Governor Hassan came out harshly today against the Senate Republicans. Today they voted to kill HB 668 that would allow NH to maintain control over the health care regulations.
“Once again, Senate Republicans have decided to put ideology ahead of the interests of the people, businesses and families of New Hampshire, and have given away control of our health insurance market to the federal government. HB 668 ensures that New Hampshire will continue to control our own health care and prevents the federal government from taking control of all health insurance products in New Hampshire for individuals and small employers. “By killing HB 668, the Senate would make it more difficult to protect Granite State consumers, cause unnecessary confusion for all those looking to sell and purchase insurance, and potentially increase health insurance costs for families, businesses and individuals. I urge the full Senate to reject the committee’s recommendation and take action to maintain state-level control of New Hampshire’s health insurance market.”Even the NH Insurance Department urged the Senate to approve HB 668. Read the letter sent to the Senate Commerce Committee. Irony of this vote is that many of these Republicans are talking about the government taking control of their healthcare, yet now they are deferring the federal government to regulate the new system. Governor Hassan also commented on the Senate Finance Committee's budget.
“In order to support business growth and create good jobs that can sustain a strong middle class, we must invest in the priorities that will build the foundation for a more innovative economic future. “While the Senate Finance Committee has begun to recognize in its revenue estimates New Hampshire’s strengthening economy and has made some progress on restoring priorities, they have unfortunately chosen the fiscally irresponsible approach of sweeping, across-the-board cuts instead of being forthright about the programs they would eliminate. These deep cuts to Health and Human Services and employees will cost hundreds of jobs and put at risk critical areas, including mental health care, funding the waitlist for people with developmental disabilities, the CHINS program, and the ability to deliver basic services. “Additionally, the Committee’s rejection of $2.5 billion from the federal government to expand health coverage to thousands of working families is a shortsighted decision that will undermine the health of our communities and hurt our economy. “As the process moves forward, I will continue to work with members of both parties in both chambers to make improvements and finalize a balanced budget that encourages job creation, spurs innovative economic growth, and protects the health and well-being of New Hampshire’s families and communities.”In the last budget it was Bill O'Brien who lead the charge for cuts to the budget. What people seemed to overlook is that the Senate accepted many of these cuts. Now the Senate is pushing for more cuts that will lead to more jobs lost. This is not the direction we should be moving in.
