Jan 15, 2025

HB 115 Opposition Online Testimony from the Public

This is a production of Citizen in a Republic, which covers New Hampshire legislative politics.

We citizens were told the voucher bill was solely intended to “help lower and middle income parents”. This is a gross misuse of our tax dollars and will fall on the backs of us property owners. STOP THE STEAL.

—Johnna Davis of Gilford, NH

Removal of the income eligibility cap is so far removed from what the original explanation of school voucher was in 2019 — to level the playing field for lower income families to find the best suited learning environment for their children — that sponsors of this bill should be ashamed. One more step in defunding public schools.

—Liz Tentarelli of Manchester, NH

I stand firmly against allowing parents with financial resources to sap public education funds by receiving $5000 to augment their payments to private schools, robbing their neighborhood public schools of critical funding. A quality public education is a fundamental right.

—Helen Ingalls of Center Sandwich, NH

The school voucher/freedom account program is already causing major increases to our property taxes in NH. I am not in support of you raising my property taxes any more so that I can pay for my neighbor to send their kid to a private or charter school. The state spending for this program is out of control. How about we support the local public school? NH Is ranked LAST - 50th - in the nation for state spending on public schools. That is shameful. The freedom account program needs strict criteria and a process to oversee it and make it accountable for its spending. We can not afford to open the flood gates and take away supporting public schools in the process.

—Sheila Quick of Bedford, NH

I call on the legislature to defeat HB 115. This ill-conceived legislation only serves to further shift the cost burden of educating New Hampshire’s children away from the state’s wealthiest and squarely onto the backs of property taxpayers.

As filed, HB 115:

Creates an undefined and effectively unlimited financial liability for taxpayers. Proponents of EFA legislation have consistently underestimated the actual cost of the program. Raising the income cap will only exacerbate this problem.
Is underpinned by false and overstated promises to make educational alternatives more affordable to low-income families. If the legislature was truly concerned with increasing low-income families’ access to alternative schools, it stands to reason that this legislation would include provisions requiring participating families to send their children to schools that offer priority admission to low-income families. There are no such provisions.
Does nothing to address the cost inequities created by the moral and legal obligation to provide services to children with identified special needs. The cost of providing special education is soaring for every public school district in New Hampshire. Private and parochial schools are not required to accept students with identified special needs and when they choose to, the cost of providing special education services is generally still borne by the public school district where the student resides.
Does not mandate that the education received by children in participating families meets the State Department of Education’s minimum standards for public schools. It makes no sense for the State of New Hampshire to spend scarce education dollars on educational programming that does not meet these standards.
Does not provide for regular oversight and auditing of the monies distributed via the program. The EFA program makes an easy target for abuse and fraud. The legislature has established higher levels of oversight for every other social welfare program in New Hampshire.

For all of the reasons above, I implore the legislature to defeat this bill.

—Daniel Smith of Newmarket, NH

This bill diverts badly needed public school funding to wealthy families.

—Anthony Sapienza of Manchester, NH

HB115 would expand voucher program to ALL regardless of income. This WILL put the $100 million financial burden on EVERY taxpayer, and Pelham taxpayers are already severely burdened by this unorganized experiment to a tune of several hundreds of thousands of dollars. Increasing this burden is wrong. To add insult to injury, it appears legislators do NOT support increasing state funding for special education to even reflect inflation. By keeping a flat budget for 26/27, a fifth and sixth year, $100,000 in legally mandated special education costs will be passed down to local tax payers. So WHY can the state find money to fund this experimental voucher program full of oversight and accountability issues but can’t allocate funds for those with the greatest level of educational needs?

—Laurie Paradis of Pelham, NH

This bill is reprehensible. It should never have been written. NO!

—Jessica Fraser of Lebanon, NH

I oppose this bill. Instead of sinking more money into a program that its advocates refuse to place any accountability on, we should support local communities by fully funding special education costs, maintaining or increasing aid to be able to hire or retain qualified educators, and funding building aid so that students have safe and health environments to learn.

—Benjamin Ludwig of Plymouth, NH

Removing the income qualifying cap on the voucher program will allow families, including wealthy families, to take advantage of using tax payers’ tax money to pay for private education. It will cost the state over $100 million dollars per year to fund this program. That is especially upsetting as the state faces a significant budget problem. Surveys have consistently shown that the majority of New Hampshire citizens support our public education system. It is wrong and unfair that this bill will lead to taxpayers paying for private education while gutting our public education system.

—Louise Ewing of Antrim, NH

I believe in a fair and equal education system and the splintering of schools into private, paid for with public funds, and public will divert money and talent away from disadvantaged students. That is not America.

—Kathleen Bouvier of BEDFORD, NH

As a Kensington parent and teacher I oppose this bill on behalf of my own children, who attend public high school, and the children of my town, who I teach daily. NH students deserve access to the best public education in the country and this school voucher bill with no oversight or accountability, and most importantly no income cap is going to further degrade an already underfunded system. NH should be focusing its efforts on funding public education to support our students and teachers, not providing money for wealthy families to send their children to private school. The things that have been happening to the NH public education system in the last few years are shameful and NH children deserve better. I am wholly opposed to the proposed school voucher system.

—Shannon Cole of Kensington, NH

This is a terrible idea! No accountability! For a legislature that ‘prides itself of fiscal accountability,’ this is a shocking development and I”m angry it’s even up for consideration. Instead, the NH legislature SHOULD SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITIES BY FULLY FUNDING special education, maintaining or increasing aid to be able to hire or retain qualified educators, and funding building aid so that students have safe and health environments to learn.

NH State voters WILL hold you accountable if this flawed bill passes. Thank you, Lynn

—Lynn McRae of Lyme, NH

I oppose this bill.

—Melissa Nickerson of Londonderry, NH

Taxpayer money should not be used to send students to private institutions for education. Zero accountability for the voucher program will be harmful to public education. As an educator in a public school, as a taxpayer, and as a parent, I highly oppose zero accountability for the school voucher program. Taxpayer money should not be used to subsidize private education institutions, nor to pay for students to access private education whilst public education is available.

—Bethany Metts of Madison, NH

Strong public schools are the backbone of society. State funding limits already leave our schools struggling and relying on property taxes. The system cannot withstand the significant cuts inevitable with voucher expansion. Our property values will be affected and our taxes will increase.

Private and religious schools have little oversight. An EFA audit basically failed indicating fiscal irresponsibility. Public money requires public oversight. My tax dollars should not fund religious education.

Please oppose this bill and support a quality public education for all of our kids and society at large.

—Julie Smiley of Amherst, NH

Vouchers were intended for low income families to access alternative places for education. If everyone had unlimited access to vouchers, then people would can afford to send their child to alternative schools and do not need to support of tax payer money to educate their child would be taking away needed money from public schools. Tax payers should not be paying for private schools if there is no financial need demonstrated by the family. Unlimited access to vouchers would be basically giving away tax payer money to people who do not need it and taking that tax money away from public schools who do need it.

—Amy Clark Canty of Milford, NH

As a former special education teacher I oppose HB115. Public education should not suffer any further de-funding and/or have those funds diverted to be used by extremely well off citizens for the exclusive reason to support private schooling. Some of my clearest memories of teaching is struggling to find funds to accomplish projects that were beneficial to my student’s progress. I believed strongly in hands on learning. An example is, it took my poorly funded small satellite school 14 years to finally procure funds to build a kitchen for my students! If more funds are diverted to private schools, what other critical areas will be cut in public schools? Also as a senior citizen on a fixed income I cannot keep sustaining property tax increases. Property taxes largely fund our schools. I understand that the new Governor will not impose any new sales tax so where does it leave property owners? We are paying the higher costs for everything in NH. Property values are eliminating young average families from moving here and only the well off from other neighboring states can consider buying available properties. If the Governor doesn’t really want to “Mass up NH” then she needs to really look at those already living here! They don’t live here year round! I live in a tourist area and work for a well known NH ski area. It is largely used by well off Mass families. Half of our traffic nightmares are Mass folks now driving around shopping in our tax free environment. I guess the Governor should instead, put up a Welcome! sign! Stop draining more money from the schools and start looking at what’s happening to the NH properties and those property owners being pushed out! Eventually school populations will be way down due to the fact that younger, average income families can’t afford to live and work here anymore. This is a major issue that needs to be reviewed…not worry about funding more extremely well off folks who have nannies at home to watch their kids. They can afford to spend the money for private schooling anyway. Let them make that decision on their own…don’t hurt the average to poor NH natives who send their kids to public schools and have high expectations for their children. I work with literally thousands of people almost every day and observe the well funded families all the time. Trust me, they don’t need the NH lawmaker’s help with education! They don’t need help with anything! They spend huge amounts of money and frequently! Why help them? This isn’t where the State should be focusing its time and resources. Without some changes to the future, NH will be mostly Mass people with money. Who do you really want to help with this bill? Thank you.

—Nancy Clairmont of Gilford, NH

Tax dollars should be used to fund public schools only. Many of the Christian schools on this list provide no data to ensure they provide an education on par to local public schools; their staff does not have to be certified. While the complaint might be public schools are failing according to test data, test results presented include many students on IEPs who struggle with basic school curriculum in general never mind being successful in test settings. More rigorous private schools, such as Catholic schools or secular schools like Derryfield can and do provide scholarships to low income families.

—Mary Morash of Pelham, NH

Taxpayer money is meant for public schools. NH is not yet effectively managing to fund public schools, let alone diverting what minimal funds exist to private schools with vouchers. It is even more heinous to facilitate this diversion further by giving the money to families that don’t meet an income cap.

—Cynthia Waters of West Chesterfield, NH

Public education is the foundation of a better society. By offering incentive programs that undermine public education, you start a dangerous trend to weaken the public education system, society’s trust within it, and society at large. I cannot think of a rational reason to support this bill. The only people looking to support this bill are the rich seeking to get richer by benefiting from the dismantling of the foundation of a strong society.

—Mattsen Bradbury of Dover, NH

I am a long time resident of New Hampshire and I am a Special Education Teacher. I have been teaching in NH for 20 plus years. My concern with this bill is that this increases the segregation of children with special needs. I worked jn private schools before coming to NH and have friends still teaching in those schools. Students with disabilities, even those with learning disabilities that have them 1-2 grade levels below their current grade are rejected and unwelcome in those schools, as are those with some health impairments (ADHD) and Speech and Language issues. The fact that schools that due not allow access to all students and would be supported by the monies I pay into the schools appalls me.

I also have concerns that we will be providing this money to those residents of our state who could privately afford it. While I am appalled with the lack of access to these schools for students with disabilities, I am more frustrated that we are supplementing the finances of those who can afford it. At some point, we need to look at where our support for free and public access to schools will go.

