will just start bumping up taxes on electricity. They'll make sure they can feed their fat faces with our tax dollars no matter what technology we invest in.
- Jonathan, Bedford
This is the only good thing that comes out of the overwhelming democrat majorities. The voters will be able to clearly see who is looking out for the individual and who is looking out for big government!
No Bush/Cheney to blame!
Maybe we can get our state and country back come next election!
- Patricia, Raymond
"To ease the the effect on the truckers..." we are still pandering to the parasites of the trucking industry. These are the low-lifes who threw us all under the bus when we wanted to used some of OUR OWN MONEY (Tax dollars) for alternative public transportation so that when gasoline became too expensive, as it will with the new tax, people would have a viable alternative. I agree; do all the damage you can real quickly before the next election because next term you're all gone!
- Paul, Derry
I only have one question. What about the added revenue from the toll increases we got last year for "more highway revenue?" Oh yeah that has been diverted much like a lot of the money has been in the past which put us in this position. Nice job hacks!!
- Bill B., Pelham
"Wondeful, wonderful people we have working for us in gov't.
- John, Dover"
John, I'm afraid that's your first mistake. They don't work for you. At least they don't if you're not a goverment union worker who will fund their campaigns.
- Paul, Fremont
Dean Kamen is reported to have a Tesla Roadster which is an electric super car capable of 200+ miles per charge. Since the vehicle is all electric he pay's no gas tax just like all other owners of electric vehicles. As the proliferation of hybrids and electric cars continues we will see lower revenue from the gas tax and therefore need to continue raising it even higher to keep budgets balanced. This will not happen overnight but it is coming. This is the reason why we need to focus on alternative transportation methods such as high speed rail.
- Joshua, Manchester
Why is that when myself family included don't have the money for something we simply don't buy it. Save the money first or restructure or budget to support the need. Simply if you don't have it to spend you don't spend it.
So I guess one could ask the question that a measure be taken to school these people in elected position in a basic budgeting class at a university or community college? It seems that once elected that they lose their common sense and believe in a fantasy that we all have money trees in our yards to cover taxes.
- Eric, Manchester, NH
Great, raise the gas tax. At least I'll sleep better at night knowing that Route 101 between Hampton and Manchester can receive the annual application of asphalt. Here's to the smoothest stretch of highway in the US of A!
- Mike, Portsmouth
Bill from Whitefield, thanks for nailing that one on the head. Folks are starting to experience their 'change'. Don't think that gas is going to stay at $2/gallon either. It will be back up to $4/gallon and then add your $.35/gallon tax. Well done Dems.
- Mike, Merrimack
No surprise - that is what the Dems do.
- JC, Nashua
They the New Hampshire House must be out of there minds to be raising the gas tax, have they taken a look to see how bad it is outside there offices. What's next raising property taxes etc?
- Rob, Derry NH
When gas prices went up at the end of the Bush Administration (under the "watchful" eye of a Democrat Congress) the democrats all blamed Bush. Now gas prices are lower but creeping up again with no scapegoat for democrats to blame, though apparently they're too low for Rep David Campbell. Hey Rep Campbell and all of you other reps and senators pushing for a higher gas tax...how about cutting spending instead? When hard times hit my house, I cut spending. I'm sure most other people do that as well. Why is it so hard for most politicians to do the same? Maybe it's because you're spending other people's money? Reminds me of a quote I heard from someone at the federal level...
"We need earmark reform and when I'm president, I will go line by line to make sure we're not spending money unwisely," ...yeah, right. So much for "Change."
- Mike, Temple
Ooooh, I'm so concerned about the people who " ... can barely afford to put gas in their cars." say Sherm and friends...
Then why so opposed to a tax structure that will take some of the pressure off the lowest wage earners?
If you're really all that concerned about people on the low end of the economic scale, get rid of the property tax and make it possible for them to afford to learn new job skills. This grandstanding over a gas tax is just that - grandstanding.
- tom, candia
How about increasing registration costs of new vehicles??? You pay once a year, not every time you fill up your vehicle... The state officals need to start thinking before acting or speaking on something that is not going to effect their well being.
- Jim, Milford
Go ahead, sign it. You will all be gone when your term is done. This will not be forgotten. Are you out of your minds? The people of this live free or die state are hurting and this is what your answer is. The house is full of fools, let's get the roll call of votes and send each of these representatives a message.
- Paul, Londonderry
Enough with new taxes already. ENOUGH! Next election, vote out ALL those who propose new taxes!
- JG, Londonderry
I think i'm willing to pay 15 cents more for what i consider to be the best highway system in the northeast,if not the country. It's a shame that it has to come to things like this but we're not the only state having to make sacrifices.The overall picture here looks far better than our southern border state(I'll think of the name)
- james flannery, hampton
So lets see....gov't imposes their will on the auto industry to create cars that meet certain mpg. They preach to the "people" about investing in these vehicles.
