Historical New Hampshire budget and finance information

in  New Hampshire

* Fiscal
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This article does not contain the most recently published data on this subject. If you would like to help our coverage grow, consider donating to Ballotpedia.

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The historical New Hampshire budget and finance information below applies to years prior to the most current fiscal year. With the exception of the tab labeled "Prior fiscal year budgets," the tabs below display information, from several different fiscal years, as it was presented on Ballotpedia in prior calendar years. For more current information regarding New Hampshire's budget and finances, click here.

## Contents

* 1 As published 2016
* 1.1 Definitions
* 1.2 Revenues
* 1.2.1 2014 revenues
* 1.2.2 Federal aid to the state budget
* 1.3 Spending
* 1.3.1 Estimated 2015 expenditures
* 1.3.2 Spending by function
* 1.3.3 Spending trends
* 1.4 Fiscal year budgets
* 1.4.1 Fiscal year 2016
* 1.5 State debt
* 1.5.1 Taxpayer burden
* 1.5.2 Public pensions
* 1.5.3 Credit ratings
* 1.6 Economic indicators
* 1.7 Budget process
* 1.7.1 Agencies, offices, and committees
* 1.7.2 Transparency
* 2 As published 2015
* 2.1 Spending
* 2.1.1 Definitions
* 2.1.2 2014 expenditures
* 2.1.3 Spending by function
* 2.1.4 Spending trends
* 2.2 Revenues
* 2.2.1 2013 revenues
* 2.3 Current fiscal year budget
* 2.3.1 Fiscal year 2016
* 2.4 State debt
* 2.4.1 Public pensions
* 2.4.2 Credit ratings
* 2.5 Federal aid to the state budget
* 2.5.1 Stimulus
* 2.6 Budget process
* 2.6.1 Agencies, offices, and committees
* 2.7 Studies and reports
* 2.7.1 U.S. PIRG "Following the Money" report
* 3 As published 2014
* 3.1 Spending
* 3.1.1 Definitions
* 3.1.2 2013
* 3.2 Spending by function
* 3.2.1 2012
* 3.3 Spending trends
* 3.4 Revenues
* 3.4.1 2013 revenues
* 3.4.2 Revenue trends
* 3.5 Historical spending
* 3.6 Budget transparency
* 3.6.1 Government tools
* 3.6.2 Multi-measure budget transparency profile
* 4 Prior fiscal year budgets
* 4.1 Fiscal year 2016
* 4.2 Fiscal years 2014 and 2015
* 4.3 2012 to 2013
* 4.4 2010 to 2011
* 4.5 See also
* 4.6 Footnotes

# As published 2016[edit]

New Hampshire budget and finances

General information
Budget calendar:
Biennial
Fiscal year:
2017
State credit rating:
AA (as of 2014)
Current governor:
Margaret Hassan
Financial figures
Total spending (state and federal funds):
$5.4 billion (estimated for 2015)
Per capita spending:
$4,049.28 (estimated for 2015)
Total state tax collections:
$2.3 billion (2014)
Per capita tax collections:
$1,718.76 (2014)
State debt:
$18.4 billion (as of 2014)
Per capita state debt:
$13,951 (as of 2014)

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* * *

State budget and finance pages • Total state expenditures • State debt • Tax policy in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, as in other states, lawmakers and public officials are elected in part to manage the state's finances. This includes generating revenues (money coming into the state from various sources) and approving expenditures (the money spent on governmental functions and servicing state debt). State budgets are complex and fluid, as they depend on anticipated revenues and planned expenditures, which may alter over the course of a fiscal year. If revenues do not keep pace with expenditures, states generally have to raise taxes, cut services, borrow money, or a combination of the three. State budget decisions are also influenced by policy decisions at the national level, such as the Affordable Care Act or energy and environmental regulations, and issues at the local level, such as crime and the quality of education.

HIGHLIGHTS

* Between fiscal years 2014 and 2015, total government spending in New Hampshire increased by approximately $307 million—from $5.1 billion in fiscal year 2014 to an estimated $5.4 billion in 2015. This represents a 5.70-percent increase.[1][2][3]

* In New Hampshire in fiscal year 2014, 38.4 percent of total tax revenues came from sales taxes and gross receipts. Income taxes accounted for 27.8 percent of total state tax collections.

* Education accounted for 24.7 percent of state expenditures in fiscal year 2015, while 26.8 percent went to Medicaid.

The New Hampshire state budget and financial data presented here come from different years because the states and the federal government report and publish the information at different times.

### Definitions[edit]

The following terms are used to describe a state's finances:

* Revenues come mainly from tax collections, licensing fees, federal aid, and returns on investments.
* Expenditures generally include spending on government salaries, infrastructure, education, public pensions, public assistance, corrections, Medicaid, and transportation.
* State debt refers to the money borrowed to make up for a deficit when revenues do not cover spending.
* The state credit rating is the grade given by a credit rating agency based on the general financial health of the state's government and economy.
* State funds include general and other state-based funds. A general fund is "the predominant fund for financing a state's operations." Other state funds are "restricted by law for particular governmental functions or activities."[4]
* Federal funds are "funds received directly from the federal government."[4]
* Total spending is calculated by adding together the totals for state and federal funds used for expenditures.

Note: In comparing dollar amounts across the states, it is important to note that the cost of living can from state to state and within a state. The amounts given on this page have not been adjusted to reflect these differences. For more information on "regional price disparities" and the Consumer Price Index, see the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis.

## Revenues[edit]

### 2014 revenues[edit]

See also: State government tax collections by source

The table below breaks down state government tax collections by source in 2014 (comparable figures from surrounding states are also provided to give additional context). Figures for all columns except "2013 population" and "Per capita collections" are rendered in thousands of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000). Figures in the columns labeled "2013 population" and "Per capita collections" have not been abbreviated.[5]

Compared to neighboring states, New Hampshire had the lowest state tax collections per capita, at $1,719.

State tax collections by source ($ in thousands), 2014

State  |  Property taxes  |  Sales and gross receipts  |  Licenses  |  Income taxes  |  Other taxes  |  Total  |  2013 population  |  Per capita collections
New Hampshire |  $383,126  |  $877,035  |  $280,011  |  $635,590  |  $106,745  |  $2,282,507  |  1,327,996  |  $1,719
Maine |  $35,755  |  $1,911,398  |  $254,251  |  $1,597,038  |  $48,739  |  $3,847,181  |  1,330,256  |  $2,892
Massachusetts |  $3,433  |  $7,933,030  |  $1,012,557  |  $15,440,841  |  $845,865  |  $25,235,726  |  6,755,124  |  $3,736
Rhode Island |  $2,591  |  $1,566,191  |  $132,146  |  $1,208,517  |  $56,530  |  $2,965,975  |  1,054,907  |  $2,812
Vermont |  $985,478  |  $1,014,960  |  $109,996  |  $781,057  |  $71,040  |  $2,962,531  |  626,767  |  $4,727
United States  |  $14,232,835  |  $411,414,175  |  $51,120,024  |  $357,104,785  |  $31,880,270  |  $865,752,089  |  318,907,401  |  $2,715
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "2014 annual survey of state government tax collections by category," accessed April 4, 2016