—Jan Moore-Simmons of Merrimack, NH

As a parent of 3 children who attend public school and a public school educator, I highly oppose funding the voucher program as this takes away from my own children’s schools and takes away from myself as a public school educator. By opposing this bill I am also stating that public school employees are valued and held in a high regard in our committees across the state of New Hampshire. Funding the voucher program means that those who support this initiative undervalue and think less of public schools and the educators within the walls of those schools. Public school educators need the support from the state so that these educators can shine and continue to support our children in the classroom and in the greater communities of New Hampshire. Funding the voucher program will devalue education and that is not something we want to do to our children and education in the state of New Hampshire. The public school teachers in Raymond have gone above and beyond their duties as educators to educator, respect, and honor my 3 children. My husband and I do everything we can to support the public schools of Raymond. We also need the help of the State of New Hampshire to continue to support and fund public education and educators so that these amazing schools and educators continue to thrive!

—Leah Kish of Raymond, NH

I oppose HB 115 on the premise that as a society we must educate everyone equally to advance our communities.

—Rebecca Price of Moultonborough, NH

I vehemently oppose any effort to divert taxpayer dollars from public schools to private and religious schools. I vehemently support any effort to keep those funds in our public schools, to make them even better, with programs that address the reasons why parents think public schools aren’t good enough or safe enough for their children.

Any Representative who votes for this bill is voting against the 90% of Granite Staters who support NH public schools.

If they vote yes, they will be taking $100 million dollars a year out of public schools and giving it to private and religious schools without accountability of how and where those funds are going, or and what they are teaching.

Vote NO on HB 115. Do what your constituents have asked you to do: SUPPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

—Jennifer Adams of Antrim, NH

I am a tax payer and the parent of two children who attend public school in New Hampshire. HB115 would rob 90% of children in this state of an adequate education and the burden of paying for that loss would then unfairly fall upon the tax payers. We are already drowning in property taxes because education is so poorly funded by the state as it currently stands. School vouchers are killing public education in a time when it needs our support most and this bill would be the nail in the coffin, so to speak. Public schools are trying to attract and retain qualified staff, deal with old buildings that have not been properly maintained due to lack of funding, and an unprecedented showing of behavioral health issues amongst students. I strongly urge you to listen to the public outcry, listen to the public school educators, and do not pass this bill.

—Shawna Tibbetts of Newport, NH

Please do not divert more money from our public schools. The voucher program has not been studied and lacks accounting measures.

Please remember our small town schools and students.

—Jacob Goodwin of Barrington, NH

Public schools in NH are suffering financially. To allow public tax dollars to be spent for private or home school options with no accountability is absurd. Do better Commissioner!

—JoLee Horvath of Bethlehem, NH

Any school receiving students through the voucher program should be required to present the same accountability data as our public schools. We should not raise the income cap and force low-income and middle-income taxpayers to pay for private school education for high-income families.

—Linda Nettleton of Gilsum, NH

I oppose HB115. This irresponsible bill spends public tax dollars on private education, without transparency or all of the requirements that are required for public education. This bill seeks to gut public education with false narratives, and is a reflection of the Republican party’s willful destruction of public dollars for public education.

—Denise Sullivan of Grantham, NH

Parents have the option to send their children to public school. Funding should not be taken from schools to support families that make the choice to keep their children from the public schools. The state needs to create funding for families that home school and that funding should not touch funding for public schools.

—Kendra Tisbert of Goffstown, NH

I am writing to oppose this bill on financial grounds. It is time to stop spending money on this cause especially as we start to see our state budget surplus drop As a Republican I do not believe in this bill at this time for financial reasons.

Thank you for your time.

—Tom Lynch of Manchester, NH

Our NH Budget is facing a precarious situation that will be made more severe by passage of this bill. The EFA program as it currently stands is unaudited, and originally designed to benefit economically disadvantaged families. Expanding it even further is a fiscally irresponsible decision. I’d feel different if (1) the EFA program faced more scrutiny, and (2) was designed to benefit solely those that need it the most. Our public schools need our support now more than ever, not this program.

—Edward Doyle of Manchester, NH

Dear Members of the Legislature,

As a dedicated public educator, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed bill that eliminates income requirements for eligibility for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. This legislation, while appearing to broaden access, threatens to exacerbate educational inequities and divert critical resources away from public schools, further disadvantaging the students and families who rely on them.

Education should be a great equalizer, providing every child with an opportunity to succeed, regardless of their financial situation. By removing the income eligibility requirement, this bill disproportionately benefits families with greater means, who are more likely to access private and alternative education settings, while drawing funds away from public schools that serve the majority of New Hampshire’s students.

It is important to recognize the broader implications:

Public School Funding Reductions: When students leave public schools for EFAs, the loss of state adequacy grants creates financial strain on already underfunded districts. The phase-out grants provided to districts do not adequately address the sudden budgetary shortfalls, leaving schools with fewer resources to serve remaining students.
Widening Inequality: Without an income threshold, families with higher incomes gain state subsidies to offset private tuition or homeschooling costs—resources they may have already been able to afford. Meanwhile, public schools, which are often lifelines for lower-income families, face reduced funding and increased challenges.

Public education is a cornerstone of a thriving democracy and a strong economy. Instead of weakening it, we should focus on strengthening our schools, ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for every child. This bill diverts resources away from public schools, undermining their ability to serve the students and communities that depend on them most.

I urge you to reject this bill and instead advocate for policies that support and uplift public education in New Hampshire. Our focus should be on narrowing, not widening, the divide between those who have means and those who do not.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Dr. Linda Dart- Kathios, Ph.D. Middlesex Community College - Mathematics Department Chair

—Linda Dart-Kathios of Pelham, NH

The public should not be funding private education for wealthy families!

—Roshan Swope of Harrisville, NH

We need to reduce voucher spending. Special ed needs this money, but the state wants to reduce special ed funding. Kids with disabilities need adequate education funded by the state. Kids who choose to go someplace other than their public school don’t need vouchers as they are making a choice to leave their local district. Reject this voucher bill and funnel all this extra money towards the increasing costs of special ed, rather than reducing the special ed budget.

—Shelley Grosky of Rochester, NH

I oppose this bill in order to keep desperately needed funding for our public schools.

—Raychel Pfeffer of Manchester, NH

I strongly oppose this outrageous assault on public education. Public education has been the cornerstone of our democracy and diminishing it diminishes us all. This bill is financially irresponsible and will lead to higher property taxes. An educated workforce is also essential for our economy.

—Daniel Hooberman of Laconia, NH

I am writing in opposition to this bill. High quality public education is critically important for the future of New Hampshire, and this bill would take money away from our already under-funded education system.

—John Kerwin of Manchester, NH

I view HB115 as a reckless use of my taxpayer’s hard earned money. I describe it as reckless because of the lack of accountability. But, my greatest opposition to this bill is my belief that excellent public schools should be a priority. Vouchers only undermine this priority. It also gives the appearance that private business interests are behind this push. For reference, just look at the outcomes of hospitals that have been converted to control by private equity firms. !

—Barbara Tobin of ATKINSON, NH

This bill means that taxpayers would be subsidizing extremely wealthy families who send their kids to elite private schools. A recent report from Reaching Higher NH indicates that expanding our voucher program with no income limit could cost the state over $100 million dollars per year. That is $100 million in public money that would be diverted away from supporting public education.

—Susan Spinney of Thornton, NH

One of the biggest bills of the year will have its hearing during the very first week of public hearings in the House. HB 115 would expand our unaccountable voucher program by eliminating the income qualifying cap entirely. That means taxpayers would be subsidizing extremely wealthy families who send their kids to elite private schools. A recent report from Reaching Higher NH indicates that expanding our voucher program with no income limit could cost the state over $100 million dollars per year. That is $100 million in public money that would be diverted away from supporting public education – even though Granite Staters overwhelmingly support their community public schools, which are attended by nearly 90% of New Hampshire students.

In Kearsarge recently, over 1,500 people showed up at their deliberative session to protect school funding by rejecting an effort to put an artificial budget cap on their local schools. Like many communities across the state, the support for local public schools and educators is deep and wide. The question is: will the state support them or will they choose to divert more taxpayer money toward the unaccountable voucher program.

Instead of sinking more money into a program that its advocates refuse to place any accountability on, legislators should support local communities by fully funding special education costs, maintaining or increasing aid to be able to hire or retain qualified educators, and funding building aid so that students have safe and health environments to learn.

My school has a glycol leak that has impacted air quality and forced teachers to change their teaching plans based on access to our classrooms based on location of the leak and or lack of heat. This often happens with no warning. It is very stressful for all in the building. Additionally, the dept of education has revoked permission for remote learning unless it is weather related, so we are stuck in an untenable situation. We should not be diverting funds to private schools or homeschool groups at the expense of public school students.

—Rebecca Buzzell of Strafford, NH

The State and tax payers cannot keep funding the 1%‘s who can afford to pay private tuition. In stead of expanding it eliminating income caps, we should REPEAL it. The argument that anyone can access this is absurd. There is no transportation. It is creating further gaps and opportunities for students. School funding is hurting as it is. STOP making it worse! The home school voucher payment is also ridiculous with no checks and balances for student/parent accountability.
Why are you trying to destroy public education???

—Sharon Hampton of Belmont, NH

The State and tax payers cannot keep funding the people who can afford to pay private tuition. Instead of expanding it eliminating income caps, we should REPEAL it. The argument that anyone can access this is absurd. There is no transportation. It is creating further gaps and opportunities for students. School funding is hurting as it is. Tax payers cannot afford any more increases!!!!! STOP making it worse!

—Mark Hampton of Belmont, NH

Public schools are already underfunded in this state. The voucher system further undermines public schools’ ability to function properly, by diverting funds that should support public schools.

—Jennifer LeBlanc of Lebanon, NH

This bill undermines a public education system that is already struggling in terms of funding. This will harm New Hampshire’s education systems for students and teachers alike.

—Casey L of Durham, NH

This bill takes bold step of eliminating “the household income criteria from eligibility requirements for the education freedom account program.” Whether you like Education Freedom Accounts or not, New Hampshire voters and residents were sold the idea that Education Freedom Accounts were supposed to help poorer families get access to private schools that traditionally favored more wealthy students. Now, with this bill HB115, New Hampshire legislators are telling us that the real goal of these Education Freedom Accounts is to give wealthy constituents - who can already afford to send their children to private schools - yes, give wealthy constituents money that should be going to public schools, or at least to those who cannot easily afford private institutions. This is wrong.
Live Free or Die does not mean we collectively give our hard-earned money in taxes to support wealthy students who are already privileged. There is no moral high ground nor socially or economically responsible reason for doing so; in fact, HB115 will only increase the gap that these Accounts were supposed to decrease! Again, whether or not you agree with the original reasoning for Education Freedom Accounts, I would like to encourage all of us to oppose HB115 because New Hampshire residents who are struggling in this economy should not be paying for wealthy families to send their children to private schools.

