Senate budget writers have rejected a $250,000 annual boost in funding for Crotched Mountain, a rehab center in Greenfield, N.H.
The Governor included the funding in her budget. Currently, 40 people are being treated at Crotched Mountain.
Senate Finance Chair Jeanie Forrester told her colleagues Tuesday the state’s Health and Human Commissioner did not support the additional funding, adding that it would be cheaper for the state if residents accessed these services elsewhere.
“There are other providers in the state, according to the commissioner, that provide services, maybe not all in one place, but you can get those services at a more competitive rate.”
But Democrat Lou D’Allesandro, who sponsored the amendment, said this is the only facility in the state that can provide such unique care all under one roof.
“I’ve been to Crotched Mountain, as I’ve said to you, I know of two patients who are at Crotched, who couldn’t be served anywhere else, and whose lives are enhanced by the work being done there.”
The committee also voted through a pilot program that would keep the State House open for tours on Saturdays next summer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tours would be guided by volunteers and all additional funding would come from donations or grants.
The Senate version of the budget is expected to be wrapped up by Thursday of next week.
