NEW HAMPSHIRE EDITORIAL PAGES PAN HASSAN’S IRRESPONSIBLE BUDGET

Concord Monitor: “Let’s hope that there’s a Plan B.” (2/15/13)

•         Monitor: “[E]xpanded gambling is not the answer to the state’s structural deficit and revenue problems. We urge the New Hampshire House, which has rejected casino gambling on a host of occasions, to do so again.” (2/15/13)

•         Monitor: [I]t’s hard to cheer a budget that’s based in good measure on something that shouldn’t happen.” (2/15/13)

•         Monitor: “[G]overnor now wants to meet the state’s needs in a way that guarantees more problem gamblers and gambling addicts and less revenue for the state’s existing restaurants and other businesses. That makes Hassan’s offering yet another disappointing budget.” (2/15/13)

Union Leader: “It is inadvisable to base a budget, whether a household's or a state's, on income that is unlikely to materialize. Alas, Gov. Maggie Hassan has done that. Again.” (2/14/13)

•         Union Leader: “She would rather spend money we don't have by inventing new ways of gathering it than do the truly fiscally responsible thing and make state government live within its means.” (2/15/13)

Portsmouth Herald: “Casino will not work in the long run.” (2/18/13) 

•         Herald: “All around the nation we find examples of casino operators over-promising and under-delivering on tax revenues. And we see states, addicted to gambling money, unable to resist operators' demands for expansion when they say they need it to keep the money flowing.” (2/18/13)

•         Herald: “We urge the legislature to build a budget that does not rely on gambling money and instead judge expanded gaming on its own merits and not as a quick fix to the state's short-term fiscal challenges.” (2/18/13)

Keene Sentinel: “It concerns us that Hassan is placing so much weight on a projected revenue source that may not exist anytime soon, if at all.” (2/15/13)

•         Sentinel: “It’s also troublesome that Hassan’s proposal hinges on an $80 million revenue projection for a casino license — far higher than what at least one Granite State research group has said is realistic.” (2/15/13)

•         Sentinel: “[W]e fear that Hassan’s reliance on a new casino serving as a hefty portion of the state’s revenue picture in the coming biennium may be a poor wager.” (2/15/13)

Nashua Telegraph: “Gov. Maggie Hassan presented her much-anticipated, two-year budget to state lawmakers Thursday morning and, as expected, there is certainly no shortage of items to get some people riled up about.” (2/15/13)

•         Telegraph: “[F]raught with danger – most notably, how to plug an $80 million hole in her two-year budget should the Legislature refuse to play along.” (2/15/13)

•         Telegraph: “While we are on record in support of gambling for economic and other reasons, even we have to admit that Hassan’s decision to count on casino money is quite the gamble – not just for next year’s budget, but for her political career as well.” (2/15/13)

Responses to Governor Hassan's balanced budget proposal

Conservative baseline revenue projections:

“Republicans aired few complaints yesterday about Hassan’s baseline estimates for revenue from traditional state levies like the business profits tax, the business enterprise tax, the meals-and-rooms tax and the interest-and-dividends tax.

“Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, a Wolfeboro Republican, said Hassan should be praised for ‘very conservative revenue estimates. That’s very good.’”

“In all, her budget estimates revenue from those taxes will increase 2 percent in 2014 from the current year, and rise 1.9 percent in 2015 from 2014.”

http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/4411946-95/tax-revenue-state-hassan

Pragmatic Investments in Priorities to Build Innovation Economy

James Pindell, WMUR Political Scoop:

“[T]he spending side is pragmatic.”

“At the same time, Hassan didn’t propose spending increases that were out of the ordinary.”

“The $2.7 billion budget is only a 7 percent increase on the austere Republican budget passed two years ago that Hassan heavily criticized on the campaign trail as being too austere.”

“She only restored funding to a few programs, partially restored funding for others and continued not to fund a number of programs.”

http://www.wmur.com/political-scoop/Hassan-budget-analysis-No-money-no-mandate/-/16254890/18553102/-/bbqtdcz/-/index.html#ixzz2KyeqcRY6

“‘I thought her suggestions were very innovative, and I’m looking forward to working with her,’ said Sen. Nancy Stiles, a Hampton Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Health, Education and Human Services Committee.”