—Nathalie Watson of Milford, NH

Taxpayer money should be used for public education. It should not be used for institutions that do not allow ALL students to attend (namely the disabled population). If people choose to send their children to schools that do not allow diverse populations of students to attend and those that are not bound by any government oversight, then they can pay out of their own pockets. I am not paying for the disabled population to be even more marginalized than they already are!

—Kate Griffin of Hooksett, NH

I’m opposed to this bill. With all of the current issues with funding for public education,I don’t believe it’s wise to be spending more money for families who have the means to seek alternative education for their children.

—J Michael LaClair Jr of Gilmanton, NH

I oppose HB 115 because it takes money away from public education and puts more stress on local tax payers. In my town, people are already paying higher taxes and many are under a lot of financial stress. They look at their local town and school budgets as the ones that are causing their taxes to constantly rise at ridiculous rates. But the increases are directly related to the reduction of state and federal money. Taking more away and putting it towards vouchers isn’t a way to support local tax payers or students.

As one of your constituents, I am asking you to vote against this.

Thank you, Christine Heath Weare, NH

—Christine Heath of Weare, NH

There is insufficient oversight of this program.

—William Marshall of 221, NH

With no income limit and limited requirements, HB115 unfairly diverts needed public education money from NH students who must attend NH public schools. NH taxpayers already shoulder a great deal of public school expenses through their property taxes. Nancy Spencer

—Nancy Spencer of Littleton, NH

Pulling money out of the public education system seems irresponsible and unwise. We need to pool resources to give quality education for NH children. I find it curious that the bill seeks to remove the income cap rather than adjusting it. It really can open the door for the wealthy to take precious tax dollars away from towns to off set private schools for their children. Also, i don’t believe tax dollars should be going for private religious schools or to homeschooling groups. How would the education be overseen? If a family decides to homeschool would that mean their access to school and school related activities completely cut off ? Currently, i believe they are able to participate in some classes and or after school activities. What will happen is a higher tax burden with a decline in the quality of the public education. I really don’t want to be paying to subsidize the wealthy who clearly already have the means to send their children to a non public school.

—Kathy Harter of Newmarket, NH

I am strongly opposed to Bill HB115. Rather than sending money to private schools, I would like to see New Hampshire uphold their end and actually fund public education. The lack of state support is placing the burden on the general public, increasing property tax and, subsequently, homeowners insurance. Already communities across the state are seeking to cut school budgets to reduce the property tax burden, however, the result will will inevitably lead to larger class sizes, fewer resources, and a decline in educational quality. Therefore, I ask, please do not pass this bill. Send money to where it is needed and where the vast majority of the states children go, to public education.

—Craig Turner of Newbury, NH

These schools should not be allowed to receive public money to discriminate against the already marginalized disabled population. Students who need support and specialized services traditionally aren’t able to get their IEP goals met.

—Lisa Dorval of Manchester, NH

This is a ridiculous bill. Public education is the foundation of our democracy. Public funds should NOT be given to caretakers who want a different option for their children.

—Lisa Dudgeon of Londonderry, NH

Many public schools in NH are struggling due to the local tax burden. Please keep the state funding for public schools in the public schools and do not siphon it be applied to private school funding. If a student requires special services that a school cannot provide, there is a system in place to send students to out-of-district schools. This system works for students in need.

—Emily Kelley of Campton, NH

The inevitable cuts to public schools will also affect my children, both of whom have Individualized Education Plans and have significant impairments. I am afraid that cuts will be made in all areas, included the special education programs. My children are doing as well as they are because of the special programs at their public schools. Because of the lack of oversight at private and religious schools, as well as their lack of special education programs, it is not feasible for my children to attend those schools. They have to attend public schools and those public schools are already struggling without this bill.

Please oppose this bill and support a quality public education for all of our kids and society at large.”

—Kerry Rake of Amherst, NH

The state of New Hampshire has set up a comprehensive school system for all of its residents - our public school system. Anyone who wants to opt out of it has that right. The rest of the citizenry should not have their tax dollars diverted to private schools for children whose parents choose not to send their students to our public schools. Most alarming and infuriating is the use of public tax dollars that fund vouchers for religious schools. To claim that tax dollars are not currently being used to indoctrinate students in those religious schools is an insult to the intelligence of NH’s voters. If there were oversight of charter and private schools receiving voucher money, it would become apparent that there’s no escaping the religious instruction that’s woven into the daily curriculum.

I don’t want my tax dollars used to create a secondary school system in New Hampshire that has no oversight or accountability. I don’t my local school district to have to send out it’s support service personnel to a secondary system which impacts their ability to service students in the primary school system..

If the legislature wants our already established public school system to offer more options for students, then fully fund those schools so that teachers with the credentials and expertise to educate children, have the ability to do that.

—Ellen Jahos of Alstead, NH

In her inaugural address, Kelly Ayotte was very clear that due to a loss of revenue this year’s budget will require cuts. Continuing to fund more Education Freedom Accounts will be fiscally irresponsible. In addition, using tax money to pay private schools subverts the principles of both small government and the local control of education. Finally, as it currently stands this program is not auditable, and lacks transparency that our tax money is being used responsibly. New Hampshire has excellent public schools. New Hampshire should continue to prioritize funding for schools that are open to everyone.

—Kim Frye of Nashua, NH

To whom it may concern,

As I am a public school educator and tax payer in NH, I vehemently oppose the HB115 bill which would significantly reduce funding for local public education. Since our public education system is already significantly underfunded, allowing money to be diverted from public to private school funding would be detrimental to our local school systems and students receiving special education services. I do NOT agree with paying my taxes to our town, only to have them be used for a student to attend a private school. Many private schools do not even have staff who are qualified to teach these in these positions. That is why the NH State Board of Education requires credentials from its public school teachers; we are highly trained and qualified individuals and we would be losing new, young teachers due to the underfunding of the school systems.

This system is not fair, has been ruled illegal by the State Supreme Court, and talks of private school vouchers needs to end immediately!!

Sincerely, Christine Hodsdon

—Christine Hodsdon of Exeter, NH

Sadly, this would expand our unaccountable voucher program by eliminating the income qualifying cap entirely. That means taxpayers would be subsidizing extremely wealthy families who send their kids to elite private schools. Unacceptable! Expanding the NH voucher program with no income limit could cost the state over $100 million dollars per year. That is $100 million in public money that would be diverted away from supporting public education. Unacceptable! Granite Staters overwhelmingly support their community public schools, which are attended by nearly 90% of New Hampshire students. PLEASE, for the sake of our state’s most important commodity, our children, OPPOSE THIS BILL!

—Lisa Rancourt of Nashua, NH

I strongly oppose increasing financial status for voucher eligibility.

—Andrea Costello of Sanbornville, NH

Stop robbing NH students of their education money. Stop subsidizing religious schools with public monies.

—Tonya Angwin of Manchester, NH

With a difficult budget season expected, the last thing we should do is create an unnecessary and “indeterminable” liability for the state government. This is a fiscally irresponsible bill that merits a swift ITL.

—Bryce Kaw-uh of Manchester, NH

This bill directly undermines and discredits the value of a quality public education. New Hampshire needs to be supporting our public school students and teachers.

—Lauren Craven of Bedford, NH

Dear Lawmakers,

I strongly oppose HB115, which expands Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) in a way that undermines New Hampshire’s top-ranked public education system and places additional strain on the state budget.

HB115 creates a significant financial burden on property taxpayers by removing the income cap and allowing unlimited approval of EFAs. How can diverting more funds from the Education Trust Fund—resources intended for public schools—help local districts maintain and improve programs for all students without further exacerbating the already growing burden of rising property taxes?

Many taxpayers are unaware that EFA funds cover more than just tuition. Without proper oversight, how can we ensure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly, with the accountability, transparency, and public scrutiny required of public schools?

Furthermore, there is little data to show that EFAs actually improve student outcomes. Until such evidence is provided, why should we expand EFAs without knowing their effectiveness?

For these reasons, I urge lawmakers to reject HB115. We must protect taxpayers from rising property taxes, adequately support our public schools, and ensure that all students receive the quality education they deserve.

Sincerely, Kathleen A. Malsbenden

—Kathleen Malsbenden of Newmarket, NH

Instead of sinking more money into a program that its advocates refuse to place any accountability on, tell the legislature they should support local communities by fully funding special education costs, maintaining or increasing aid to be able to hire or retain qualified educators, and funding building aid so that students have safe and health environments to learn.

—Amie Edmunds of Wolfeboro, NH

There is no evidence that EFAs improve outcomes compared to public schools. They have reduced resources for our public schools, which are consistently among the best in the nation. They cost taxpayers over $100 million by diverting funds from the Education Trust Fund, intended for public schools, to private institutions. They strain public school budgets and increase property taxes. EFAs are allowed to cover various non-tuition expenses (e.g., uniforms, private lessons, ski tickets) with no accountability. This bill eliminates income limits, benefiting families already paying for private school. EFAs serve primarily private and homeschool students, not low-income families. This is a program that benefits the rich, not everyone. Bring the money back where it belongs. Stop the vouchers!

—Barbara Ballou of Francestown, NH

Until our public schools are fully funded and have all their needs met, our public dollars shouldn’t be funding private schools at all! If you can afford to send your kids to a private school you don’t need tax dollars to help take away more money from our public schools.

—Casey kristoff of Bethlehem, NH

This would be an unconscionable further diversion of money from public education funds. We have already faced enormous increases in property taxes from the damage that the current EFA program has caused to state funding of public schools. In addition, the desperation of taxpayers has led to slashing of programs in our district. This has to stop.

—Jennifer Smith of PEMBROKE, NH

I oppose this bill. Why are we giving tax dollars away with no accountability and with no income limits?

—Liz Brulotte of Gilmanton, NH

I believe that education, freedom accounts, take valuable money and resources from public schools. My understanding is that research shows the majority of people who use EFA’s already have their children in private/Catholic schools. The amount of funding EFA provides will not be sufficient to allow a family with limited economic ability means to send their child to a private school. Thank you for your attention to this.

—Nancy Dorner of Bristol, NH

As a teacher who has taught in both public and private schools, I wish to express my deep concern about expanding the school voucher program. This program is not equitable, and will serve only to subsidize more students who would have attended private school even without the government’s help. It is fiscally irresponsible to offer to pay part of the tuition for students whose parents are well able to bear the cost of choosing private education. The “Indeterminable” cost (“averaging $5,204 per student”) to the state is likely to reach over $100,000,000 per year, based on the number of students currently enrolled in private schools.