New Hampshire tax collections by source in 2014.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau

The table below lists 2014 tax collections by source as percentages of total collections. About 38.4 percent of New Hampshire's total state tax collections came from sales and gross receipts.[5]

State tax collections by source (as percentages), 2014

State  |  Property taxes  |  Sales and gross receipts  |  Licenses  |  Income taxes  |  Other taxes
New Hampshire |  16.8%  |  38.4% |  12.3%  |  27.8%  |  4.7%
Maine |  0.9%  |  49.7%  |  6.6%  |  41.5%  |  1.3%
Massachusetts |  0.0%  |  31.4%  |  4.0%  |  61.2%  |  3.4%
Rhode Island |  0.1%  |  52.8%  |  4.5%  |  40.7%  |  1.9%
Vermont |  33.3%  |  34.3%  |  3.7%  |  26.4%  |  2.4%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "2014 annual survey of state government tax collections by category," accessed April 4, 2016

### Federal aid to the state budget[edit]

See also: Federal aid to state budgets

State governments receive aid from the federal government to fund a variety of joint programs, mainly in the form of grants for such things as Medicaid, education, and transportation. In 2013 federal aid to the states accounted for roughly 30 percent of all state general revenues. Federal aid varies from state to state. For example, Mississippi received approximately $7.5 billion in federal aid in 2013, accounting for about 43 percent of the state's general revenues, the highest percentage of all of the states. By contrast, North Dakota received about $1.5 billion in federal aid in 2013, or just 19 percent of the state's general revenues, the lowest percentage in the nation.[6]

The table below notes what share of New Hampshire’s general revenues came from the federal government in 2013. That year, New Hampshire received approximately $1.7 billion in federal aid, 27.1 percent of the state's total general revenues. Taking into consideration the state's 2013 population, this came out to about $1,254 in federal aid per capita. Figures from surrounding states are provided for additional context.[7]

Federal aid to state budgets, 2013

State  |  Total federal aid ($ in thousands)  |  Federal aid as a % of general revenues  |  Ranking (by % of general revenues)  |  Est. 2013 population  |  Aid per capita
New Hampshire |  $1,659,853 |  27.1%  |  38  |  1,323,459  |  $1,254
Maine |  $2,821,145  |  35.3%  |  10  |  1,328,302  |  $2,124
Massachusetts |  $13,233,244  |  28.7%  |  32  |  6,692,824  |  $1,977
Rhode Island |  $2,331,473  |  33.6%  |  18  |  1,051,511  |  $2,217
Vermont |  $1,869,831  |  33.2%  |  21  |  626,630  |  $2,984
Sources: United States Census Bureau, "State Government Finances: 2013," accessed April 4, 2016
United States Census Bureau, "State totals: Vintage 2013," accessed April 8, 2016
Note: Per-capita figures were generated by Ballotpedia by dividing total federal aid for the state by the estimated population of that state in 2013.

## Spending[edit]

### Estimated 2015 expenditures[edit]

See also: Total state expenditures

The table below breaks down estimated spending totals for fiscal year 2015 (comparable figures from surrounding states are included to provide additional context). Figures for all columns except "Population” and “Per capita spending" are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000). Figures in the columns labeled "Population” and “Per capita spending" have not been abbreviated.[2]

New Hampshire's total estimated government spending in fiscal year 2015 was $5.4 billion, which was the second lowest amount when compared to surrounding states.

Total estimated state spending, FY 2015 ($ in millions)

State  |  State funds  |  Federal funds  |  Total spending  |  Population  |  Per capita spending
New Hampshire |  $3,444  |  $1,944  |  $5,388 |  1,330,608  |  $4,049.28
Maine |  $5,189  |  $2,422  |  $7,611  |  1,329,328  |  $5,725.45
Massachusetts |  $45,535  |  $9,435  |  $54,970  |  6,794,422  |  $8,090.46
Rhode Island |  $5,997  |  $2,820  |  $8,817  |  1,056,298  |  $8,347.08
Vermont |  $3,412  |  $1,919  |  $5,331  |  626,042  |  $8,515.40
Per-capita figures are calculated by taking the state's total spending and dividing by the number of state residents according to United States Census Bureau estimates.[8]
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers, "Examining fiscal 2013-2015 state spending," accessed April 4, 2016

### Spending by function[edit]

Breakdown of spending by function in FY 2014.
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

See also: State spending by function as a percent of total expenditures

State spending in New Hampshire can be further broken down by function (elementary and secondary education, public assistance, etc.). Fiscal year 2014 information is included in the table below (information from neighboring states is provided for additional context). Figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category.[2]

In fiscal year 2014, Medicaid accounted for 26.8 percent of New Hampshire's total expenditures.

State spending by function as a percent of total expenditures, FY 2014

State  | K-12 education  | Higher education  | Public assistance  | Medicaid  | Corrections  | Transportation  | Other
New Hampshire |  22.2%  |  2.5%  |  1.5%  |  26.8% |  2.0%  |  9.8%  |  35.2%
Maine |  17.0%  |  3.5%  |  2.1%  |  34.4%  |  2.0%  |  7.8%  |  33.2%
Massachusetts |  12.0%  |  10.4%  |  2.2%  |  21.4%  |  2.4%  |  7.7%  |  44.0%
Rhode Island |  13.4%  |  12.0%  |  1.2%  |  24.8%  |  2.3%  |  6.3%  |  39.9%
Vermont |  31.7%  |  1.8%  |  2.2%  |  26.8%  |  2.8%  |  10.4%  |  24.4%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers
Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."[2]

### Spending trends[edit]

Between 2010 and 2014, the share of the New Hampshire state budget spent on higher education decreased from 5 percent in 2010 to 2.5 percent in 2014. See the table below for further details (figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category).[2][9][10]

Spending by function from 2010 to 2014 (as percentages)

Year  | K-12 education  | Higher education  | Public assistance  | Medicaid  | Corrections  | Transportation  | Other
2014  |  22.2%  |  2.5% |  1.5%  |  26.8%  |  2.0%  |  9.8%  |  35.2%
2013  |  23.4%  |  2.2%  |  1.7%  |  25.6%  |  2%  |  10%  |  35%
2012  |  23.5%  |  2.7%  |  1.9%  |  23.9%  |  2.1%  |  10.1%  |  35.9%
2011  |  22.3%  |  4.0%  |  2.0%  |  25.7%  |  2.0%  |  9.5%  |  34.5%
2010  |  19.0%  |  5.0% |  1.8%  |  24.9%  |  1.9%  |  9.2%  |  38.1%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers
Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."[2]

