CONCORD - Rejecting Gov. Maggie Hassan's proposed budget for the next biennium, the NH House Finance Committee recommend passing a two-year budget that includes millions of dollars in cuts to a variety of programs.

Of particular interest to the North County economy was a dramatic reduction to the Governor's proposed budget for tourism promotion. Hassan's budget proffered spending $4.7 million in each fiscal year 2016 and 2017. Along party lines the Committee voted to approve $3.7 million in cuts and to suspend the dedicated 3.15% portion of the meals and rooms tax to the promotion efforts of the Division of Travel and Tourism Development.

The full House is expected to vote next Wednesday, April 1.

The Institute of New Hampshire Studies at Plymouth State University determined that state and local governments received $8.97 for every state dollar invested in NH tourism promotion in 2013, a net revenue of $49.5 million after deducting the Division of Travel and Tourism budget of $6.8 million.

Citizens with thoughts may discover and contact their NH House Representative here.