Those who claim that the bill is about “school choice” are mistaken, as the cost of tuition in the least expensive schools is generally $10,000 or more. A family making $40,000 per year will, in no way, be able to squeeze the remaining tuition costs (nearly $5,000) above and beyond the proposed grant out of their budgets for each child in their household. Even if they could, somehow, manage to do so, they will then have to rearrange their schedules to provide transportation to their child’s new school, especially if there is no private option in their town or district. With much of New Hampshire’s population living in rural areas, ensuring equity among the poorest and the more comfortable of our state will be impossible. To allow families to use their funding to homeschool their children instead, the legislature would be making it clear that it is acceptable to put children’s education in the hands of unlicensed people, often whom have little time to dedicate to their child’s education.

The foundation of public education is that all students have access to a high quality education. New Hampshire has, for decades, met that standard. To chip away at the funding for this important societal obligation, is to give up hope of a fair society, in which every young person is given the foundation to be successful, no matter where they live, or how much money their parents make.

Please vote against HB115. Sincerely, Ursula Askins-Huber

—Ursula Askins-Huber of Plymouth, NH

I oppose this bill. Removing limitations on the voucher program will divert funding from public schools that desperately need it. Thank you, Mary Steenburgh

—Mary Steenburgh of Pike, NH

I oppose this bill. Rather than increasing subsidization of private schools, I would like to see our state focus on increasing funding to public schools.

—Hannah Waris of Amherst, NH

I am opposed to HB115, Thank you.

—matt krol of hampton, NH

Education Freedom Act was supposed to support poorer families gain access to private schools. This bill takes a bold step in removing income criteria which will give my hard earned money to already the wealthy who can afford such schools. I myself cannot afford such schooling for my children yet my money would go to those who can? Live Free of Die does not mean we give our hard earned money in taxes to support the wealthier students who are already privileged. This Bill is not socially or economically responsible.

—Jennifer Gagnon of Merrimack, NH

As a former public high school teacher, it is infuriating and depressing to me to see the lack of support for the work that we do on behalf of the public as well as the heavy burden placed on property owners. The disparity among school districts is unconscionable….and reversible.

I believe the Education Funding Committee would benefit the state better by finding ways to enhance funding for New Hampshire’s public schools, relieving pressure on property tax payers, and reducing the disparity of funding and outcomes between districts, thereby helping to attract much needed younger people to the state.

—John Croes of Londonderry, NH

The proposed bill, HB 115, would facilitate spending tax dollars on private schools, including religious schools. This violates the rights of taxpayers that do not want to support religious schools.
Public shools made the US exceptional among the world’s nations and is contrary to the language and intent of the First Amendment of the US Constitution which mandates a separation of religion and the state.
When a student leaves public school, his or her school loses the per-pupil funding from the state. By enabling students to leave public school, HB 115 would further weaken state support for public schools. This increases the burden on local taxpayers to fund education. NH is already number 50 out of 50 states for the state funding of public education.
There is very little oversight of the performance of private and home school students in New Hampshire.
There is little to no evidence that private/religious schools deliver a better educated citizen for the 21st century than the traditional public school.
6 Therefore, HB 115 is a political, not educational in nature. It has little to do with student education or welfare and much to do with the political aspirations of its advocates.

—Richard Spence of Dover, NH

I oppose the bill. I implore state officials to solve the unconstitutional education funding before passing any bills that aren’t directly related to solving the issue.

—Debbie Brenner of Concord, NH

I am opposed to this bill removing the income cap for EFAs as this removes the intent of original legislation of helping low income family with private education and choice. Why would the state, which doesn’t adequately fund public school, reimburse people who already can afford Derryfield school, Phillips Exeter, Bishop Guertin, Brewster academy etc. this is not for the greater good of all NH taxpayers for taxpayers to subsidize private school while the state is decreasing special education funding. The math doesn’t work and this is part of a plan to destroy public education in our state which has long term impacts to business investment in our state which should be studied before giving those that already pay for private education a free ride. Fund our public schools!

—Barbara King of Hollis, NH

Voucher programs drain money from public education while lacking transparency and accountability. In addition, it is not clear that these programs provide actual educational benefits. Expanding this program will simply raise costs for NH residents while not improving the quality of education.

—Coeli Hoover of Dover, NH

 Many of you have taken an oath to uphold our state constitution.  I believe you are breaking that oath by continuing support of the EFA program.  You can expect contuniued legal challenges.
 The state continues to avoid its obligation to adequately fund  education despite 3 court judgements in over 30 years.

Sincerely,
Bruce Pariseau

—Bruce Pariseau of Newport, NH

My sons attended private school. We paid for this choice personally. I do not agree that the public should pay for an individual’s choice. My sons did learn to read and write well. However, they missed a great deal and we found that the sons needed to be in a public school to balance out their education. They would not have been ready for college if they had stayed in the private school. We also found that bullying was worse at the private school simply because the classes were smaller and kids were either “in” or “out” of the group. It was not possible for my sons to not be part of the bullying group and find other kids in their class with whom they could make friends. I believe that a strong public education system provides the backbone of a healthy, strong society.

—Ruth Berger of Dover, NH

Lack of Evidence: There is no evidence that Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) improve educational outcomes compared to public schools.
Lack of Accountability: EFAs cover more than just tuition; they fund non-educational expenses like ski tickets, gym memberships, private music and art lessons, and unvetted curricula with little to no accountability.
Impact on Public Schools: The cost of EFAs will reduce resources for public schools, which are consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
Taxpayer Cost: EFAs will cost taxpayers over $100 million.
Transfer of Funds: This $100 million will come from the Education Trust Fund, a fund specifically intended to support public schools.
Budget Strain: Diverting funds from the Education Trust Fund will strain public school budgets and likely lead to higher property taxes.
Unlimited Growth: There is no cap on the number of EFAs that can be approved, allowing unchecked expansion.
Elimination of Income Limits: HB115 removes all income limits for EFAs,
Who gets them: EFA’s benefit primarily students already in private and homeschools rather than the low-income families proponents claim to support.

—Elle Gallo of Derry, NH

How can you expand EFA’s without adding any accountability for them ? There’s ZERO transparency into how these funds are spent. As a taxpayer, I have the Right to Know how these funds are spent. No expansion until the program is overhauled which is long over due.

—Keri Fongemie of Derry, NH

I am opposed to HB 115, which removes the household income criteria from eligibility requirements for the education freedom account program. The education freedom account program has operated for 4 years with no accountability. The EFA program diverts taxpayer funds away from our highly-rated public schools, thus shifting the costs for public education to local property taxes. We are a state where the courts have repeatedly determined that state funding for education is both insufficient and inequitably distributed. That is the problem that the legislature should be working on.

—Patricia Anastasia of Londonderry, NH

I can’t believe you’re even considering this fiscally irresponsible bill. The original intent of these vouchers was to help low-income families, not for NH taxpayers to reimburse the wealthy for some of their private school tuition. Meanwhile, the Dept of Ed has told public school districts they’re reducing the state’s Special Ed contributions by 10%, the Governor has told departments to reduce budgets, she’s creating a COGE to look for waste - and you’re thinking of ADDING to the $50 million voucher cost that has had NO transparency??? Your hypocrisy is SHAMEFUL .

—Marlise Bryant of Hollis, NH

Dear Members of the Committee, I will not waste my or your time trying to convince you to see the tremendous value in public schools, we know that dismantling the public education system is a partisan priority for republicans. We see how they seek to devalue public education and its educators now for years. They may not value public education and the integral role it plays in bettering society and communities, but what we do know they value is not paying higher taxes. If the administration has its way, Public schools will soon have less federal funds and who will pick up that bill? taxpayers! And I am very certain that those taxpayers will be very interested to see how this committee voted to further divert funds. I’m sure if the data on the current state of the voucher programs were beneficial for ALL Mr. Edelbut wouldn’t be refusing to release it. Further have you made ALL your constituents aware that there will not likely be enough room in private schools for all who wish to attend? Nor are they obligated to take everyone who they feel does not meet criteria THEY deem beneficial because unlike public schools they are not required to. For instance those with disabilities, those from underserved communities or those who do not practice their religion or share their values. Voucher programs are discriminatory at best and nefarious to say the least. This is not the legislators seeking to make it better for ALL children who are not served well by their district it is their attempt to have themselves and other wealthy families avoid paying out of pocket and complete their goal of destroying public schools once and for all. It is their way of further separating the low income from the high. It is their way of using their taxes how they like not for the good of their constituents! So to the families who want better and GUARANTEED education for their children they should be demanding equal and increased funds to public schools or what we will be left with are badly damaged public schools with NO alternatives! Vouchers are a foolish and dangerous idea that will rob good families of quality education. We will be sure your constituents are aware of how important this matter is along with roll calls.

—A W of Dover, NH

Public education should be strengthened if New Hampshire and the United States ever hope to aspire to internationally recognized levels of academic achievement. This bill does nothing but worsen America’s place in the world. Concord’s decimation of our public education system is a travesty that brings only shame to the Granite State.

—Hayley Parker of Mont Vernon, NH

Education Freedom Accounts, which were passed through the budget because the legislation didn’t pass in the regular process, was supposedly based on the needs of low income students. They are suppose to provide access to alternative educational opportunities for students not served by traditional public schools.

Then it was pointed out, through a law suit, that the funds to be used for this purpose were suppose to be used for adequate education in traditional public schools. So the education committee circumvented the purpose of the Education Trust Fund by altering its legislative purpose.

Now large amounts of public money are going to pay primarily for kids who were already in private school or homeschooled (hence their parents didn’t need the subsidy in order to provide these eduational opportunitities). At the same time, the Education Committee continues to underfund adequate education for the 85% of NH students attending traditional public schools.

Now the committee wants to expand the EFA program to a totally different purpose — providing unnecessary and unneeded financial support to families who can well afford to pay for their child to continue attending private school or be homeschooled. And at the same time they want to continue to inadequately support traditional public schools.

This program is an example of the minority forcing itself on the majority. It is contrary to the NH way.

This legislation undermines NH families, our public schools and NH communities. The majority of NH citizens support public education, do not support sending public education dollars to religious schools, and do not support distributing public dollars to financially capable famillies.

I am ashamed that my Representatives support this legislation and hope other Representatives have the sense to represent the majority of their continuents — not the minorities’ views. As well I hope all Reps vote in support of the well-beiing of NH’s communities.

VOTE NO on HB115.

Karen Burnett-Kurie Wolfeboro, NH

—Karen Burnett-Kurie of Wolfeboro, NH

There is no financial accountability for EFA’s. Public funds should remain in the public school system.