## Fiscal year budgets[edit]

See also: Historical New Hampshire budget and finance information

### Fiscal year 2016[edit]

As of September 2015, New Hampshire had not yet passed an official state budget for fiscal year 2016. Governor Maggie Hassan did sign a bill to continue state spending through December 31, 2015, however.[11]

## State debt[edit]

See also: State debt

According to a January 2014 report by the nonprofit organization State Budget Solutions, New Hampshire had a state debt of approximately $18.4 billion. Its state debt per capita was $13,951. In this report for fiscal year 2012, state debt was calculated based on four components: "market-valued unfunded public pension liabilities, outstanding government debt, unfunded other post employment benefit (OPEB) liabilities, and outstanding unemployment trust fund loans." The report revealed that altogether state governments faced a combined $5.1 trillion in debt, which amounted to $16,178 per capita in the nation.[12][13]

Total 2012 state debt

State  |  Total state debt  |  State debt per capita  |  Per capita debt ranking
New Hampshire | $18,425,567,000 | $13,951 | 27
Maine | $16,717,250,000 | $12,577 | 35
Massachusetts | $129,550,263,000 | $19,493 | 12
Rhode Island | $18,863,153,000 | $17,960 | 16
Vermont | $7,866,666,000 | $12,566 | 36
Sources: State Budget Solutions, "State Budget Solutions' Fourth Annual State Debt Report," January 8, 2014

### Taxpayer burden[edit]

TIA Methodology: To figure a state’s taxpayer burden or surplus, TIA looked at a state’s total reported assets minus capital assets and assets restricted by law (buildings, roads, land, etc.) to calculate “available assets,” which were then compared to the amount of money the state owes in bills, including retirement obligations such as pension plans and healthcare benefits for retirees.

If the difference between available assets and total bills was positive, TIA called this a surplus; if it was negative, this was a burden. This amount was then divided by the number of individual tax returns with a positive tax liability, thus expressing the total state surplus or burden on a per-taxpayer basis.

According to a report released in September 2015 by the nonprofit Truth in Accounting (TIA), New Hampshire ranked 25th best in the country in “taxpayer burden.” Rather than using per capita state debt, TIA ranked states based on what it called a “taxpayer burden,” a term that reflects “the amount each taxpayer would have to send to their state’s treasury in order for the state to be debt-free.” On the other hand, states that had sufficient resources to pay their bills were said to have a “taxpayer surplus,” which represents the amount that each taxpayer would receive if the state were to disburse its excess funds.

Based on analysis of New Hampshire’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report from June 30, 2014 and actuarial reports for the state’s retirement plans, TIA concluded that $2.8 billion in promised retirement benefits were unfunded, but only $910.8 million of these liabilities were reported on New Hampshire’s balance sheet. With all of the unfunded retirement benefits included in the total debt, the state had a shortfall of $2.4 billion, or a taxpayer burden of $4,700.[14]

### Public pensions[edit]

See also: New Hampshire public pensions and New Hampshire public employee salaries

Between fiscal years 2008 and 2012, the funded ratio of New Hampshire's state-administered pension plans decreased from 68 percent to 56.2 percent. The state paid 100 percent of its annual required contribution, and for fiscal year 2012 the pension system's unfunded accrued liability totaled $4.6 billion. This amounted to $3,470 in unfunded liabilities per capita.[15][16]

### Credit ratings[edit]

See also: State credit ratings

Credit rating agencies, such as Standard and Poor's, assign grades to states that take into account a state's ability to pay debts and the general health of the state's economy. Generally speaking, a higher credit rating indicates lower interest costs on the general obligation bonds states sometimes sell to investors in order to finance large-scale undertakings (e.g., road construction and other public works projects). This in turn results in lower interest costs, thereby lowering the cost to taxpayers.[17][18]

The table below lists the Standard and Poor's credit ratings for New Hampshire and surrounding states from 2004 to 2014. Standard and Poor's grades range from AAA, the highest available, to BBB, the lowest.[19]

State credit ratings, 2004 to 2014

State  | 2014  | 2013  | 2012  | 2011  | 2010  | 2009  | 2008  | 2007  | 2006  | 2005  | 2004
New Hampshire |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA
Maine |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA- |  AA- |  AA
Massachusetts |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA-
Rhode Island |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA-
Vermont |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+
Source: Stateline: The Daily News Service of The Pew Charitable Trusts, "Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001-2014," June 9, 2014

## Economic indicators[edit]

See also: Economic indicators by state

New Hampshire's GDP increased by 2.3 percent in 2014. Click the image to view a larger version.

Broadly defined, a healthy economy is typically one that has a "stable and strong rate of economic growth" (gross state product, in this case) and low unemployment, among many other factors. The economic health of a state can significantly affect its healthcare costs, insurance coverage, access to care, and citizens' physical and mental health. For instance, during economic downturns, employers may reduce insurance coverage for employees, while those who are laid off may lose coverage altogether. Individuals also tend to spend less on non-urgent care or postpone visits to the doctor when times are hard. These changes in turn may affect the decisions made by policymakers as they react to shifts in the industry. Additionally, a person's socioeconomic status has profound effects on their access to care and the quality of care received.[20][21][22]

Between 2011 and 2013, New Hampshire had a median annual household income of $69,888, highest among its neighboring states and higher than the national average. Nearly half of its population earned a salary of at least 400 percent of the federal poverty level. By September 2014, the state's unemployment rate was just slightly lower than that of its neighbor Vermont.[23][24][25][26]

Note: Gross state product (GSP) on its own is not necessarily an indicator of economic health; GSP may also be influenced by state population size. Many factors must be looked at together to assess state economic health.

Various economic indicators by state

State  |  Distribution of population by FPL* (2013)  |  Median annual income (2011-2013)  |  Unemployment rate  |  Total GSP (2013)†
Under 100%  |  100-199%  |  200-399%  |  400%+  |  Sept. 2013  |  Sept. 2014
New Hampshire | 9% | 13% | 29% | 49% | $69,888 | 5.2% | 4.3% | $67,848
Maine | 12% | 20% | 31% | 37% | $50,668 | 6.6% | 5.8% | $54,755
Massachusetts | 12% | 15% | 24% | 49% | $64,555 | 7.2% | 6% | $446,323
Vermont | 9% | 19% | 31% | 40% | $56,175 | 4.5% | 4.4% | $29,509
United States | 15% | 19% | 30% | 36% | $52,047 | 7.2% | 5.9% | $16,701,415
* Federal Poverty Level. "The U.S. Census Bureau's poverty threshold for a family with two adults and one child was $18,751 in 2013. This is the official measurement of poverty used by the Federal Government."
† Median annual household income, 2011-2013.
‡ In millions of current dollars. "Gross State Product is a measurement of a state's output; it is the sum of value added from all industries in the state."
Source: The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, "State Health Facts"

## Budget process[edit]

State documents and agenciesBelow are links to official New Hampshire budget and financial documents. The first is the state's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). A CAFR is a detailed presentation of a government entity's financial condition. This includes fiscal activities and balances for a fiscal year. The second link is to the state's relevant budget agency or office.

