At first we failed to pass HB1, requiring us to table HB2, then had to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government operational for 6 months. Had that been our final path, the budget would be a Senate + House Democrat written budget, since it became obvious that a small faction of the Republican Party could not be reasoned with. While the debate for the CR occurred, several members were whipped to flip their vote, one of those members negotiated with House leadership to address a big ask he made made for the budget since day 1, and will now have the backing of the Majority Office behind his cause (talk about negotiation skills!) I also intend to work with those that voted “no” on legislation next year to address their concerns, because I agree that there’s always room for improvement!

We reconsidered the failed vote on HB1, and it passed by 5 votes. We removed HB2 from the table, moved the question (skipping 9 speeches that would not change the outcome), and passed it by the Speaker’s tie-breaking vote!

Now, things that made are in the budget that will be signed by Ayotte:

• Reigning in DHHS rulemaking authority over vaccines
• Special education reform
• DEI ban within State agencies similar to Trump’s
• Cuts to bloated UNH budget
• Increased transparency and removal of partisan power inside of the Office of the Child Advocate
• Full repeal of automobile inspections – we will now join the 39 other states that do not have them.
• Funding Northern Border Alliance for border security
• Added work requirement to State Medicaid – no more hands outs for those that can, but refuse to work
• More funding for the developmentally disabled
• Bell-to-bell cell phone bans in classrooms
• Certificate of need improvements, allowing critical care facilities to be built to meet market demand and not just outside an arbitrary, protectionist exclusion radius

All of this occurred without increasing or creating any new taxes, despite the wishes of the Democrats and some bills filed by the Senate.