We are now entering a phase called “crossover” at the State House. This means all the bills that pass the House will now crossover to the Senate and all the bills that pass the Senate will now crossover to the House.
The budget will not only determine how much State money our public schools receive, but other bills have been placed into it. This past week House Republicans on Finance Division II added both HB 675 and HB 115 to the budget. HB 115 will expand the school voucher program. This program is a giveaway to the wealthy who already send their kids to a private school at the expense of New Hampshire’s property taxpayers. This budget proposal includes money for vouchers, but doesn’t keep up with current needs to reimburse local school districts for special education while cutting crucial agencies that protect children like the Office of the Child Advocate. It also institutes an income tax by requiring families pay up to 5% for their Medicaid coverage.
HB 675 is a bill sponsored by Liberty Alliance members, Reps. Joe Sweeney, R-Salem and Jason Osborne, R-Auburn. This is legislation that would impose a statewide school spending cap onto every local school district. Local voters are more than capable of making decisions on how to manage their local school district budgets and have done so right along. They know the needs best and are the ones who pay the property taxes. Recently, in many communities (almost 20), voters had a chance to adopt a local budget cap but turned it down. The extremist majority in Concord has made it clear they have contempt for local voters, especially those who vote at town meetings in support of their public schools. Both of these bills are in the budget.
HB 675 squeeked pass in the House by 5 votes which makes this vitally important to keep connecting with your state representatives over this very important issue. TAKE ACTION NOW TO STOP HB 675. Tell your Representative NO expanding vouchers.
SB 96 is a senate bill sponsored by 15 Republican extremists. It is similar to the recently passed “parental rights” bill HB 10. These bills coerce teachers into becoming spies, tracking and recording all things that happen in school in the event a parent has questions about their child. The teacher would then have to report to parents even if they don’t have all information. Teachers DO NOT need to be in the middle of a parent and student relationship.
Let the Senate Education Committee know your position on SB 96.
Chairman Ruth Ward, R-Stoddard: Ruth.Ward@gc.nh.gov
Vice Chairman Victoria Sullivan, R-Manchester: Victoria.Sullivan@gc.nh.gov
Daryl Abbas R-Salem: Daryl.Abbas@gc.nh.gov
Suzanne Prentiss, R-West Lebanon: Suzanne.Prentiss@gc.nh.gov
Debra Altschiller, R-Stratham: Debra.Altschiller@gc.nh.gov
Thank you for supporting democracy, public education, school teachers and students!