* New Hampshire CAFR
* New Hampshire budget agency

The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[27]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in August.
2. State agencies submit their requests by October 1.
3. Agency hearings and public hearings are held in November.
4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the New Hampshire State Legislature by February 15.
5. The legislature adopts a budget in May. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.
6. The biennial budget cycle begins in July.

New Hampshire is one of only six states in which the governor cannot exercise line item veto authority.[27]

In New Hampshire, the governor is required by statute to submit a balanced budget. In turn, the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.[27]

### Agencies, offices, and committees[edit]

The following standing committees in the New Hampshire General Court deal with budget and finance matters:[28][29]

1. Capital Budget Committee, New Hampshire State Senate
2. Finance - Division I Committee, New Hampshire House of Representatives
3. Finance - Division II Committee, New Hampshire House of Representatives
4. Finance Committee, New Hampshire State Senate
5. Ways and Means Committee, New Hampshire House of Representatives
6. Ways and Means Committee, New Hampshire State Senate

### Transparency[edit]

See also: "Following the Money" report, 2015

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a consumer-focused nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., released its annual report on state transparency websites in March 2015. The report, entitled "Following the Money," measured how transparent and accountable state websites were with regard to state government spending.[30] According to the report, New Hampshire received a grade of C+ and a numerical score of 75, indicating that New Hampshire was "Middling" in terms of transparency regarding state spending.[30]

# As published 2015[edit]

* * *

* * *

State finances in the U.S.
State tax policy in the U.S.
Pension Policy

* * *

* * *

State finances on the ballot
Taxes on the ballot
Glossary of state budget terms
Public pensions

The information on this tab contains:

* Spending (fiscal years 2013 and 2014)
* Revenues (fiscal year 2013)
* State debt (fiscal year 2012)
* Federal aid to the state budget (fiscal year 2012)
* Budget process

Between fiscal years 2013 and 2014, total spending in New Hampshire increased by approximately $148 million, from $4.9 billion in fiscal year 2013 to an estimated $5.1 billion in 2014. This represents a 3 percent increase. The cumulative rate of inflation during the same period was 1.58 percent, calculated using the Consumer Price Indices for January 2013 and January 2014. As of 2014, financial services firm Standard and Poor's had assigned New Hampshire a credit rating of AA.[31][32][33]

HIGHLIGHTS

* In New Hampshire in fiscal year 2014, estimated spending per capita was $3,827, the fifth-lowest in the nation.

## Spending[edit]

### Definitions[edit]

The following terms are used to describe a state's finances:

* Revenues come mainly from tax collections, licensing fees, federal aid, and returns on investments.
* Expenditures generally include spending on government salaries, infrastructure, education, public pensions, public assistance, corrections, Medicaid, and transportation.
* State debt refers to the money borrowed to make up for a deficit when revenues do not cover spending.
* The state credit rating is the grade given by a credit rating agency based on the general financial health of the state's government and economy.
* State funds include general and other state-based funds. A general fund is "the predominant fund for financing a state's operations." Other state funds are "restricted by law for particular governmental functions or activities."[4]
* Federal funds are "funds received directly from the federal government."[4]
* Total spending is calculated by adding together the totals for state and federal funds used for expenditures.

### 2014 expenditures[edit]

See also: Total state expenditures

The table below breaks down estimated spending totals for fiscal year 2014 (comparable figures from surrounding states are included to provide additional context). Figures for all columns except "Population” and “Per capita spending" are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000). Figures in the columns labeled "Population” and “Per capita spending" have not been abbreviated.[33]

In New Hampshire in fiscal year 2014, estimated per capita spending was $3,827, a smaller amount than in any neighboring state.

Total estimated state spending, FY 2014 ($ in millions)

State  |  State funds  |  Federal funds  |  Total spending  |  Population  |  Per capita spending
New Hampshire | $3,375 | $1,703 | $5,078 | 1,326,813 | $3,827.22
Maine | $5,330 | $2,696 | $8,026 | 1,330,089 | $6,034.18
Massachusetts | $41,752 | $15,135 | $56,887 | 6,745,408 | $8,433.44
Rhode Island | $5,259 | $2,543 | $7,802 | 1,055,173 | $7,394.05
Vermont | $3,382 | $1,771 | $5,153 | 626,562 | $8,224.25
Per-capita figures are calculated by taking the state's total spending and dividing by the number of state residents according to United States Census Bureau estimates.[34]
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

### Spending by function[edit]

See also: State spending by function as a percent of total expenditures

Breakdown of spending by function in FY 2013
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

State spending in New Hampshire can be further broken down by function (elementary and secondary education, public assistance, etc.). Fiscal year 2013 information is included in the table below (information from neighboring states is provided for additional context). Figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category.[33]

In New Hampshire in fiscal year 2013, higher education accounted for 2.2 percent of total government spending. Compared to neighboring states, only Vermont spent a smaller share of its budget on higher education.

State spending by function as a percent of total expenditures, FY 2013

State  | K-12 education  | Higher education  | Public assistance  | Medicaid  | Corrections  | Trans-
portation  | Other
New Hampshire | 23.4% | 2.2% | 1.7% | 25.6% | 2.0% | 10.0% | 35.0%
Maine | 16.9% | 3.6% | 2.3% | 32.7% | 1.8% | 8.2% | 34.6%
Massachusetts | 11.2% | 10.1% | 2.7% | 18.7% | 2.3% | 6.6% | 48.5%
Rhode Island | 14.9% | 13.0% | 1.4% | 24.8% | 2.6% | 6.3% | 37.0%
Vermont | 32.0% | 1.8% | 2.3% | 28.3% | 2.9% | 10.9% | 21.7%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers
Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."[33]

### Spending trends[edit]

Between 2009 and 2013, the share of the New Hampshire state budget spent on higher education decreased from 5.2 percent to 2.2 percent. See the table below for further details (figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category).[33][9][10][35][36][37]

Spending by function from 2009 to 2013 (as percentages)

Year  | K-12 education  | Higher education  | Public assistance  | Medicaid  | Corrections  | Transportation  | Other
2013  |  23.4% | 2.2% | 1.7% | 25.6% | 2% | 10% | 35%
2012  |  23.5%  |  2.7%  |  1.9%  |  23.9%  |  2.1%  |  10.1%  |  35.9%
2011  |  22.3%  |  4.0%  |  2.0%  |  25.7%  |  2.0%  |  9.5%  |  34.5%
2010  |  19.0%  |  5.0%  |  1.8%  |  24.9%  |  1.9%  |  9.2%  |  38.1%
2009  |  22.4%  |  5.2%  |  1.9%  |  26.5%  |  2.2%  |  10.8%  |  31.1%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers
Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."[33]

## Revenues[edit]

### 2013 revenues[edit]

See also: State government tax collections by source

The table below breaks down state government tax collections by source in 2013 (comparable figures from surrounding states are also provided to give additional context). Figures for all columns except "Population" and "Per capita revenue" are rendered in thousands of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000). Figures in the columns labeled "Population" and "Per capita revenue" have not been abbreviated.[5]

In New Hampshire in 2013, per capita tax collections totaled $1,792, a smaller amount than in any neighboring state.

