New Hampshire officials oppose SB 297 emphasizing impact on small town healthcare budgets

The New Hampshire House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting small towns and emergency services in the state. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding health insurance coverage and the challenges faced by local municipalities in managing their budgets.

One of the primary topics was the potential impact of proposed changes to health insurance benefits for public employees. Several speakers, including police chiefs and town administrators, expressed strong opposition to these changes, emphasizing that they could hinder recruitment and retention of emergency service personnel. They argued that small towns already operate on tight budgets, making it difficult to absorb increased costs associated with health insurance. The fear is that if towns are forced to transition to a free market for health care, the resulting costs could be prohibitive for both municipalities and their employees.

Sheila Connolly, a member of the New Hampshire Municipal Association Board of Directors, voiced concerns about the historical context of the discussions, suggesting that past acrimony surrounding health insurance issues should not be repeated. She urged the committee to slow down the process, stating that the current proposals are not fully developed and could lead to further complications for small towns.

David Moore, town administrator for Stratham, reinforced the importance of the New Hampshire Health Trust, which currently covers 72,000 individuals. He warned that without this partnership, towns could face significantly higher premiums, which would be detrimental to local taxpayers. Moore highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that many municipalities are preparing for upcoming budget renewals and need clarity on health insurance options.

The committee also heard from Michael Branley, town administrator for Windham, who opposed the proposed legislation, SB 297, indicating that it could exacerbate existing challenges for local governments.

Overall, the meeting underscored the critical need for careful consideration of health insurance policies affecting local governments, as well as the importance of supporting emergency services in New Hampshire's small towns. The discussions will likely influence future legislative decisions as the committee seeks to balance budgetary constraints with the need for adequate public services.