The Latest: Senate passe $13 billion, two-year state budget

CONCORD, N.H. – The Latest on the Senate debate on the budget (all times local):

12 a.m.

The Democratically-controlled New Hampshire Senate has passed a $13 billion, two-year state budget along party lines.

Democrats say the plan is both responsible and responsive to the state’s most pressing problems, including child protection, mental health and the opioid crisis. Republicans criticized it as unsustainable and objected to what they characterize as business tax increases and a new income tax. The plan includes halting business tax cuts that were scheduled to take effect, and a family medical leave program paid for by payroll deductions.

A provision that would allow state funds to go toward the expanded Medicaid program if necessary was particular contentious. During debate that stretched until midnight, Democrats rejected nearly two dozen amendments offered by Republicans before passing the budget 14-9. One Republican was absent.

The next step will reconciling the Senate budget with the version passed by the House.

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6:30 p.m.

The New Hampshire Senate is deep into debate over a $13 billion, two-year state budget.

Democrats say the plan crafted by the Senate Finance Committee is both responsible and responsive to the state’s most pressing problems, including child protection, mental health and the opioid crisis. Republicans are criticizing it as unsustainable and object to what they characterize as business tax increases and a new income tax. The plan includes halting business tax cuts that were scheduled to take effect, and a family medical leave program paid for by payroll deductions.

A provision that would allow state funds to go toward the expanded Medicaid program if necessary was particular contentious.

Democrats hold a 14-10 majority in the Senate.