State tax collections by source ($ in thousands)

State  |  Property taxes  |  Sales and gross receipts  |  Licenses  |  Individual income taxes  |  Corporation net income taxes  |  Other taxes  |  Total  |  2013 population  |  Per capita collections
New Hampshire | $400,369 | $945,290 | $272,852 | $99,027 | $553,197 | $99,368 | $2,370,103 | 1,322,616 | $1,791.98
Maine | $38,636 | $1,779,873 | $260,918 | $1,531,504 | $171,987 | $101,532 | $3,884,450 | 1,328,702 | $2,923.49
Massachusetts | $4,795 | $7,455,326 | $945,922 | $12,876,192 | $1,888,449 | $730,363 | $23,901,047 | 6,708,874 | $3,562.60
Rhode Island | $2,331 | $1,516,423 | $138,518 | $1,088,992 | $144,310 | $49,859 | $2,940,433 | 1,053,354 | $2,791.50
Vermont | $971,718 | $983,226 | $106,509 | $663,027 | $105,635 | $48,815 | $2,878,930 | 626,855 | $4,592.66
Source: Tax Policy Center, "State Tax Collection Sources 2000-2013," June 20, 2014

New Hampshire tax collections by source in 2013
Source: Tax Policy Center

The table below lists 2013 tax collections by source as percentages of total collections. In New Hampshire, individual income taxes accounted for 4.2 percent of total state tax collections, a smaller share than in any neighboring state.[5]

State tax collections by source (as percentages)

State  |  Property taxes  |  Sales and gross receipts  |  Licenses  |  Individual income taxes  |  Corporation net income taxes  |  Other taxes
New Hampshire | 16.89% | 39.88% | 11.51% | 4.18% | 23.34% | 4.19%
Maine | 0.99% | 45.82% | 6.72% | 39.43% | 4.43% | 2.61%
Massachusetts | 0.02% | 31.19% | 3.96% | 53.87% | 7.9% | 3.06%
Rhode Island | 0.08% | 51.57% | 4.71% | 37.04% | 4.91% | 1.7%
Vermont | 33.75% | 34.15% | 3.7% | 23.03% | 3.67% | 1.7%
Source: Tax Policy Center, "State Tax Collection Sources 2000-2013," June 20, 2014

## Current fiscal year budget[edit]

See also: Historical New Hampshire budget and finance information

### Fiscal year 2016[edit]

As of September 2015, New Hampshire had not yet passed an official state budget for fiscal year 2016. Governor Maggie Hassan did sign a bill to continue state spending through December 31, 2015, however.[11]

## State debt[edit]

See also: State debt

According to a January 2014 report by the nonprofit organization State Budget Solutions, New Hampshire had a state debt of approximately $18.4 billion. Its state debt per capita was $13,951. In this report for fiscal year 2012, state debt was calculated based on four components: "market-valued unfunded public pension liabilities, outstanding government debt, unfunded other post employment benefit (OPEB) liabilities, and outstanding unemployment trust fund loans." The report revealed that altogether state governments faced a combined $5.1 trillion in debt, which amounted to $16,178 per capita in the nation.[38][39]

Total 2012 state debt

State  |  Total state debt  |  State debt per capita  |  Per capita debt ranking
New Hampshire | $18,425,567,000 | $13,951 | 27
Maine | $16,717,250,000 | $12,577 | 35
Massachusetts | $129,550,263,000 | $19,493 | 12
Rhode Island | $18,863,153,000 | $17,960 | 16
Vermont | $7,866,666,000 | $12,566 | 36
Sources: State Budget Solutions, "State Budget Solutions' Fourth Annual State Debt Report," January 8, 2014

### Public pensions[edit]

See also: New Hampshire public pensions and New Hampshire public employee salaries

Between fiscal years 2008 and 2012, the funded ratio of New Hampshire's state-administered pension plans decreased from 68 percent to 56.2 percent. The state paid 100 percent of its annual required contribution, and for fiscal year 2012 the pension system's unfunded accrued liability totaled $4.6 billion. This amounted to $3,470 in unfunded liabilities per capita.[15][40]

### Credit ratings[edit]

See also: State credit ratings

Credit rating agencies, such as Standard and Poor's, assign grades to states that take into account a state's ability to pay debts and the general health of the state's economy. Generally speaking, a higher credit rating indicates lower interest costs on the general obligation bonds states sometimes sell to investors in order to finance large-scale undertakings (e.g., road construction and other public works projects). This in turn results in lower interest costs, thereby lowering the cost to taxpayers.[17][41]

The table below lists the Standard and Poor's credit ratings for New Hampshire and surrounding states from 2004 to 2014. Standard and Poor's grades range from AAA, the highest available, to BBB, the lowest.[42]

State credit ratings, 2004 to 2014

State  | 2014  | 2013  | 2012  | 2011  | 2010  | 2009  | 2008  | 2007  | 2006  | 2005  | 2004
New Hampshire |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA
Maine |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA- |  AA- |  AA
Massachusetts |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA-
Rhode Island |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA |  AA-
Vermont |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+ |  AA+
Source: Stateline: The Daily News Service of The Pew Charitable Trusts, "Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001-2014," June 9, 2014

## Federal aid to the state budget[edit]

See also: Federal aid to state budgets

State governments receive aid from the federal government to fund a variety of joint programs, such as Medicaid. Federal aid varies from state to state. For example, Mississippi received approximately $7.7 billion in federal aid in 2012, which accounted for more than 45 percent of the state's general revenues. By contrast, Alaska received roughly $2.9 billion in federal aid in 2012, just under 20 percent of the state's general revenues.[7]

The table below notes what share of New Hampshire’s general revenues came from the federal government in 2012. That year, New Hampshire received approximately $1.7 billion in federal aid, 29 percent of the state's total general revenues. Figures from surrounding states are provided for additional context.[7]

Federal aid to state budgets, 2012

State  |  Total federal aid ($ in thousands)  |  Federal aid as a % of general revenue  |  Ranking
New Hampshire | $1,693,289 | 29.02% | 34
Maine | $2,883,526 | 36.15% | 12
Massachusetts | $12,920,153 | 28.8% | 36
Rhode Island | $2,310,656 | 33.76% | 23
Vermont | $1,904,382 | 34.79% | 18
Source: United States Census Bureau, "State Government Finances: 2012," accessed February 24, 2014

### Stimulus[edit]

According to Recovery.gov, the official government website for the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, New Hampshire received $893.2 million in federal stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act between February 2009 and June 2013.[43]

## Budget process[edit]

The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[27]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in August.
2. State agencies submit their requests by October 1.
3. Agency hearings and public hearings are held in November.
4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the New Hampshire State Legislature by February 15.
5. The legislature adopts a budget in May. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.
6. The biennial budget cycle begins in July.

