“It was a very difficult budget to put together, and there were many difficult choices that had to be made,’’ House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt, a Republican, said in a statement. “But in the end, we have delivered a balanced budget that will serve the interests of our citizens.’’
Democratic leaders questioned why Republicans pushed for cuts that require layoffs, increase tuition, and reduce state services while lowering the tax on tobacco products.
“These are real consequences that affect real lives,’’ Democratic state Senator Lou D’Allesandro said. “If you’re poor, you should pray that you get rich quick. If you’re sick, you better pray that you get healthy quick. And if you have a problem, you better pray that somebody out there is willing to listen to your problem.’’
Senate Democratic leader Sylvia Larsen said Republicans had not fulfilled their promise to create jobs and stimulate the New Hampshire economy. Instead, she said, the budget stifles economic growth by failing to invest in higher education.
State support for the University System of New Hampshire will shrink to about $52 million from the current $100 million. Next year, the university system’s overall operating budget will total $419 million.
The diminished funding means the cost of attending a New Hampshire public college or university will rise as much as 10 percent. But that’s not enough to cover the loss in state dollars. So university trustees plan to bridge the gap by eliminating more than 200 jobs, curbing employee benefits, delaying facility repairs, dipping into rainy day funds, and trimming other costs.
University system spokesman Matt Cookson said trustees, who met Tuesday to grapple with the budget, attempted to minimize the burden on students. The system’s financial aid budget will rise 16 percent, he said.
“The state budget creates a large hole and a significant challenge,’’ Cookson said. “There will be more effort made with the Legislature to demonstrate the value we have in the state’s economic development.’’