And when less fuel is used as a result, they then realize they must raise the gas tax?
Wondeful, wonderful people we have working for us in gov't.
- John, Dover
Stop raising taxes and fees. Start cutting spending first.
- Jim, Stratham
Thank you all for electing Democrats!
- Bill, Whitefield
Lately is seems so as Mass. goes so goes NH. I think we need to means test new residents. EZ pass discounts will go it's just a matter of time. Well NH voters you voted for "Change", you got it. How do you like it so far?
- Michael King, Epping
Just keep ripping off the working family!!!
- Rich, Concord
Well let's see him stop destroying working families and have the guts to veto this gas tax... it hits people who work the hardest... so does this foolish EZ Pass ripoff... which eventually we will all be forced to use.
- Sue, Manchester
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Tom Eaton: "Governor John Lynch's budget is a shell game"
By TOM EATON, NH Union Leader, Op-Ed, Friday, March 6, 2009
Now that the shock and awe of Gov. John Lynch's budget address has faded and we have had a chance to look at the details of his proposed budget, one fact has become clear -- the emperor has no clothes.
Gov. Lynch's proposed budget is a shell game that amounts to intergenerational theft.
We're not in this huge budget deficit because of the national economic downturn. This past budget cycle, the Democratic- controlled Legislature passed a 17 1/2 percent budget increase. For reference, the 2003 and 2005 budgets increased by about 3.5 percent, which included all essential and nondiscretionary spending. That coincided with the rate of inflation and demonstrated fiscally sound policy.
In this year's budget, Gov. Lynch claims he cut general fund spending by $40 million. But that's not exactly true. What he really did was some creative accounting. For example, he "relabeled" the State Liquor Commission budget so that it is no longer called general fund spending. This is not a cut; it is a name change. He is going to increase the agency's spending from $71 million to $91 million. But with a little creative accounting, a $20 million spending increase instead looks like a $71 million spending decrease.
Gov. Lynch also proposes bonding $83 million in school building aid -- money that used to be part of yearly general fund operating costs. The program isn't going away. The state will still send $83 million to communities for building aid. But with another sweep of Lynch's magical budget wand -- poof -- "level funding" an existing program looks like an $83 million spending cut. The reality is that the aid dollars were put on a "credit card" that our grandchildren will end up paying.
Here's another creative way to make it appear that you're cutting state spending -- announcing a state agency reorganization. However, is there an actual plan to do this? And if so, where is it? And can a plan of this magnitude really be implemented over the next two years? How much could we actually save if there was a plan that could be implemented over the next two years? Who knows? Yet Gov. Lynch's budget includes a $28 million cut in general fund spending due to reorganization. This is not a way to reduce our obligation going forward and demonstrates a worrisome pattern.
Gov. Lynch's budget proposal is full of these accounting gimmicks. State spending doesn't decrease. Many current costs are shifted or hidden. We all know that we are in the midst of a recession. This is not the time for quick fixes, yet one-time federal stimulus money is earmarked for programs we used to pay for within our budget.
Switching the funding source for the next two years doesn't solve the massive budget deficit. When the next budget comes around, projects with their costs will still be there; however, the one-time funding will be gone and the Democrats' huge budget deficit will be back and even greater.
Gov. Lynch also claims that he kept "overall aid to property taxpayers at least level." Unfortunately, that is not correct. Lynch's budget increases education funding to cities and towns by $123 million. However, it cuts other state aid programs to cities and towns by $166 million. The net result is a downshift of state spending onto local property taxpayers. That is wrong and harmful to our communities.
Perhaps the greatest feat of Gov. Lynch's budget is his attempt to take $110 million from a private, nonprofit organization. I know that sounds too bizarre to believe. But it's true. Lynch wants to take money that belongs to the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association and use it to balance the state budget. Remember, this is not government money and never has been. It is money that was paid by doctors and health care facilities to private insurance companies to help keep their malpractice premiums low, and it also helps retain and attract physicians and nurses. The money belongs to them.
If the state can take money from one private, nonprofit organization, why stop there?
The bottom line is that Gov. Lynch's budget increases state spending by $1.2 billion over the next two years. So despite cutting aid to communities, closing courts and Department of Motor Vehicles offices and forcing hundreds of layoffs, state spending is actually going up by 11 percent.
It is time to get back on track: fiscal discipline, good policies, job stimulation. The taxpayers and citizens of New Hampshire should receive nothing less.
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Tom Eaton of Keene is the former Republican leader in the state Senate.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Daniel Eaton (d)
1 Shedd Hill Rd
Stoddard, NH 03464-4423
Phone: (603)446-3535
Email: eatonsstore@juno.com
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READERS' COMMENTS:
"Tom Eaton of Keene is the former Republican leader in the state Senate."
You mean the former Senate President that was thrown out of office?
Some leader he was!
- Hal Robertson, Milford
Lynch's "proposed" budget eliminates blue collar workers and creates desk jobs. Just what the state needs. Your tax payer money hard at work!