New Hampshire is one of only six states in which the governor cannot exercise line item veto authority.[27]

In New Hampshire, the governor is required by statute to submit a balanced budget. In turn, the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.[27]

### Agencies, offices, and committees[edit]

The following standing committees in the New Hampshire General Court deal with budget and finance matters:[44][45]

1. Capital Budget Committee, New Hampshire State Senate
2. Finance - Division I Committee, New Hampshire House of Representatives
3. Finance - Division II Committee, New Hampshire House of Representatives
4. Finance Committee, New Hampshire State Senate
5. Ways and Means Committee, New Hampshire House of Representatives
6. Ways and Means Committee, New Hampshire State Senate

## Studies and reports[edit]

### U.S. PIRG "Following the Money" report[edit]

See also: "Following the Money" report, 2014

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a consumer-focused nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., released its annual report on state transparency websites in April 2014. The report, entitled "Following the Money," measured the transparency and accountability of state websites with regard to state government spending.[46] According to the report, New Hampshire received a grade of C+ and a numerical score of 75, indicating that New Hampshire was middling in terms of transparency regarding state spending.[46]

# As published 2014[edit]

The information on this tab contains:

* Spending (fiscal year 2013)
* Spending by function (fiscal year 2012)
* Spending trends (fiscal years 2008 to 2012)
* Revenues (fiscal year 2013)
* Historical spending (fiscal years 2009 to 2012)
* Budget transparency

Between fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2013, New Hampshire's total expenditures decreased by approximately $500 million, from $5.5 billion in 2009 to $5 billion in 2013. This represented a 9.1 percent decrease, below the cumulative rate of inflation during the same period (9.06 percent, calculated using the Consumer Price Indices for January 2009 and January 2013).[47][48]

## Spending[edit]

### Definitions[edit]

Although each state executes its budget process differently, the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) breaks down state expenditures into four general categories. This allows for comparisons among the 50 states. NASBO's categories are as follows:[49]

* General fund: "The predominant fund for financing a state’s operations. Revenues are received from broad-based state taxes. However, there are differences in how specific functions are financed from state to state."[49]
* Other funds: "Expenditures from revenue sources that are restricted by law for particular governmental functions or activities. For example, a gasoline tax dedicated to a highway trust fund would appear in the 'Other funds' column. For Medicaid, other state funds include provider taxes, fees, donations, assessments, and local funds."[49]
* Federal funds: "Funds received directly from the federal government."[49]
* Bonds: "Expenditures from the sale of bonds, generally for capital projects."[49]

### 2013[edit]

Breakdown of expenditures in FY 2013
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

The table below breaks down expenditures for fiscal year 2013 (comparable figures from surrounding states are provided to give additional context).[49] Figures for all columns except "Per capita expenditures" are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000). Figures in the column labeled "Per capita expenditures" have not been abbreviated.

Total state expenditures, FY 2013 ($ in millions)[49]

State  |  General fund  |  Federal funds  |  Other funds  |  Bonds  |  Total  |  Per capita expenditures**
New Hampshire |  $1,262 |  $1,601 |  $2,080 |  $81 |  $5,024 |  $3,796.11
Maine |  $3,042  |  $2,564  |  $2,176  |  $16  |  $7,798  |  $5,870.65
Massachusetts |  $25,509  |  $15,548  |  $17,135  |  $2,106  |  $60,298  |  $9,009.35
Rhode Island |  $3,268  |  $2,659  |  $2,122  |  $84  |  $8,133  |  $7,734.58
Vermont |  $977  |  $1,662  |  $2,248  |  $73  |  $4,960  |  $7,915.36
**Per capita figures are calculated by taking the state's total expenditures and dividing by the number of state residents according to United States Census estimates.[50]
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

## Spending by function[edit]

### 2012[edit]

Breakdown of expenditures by function in FY 2012
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

State expenditures in New Hampshire can be further broken down by function (elementary and secondary education, public assistance, etc.). Fiscal year 2012 data is included in the table below (information from neighboring states is provided for additional context). Figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category.

Expenditures by function, FY 2012 (as percentages)[49]

State  |  Elementary and secondary ed.  |  Higher ed.  |  Public assistance  |  Medicaid  |  Corrections  |  Transportation  |  Other
New Hampshire |  23.5% |  2.7% |  1.9% |  23.9% |  2.1% |  10.1% |  35.9%
Maine |  13.1%  |  3.4%  |  2.6%  |  28.8%  |  1.7%  |  8.6%  |  41.8%
Massachusetts |  10.7%  |  9.3%  |  2.5%  |  20.7%  |  2.1%  |  6.2%  |  48.6%
Rhode Island |  14.2%  |  13.2%  |  1.4%  |  25.0%  |  2.4%  |  6.5%  |  37.4%
Vermont |  31.1%  |  1.8%  |  2.1%  |  25.3%  |  2.8%  |  12.8%  |  24.2%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers
Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."[49]

## Spending trends[edit]

From 2008 to 2012, expenditures for elementary and secondary education and public assistance increased by 1.3 percentage points, a 5.9 percent increase in the share of the budget, and 0.3 percentage points, an 18.75 percent increase in the share of the budget, respectively. During that same time period, expenditures for higher education, Medicaid, corrections and transportation decreased. The table below details changes in expenditures from 2008 to 2012.[49][9][10][35][36] Figures are rendered as percentages, indicating the share of the total budget spent per category.

Expenditures from 2008 to 2012 (as percentages)

Year  |  Elementary and secondary ed.  |  Higher ed.  |  Public assistance  |  Medicaid  |  Corrections  |  Transportation  |  Other
2012  |  23.5%  |  2.7%  |  1.9%  |  23.9%  |  2.1%  |  10.1%  |  35.9%
2011  |  22.3%  |  4.0%  |  2.0%  |  25.7%  |  2.0%  |  9.5%  |  34.5%
2010  |  19.0%  |  5.0%  |  1.8%  |  24.9%  |  1.9%  |  9.2%  |  38.1%
2009  |  22.4%  |  5.2%  |  1.9%  |  26.5%  |  2.2%  |  10.8%  |  31.1%
2008  |  22.2%  |  5.0%  |  1.6%  |  26.0%  |  2.2%  |  11.3%  |  31.8%
Change in % | 1.30% | -2.30% |  0.30% | -2.10% |  -0.10% | -1.20% | 4.10%
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers
Note: "Other" expenditures include "Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), institutional and community care for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, public health programs, employer contributions to pensions and health benefits, economic development, environmental projects, state police, parks and recreation, housing and general aid to local governments."[49]

## Revenues[edit]

### 2013 revenues[edit]

Breakdown of general fund revenue sources in FY 2013
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

The table below breaks down general fund revenues by source in fiscal year 2013 (comparable figures from surrounding states are also provided to give additional context).[49] Figures for all columns except "Per capita revenue" are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000). Figures in the column labeled "Per capita revenue" have not been abbreviated.

