Gov. John Lynch (D) Jan. 23 called for a new “wellness” program for small businesses and a tax credit to help lure new businesses to the northern part of the state. But he said a slowing economy will prevent launching expensive new programs.
“Barring an emergency, I will not support any bills that require additional spending this year,” Lynch told the Democratic-controlled Legislature.
Lynch urged lawmakers to create New Hampshire HealthFirst, which would require insurance companies to offer a wellness insurance plan to small businesses. Rhode Island passed similar legislation last year, he said.
Citing a string of company shutdowns in Coos County, Lynch proposed the state provide a $1,000 tax credit for businesses for each of the next five years for each new job that pays twice the minimum wage.
He also reiterated his call for a constitutional amendment on education funding that he said would allow the state to focus aid to needy districts.
Lynch spotlighted the state’s Jan. 8 presidential primary. “(B)ecause of our engaged citizens, our record-breaking turnout, and our willingness to let the people decide — New Hampshire should and will remain the first primary in the nation.”
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