Lynch proposes $57 million in budget cuts

Gov. John Lynch (D-Hopkinton) has issued two executive orders that would cut state spending by almost $57 million and is working with the legislature to cut another $20 million.

Appearing before the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee, Lynch announced that state agencies would immediately cut their spending by $53.6 million. Lynch also said he was enacting several measures to save the state another $3 million. These actions were approved by the committee.

The biggest cuts will come from the Department of Health and Human Services, which needs to find $25.3 to cut, and the Department of Education, which will cut $4.6 million. Lynch's cost saving measures include limiting overtime, cutting subscriptions to periodicals and limiting mileage reimbursement.

Lynch also said that he is in talks with the legislature to cut another $20 million from the budget. These future cuts would include cuts to the judicial and legislative branches and transferring money from several state accounts. However, these cuts require approval from the legislature.

"These are tough times for New Hampshire families and businesses. The global economic situation continues to be volatile, and we must continue to carefully watch revenues closely and take the necessary steps to manage the budget," Lynch said in a press release. "I am committed to ensuring we continue to be fiscally responsible and end the biennium with a balanced budget."

The governor has already made almost $100 million in cuts for this year and said that using money from the state's rainy day fund would be a last resort. The state will still have to find another $75 million to cut in order to have a balanced budget by the ending of the fiscal year.

Also on PolitickerNH.com:

--Gov. Lynch Delivers Spending Cuts As National Economic Downturn Continues

--Senate finance committee chairman supports governor's cuts