Senator Bernthal advocates for vulnerable educators' compensation adjustments in House Bill 53

The House Finance Division III of the New Hampshire Legislature convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss key financial matters, including proposed amendments to existing bills and the allocation of funds for specific programs.

The meeting began with a discussion led by Senator Bernthal, who emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable children and the staff who serve them. He highlighted a proposal aimed at providing bonuses to these staff members, noting that while the number of individuals affected is relatively small, the gesture is significant in helping them feel recognized during challenging times. The proposed bonuses amount to approximately $6,000, which is part of a larger financial consideration.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the issue of accrued time lost by employees who transitioned from state temporary positions to Dartmouth employees. This transition resulted in the loss of accrued benefits that had not been compensated. The total amount related to this issue is around $60,000, which the committee acknowledged as a pressing concern that needs resolution.

Following this discussion, the committee moved on to review an amendment proposed by a member of the House. This amendment, numbered 2345h, aligns closely with Senate Bill 118. It retains several sections from the original Senate bill while proposing to delete certain sections in the House version. Key components of the amendment include maintaining increases for personal items, the bonuses for staff, and the establishment of a dedicated fund for revenue allocation in the current fiscal year.

The committee's discussions reflected a commitment to addressing the financial needs of both staff and programs that support vulnerable populations. As the meeting progressed, members were encouraged to ask questions and seek clarifications on the proposed amendments and their implications.

In conclusion, the House Finance Division III meeting underscored the importance of financial support for staff serving vulnerable communities and the need to address accrued benefits for employees affected by recent transitions. The proposed amendments aim to ensure that these issues are adequately addressed in the upcoming legislative actions. Further discussions and decisions will follow as the committee continues to refine the proposed bills.