CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch issued the following statement on today’s decision regarding the Joint Underwriting Authority:

“In developing this state budget in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the General Court and I created a budget that was fiscally responsible, innovative and thoughtful. This surplus money from the Joint Underwriting Authority was included in the state budget only after careful consideration and in-depth legal review.

“We continue to believe the state’s intended use of these surplus funds is in the best interests of the people of New Hampshire and is consistent with the legislative intent in establishing the Joint Underwriting Authority and case law from other states.

“The Joint Underwriting Authority was established - and given tax-free status as a state entity - in order to provide a service, not a windfall, to doctors. The state established the Joint Underwriting Authority to ensure doctors could get access to malpractice insurance and that service has been provided.

“These surplus funds belong to the citizens of New Hampshire, who created the Joint Underwriting Authority and gave it tax-exempt status.

“The state will appeal this decision.”