—Elizabeth Callahan of Strafford, NH

Public education is foundational to our democracy. Don’t give public school dollars to unsupervised private schools, religious schools, or homeschools.

I’ve worked in private schools (15 years) and public schools (8 years) and I know that most of these private and home schools are NOT doing nearly as good job as your typical public school. And your typical homeschool…is not doing much schooling at all.

Please do not expand vouchers. It violates church/state lines. It hurts NH children. It hurts democracy.

—Ted Wells of Hopkinton, NH

This bill is another step towards privatizing education. Public education has been the best tool for creating educated citizens. Even in colonial times, education was considered essential.

Increasing or eliminating the income cap will drain the resources of public schools, which are committed to educating ALL students. Private and religious schools have no similar commitment.

Vouchers for religious schools are also unconstitutional in NH.

The New Hampshire Constitution says that “no money raised by taxation shall ever be granted or applied for the use of the schools of institutions of any religious sect or denomination.”

I am a taxpayer, and I don’t want my taxes going to religious schools. I’m surprised there hasn’t been a law suit yet.

—Nancy Christian of Weare, NH

Public schools offer the best means of advancing our society. Voucher programs aim to kill public schools. I strongly oppose this bill.

—Susan Dunker of Madbury, NH

This bill is an attempt to kill public education and as a result diminish democracy. in addition it will burden citizen tax payers yet again and cause many to sell their homes. this is not about ‘choice’ or ‘parental rights’. its about draining money from public education in an attempt to destroy it.

—Susan McKevitt of Bradford, NH

I’m really upset that you are destroying the public education system. My heart aches for the cities and towns that are losing funding and the possibility of building because money is being thrown away on paying for private school for people who can already afford it. It makes me feel sick

—Elizabeth Vaughan of Goffstown, NH

I strongly oppose this bill. My husband is retired and I am close to retirement age. My tax dollars should be directed to PUBLIC schools as they are a PUBLIC good. Local schools help all members of a community by helping maintain and increase the value of my property (my largest single asset) to stay strong.

Even though I have no children attending schools in my home district, I still am happy to fund PUBLIC education because the entire town benefits. The system works because we ALL pay into it - not because individual students are entitled to a certain dollar amount. It is especially egregious to think that my hard earned tax dollars will go to pay families who have incomes many times greater than mine to fund their choice to send their children to private schools. It is ridiculous that you are looking to lift an income cap on the voucher system or even to use public dollars to fund private institutions. You wouldn’t pull this with trying to privatize police or fire departments - stop doing this to public schools.

—Cheri Schmitt of Bedford, NH

Stop making me pay for other people’s private schools. Spend more money on public education.

—Renee Cicerchi of Strafford, NH

This bill will gut our state budget. Wealthy families should not be getting a handout from poorer taxpayers struggling to pay bills. Regardless on your view of school choice, it should be clear that tax payer money should be used to benefit those in need and public services. Removing the income cap for our voucher program is fiscally unwise as well as ethically questionable. Public schools are struggling to meet the needs of their students. I am a public school teacher, and know that directing even more funds towards public schools will only hurt our neediest students remaining in our public schools. Ninety percent of New Hampshire students attend public schools. Let’s commit to making our public schools a New Hampshire gem to be proud of. I closure, I do not support sending public money to wealthy families who are already affording public school without vouchers, and question the morality of a government which chooses to approve such a bill.

—Laura White of Spofford, NH

I do not support the existing Education Freedom Accounts in NH. And I certainly can’t support an expansion of the program as HB 115 proposes.

But primarily I cannot support any program teaching our students without certified teachers. And I believe it is malpractice to send our tax dollars to any program that is not required to have certified teachers and a curriculum approved by the NH Dept of Education.

I believe parents have the right to educate their children as they see fit, but unless a program uses certified teachers and state approved curriculum it should not be tax payer funded. It’s that simple, we have minimum standards and they must be met if they come from our tax dollars.

And I am not mentioning the failed audits or the imaginary savings for local communities.

—Rick Cecchetti of Strafford, NH

I am in opposition to the state funding the voucher program. It is an unaccountable program that diverts money from our public schools. Public money should support public education. Granite Staters overwhelmingly support their community public schools, which are attended by nearly 90% of New Hampshire students. The state should increase its per pupil contribution, fully fund special education costs and increase funding of building aid .

—Joan Murphy of KEENE, NH

I am in absolute opposition to expansion of the voucher program in any way. The program lacks accountability and diverts money from our public schools. All state funds should be used for public education. Granite Staters overwhelmingly support their community public schools, which are attended by nearly 90% of New Hampshire students. The estimated cost of the voucher program in 2024 is around $28 million and it will continue to grow if this bill is passed. This strategy to defund public schools and ultimately privatize all education. The state should increase its per pupil spending and achieve an adequate level of public education required by law. I SAY NO.

—Erik Murphy of KEENE, NH

Use public money for public schools. The tax money collected is to be used to support our public schools. Using this money, with no income limit, to send students to private and religious based schools is an irresponsible use of public money.

—Christine Nase of Weare, NH

I strongly oppose HB 115. Eliminating the income requirement for eligibility for the Education Freedom Account program will inevitably reduce the funds available to our public schools and further widen the gap between the wealthy (who in all likelihood can afford educational alternatives anyway) and the majority of us who do not have money, time or understanding to pursue educational alternatives. Let’s not dumb down the future generations this state will need to prosper.

—Maria Storm of Bradford, NH

I oppose my tax dollars going to any educational system that has no minimum standards, accountability and oversight. I oppose expansion of the current voucher system in any way.

—Leslie MacGregor of Grantham, NH

As a childless taxpayer who has funded the education for multiple generations of NH students, I object to paying for anything other than a strong public school system. I do not want my tax dollars offsetting private school fees where the parents are fully capable of paying for choices outside of our publicly schools.

—Barbara Salvatore of Bedford, NH

Rather than trying to expand the voucher system, the NH legislature should be expanding the state’s contribution to public schools, which is woefully inadequate. This will benefit students, as well as taxpayers. The state should not be giving away money to private, religious, and home schools.

—Marie Nardino of Andover, NH

We should be funding and supporting our public schools first.

—Kimberly McDonald of Hollis, NH

To expand the lack of accountability of funding and student monitoring and credentials for teachers and schools is beyond belief for the state of NH. This money grab is now being recognized and rejected in many other states. Caveat emptor NH legislators!! Speaking as a retired teacher and former legislator the time to stop this is now!

—Eileen Flockhart of Exeter, NH

This is welfare for the wealthy. Familes getting EFAs are already sending their children to private and religious schools without needing financial help. Taking local school funds, increasing our property taxes and we have no oversight of these programs. Parents have always had choice about their children’s education and it should NOT be funded on my dime.

—Susan Carr of New Boston, NH

Quit stealing money from public schools. This voucher program should be ended, not expanded.

—Eric Swope of Harrisville, NH

I oppose this bill because: Expanding school voucher eligibility to all students, regardless of family income, could cost the state approximately $102 million in the 2025-2026 school year, according to a new study by Reaching Higher New Hampshire. Low and middle income taxpayers would be paying for private and parochial schools for the wealthy.

—Susan Fanburg of Bedford, NH

I oppose this bill because:Expanding school voucher eligibility to all students, regardless of family income, could cost the state approximately $102 million in the 2025-2026 school year, according to a new study by Reaching Higher New Hampshire. Low and middle income taxpayers would be paying for private and parochial schools for the wealthy.

—Stephen Hanlon of Bedford, NH

Tax revenue should not be paying for wealthy students’ private and parochial schooling. NH public schools are already underfunded. Stop diverting public funds away from public school.

—Jennifer Beaudet of Goffstown, NH

It would be totally irresponsible to accelerate the drain on the education funding by removing any form of income qualification. The initial rationale for vouchers was to offer options for those attending public schools who were not able to afford alternatives. Each step raising the eligible population was made despite never living within budgetary targets. This bill is an unnecessary and expensive dole for those already able to afford private schools.

—William Coder of Bedford, NH

I strongly oppose using any tax money to fund the school voucher program. That money is for public education, not for funding private or parochial educations. If people want to spend their own money on those schools, fine. Our public schools are in bad financial shape across the state as it is due to continual budget cuts and tax cuts at the state level, leaving cash-strapped towns to pick up the tab, which most cannot afford to do.

—Michael Rogers of Milford, NH

The school voucher program is a transparent attempt to defund and destroy New Hampshire’s public school system, or what’s left of it. What we will end up with is wealthy people using state funds to send their kids to private school while everyone else suffers.

—Kavita Finn of Bedford, NH

Do not siphon away taxpayer money to private schools and religious schools that wealthier families should be paying tuition to out of their own funds

—Susannah Jonas of Francestown, NH

Any vouchers for education should only be allowed for private/charter schools that meet the minimum requirements to be accredited and have teachers and staff that meet the minimum qualifications set forth under NH State and Federal law.

—Tara Bickford Bailey of STRAFFORD, NH

I do not want my tax dollars used for private school vouchers. You are destroying Public education to accommodate the demands of the wealthy. If they choose private schooling let them pay. I realize this bill is about income cap but I AM TOTALLY OPPOSED TO THE ENTIRE CONCEPT OF VOUCHERS.

—Deborah O’Connor of Strafford, NH

where does this money come from? Is the program on budget? Will this reduce property taxes for those who need it most? What’s the end game? I am firm believer in our public education, and this seems to it. I am concerned that this bill also only supports the wealthy.

—Mehgan Boudreau of Nottingham, NH

HB115 removes income caps for school vouchers, directing more money away from our communities’ public schools. Expanding school vouchers eligibility to all students, regardless of family income ,could cost the state approx. $102 million this coming year. Low and middle income taxpayers such as myself would be paying for private schools for the wealthy. Our town people are already struggling trying to make ends meet - why would you want to increase the hardship. It is my understanding that there still is not sufficient data to make informed decisions on the voucher system and so this bill should not go further until more information is obtain so we as citizens can make decisions that are in the best interest of the children.

—Claire Holston of Milford, NH

I strongly opposed this bill because it would divert funds from public education.

—ESTHER BOSTIC of CONTOOCOOK, NH

I am apprised to this bill, stop taking money from the already too small budget the school system has and put more effort into improving the school system we have. Giving money to people who can afford to pay for private school is a waste of our taxes. You are taking money from low income families and the school system they have to use.

—Doug Bouvier of Bedford, NH

I am opposed to this bill as I firmly believe that public education funds should not be used to fund voucher programs. Families that chose private programs, schools and home schooling do so by their choice and should be responsible for the cost of these programs. The voucher subsidies is out of control and is affecting the public schools. The more this is done, the more public school education will suffer. Property taxes are on the rise to provide adequate education locally. As a senior homeowner this is affecting me and many other seniors. We don’t have children in school anymore! I would like to be able to afford to live in my home. I am not opposed to funding public schools but it shouldn’t cost me in a way that I have to lose my home to do this.

