In an effort to close a budget shortfall in Concord, Gov. Maggie Hassan is recommending a pair of proposals for lawmakers to consider.
One is an amnesty program to allow residents who owe back taxes to get caught up by July with reduced interest and penalties. Another would reduce funding to the legislative and judicial branches of government.
The move comes two days before the governor is sworn in to her second term in office. Hassan is expected to lay out a road map for the next two years.
“Gov. Hassan is going to outline her vision for working in a bipartisan manner to support innovative businesses, expand middle-class opportunity and keep young people in New Hampshire,” said Hassan spokesman William Hinkle.
In this session, the first priority will likely be the budget, setting up a two-year spending plan for the state. There will also be an emphasis on a long-term plan for the expansion of Medicaid.
Hassan is also expected to urge lawmakers to come up with a consensus on a massive rail project stretching from Massachusetts into Manchester.
With Republican majorities in the House and Senate, bipartisan cooperation is the key to all of it.
“Obviously, it’s a strong priority that the Senate work with the governor on this budget and create a balanced budget, and that’s what we want to hear,” said Senate President Chuck Morse.
“I certainly hope to hear that she’s going to be presenting a budget based on realistic revenue projections and without new taxes,” said House Speaker Shawn Jasper.
Political observers will be keeping an eye on the tone in Concord. So far, everyone appears willing to talk and listen.
“To me, it’s jobs and the budget and lowering electricity rates — top three,” said Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley.
“There are going to be areas where we disagree on certain funding and where the money comes from, but I think at the end of the day, we’ll all be on the same page and do the right thing for the people of New Hampshire,” said House Minority Leader Steve Shurtleff.
