CONCORD — The Business and Industry Association, New Hampshire’s statewide chamber of commerce and leading nonpartisan business advocate, is pleased with the Senate’s 24-0 vote today to pass HB 1 and HB 2, the two-year state operating budget.

The budget includes significant increases to Medicaid providers and reauthorization of the Granite Advantage Health Care Program, New Hampshire’s expanded Medicaid, both of which will reduce cost-shifting to employers in the form of higher health insurance premiums. It also adds funding for New Hampshire’s Affordable Housing Fund, and two new pilot programs to encourage increased housing development. The budget additionally provides increased funding for the state’s university and community college systems, as well as greater support to increase availability and affordability of child care.

“This budget includes funding for many initiatives supported by New Hampshire’s employer community,” said BIA President and CEO Michael Skelton. “All are high-priority policy initiatives for the BIA that will ease workforce constraints, the number one issue challenging many employers across the state.”

The next step in the process is with the House and BIA is calling on Democratic and Republican leadership to concur with the Senate budget.

“This Senate-passed budget addresses many top-tier employer concerns that were first raised, vetted, and passed by the House. This is a good, solid budget that deserves to go to the governor,” Skelton said. “It may not reflect everyone’s preferences, but we can’t let perfect be the enemy of good. We urge House leadership to support the Senate’s budget and send it to the governor for his signature.”

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