Joint Fiscal Committee Conducts First Remote Meeting, Approves $1.2 Million in Federal Coronavirus R
Contact Name: Sara Persechino, Michael O’Brien
Phone: (603) 271-3479, (603) 271-0515
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us, mike.b.obrien@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD - Today, the Joint Fiscal Committee conducted its first remote meeting through a teleconference service, acting on federal funds bolster our state’s Meals on Wheels program during the coronavirus pandemic, hearing from state department heads about their needs, and inviting the public to comment on how $1.25 billion in federal funds to combat COVID-19 should be spent in New Hampshire.
After the meeting, Chairwoman Mary Jane Wallner (D-Concord) and Vice Chair Lou D’Allesandro (D-Manchester) issued the following statement:
“The Legislature’s ability and commitment to move quickly and efficiently has never been more important as Granite Staters wait for the $1.25 billion federal coronavirus funding package to become available at the end of the month. Today, the Fiscal Committee approved $1.2 million in federal funds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we remain ready to meet as often as necessary in order to guarantee swift delivery of this funding.
We are grateful for the hard work of our federal delegation in securing this crucial funding to support the ever changing needs of our state during this crisis, including shoring up our health care institutions, supporting our frontline workers, ensuring cities and towns have the resources they need to combat this crisis, and helping working families, small businesses, and nonprofits get back on their feet - without blowing a hole in our state budget or downshifting costs to local property taxpayers. The Joint Fiscal Committee will continue to fulfill our constitutional and statutory responsibility and work together in the best interest of New Hampshire.
As New Hampshire looks to spend this unprecedented federal funding, we invite members of the public to participate in the process. While New Hampshire awaits additional federal guidance and disbursement of these funds, Granite Staters impacted by the pandemic can share how these critical funds could be used to best fulfill their needs by emailing NHCovid19Stimulus@leg.state.nh.us.”
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