Preliminary numbers show New Hampshire closing the books on the 2015 budget with a $73 million surplus, far greater than what was expected.
During the budget writing phase, Gov. Maggie Hassan's office criticized lawmakers for counting on rolling nearly $50 million in surplus into the next budget.
Hassan's office says the surplus will help strengthen the state's rainy day fund and improve the state's financial outlook. She says the Legislature should consider using some of the money to address public school funding concerns.
Senate President Chuck Morse says the surplus shows the state is living within its means and appropriately budgeted for fiscal year 2015.
He says he's concerned about $20 million in unspent money for services for people with developmental disabilities.
