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Leaders in the Democratically-controlled New Hampshire House are seeking to cut a deal with Senate Republicans that would expand the state’s Medicaid program.  But hours after receiving the proposal Tuesday, members of the upper chamber said they can’t move forward with the plan, and offered their own course of action.

Medicaid expansion remains a key sticking point as lawmakers seek to finalize the state’s next budget by Thursday’s deadline.

  Negotiators for the House and Senate reached an agreement Tuesday on a $125 million capital budget which includes $38 million for a new women’s prison. 

The new women's prison is slated to be built in Concord, behind the current men’s prison.

Commissioner Wrenn with the Department of Corrections has sought a new women's prison for the last four state budgets. But this year, he says, he had the support of Governor Hassan, and both chambers.

Numbers from the state show that unemployment in New Hampshire have fallen to 5.3 percent.

In the past, rates dropped because people seeking work stopped applying for jobs.

But this time, economist Annette Nielsen of the NH Employment Security says there has been job growth.

With a Thursday deadline fast approaching for an agreement on the state’s next budget, House and Senate leaders remain apart on many of the issues that divide them. 

Medicaid expansion--perhaps the most divisive single item--remains on hold. So do House-backed increases to the gas and cigarette tax.

The two sides did spar on the Senate’s proposed $50 million so-called back of the budget cut to state personnel. Democrat Mary Jane Wallner, lead House negotiator, opposes the move, and says public services have already been cut to the bone.

A nationwide bus tour organized by the gun control advocacy group Mayors Against Illegal Guns will make a stop in Concord Tuesday evening.

Gun violence prevention advocates will rally in front of the State House, as part of the quote- No More Names bus tour.

Two Democratic state representatives posted details about the rally in the members notice section of the House of Representatives calendar and journal.