—Debra A Berntsen of Berlin, NH

This bill will result in a diminuition of public education and make our taxes go up. The current cost of vouchers has already exceeded the political promises made when they were first introduced.

—Bryan Field of PETERBOROUGH, NH

My name is Tess Sumner, and I am a student who has attended public schools in New Hampshire for my entire life. I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed bill that would eliminate the income requirement for eligibility for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program.

As a student who benefits from the resources, support, and community provided by public schools, I am deeply concerned about the long-term impact this bill could have on my education and the education of my peers.

The EFA program, as it stands, allows families to redirect funds from the state’s education budget to private educational options, taking an average of $5,200 per child out of the public school system each year. While some families may benefit from this program, I fear that the expansion of the EFA program—especially without an income requirement—will further drain already limited resources from public schools. Our schools, which serve all students, are already struggling with underfunding. Teachers are stretched thin, class sizes are growing, and essential programs are being cut. This bill would only make those issues worse.

I understand that some families may feel that private schooling options are better for their children, but this bill does not take into account the ripple effects that draining public school funds will have on the majority of students who rely on public education. It is unfair to sacrifice the quality of education for thousands of students to subsidize the schooling choices of a few.

Public schools are designed to provide an equitable education for all, regardless of income. The EFA program, by diverting funds from public schools to private institutions, puts at risk the very foundation of that equity. As a student who depends on my school’s resources and staff, I worry that programs I rely on—whether it’s after-school tutoring, extracurricular activities, or the essential services that help students like me succeed—will continue to be underfunded if this bill passes.

New Hampshire’s public schools need more support, not less. Instead of expanding programs like the EFA, we should focus on improving the public education system so that every student has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

I urge you to reconsider this bill and to prioritize funding for public schools, so that all students in New Hampshire can continue to receive a quality education.

—Tess Sumner of Danbury, NH

Where else in State government are public funds spent with no transparency as to the qualifications of the provider, oversight of its spending, evaluation of its performance? Where is the magnifying glass with which we scrutinize every state expenditure? It is absent here, HB 115 proposes to expand vouchers and their lack of open books to NH taxpayers. It’s nothing short of outrageous. This is happening as 90% of our state’s public school children are to be further short changed through reduced funding “because we don’t have the funds.” Nonsense. The inadequate funds we do have will be further decreased through diversion toward unproven education services. This bill insults and injures hard working families in NH, and it imperils the educational outcomes of more children, as important to the State’s future as any infrastructure project. Vote NO

—PAMELA RALEY of Dover, NH

I urge this committee to oppose removing income limits on the Education Freedom Accounts. Removing limits only benefits those families that can already afford private education and basically causes those families that cannot afford private education to subsidies others in addition to adding to the already overburdened property tax.

—Joseph Lamattina of Newmarket, NH

I am opposed to any public funding of private or religious schools. Our public schools are the backbone of our country and taking tax money to pay for private/religious schools is an attempt to weaken and destroy the public school system.

—Carolyn Sundquist of MELVIN VLG, NH

I encourage you to oppose this bill. Every school voucher takes away funding from public education. As a taxpayer in New Hampshire I do not want my tax dollars spent on supporting private schools.

—Ingrid Markman of Hollis, NH

School vouchers are destroying NH’s once envied public school system. Republicans have no business funding vouchers while cutting taxes on the wealthy, out of state corporations and tourists, and downshifting costs for everything, including vouchers, to property owners. NH has become another state of the haves and have nots because of Republicans. What a shameful bunch you are for hitching your greedy wagon to the free staters.

—Susan Smith of Milford, NH

This bill directly impacts our public school funding and our citizens property tax bills. I do not want my tax dollars supporting religious and private schools, There is not enough oversight as to how this money is being spent.

—Lucille Keegan of Bristol, NH

Stop spending my tax dollars on religious education. Separation of church and state! Imagine what happens when more and more money is bled from our coffers to fund religious dogma. You are destroying public schools, you are destroying NH families. Do not let the rich bleed our funds even faster.

—Michael Fournier of Tuftonboro, NH

This Bill is abysmal and will result in reduced funding .for public schools, while those dollars are syphoned off to private religious and for profit schools. Further, this program’s intentional lack of oversight and auditing is appalling for supposedly transparent government officials and agencies. Finally, this Bill is guaranteed to raise property taxes across the state when they are already increasing at an alarming rate.

—Zachary Babcock of GILFORD, NH

I am a school psychologist in a public school. I sent my children to private schools and paid for them out of my own money. I was not rich but made sacrifices to do this. I am not against anyone wanting to send their children to any alternative to public school. However, I am against taking money from public schools to do so. This bill would only serve the wealthy as they can already afford private schools. This bill will just give them more money in their pockets to take another ski vacation. It is completely unfair to the working people of New Hampshire as the money siphoned off from public education will have to be made up somewhere and guess where - our tax bills! I say a resounding NO to increasing the income cap for vouchers!!!

—Nancy Cook of New Boston, NH

All children deserve an equal education. We all have the opportunity to send our children to public school. If I choose not to, it is my responsibility to pay for that educational choice. As a community member it is my responsibility to support education of all our students. Instead of taking money away from public education, why not work toward improving it with input from people with public education experience.

—Mary Burdett of Milford, NH

Taxpayers should not be paying for school vouchers to be used for religious schools. It goes against our state constitution. We need to get rid of the voucher program before it destroys public education!!!!

—Karla Waldron of Weate, NH

As a retired public school teacher, I am concerned about the large sums of money already diverted away from out public schools. As a taxpayer, I am totally opposed to spending my tax dollars on funding tuition to private and religious schools. I oppose this bill!

—Marsha Feder of Hollis, NH

School Funding should be directed to public schools not private. Property taxes are high due directly to the mismanagement of educational dollars by the state

—Linda Grassilli of Litchfield, NH

Lack of Evidence: There is no evidence that Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) improve educational outcomes compared to public schools.
Lack of Accountability: EFAs cover more than just tuition; they fund non-educational expenses like ski tickets, gym memberships, private music and art lessons, and unvetted curricula with little to no accountability.
Impact on Public Schools: The cost of EFAs will reduce resources for public schools, which are consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
Taxpayer Cost: EFAs will cost taxpayers over $100 million.
Transfer of Funds: This $100 million will come from the Education Trust Fund, a fund specifically intended to support public schools.
Budget Strain: Diverting funds from the Education Trust Fund will strain public school budgets and likely lead to higher property taxes.
Unlimited Growth: There is no cap on the number of EFAs that can be approved, allowing unchecked expansion.
Elimination of Income Limits: HB115 removes all income limits for EFAs,
Who gets them: EFA’s benefit primarily students already in private and homeschools rather than the low-income families proponents claim to support.

—LeAnne Fifield of Franklin, NH

When a party can’t support raising the income restrictions to feed kids at school I find it abhorrent that the legislature continues to increase the scope FEA’s while it it lacks oversight. All the while the state continues to under fund its public adequacy’s obligations.

—John Carbonneau of Goffstown, NH

This bill only serves to divert funding from public education to continue eroding our public schools, our local cammunities, and the publics faith in public school education. Please STOP your self serving, sabotage efforts, and please get back to the business of providing public school funding to public schools and higher education institutions. Your undermining efforts of our wildly underfunded public education system (thereby proven to be highley efficient) does NOT provide a service to NH residents, it only serves to divide us more. Please STOP!

—Remy Page of DOVER, NH

School vouchers primarily serve the wealthy. Vote no on this bill to preserve public education for all.

—Ella Klein of Bedford, NH

Please vote no on this bill regarding EFA accounts. I am deeply concerned about state funding for public education

—Laurie Buchar of Bradford, NH

I ask that you oppose this bill for many reasons: you should support local communities by fully funding special education costs, maintaining or increasing aid to be able to hire or retain qualified educators, and fund building aid so that students have safe and healthy environments to learn. Diverting even more money from public education will only increase the burden on taxpayers and further divide communities during budget season in March when they are asked to approve the school’s budget again. With the decrease in spending on special education championed by Commissioner Edulblut, this will only burden communities more. NH is only paying $4000 or so per student when it costs roughly 10,000 or more per student to provide necessities of an equal opportunity education. I ask that you don’t divert more money from public education with these voucher expansions and further burden our communities.

—Nichole Ficken of Pembroke, NH

As a taxpayer I’m angry that we are giving vouchers to people so they can send their children to private schools which should be used to our public school system. I find it an oxymoron that the GOP is against paying for college school loans with taxpayer money but think it’s okay to give monies that should go to public schools to private schools. My grandson goes to a private school and my son personally pays for the whole amount which is the correct way to do so. Property owners pay enough in high taxes by being burden with additional taxes to pay for school funding while it’s being given to other private schools instead of where it should be going.

—Roberta Schelberg of Milford, NH

Why are NH taxpayers responsible TWICE for funding education? Property owners pay for local public education AND pay the SWEPT. The NH Education Trust unconstitutionally funds private education through Education Freedom Accounts. WHY?

—Kathleen Bigford of Bradford, NH

NO public money for private and/or religious schools!

MY individual right NOT to fund private/religious schools with public tax money is being usurped.

—Marilyn Learner of Hollis, NH

Concerned about how passage of this bill will further defund our public schools. We need to show support for our public schools and our kids by giving the schools proper funding.

—CAILIN DRUGAN of Brookline, NH

I do not agree with removing the household income criteria from eligibility requirements for school vouchers which is draining our public school resources. Nothing warrants this action.

—Marie Straiton of Pembroke, NH

I do not agree with removing the household income criteria from eligibility requirements for school vouchers which is draining our public school resources. Stop taking money from public schools which is funded by MY tax dollars.

—Peter Satterfield of Pembroke, NH

Hello, please oppose this bill.
I am sure you will have read that a universal school voucher expansion as proposed in House Bill 115 could cost the state over $100 million per year. Furthermore, independent studies have found that outcomes for participation in similar school voucher programs in other states are, at best, mixed. And, more recent studies have suggested that these programs have had significant negative effects on student outcomes for the students who participate in them and have diverted funding from public schools. It is important to uphold public education and to provide it the funding and support it needs. Thank you.

—Cora QUISUMBING-KING of Dover, NH

This bill is beyond fiscally irresponsible. The voucher program is already being abused, overused, and is lacking oversight and accountability. This bill will redirect thousands more dollars away from our public schools and adversely impact all state taxpayers.

I OPPOSE this bill.

