By GARRY RAYNO, InDepthNH.org

CONCORD — Lawmakers will try something new Friday, holding a teleconference Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee meeting, including a discussion of the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The State House complex, including the Legislative Office Building where the fiscal committee meets, is closed to lawmakers and the public, but budget writers still need to approve money transfers within departments and to accept federal money to help with the infectious disease.

What is not on the short agenda, but is likely to be added, is the state’s share of the $2.2 trillion stimulus package approved by Congress and signed by the president last month.

New Hampshire is expected to receive at least $1.25 billion as well as an additional $147 million for education, public transit, elections, child care and the arts and humanities impacted by the shutdown due to the coronavirus’s impact.

In a joint statement by Fiscal Committee Chair Rep. MaryJane Wallner, D-Concord, and Vice Chair Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, D-Manchester, they said, “It is important for New Hampshire that the Fiscal Committee meet to accept any federal funding and work with state agencies to ensure they have the funding in the right accounts to help New Hampshire fight the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The meeting will include accepting $1.2 million in federal money to increase the funding for meals on wheels congregate meals program. The money is from the first coronavirus package approved by the federal government.

Additional federal money of $350,000 will be used to increase awareness of child abuse and prevention, which has been a concern as schools have closed and students are at home due to the epidemic, but the reports of child abuse have been lower than usual.

The state has also increased funding for a number of domestic violence programs due to the pandemic.

Other actions include transferring $5 million from the Medicaid Managed Care program to delinquent youth programs in the Division for Children, Youth and Families where there is a shortfall.

The department also seeks to ensure the social security benefits and child support payments for children in court ordered services flow to the state. The department estimates the additional money will be $1.2 million.

The committee also expects to meet with agency heads to discuss what areas of their departments are impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and need addressing.

The committee meets at 10 a.m. Friday and can be accessed via telephone at 1-800-356-8278 with an access code of 125563#.

People must identify themselves and who they represent.

Garry Rayno may be reached at garry.rayno@yahoo.com