Revenue sources in the general fund, FY 2013 ($ in millions)[49]

State  |  Sales tax  |  Personal income tax  |  Corporate income tax  |  Gaming tax  |  Other taxes and fees  |  Total  |  Per capita revenue
New Hampshire |  $0 |  $0 |  $552 |  $3 |  $1,728 |  $2,283 |  $1,725.03
Maine |  $1,034  |  $1,495  |  $171  |  $0  |  $351  |  $3,051  |  $2,296.92
Massachusetts |  $5,164  |  $12,831  |  $1,822  |  $0  |  $7,352  |  $27,169  |  $4,059.42
Rhode Island |  $873  |  $1,075  |  $137  |  $1  |  $1,238  |  $3,324  |  $3,161.17
Vermont |  $231  |  $661  |  $95  |  $0  |  $302  |  $1,289  |  $2,057.04
**Per capita figures are calculated by taking the state's total revenues and dividing by the number of state residents according to United States Census estimates for 2013.[50]
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

### Revenue trends[edit]

The table below details the change in revenue sources in the general fund from 2009 to 2013.[49][9] Figures for all columns except "Per capita revenue" are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000). Figures in the column labeled "Per capita revenue" have not been abbreviated.

Revenue sources in the general fund, New Hampshire ($ in millions)[49][9]

Year  |  Sales tax  |  Personal income tax  |  Corporate income tax  |  Gaming tax  |  Other taxes and fees  |  Total  |  Per capita revenue
2013  |  $0  |  $0  |  $552  |  $3  |  $1,728  |  $2,283  |  $1,725.03
2012  |  $0  |  $0  |  $516  |  $4  |  $1,670  |  $2,190  |  $1,657.06
2011  |  $0  |  $0  |  $490  |  $1  |  $1,704  |  $2,195  |  $1,665.31
2010  |  $0  |  $0  |  $504  |  $3  |  $1,737  |  $2,244  |  $1,704.37
2009  |  $0  |  $0  |  $674  |  $3  |  $1,541  |  $2,218  |  $1,674.50
Change in % | N/A | N/A |  -18.10% | 0.00% |  12.13% | 2.93% | 3.02%
**Per capita figures are calculated by taking the state's total revenues and dividing by the number of state residents according to United States Census estimates.[50][51]
Source: National Association of State Budget Officers

## Historical spending[edit]

The information on state budget historical spending below was compiled by the National Association of State Budget Officers. Figures reflect the reported "Total Expenditures" in Table 1. Figures for all columns are rendered in millions of dollars (for example, $2,448 translates to $2,448,000,000).[49][10]

Historical state spending in New Hampshire ($ in millions)

Fiscal year | General Fund | Other funds | Federal funds | Bonds | Budget totals
Total | % of Budget | Total | % of Budget | Total | % of Budget | Total | % of Budget
2011-2012 | $1,280 | 26% | $1,965 | 39% | $1,650 | 33% | $80 | 2% | $4,975
2010-2011 | $1,326 | 25% | $1,940 | 36% | $1,929 | 36% | $145 | 3% | $5,340
2009-2010 | $1,380 | 25% | $1,876 | 34% | $2,074 | 38% | $138 | 3% | $5,468
Averages: |  $1,329 | 25% |  $1,927 | 37% | $1,884 | 36% | $121 | 2% | $5,261

## Budget transparency[edit]

Transparency evaluation

|  Transparent NH
Searchability |  Y

Grants |  Y

Contracts |  P
Line item expenditures |  Y

Dept./agency budgets |  Y

Public employee salaries |  Y

Last evaluated in 2010.

See also: Evaluation of New Hampshire state website and Constitutional provisions regarding reading of bills

In June 2010, New Hampshire launched a new website to improve transparency in state spending. The state released the first monthly Governor's Expenditure Report on July 16, 2010, for the months of May and June 2010. The information was broken down by department, agency and expense categories and was searchable in both Excel and PDF formats.

The site also included other important financial information, including budget information and revenue reports.

In December 2010, the state launched Transparent New Hampshire, which shows sources of state money, how it was spent and an outline of the budget process, including links online to budget documents.[52]

### Government tools[edit]

The table to the right is helpful in evaluating the level of transparency provided by Transparent New Hampshire.

### Multi-measure budget transparency profile[edit]

The Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois created a multi-measure transparency profile for New Hampshire, which measured state transparency as of September 2011 using indicators from a range of organizations. These indicators measured both website transparency and other recognized facets of governmental transparency. In addition, IGPA presented four unique indicators of non-transparency based on the observation that transfers or reassignments between general and special funds can obscure the true fiscal condition of a state.[53][54]

IGPA devised a budget transparency index based on information available from the National Association of State Budget Officers. New Hampshire tied for 20th in the nation with 12 other states, earning five out of eight possible points.[54]

New Hampshire - IGPA score for budget process, contents and disclosure

Budget transparency indicator  |  Yes or no?
Performance measures  |

"Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" budget  |  N

Multi-year forecasting  |  N

Annual cycle  |  N

Binding revenue forecast  |

Legislative revenue forecast  |

Nonpartisan staff  |

Constitution or statutory tax/spend limitations  |

TOTAL |  5

In addition to the individual state profile, IGPA offers a 50-state comparison and profiles for other states.[54]

# Prior fiscal year budgets[edit]

### Fiscal year 2016[edit]

As of September 2015, New Hampshire had not yet passed an official state budget for fiscal year 2016. Governor Maggie Hassan did sign a bill to continue state spending through December 31, 2015, however.[11]

### Fiscal years 2014 and 2015[edit]

See budget bill: House Bill 1 and House Bill 2

New Hampshire state budget -- 2014

New Hampshire State Legislature
Text:| House Bill 1 (this is only one of two bills that encompass the 2014-2015 biennial budget)
Legislative history
Introduced:| February 27, 2013
House:| April 3, 2013
Vote (lower house):| 194-172
Senate:| June 6, 2013
Vote (upper house):| 13-11
Conference:| June 26, 2013
Conference vote (upper house):| 24-0
Conference vote (lower house):| 337-18
Governor:| Maggie Hassan
Signed:| June 28, 2013

On February 14, 2013, Governor Maggie Hassan presented her proposed budget for the 2014-2015 biennium to the state legislature. The governor's proposed operating and capital budgets can be accessed here.[55]

Under her proposal, counting all state funds and federally financed programs, state spending would increase 10.2 percent, from nearly $10.1 billion to nearly $11.1 billion. General fund spending would increase by 7.1 percent, from more than $2.6 billion to nearly $2.8 billion.[55]

The governor's proposal presumed an increase of 2 percent in baseline revenue from state business and other taxes in fiscal year 2014 and 1.9 percent in fiscal year 2015. The governor also proposed casino gambling and an increase in the state's cigarette tax by $0.20 per pack to generate additional state revenue.[55]

Spending increases in the governor's proposed budget included:[55]

* $40 million in fiscal year 2014 and $42 million in fiscal year 2015 for community colleges;
* $75 million in fiscal year 2014 and $90 million in fiscal year 2015 for the state university system;
* expansion of the state’s Medicaid program;
* more money for mental health services; and
* $38 million to build a new women’s prison.