—Carryl Roy of Hollis, NH

I am strongly oppose HB 115. Eliminating the income qualifying cap means I, an average tax payer, would be subsidizing extremely wealthy families who send their kids to private schools. I am also extremely concerned that the current program has no accountability built into it. Are the vouchers used at qualified schools meeting NH educational standards and have qualified staff? How is this measured?

Passage of this bill would mean over $100 million dollars per year diverted away from public education in NH schools. My children attended and grandchildren attend our community public schools. The legislature should support local communities by fully funding special education costs, providing funds to hire and retain qualified educators and funding building aid so students can learn in a safe and healthy environment.

Please oppose HB 115.

—Mary Terrio of Hollis, NH

I continue to be astounded that the NH legislature would allow money to be given to wealthy families and take the money from our public school system. A bedrock of American democracy, public schools are the great equalizer, allowing children from any income bracket to receive a full education. We cannot continue to drain money from this system.

—Kathleen Hamon of Peterborough, NH

This is an irresponsible bill that would open up NH to further uncontrolled spending for EFAs, when we can not fund an adequate education for students at the state level. This experiment has failed in other states, let’s not make the same mistake here!

—Todd Porter of HOLLIS, NH

No public monies for private schools!

—Lawrence Learner of Hollis, NH

I oppose all public funding for private institutions except in the case of supporting special needs. Subsidizing private schools drains resources from public education and drives up local property taxes, already a contentious issue. It also subsidizes religion, which is a violation of the separation of church and state. No one should get these subsidies - raising the threshold just makes it worse.

—tamara sorell of Brookline, NH

I am opposed to Universal Education Funding of Education Freedom Accounts.

These accounts are not tracked appropriately with an eye toward accountability.
Public Schools already struggle for adequate funding, and state revenues are down now that COVID funding has dwindled. Where will the funding come from to support this new law?
Public Schools are the failsafe provider of education. If parents decide to pull their children from private school/homeschool and send them back to public education, then schools have to be ready to take these students back.
Public Schools provide special education services to those in private schools and homeschools. Will sp.ed funding be jeopardized because the Federal/State governments do not supply enough money for these services?
There are so many fixed costs in maintaining and operating a school. If a few students move to private/homeschools, these fixed costs will not change until there is a massive exodus of students: fuel, electricity, building repairs, minimum teaching staff, internet, phone, etc. Many of the small towns in our district struggle to keep the school doors open in times of dwindling enrollment due to fixed costs.
If many students leave the public schools then accelerated classes such as AP English, Advanced Math, etc. will be negatively impacted. School districts will have to decide whether they can afford to offer these advanced classes with only a handful of students.

Thank you for your time. Sincerely yours, Linda Morehouse Antrim, NH

—LINDA MOREHOUSE of Antrim, NH

We moved back to New Hampshire for the love of open space, warm communities, and - importantly - strong public schools. Quality public schools mean a thriving community and higher property values. Since moving back almost a decade ago, our schools have started to struggle due to the voucher program and funding cuts. Space and budget constraints mean the teachers are doing the best they can under challenging circumstances. Our community is no longer being met at the same level.

Our schools cannot withstand the additional cuts inevitable with voucher expansion. Public education will be further degraded and property values will be negatively impacted, our communities will suffer, and our taxes will increase. Many will relocate to a state that values public school education.

Moreover, at a fundamental level, I do not want my tax dollars sent to private and religious schools. This is especially true knowing these institutions have little oversight and EFA audits are not able to confirm fiscal responsibility. Public money requires public oversight and my tax dollars should not go to fund religious education - it is inherently unamerican.

Please oppose this bill and support a quality public education.

—Rachel Merrick Maggs of Amherst, NH

I am against House Bill 115-Universal Vouchers because of the negative impact it will have on local schools and communities. Families with significant incomes should not able to use state dollars to send their kids to private schools. The money will have to come from the State budget and will mean that less money will be available for local schools. While per student costs may come down a small amount, school fixed costs will still need to be covered. In addition, states with voucher programs have seen no significant improvements in educational outcomes. Our local schools may need improvement but this is not the solution. The state should invest in our existing schools, not the individuals from high income families.

—Donna Danis of Nottingham, NH

I oppose this bill. I believe tax funds should only be used for public schools

—Carol Caporale of Litchfield, NH

I oppose reducing income eligibility for EFA’s. They were originally intended for income eligible families. This will cost the state a fortune and reduce funding for public schools. Not a good bill for this state, our families and the children.

—Faith MInton of Warner, NH

This bill deprives public schools of funding while private schools are not required to live up to the same standards or accept all students.

—B Widger of Manch, NH, representing Myself and my husband

To the House Education Funding Committee, I do not believe the state should use any public funds to support tuition at independent schools, which are not held accountable by the state for the quality or efficacy of their programs and practices. I am opposed to the Education Freedom Account program as it stands and think it is fiscally irresponsible for the state to support an expansion of this program. Sincerely, Brooke D’Entremont

—Brooke D’Entremont of Lebanon, NH

Public education is critical to ensure that every child has an opportunity for a quality education. If you choose to use an alternative form of education, it should not at the public’s expense. In addition, an educated society is what makes our country strong. It is the “great equalizer “and creates opportunity for our citizens to have a better life.
I oppose the expansion of vouchers and the weaking of our public schools that support 160,000 NH students. I urge you to vote no on HB115!

Hon. Melanie Levesque

—Melanie Levesque of Brookline, NH

I oppose HB115. Opening the school voucher program to higher income people who can already afford private education anyway will further degrade our public education system. It will also increase our property taxes, as state funding for public schools is reduced (estimated at over $100M per year) and local property taxes must make up the difference. We can’t afford to subsidize private schools AND provide a high quality public school system. I support the latter.

—Bruce Kinney of Amherst, NH

The voucher program for education is costing the state a lot of money without much monitoring by the state and now the legislature is proposing expanding who can take part and obtain education vouchers. We already have a deficit. This bill must not pass.

—Anne Grossi of Bedford, NH

Funding should NOT be taken away from public schools to fund what is essentially private education. Public schools are the backbone of our democracy, They are integral to an educated populace which is the foundation of our democracy

—Joan Warren of Warner, NH

Public education is just that, public, and should continue to be supported by tax dollars. Parents who choose to educate their children privately through a religious based program, charter school, or home school program have that right. Our tax dollars should never be used to cover the costs for these types of educational alternatives to the detriment of public education and our students.

—Susan Haight of Brookline, NH

I believe in public schools and the opportunity, equity and strength of community that they provide. I do not want my tax dollars to support individuals’ choices to go to a private or religious school. That is their choice and should NOT be subsidized by tax payers, particularly when there is little to no accountability for non-public schools to provide quality education.

—Kristin Van Goor of Amherst, NH

I am strongly opposed to this bill. It would take needed money from the already underfunded public schools. I believethis even though my granddaughter goes to a private school.

—VIRGINIA LEE Wright of Webster, NH

While I am in favor of providing options for parents on the most beneficial way to educate children, removing the income limit on the freedom accounts is going to have detrimental effects on our public schools and property taxpayers. For some parents, it’s just “free money”. It will bankrupt the state budget and we are all aware of what else is to come in this budget cycle.

—Julia Kaplan of Brookline, NH

We need to fund our public schools so our kids can have a good education to become productive members of society, instead of taking funding away from them.

—Meghan McClure of Lyndeborough, NH

I vehemently oppose this bill. A strong public education system is the bedrock of our society. The voucher system in its current form is bad as it has already decreased the amount of state funding available to public school systems across the state far more than was anticipated. Raising the income cap would decimate the funding for public education and that is unacceptable to me.

—Rebecca Stoughton of Amherst, NH

New Hampshire taxpayers expect their tax dollars to support their local schools! Families who elect to opt out of their local schools are responsible for paying for that themselves. Why should everyone pay for that??

—Jana Sellarole of Walpole, NH

I STRONGLY oppose HB115 and the use of public monies to fund private educations. This bill takes desperately needed funds away from our most vulnerable citizens and undermines our greatest asset… the education of our children.

—Jesse Mayr of Brookline, NH

I strongly urge you to vote against this bill. Public education is what needs funding. NH is currently spending too much money supporting private and parochial schools and not nearly enough to provide public schools with the money needed to provide an adequate education, let along an excellent education, for all. Too much of the burden is falling on towns and residents through taxes. Please DO NOT vote to expand the school voucher program.

—Mary E Atwell of Bedford, NH

Impact on Public Education Funding and Quality

Universal voucher programs divert essential funds from public schools to private institutions. In Arizona, for instance, the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program has led to a substantial increase in voucher enrollment, surpassing 70,000 students by early 2024. This redirection of funds has strained public school budgets, resulting in reduced resources for the majority of students who remain in the public education system because the majority of working people can’t afford private schools or Home schooling even with these vouchers, they are only benefiting a few predetermined groups.

Beneficiaries of Voucher Programs

Evidence suggests that a significant portion of voucher recipients were already enrolled in private schools or being homeschooled prior to receiving vouchers. In Wisconsin, over 80,000 students participate in voucher programs, with research indicating that only 25% of these students transitioned from public schools. This implies that the majority of voucher funds subsidize families who had already chosen private education, rather than expanding access to new students. This shows that this is just a handout to the wealthy, and again redistributing money from the majority to the few.

Educational Outcomes for Voucher Recipients

Studies have shown that students who transition from public to private schools using vouchers often experience declines in academic performance. Research on the Louisiana Scholarship Program found that students using vouchers to attend private schools had lower achievement in reading, science, and social studies compared to their public school counterparts.

Quality Concerns in For-Profit Educational Institutions

The expansion of voucher programs has led to the proliferation of for-profit private schools, some of which prioritize financial gain over educational quality. In Arizona, taxpayer-funded vouchers have been misused for non-educational expenses, such as ski passes and luxury car lessons, highlighting a lack of accountability and oversight in these programs.

Constitutional Concerns

The allocation of public funds to private, often religious, schools via vouchers raises constitutional issues related to the separation of church and state. This remains a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Erosion of Public Education and Societal Implications

The diversion of funds to private schools through vouchers weakens the public education system, leading to increased segregation and reduced educational opportunities for disadvantaged students. This trend undermines the foundational principle of equitable access to quality education for all and may contribute to a less informed and engaged citizenry. CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT

In conclusion, universal school voucher programs pose significant risks to the integrity of public education, yield questionable benefits for student achievement, and raise serious constitutional and ethical concerns. I urge you to oppose this legislation promoting such programs and to advocate for policies that strengthen and invest in our public schools, ensuring they remain a robust and equitable foundation for all students.

—David Holt of SOMERSWORTH, NH

I strongly oppose HB-115 for a number of reasons.