“‘There’s some things that I think all of us can support: more funding for the (developmental disabilities) wait list, mental health programs, CHINS, the community health center. These are some priorities that Republicans have had for a long time,’ said Sen. Jeb Bradley, a Wolfeboro Republican.”

http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/4463913-95/health-mental-community-funding

“Rep. David Kidder, a New London Republican, was pleased with the boost for community colleges.

“‘From my perspective, as a state, we get a huge bang for the buck from community colleges,’ he said. ‘That is where we need to be spending the money. Those kids who come out of there get jobs and stay in New Hampshire.’”

http://www.concordmonitor.com/news/4405740-95/hassan-state-budget-tax

“[Republican Senator Rausch] said he is pleased the governor has money in her capital budget for career and technical training centers to help educate people for the workforce.

“‘That is a great vehicle,’” Rausch said. Hassan also promised to modernize state government, streamlining agencies and cutting red tape. An advisory commission would help guide those efforts.”

http://www.eagletribune.com/latestnews/x1525014367/Governor-wants-30-cent-tobacco-hike-tuition-freeze

One high-end, highly regulated casino:

“State Sen. Nancy Stiles, R-Hampton, said that remains to be seen, but she favors gambling over taxation as a revenue source because it is a voluntary activity and could help fill the gaps when it comes to funding needed programming in the state. She noted that her constituents in Seabrook, where there is already a greyhound park and poker room, are eager to expand their gaming offerings.

"‘I thought she gave a very nice presentation today. I was very pleased to see (Hassan) putting some thought and energy behind a number of different issues,’ she said.”

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20130215-NEWS-302150414?cid=sitesearch

“‘There are so many important things in the budget that we want to see,’ said House Majority Leader Steve Shurtleff, a Penacook Democrat. He cited money for education, the disabled, a women’s prison, the elderly and the less fortunate, all of which are included in Hassan’s budget.

“Shurtleff said he continues to share law enforcement’s concerns about crime associated with a casino but hopes those misgivings can be addressed with legislation. ‘I think at the end of the day, Democrats will get behind the governor and support her,’ Shurtleff said.”

http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/4466307-95/casino-hassan-budget-revenue

“She called Senate Bill 152, the bipartisan Senate gaming bill from Sens. Chuck Morse, R-Salem, and Lou D’Allesandro, D-Manchester, ‘a good starting point.’

“The bill meets several of Hassan’s conditions, aired on the campaign trail, for a casino: a bid process, local approval through a binding referendum, oversight through state agencies. The proposal calls for the Lottery Commission and state police to regulate a casino.

“The bill, which provides for up to 5,000 slot machines and 150 table games, is headed to a Senate hearing Tuesday at the Statehouse.

“‘She’s done the right thing,’ Morse said.”

“Sen. Jim Rausch, R-Derry, a co-sponsor with Morse and D’Allesandro, thought Hassan’s backing would get expanded gaming through the Legislature.

“‘I’m very encouraged expanded gambling will pass this session,’ Rausch said.

“‘We have the votes to pass this in the Senate. I look forward to attending the ceremony where Gov. Hassan signs SB 152 into law.’

“Rausch, who last year successfully sponsored a financing mechanism to finish the I-93 widening, said gaming revenues would accomplish that goal and fund work on the highway in 2016 and beyond.

“‘The timing is perfect,’ he said.”

http://www.eagletribune.com/latestnews/x1525014371/Hassan-makes-support-for-casino-official

Cigarette tax:

“State Rep. Aboul Khan, R-Seabrook, the owner of Richdale Convenience Store, said he thinks increasing the cigarette tax is a good way to increase revenue in the state.

“‘It will not harm at all any sale of cigarettes in New Hampshire,’ Khan said, noting that the state already has ‘a lot lower prices’ compared to neighboring states.

“He noted that when a previous Legislature reduced the tax by $1 per carton, cigarette companies raised prices by the same amount the next day.

"‘So it didn't gain anything,’ he said. ‘This is a very small amount.’"

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20130215-NEWS-302150414?cid=sitesearch

Medicaid expansion:

“Others praised Hassan for expanding the Medicaid program under the federal Affordable Care Act that is projected to bring the state's hospitals and health care providers more than $2.5 billion in federal money over the next seven years.

"‘Gov. Hassan recognizes that Medicaid expansion would be a great benefit to New Hampshire's economy as well as to working families, communities, health care providers, and businesses across our state,’ said Tom Bunnell, policy consultant for VOICES for Health.”

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20130215/NEWS06/130219411/1010/news06

Mental health funding:

“[F]unding for increased mental health care seemed to earn bipartisan support.”

