Senate budget writers are likely to hear pleas for a restoration of funds for people with developmental disabilities, programs for the elderly and substance abuse treatment during an upcoming budget hearing.
The Department of Health and Human Services is set to make a budget presentation Monday to the Senate Finance Committee. Several divisions within DHHS will present, including those focused on community-based care, substance abuse, developmental services and New Hampshire Hospital. Advocates for each have been vocally protesting an $11.2 billion two-year budget recently passed by the House.
The House budget doesn't fully fund the demand for services for people with developmental disabilities; cuts money provided in Gov. Maggie Hassan's budget to expand substance abuse treatment and delays the opening of a crisis unit at New Hampshire hospital.