- Ted, Laconia, NH
Run for Governor Tom! Under your leadership in the State Senate was the last time we had a reasonable budget!
- Samuel Johnson, Salem
The richest thing is that these are the very same people who decry corporate malfeasance at every turn! One scintilla of these actions would find corporate types hauled before the solons of 'knowing better' and thrown into the slammer for life and a half.
When will people learn that the proverbial chicken always comes home to roost? Exhibit A is raising the gas tax after robbing the highway fund!
I have long believed that it’s all a master plan to make things so bad that we ‘must’ enact broad-based taxes – and then blithely go out and do some really serious spending! Just because one’s a tad paranoid does not mean they ain’t after you.
For the record, my wife and I voted for Sen. Eaton last fall. Next time I hope citizens look more carefully at actual legislative performance and their pocketbooks before ‘good feeling’ voting.
- Steven, Swanzey
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"NH cities, towns may get stimulus windfall"
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, NH Union Leader, March 6, 2009
Concord – Gov. John Lynch is recommending giving $120 million in federal stimulus money to communities to offset cuts in local aid.
Lynch will take the money from $201 million in stimulus funding allocated to states for education aid. He wants to use the $120 million for school aid that the state already had in the budget. That will free up the same amount to restore some of the money his budget cuts in local aid.
Lynch has not decided what to do with the remaining stimulus money.
When Lynch presented his budget to lawmakers on Feb. 12, it was unclear how states could allocate federal stimulus money, Pamela Walsh, Lynch's deputy chief of staff, said Friday.
Final versions made it possible for states to use the money for education aid, she said.
In his budget address last month, Lynch proposed suspending two of the state's aid programs distributing money to local communities and reducing a third program. The reductions total about $187 million over the two-year budget that starts July 1.
He said the moves allowed the state to meet its commitment to fully fund school aid - a $123 million increase.
In exchange for taking their aid, Lynch proposed giving communities $160 million in expected federal economic stimulus money. Lynch said property taxpayers -- who support both local government and schools -- would benefit in the aggregate.
Local officials protested that they had no control over schools or their spending. They said local government services would suffer if the aid wasn't directed to communities.
Walsh said Lynch was sensitive to the need to be sure money went into the "right buckets" and will ask lawmakers to move the money around in the budget so communities get some aid restored.
Walsh said about $45 million of the remaining money will be distributed to schools under the Title 1 formula. Lynch has not decided what to do with the remaining $36 million.
Walsh said communities will fare better under the budget than most state agencies.
"We're looking at keeping (communities) ahead of (2009 spending) levels," she said.
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"Cities counting on rooms and meals money"
By GARRY RAYNO, New Hampshire Union Leader Staff, March 7, 2009
MANCHESTER – Uncertainty about future bond payments for Verizon Wireless Arena may be eliminated because Gov. John Lynch yesterday proposed restoring room-and-meals tax revenues to cities and towns.
In his budget address last month, Lynch proposed the state keep money allocated for local aid to help balance the state budget, but yesterday said federal stimulus money would restore the rooms-and-meals funds to municipalities.
Yesterday, New Hampshire Municipal Association officials praised Lynch's plans, but noted the state budget process still has a long way to go.
Lynch proposes taking $120 million from $201 million in stimulus funding allocated to states for education aid and using the money to replace $120 million of state money in the biennial budget for school aid. That would free up state money to restore $120 million of the proposed $187 million reduction in local aid.
Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta has scheduled a briefing for aldermen Tuesday on potential problems with paying for the arena should rooms-and-meals tax revenues for cities and towns be eliminated.
Manchester uses rooms-and-meals revenues from the state to pay off the $50 million bond for the arena. The city is counting on about $4.5 million for this year's payment for the 10,000-seat arena, which hosts concerts, high school graduations, and games played by the Monarchs and Wolves.
But officials say if the funding source goes away, the trustee, Bank of New York Mellon, could gain control of the facility. In a default, the trustee could foreclose and put the building up for sale, hire its own management company to run the arena as it sees fit or use revenue generated by the arena to retire the bonds.
The city is banking on an insurance policy protecting its rights to control the arena, but it's unclear whether the policy would accomplish that goal as intended. The insurer, ACA Financial Guaranty Corp., was caught up in the sub-prime mortgage fiasco, but recently reorganized and had its rating upgraded.
Under the worst circumstances, the city's bond counsel has suggested, the city's and the state's credit ratings could be lowered, although the state treasurer and others dispute his point. A downgrade would make it more expensive if not more difficult to bond major projects.
But all the discussion could be moot if lawmakers decide to restore all $187 million Lynch proposed eliminating, instead sending federal stimulus money to cities and towns, much of it for education.
After Lynch made his proposal, local officials protested, saying local services would suffer if aid were directed to school districts rather than to communities.
Yesterday, Pam Walsh, the governor's deputy ch