“‘This is a big step forward,’ said Roland Lamy, executive director of the New Hampshire Community Behavioral Health Association. ‘The fact that the governor seems to support the priorities of the 10-year plan is critically important . . . (But) we’ve been very vocal over the fact that we’re in an immediate crisis. This is a great step, and a strong recognition that there is a problem for the people of New Hampshire.’”

http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/4463913-95/health-mental-community-funding

NHGOP RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR'S BUDGET ADDRESS

Concord, NH- New Hampshire Republican State Committee Chairman Jennifer Horn released the following statement in response to Governor Hassan's budget address:

"Governor Hassan presented an unstable budget today that was supported on revenue that doesn't exist. She is building a fiscally irresponsible house of cards that could collapse at any minute and leave New Hampshire with a major deficit. 

"Governor Hassan needs to present a specific proposal for exactly what she plans to cut from her budget proposal if gambling fails to gain support in the legislature as it has every time it has been considered, or, what taxes will she try to increase. 

"Granite Staters deserve to know how she would make up for the up the $80 million in fabricated revenue that she is including in her budget in the event that it never materializes.

"Finally, Governor Hassan must explain why she would build a budget that relies on repealing an opportunity law such as the Education Tax Credit Scholarship Plan, a law that offers the opportunity to access the highest quality education to NH students, regardless of their household income or what zip code they live in."

NHGOP COMMENTS ON PLAN TO INCLUDE GAMBLING LICENSING REVENUE IN BUDGET

Concord, NH- New Hampshire Republican State Committee Chairman Jennifer Horn released the following statement on reports that Governor Maggie Hassan plans to include gambling licensing revenue in her FY 2014 and FY 2015 budget:

"By counting on highly speculative gambling revenues to balance the state budget, Governor Hassan is constructing a fiscally irresponsible house of cards that could collapse at any moment. Gambling has always faced difficult odds and bipartisan opposition in the New Hampshire Legislature that has resulted in the defeat of numerous bills. Governor Hassan doesn’t know if similar attempts to approve gambling will fare differently this year, yet for some reason she wants to include this uncertain revenue in her budget.

"Governor Hassan is trying to use casino licensing fees to inflate her revenue estimates and create a budget that will be $80 million out of balance if gambling fails to win support from the legislature. She is trying to present an unrealistic plan that will get her through her speech tomorrow, but won’t set New Hampshire on a path towards responsible governing in the long run.

"Granite Staters deserve a budget proposal from their governor that is balanced and doesn’t rely on gimmicks and speculative revenue assumptions. Governor Hassan needs to present a fiscally responsible plan tomorrow that is realistic and won’t put New Hampshire on a path towards a shortfall."

Smith for Governor - ICYMI: Can Ovide clear up his position on gambling? Don’t bet on it!

Ovide Lamontagne has had difficulty expressing his opinion regarding expanded gambling in New Hampshire. His statements throughout this campaign, and campaigns of the past, have indicated several, conflicting positions on theissue of gambling, including casinos.

In both his 1996 and 2012 campaigns for Governor, Ovide Lamontagne has opposed and supported expanded gambling. At times, he has opposed only casinos, but expressed an openness to other forms of gambling. Sometimes he’s opposed both. And, at times, he has expressed support just for casino gambling, and nothing else. Today, he is seemingly open to a single casino license only at Rockingham Park.

If you’re looking for clarity in his position, it won’t be easy to find.

On Wednesday, August 29, during a debate in Hooksett for Republican candidatesrunning for Governor,  Ovide Lamontagne was asked why he has changed his position on casino gambling since first opposing it in his 1996 run for Governor. In responding to the question, Lamontagne denied having opposed casino gambling before.  [Click for video]

“Let me make it very clear, I have not been consistently opposed to expanded gaming.”

Lamontagne added, “I wasn’t part of the anti-gambling movement in the last 16 years. “

It’s hard to take Ovide Lamontagne seriously on the issue, because his position on gambling has changed so many times over the years, and it’s still changing today. What was his position in 1996?

