Opposition Testimony on HB 1160: County-State Finance Commission I strongly oppose HB 1160, which seeks to amend the membership structure and responsibilities of the county-state finance commission. While its stated goals of enhancing financial coordination and transparency are commendable, this bill inadequately addresses the intersectional harms that may arise from its implementation, particularly for marginalized communities who depend on these vital services. By altering the commission's structure without ensuring that it includes diverse representation from communities directly affected by decisions regarding long-term care Medicaid and county funding, this bill risks perpetuating systemic inequities. Marginalized populations, including low-income families and individuals with disabilities, often face barriers when accessing essential services. A lack of inclusive representation in the decision-making process can lead to policies that do not adequately reflect their needs or experiences. Moreover, the expanded oversight responsibilities, while intended to streamline processes, can inadvertently create additional layers of bureaucracy that complicate access to critical services. If not approached with a lens of equity and community input, these changes may exacerbate existing disparities rather than resolve them. This legislation must prioritize the voices of those it impacts most, ensuring that the commission serves as a true advocate for all residents—not just a means of financial oversight for governmental entities. I urge lawmakers to reconsider the implications of this bill and prioritize genuine community representation and support. Thank you.
HB1160
House · 2026 sessionRepublicanSigned into lawCounty-state finance commission changes
AIAmends the membership and duties of the county-state finance commission.
relative to the county-state finance commission.
Status
Signed into law · April 22, 2026- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Senate
- ✓Governor
- ✓Law
Division of testimony
4 submissionsDear Chair and Members of the Committee, I write in strong support of HB 1160, which updates the membership and duties of the County-State Finance Commission to better reflect the real financial relationship between New Hampshire’s counties and the State. Counties are responsible for delivering some of the most critical human services in our system — including long-term care, Medicaid-funded services, and care for vulnerable adults — yet they do so under a funding structure largely controlled by the State. When rates, reimbursement formulas, or Medicaid plans change, counties are often left holding the financial risk without meaningful input. HB 1160 fixes that imbalance. By modernizing the Commission’s membership and clarifying its oversight authority, this bill ensures that counties have a real seat at the table when state agencies make decisions that directly affect county budgets and local property taxpayers. The revised structure properly includes state leadership, county representatives, and legislative oversight, creating a forum where policy and funding decisions can be evaluated before they become fiscal crises. The changes to the Commission’s duties are equally important. HB 1160 strengthens oversight of: • Medicaid long-term care plans, • rate setting by the Department of Health and Human Services, • county billing systems, and • the management of county payment limits. These are not abstract issues. They determine whether counties can afford nursing home care, community-based services, and supports for elderly and disabled residents — or whether those costs end up falling on local property taxpayers with no warning and no recourse. HB 1160 also removes outdated and inappropriate responsibilities that no longer reflect how services are funded, allowing the Commission to focus on what truly matters: the shared financial obligations of the State and counties for long-term care and human services. This bill promotes transparency, accountability, and fiscal stability. It strengthens cooperation between levels of government rather than leaving counties to react after the damage is done. I respectfully urge the Committee to recommend Ought to Pass on HB 1160. Sincerely, David John Preece State Representative, Hillsborough District 17
Position recorded without written comment.
Position recorded without written comment.