Hassan signed the 2014-2015 biennial budget into law on June 28, 2013. It consisted of two bills: House Bill 1 and House Bill 2.[56]

### 2012 to 2013[edit]

See also: New Hampshire state budget (2012-2013)

### 2010 to 2011[edit]

See also: New Hampshire state budget (2010-2011)

## See also[edit]

* New Hampshire state budget and finances

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Bureau of Labor Statistics, "CPI Detailed Report Data for February 2015," accessed April 4, 2016
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Examining fiscal 2013-2015 state spending," accessed April 4, 2016 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "nasbo2015" defined multiple times with different content
3. ↑ InflationData.com, "Cumulative Inflation Calculator," accessed April 4, 2016. The cumulative rate of inflation during the same period declined -0.1 percent, calculated using the Consumer Price Indices for January 2014 and January 2015.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 National Association of State Budget Officers, "State Expenditure Report: 2013-2015," accessed April 7, 2016
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 U.S. Census Bureau, "2014 annual survey of state government tax collections by category," accessed April 4, 2016 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "taxcollections" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "taxcollections" defined multiple times with different content
6. ↑ United States Census Bureau, "State Government Finances: 2013," accessed March 21, 2016
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 United States Census Bureau, "State Government Finances: 2012," accessed February 24, 2014
8. ↑ United States Census Bureau, "State and County QuickFacts," accessed April 4, 2016
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 National Association of State Budget Officers, "State Expenditure Report, 2009-2011," accessed February 24, 2014
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 National Association of State Budget Officers, "State Expenditures Report, 2010-2012," accessed February 24, 2014
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Summaries of Fiscal Year 2016 Proposed and Enacted Budgets," accessed September 22, 2015
12. ↑ State Budget Solutions, "State Budget Solutions' Fourth Annual State Debt Report," January 8, 2014
13. ↑ In 2016, State Budget Solutions was absorbed by the American Legislative Exchange Council.
14. ↑ Truth in Accounting, "Financial State of the States," September 2015
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Morningstar, "The State of State Pension Plans 2013: A Deep Dive Into Shortfalls and Surpluses," accessed September 16, 2013
16. ↑ The Pew Charitable Trusts, “The Fiscal Health of State Pension Plans: Funding Gap Continues to Grow,” accessed April 16, 2015
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Stateline: The Daily News Service of The Pew Charitable Trusts, "Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001-2012," July 13, 2012
18. ↑ Bankrate, "The 6 states with the worst credit ratings," September 27, 2012
19. ↑ Stateline: The Daily News Service of The Pew Charitable Trusts, "Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001-2014," June 9, 2014
20. ↑ Academy Health, "Impact of the Economy on Health Care," August 2009
21. ↑ The Conversation, "Budget explainer: What do key economic indicators tell us about the state of the economy?" May 6, 2015
22. ↑ Health Affairs, "Socioeconomic Disparities In Health: Pathways And Policies," accessed July 13, 2015
23. ↑ The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, "Distribution of Total Population by Federal Poverty Level," accessed July 17, 2015
24. ↑ The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, "Median Annual Household Income," accessed July 17, 2015
25. ↑ The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, "Unemployment Rate (Seasonally Adjusted)," accessed July 17, 2015
26. ↑ The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, "Total Gross State Product (GSP) (millions of current dollars)," accessed July 17, 2015
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2015," accessed February 5, 2021
28. ↑ New Hampshire State Senate, "Standing Committees," accessed March 19, 2015
29. ↑ New Hampshire House of Representatives, "House Committees," accessed March 19, 2015
30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 U.S. Public Interest Research Group, "Following the Money 2015 Report," accessed April 4, 2016
31. ↑ Bureau of Labor Statistics, "CPI Detailed Report Data for February 2014," accessed April 9, 2014
32. ↑ InflationData.com, "Cumulative Inflation Calculator," February 28, 2014
33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 33.3 33.4 33.5 National Association of State Budget Officers, "State Expenditure Report: 2012-2014," accessed February 18, 2015
34. ↑ United States Census Bureau, "State and County QuickFacts," accessed February 23, 2014
35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 National Association of State Budget Officers, "State Expenditure Report, 2009," accessed February 24, 2014
36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 National Association of State Budget Officers, "State Expenditure Report, 2008," accessed February 24, 2014
37. ↑ National Association of State Budget Officers, "State Expenditures Report, 2011-2013," accessed July 17, 2015
38. ↑ State Budget Solutions, "State Budget Solutions' Fourth Annual State Debt Report," January 8, 2014
39. ↑ In 2016, State Budget Solutions was absorbed by the American Legislative Exchange Council.
40. ↑ The Pew Charitable Trusts, “The Fiscal Health of State Pension Plans: Funding Gap Continues to Grow,” accessed April 16, 2015
41. ↑ Bankrate, "The 6 states with the worst credit ratings," September 27, 2012
42. ↑ Stateline: The Daily News Service of The Pew Charitable Trusts, "Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001-2014," June 9, 2014
43. ↑ Recovery.gov, "Stimulus Spending by State," accessed February 21, 2014
44. ↑ New Hampshire State Senate, "Standing Committees," accessed March 19, 2015
45. ↑ New Hampshire House of Representatives, "House Committees," accessed March 19, 2015
46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 U.S. Public Interest Research Group, "Following the Money 2014 Report," accessed April 15, 2014
47. ↑ Bureau of Labor Statistics, "CPI Detailed Report Data for February 2014," accessed April 9, 2014
48. ↑ InflationData.com, "Cumulative Inflation Calculator," February 28, 2014
49. ↑ 49.00 49.01 49.02 49.03 49.04 49.05 49.06 49.07 49.08 49.09 49.10 49.11 49.12 49.13 49.14 49.15 National Association of State Budget Officers, "State Expenditure Report, 2011-2013," accessed February 21, 2014
50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 50.2 United States Census Bureau, "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2013," accessed February 26, 2014
51. ↑ United States Census Bureau, "Vintage 2009: Annual Population Estimates," accessed February 26, 2014
52. ↑ Boston.com, "NH launches new site on state revenue, spending," December 25, 2010
53. ↑ Institute of Government and Public Affairs at University of Illinois, "Home page," accessed February 21, 2014
54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 54.2 Institute of Government and Public Affairs at University of Illinois, "Budget Transparency Profiles - All 50 States," September 2011
55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 55.2 55.3 The Concord Monitor, "Hassan’s budget: A casino, more money for mental health and higher education, a new women’s prison," February 14, 2013
56. ↑ New Hampshire Governor's Office, "Press Release: Governor Hassan Signs FY 14/15 Budget into Law," June 28, 2013

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