HAVING IT BOTH WAYS

Finally, for better or for worse, Lamontagne made his position clear on the expansion of legalized gambling. He’s against casinos now and forever; and he’s against expansion of gambling in racetracks at this time. But, like Merrill, he didn’t close the door on the latter forever. (DiStefano Decision on Fish and Game Agenda, Manchester Union Leader, May 30, 1996, p. A6)

ADAMANTLY AGAINST CASINOS ONLY

He is open to expanding gambling in the statewith video poker machines and other electronic games. But Lamontagne is adamantly against casinos, saying it would change the state’s character. (Governor hopefuls target taxes, The Boston Sunday Globe, June 30, 1996) 

Ovide Lamontagne has flip-flopped on the issue of expanded gambling. Lamontagne issued a release later in the day saying he opposes casino gambling and favors tough video-poker gambling penalties, but believes in trying new and innovative sweepstakes games. (End Tax Breaks. Gambling Stand. Candidates Rate Road, Bridges. Tougher Campaign Reforms, Manchester Union Leader, July 18, 1996, p. A6)

AGAINST ALL FORMS OF GAMBLING

“Lamontagne said that he has always spoken out against casino gambling and other gaming expansion.” (Zeliff Gambling Stand Praised, Manchester Union Leader,July 25, 1996, p. C7)

Ms. Parker said she was concerned about the future of Rockingham's employees and the affect on local businesses if the track is not allowed to compete with expanded gambling. “Will you give it some outlet for survival?” she asked. 'Some of those employees are members of my business.'

“We're going to work with them to find other things that will help them support their operations,” said Mr. Lamontagne. “But they will not include casino gambling or video poker slot machines.” (Lamontagne might ‘ ratchet up a tax’, Sunday Eagle Tribune, Oct. 20, 1996, p. C7)

And, what about Lamontagne’s positions on gambling today? Well, he continues to blur the issue and try and have it both ways. During an interview with WMUR-TV’s Josh McElveen on March 18, 2012, Ovide said: [Click for video]

“But still, bringing in casino gambling…gaming…into New Hampshire is changing our…gaming…our gaming climate substantially. So, we need to look at whether it makes sense to do that. Like I said, I’m not going to close the door absolutely to it, but I want people to know – don’t assume that I’m going to be with it.”

And, at an appearance in Hudson on March 28, 2012, Lamontagne made the followingstatements: [Click or video]

“My position is…I am…I presume…um…my presumption is to oppose casino gambling.”

“We should be casino free as far as I’m concerned.”

“If gambling is your issue, and you want a pro-gambling person, you’ll have to look to somebody else.”

“Please don’t consider me an advocate for gambling, because I’m not.”

That would seem like a position of opposition. But, then on June 9, 2012 in Salem – just two months later – Lamontagne reversed his position and declared support for a casino.  [Click for video]

“If you were the person who was the CEO of New Hampshire, where would you put expanded gaming? At Rockingham, why are we hiding from that?”

“Let’s stop hiding…walking around the issue. There is only one place to start and it’s here at Rockingham.”

What was more confusing is that just the week before, on June 1, 2012 in Belknap County, Lamontagne took both sides of the issue. In a single response to a question on gambling, Lamontagne claimed to both oppose and support expanded gambling. He made these four contradictory statements: [Click for video]

“I am generally opposed to expanded gambling.”

“If the legislature comes forward with a proposal for one place, one time, and that’s Rockingham, I’d entertain it.”

“And, if that works, if that comes forward and works, we’d look at another place.”

“I am generally opposed, however. I’m not going to be an advocate for expanded gambling.”

Finally, again this week in Hooksett, Lamontagne could not clearly explain his position, stating: [Click for video]

 “I’ll be a leader on this issue…I’m not a proponent of expanded gaming.”

Conversely, Kevin Smith has been clear in his campaign for Governor on his support for expanded casino gambling. Smith supports two licenses for casinos in two locations to be determined through a fair and open bidding process. Smithwould require, however, that any legislation include:

First, a strong regulatory infrastructure in place to oversee any casino operations before a single casino is constructed;

Second, that any revenues derived from expanded gambling not be placed in the general fund (which would only be used to grow the size of government). Rather new gambling revenue should be used to offset business or property taxes, or be used to improve infrastructure, such as the completion of Interstate-93.

Unlike Lamontagne, Smith does not believe the government should pick and choose winners and losers in the process, and that steering a casino contract to aspecific company is inappropriate and bad public policy that establishes a dangerous precedent. Those wishing to establish a casino in New Hampshire should compete.

What’s more, from his experience working with the legislature, Smith knows – like the many advocates for expanded gambling know – that a single license bill, without an open-bid process will not pass the legislature. Therefore, the only way to expand gambling to include casinos is to provide two licenses through a transparent, competitive process.