Re-elected Legislators Predict an Ugly Fight Over the Budget in 2025

Strategic Insights -

State Rep. Joe Alexander and Rep. Alexis Simpson, two re-elected legislators, took part in a Post Election Brief sponsored by the Dupont Group, predicting a challenging budget process in 2025. According to Alexander, Republicans will likely cut taxes and reduce spending, while Simpson warned that the budget fight might not be as pretty as it was last time, citing the need to address the YDC settlement case, education funding, and revenue shortfalls.

Key Takeaways:

  • State Rep. Joe Alexander, R-Goffstown, and Rep. Alexis Simpson, D-Exeter, served on a panel at the Post Election Brief, sponsored by the Dupont Group, to discuss the upcoming legislative session in 2025.
  • The two legislators agreed that the budget process will be challenging, with Alexander predicting that Republicans will continue to cut taxes and reduce spending, while Simpson warned about the need to address revenue shortfalls and the YDC settlement case.
  • Alexander expressed interest in reducing regulation, including for childcare providers, while Simpson stated that she would consider such proposals but emphasized the importance of child safety.
  • Both legislators supported adult legalization of cannabis sales in the state, but acknowledged that the bill stalled in the Senate, with incoming Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte opposing it.
  • Simpson stated that the fact that cannabis legislation is not a priority for Ayotte does not mean it cannot be revisited in the future.

Statistics:

  • The House of Representatives has a new breakdown of 222 Republicans and 178 Democrats, a change from the almost evenly divided lower chamber.
  • The state is expecting millions of dollars from the YDC settlement case, which will need to be budgeted for.
  • The budget process will be complicated by the absence of ARPA funds, which are expected to be fully expended by the end of 2025.
  • Alexander mentioned meeting the revenue that the state is currently collecting, potentially reducing spending by optimizing budget areas.

Sources:

  • InDepthNH.org: "Re-elected legislators predict an ugly fight over the budget in 2025" (November 9, 2024)
  • InDepthNH.org: Courtesy photo of the panel event (November 9, 2024)
  • NH Union Leader: Kevin Landrigan's coverage of the event (November 9, 2024)
  • New Hampshire Public Radio: Annmarie Timmins' coverage of the event (November 9, 2024)