This legislation removes any income eligibility requirements to the EFA program. This could siphon an estimated $100 Million from the state’s already grossly underfunded public education system. Similar programs in other states have resulted in severe financial problems. Low and middle income taxpayers will be subsidizing the wealthy, who already send their children to private and religious schools.

The EFA program has little accountability and transparency. Moreover, independent studies have found very mixed student outcomes.

Well funded public education is essential to a functioning and vibrant democracy. This is simply another attempt by those opposed to public education to dismantle it. Please OPPOSE HB-115.

—Gregory Davis of Salem, NH

Taxes should be used for public schools, not given to families that choose to send their children to private school or those who choose to home school. It is a choice to not take part in the public school system that families have been making for decades, while still contributing tax dollars to the public school system. Giving those families tax dollars only hurts our public school systems, forcing them to make do with less. I heartily oppose the school voucher system. Our tax dollars should be going to improve the public school systems, not into the pockets of those who were always going to send their kids to private schools

—Julie Gingras of Brookline, NH

I strongly oppose any bill that will raise my Property Taxes in the State of New Hampshire. We are currently barely able to remain in our home due to the huge increase in our taxes (nearly $10,000) since we first ourchased our home. We are now nearing retirement age and will hate to leave our family home due to tax hikes. We also receive no services ie. trash collection, public water or sewer for these taxes.

—JACQUELINE ANDERSON of Newton, NH

We need to stop the expansion of vouchers and return to a focus on public education and not private schools. Besides being a bad idea, the state can not afford this approach. We need to return money for vouchers to local school districts. We can do better and should. To be at the bottom of state spending on public education.

—Deborah Walker of Meredith, NH

—Laura Enright of Bedford, NH

Do Not raise our property taxes.

Public education is critical to ensure that every child has an opportunity for a quality education. If you choose to use an alternative form of education, it should not at the public’s expense.

By siphoning off the public education school budget you are increasing our property taxes!

In addition, an educated society is what makes our country strong. It is the “great equalizer “and creates opportunity for our citizens to have a better life.

I oppose the expansion of vouchers and the weaking of our public schools that support 160,000 NH students. I urge you to vote no on HB115!

Carol Schreck

—Carol Schreck of Brookline, NH

I support public education and lower taxes. My tax dollars should not be going to private education. Oversight for this is woefully inadequate.

—Pauline Paciulan of Litchfield, NH

Not only do I oppose this bill, I oppose all vouchers. The idea that the state of New Hampshire subsidizes private and religious schools is against every tenet of separation of church and state. End this “welfare for the wealthy” and fund public education.

—David Doherty of Pembroke, NH

As a property owner in Merrimack NH I have seen our taxes increase significantly each year and I don’t see the benefits to our community as a result. I am tired of increases that are unpredictable and substantial which have a direct impact on the day to day lives of all. As cost of living increases alone are challenging with further tax increases without significant notice or clear benefits is a great concern for all property owners across the state! I strongly oppose this bill!

—Karen Cadiero-Kaplan of Merrimack, NH

I strongly oppose any public tax revenue being provided to private educational institutions via voucher or any other means.

—Steven ONeill of Mason, NH

Ridiculous attempt to use my taxpayer funds to support high income families. EFAs in general drain public funds to support private schools while increasing tax burdens on local municipalities. HB115 goes even further, guaranteeing less money for public education and continuing the erosion of resources for the majority of NH students. I oppose this bill and every other legislation that increases EFAs.

—Joseph Stehno of WEARE, NH

The proposed changes undermine public education and lead to further income inequities. i strongly oppose passage of HB115.

—JOHN MILLER of ORFORD, NH

Passage of this bill would place a significant burden on the taxpayer and have a negative impact on funding for public education in New Hampshire.

—Catherine Vaughan of Keene, NH

I oppose the voucher program which has already increased local school taxes an hurt our local schools.

—James Steiner of Hollis, NH

I am opposed to HB 115. A voucher system does not fulfill our responsibility as a community to educate ALL children. Charter schools, private schools, have the option of accepting students. Home schooling, while in some instances is very good, in many instances can leave students unprepared, unschooled and will become a burden to society if they have not been educated in the basics.
Public schools are the backbone of the educational system. Many of our public schools have students come into their schools to “fill” the void for a voucher school programs. A better way to determine the value of the voucher program would be if the playing field was leveled and the private and charter schools had to accept any student applying without restrictions. Perhaps it would be beneficial if the members deciding HB115 actually went into school and attended the classes that educate our children. I have never known a corporation to make cuts, changes and recommendations when they haven’t worked with their employees, rolled up their sleeves and tried to make things work. How many committee members have talked to the teachers and tried to find ways to help rather decide to pull money from the already underfunded school budget?
How many CEOs make decisions to a business they have never been involved in. How many times and what school districts and classes have any of the committee members visited and observed? How many times has Edelblut and the committee been involved in public schools? How many activities have they volunteered for to help public schools? How many members of the committee have children enrolled in public schools? How many members of the committee attended public schools? As a grandmother, I can see the importance of a public school system. Please do not pass HB115

—Mary Louise Wilson of Alton, NH

I am vehemently opposed to this bill. I do NOT want to pay to send students to private and or private religious schools or for homeschooling. Th

—SUSAN BARTLETT of Warner, NH

Absolutely No! Senior citizen on fixed income not supporting wealthy people sending children to private school. Fixed lower income vouchers acceptable.

—Ingrid Ostrem Nosek of New Boston, NH

I oppose this bill if it takes money away from Public education. We should be looking for initiatives to strengthen Public education areas that are lacking. Schools that receive vouchers should have to follow all standards imposed on the Public schools, ie Sped, Ell, etc. In addition, the Voucher money should follow the child. If after Oct 1 the child returns to the Public school, during that school year, the money should go back into the Public school line.

—Patricia Galipeau of Nashua, NH

Public education dollars belong in public schools - not in private institutions that are not held to the same curriculum and safety standards as the public school. Stop dismantling our public schools.

—Melissa Florio of Freedom, NH

Continuing to drain the education fund for vouchers to subsidize families who do not need them is only going to cause our collective property taxes to rise. This is especially concerning considering there are no accountability as to how the funds are being used.

—Lorraine Hansen of Rollinsford, NH

I strongly oppose HB115. The financial eligibility level to qualify for the voucher program for education has already been raised allowing people, who are able to pay for the private education where their children were already enrolled, to use state funds allotted to towns’ public schools. Thus, property taxes around the state have risen, sometimes beyond the reach those on fixed incomes to pay without sacrificing other necessities like medicine and heat. Private schools are not mandated to provide individual educational prescriptions for students who need support beyond the “regular” classroom. Free access to a private school education is neither a parental nor a student right. Eliminating the eligiblity income level entirely, as this bill would do, will exacerbate the financial burden on local taxpayers once again.

—Cynthia Wilson of New Boston, NH

I do. It want my tax dollar’s supporting private schools and those schools that are sponsored by religious organizations.

—David Arigoni of Brookline, NH

I do not want my tax dollars to pay for private schools, homeschooling, or schools sponsored by religious organizations.

—Cynthia Berend of Brookline, NH

I do not understand why my taxes should increase in order to subsidize private education. While public school might not be for everyone, at least the state can regulate. Choosing alternative options should not be subsidized by tax payers. We see budgets ballooning all across the US where these ideas have been implementated.

Eliminating income limits means we will subsidize wealthy families who don’t need handouts.

Please oppose this bill.

—Matthew LeBlanc of Center Barnstead, NH

I do not want my family’s tax dollars spent on non-public education. New Hampshire doesn’t take public education seriously enough as it is, and passing this bill will make it worse.

—Thomas Mulgrew of Nashua, NH

I was opposed to the Education Freedom Account Program from the beginning. The vouchers for private and home schools drain the state funding for local public schools and have negatively impacted local property taxes throughout the state. This draining of public-school funding by the state voucher system also affects the cost of rental property as landlords increase rent to offset the increase in property taxes which snowballs into more unaffordable housing! The legislature passed the first voucher program, signed by the Governor, with little thought to the consequences on property owners, particularly those of us retired. If that is not disturbing enough, there is absolutely no accountability as to how the publicly funded vouchers are being spent by the recipients, nor the quality of the education provided. The very name Education Freedom Account Program is a white-wash of the attempt to destroy public education in NH. I happily pay my taxes for public education. Our son was educated in the Hopkinton Schools supported by all the taxpayers. I will do my share in educating future generations, but I am strongly opposed to HB-115 which expands the voucher program by completely eliminating the income qualifying cap for private schools. This just adds to the further reduction of public-school funding in NH and shifts the burden onto property taxpayers. I don’t want to support home schools or private schools! I certainly should not have to subsidize private education for children of parents with higher incomes than mine!

—Dawn Berry of Hopkinton, NH

As a parent of two children with special needs and IEP‘s we are already struggling to find resources in the existing public school system.

By further taking away financial resources from public schools and into the coffers of private for-profit and religious schools any vote endorsing this bill further erodes my children and many others throughout the state from adequate access to public education funding.

Do not support this bill.

—Matthew Teece of Dover, NH

Typically, your jobs are very difficult. Today, it is quite easy. A vote in support of this bill is a vote to further weaken the public schools that our children so desperately need strengthened. Do the right thing. Even if you don’t have any school-aged children or grandchildren. Don’t let far right lunacy continue to invade and infect our valuable public education system. This one is very obvious.

—Timothy Gearin of Milford, NH

We should not be diverting our public tax dollars to private school education. I am opposed to subsidizing private school education costs, especially for any family who is not low-income.

—Patricia Mitchell of Warner, NH

I oppose this bill as I would like to funding for the public schools.

—Laurie Stevens of Brookline, NH

Public schools are a fundamental right in this nation, and New Hampshire already does ours a great disservice by underfunding them. Don’t take even more funds away to support unchecked and unregulated programs.

—Laura Millar of Merrimack, NH

Public funds for public schools.

—Barbara Millar of Mont Vernon, NH

Public funds should be reserved for public schools.

—Jeff Millar of Mont Vernon, NH

I oppose this bill. Society owes children a public education not a religious education. I oppose my tax money being used to pay for private and religious schools. My parents paid to send their kids to Catholic school. They did not expect their neighbors to help pay the tuition. Vote this bill down. Support our public schools.

—Susan Stevens of Alton, NH

—Alan Stevens of Alton, NH

You can rename school vouchers “Education Freedom Accounts,” but that doesn’t make them any less vile. We pay taxes to fund our PUBLIC schools for ALL of our children, and it is an HONOR to do so to build a more educated society and workforce. Your “Education Freedom” scam strips resources from our public schools. I have no problem if parents want to send their child/children to a private school. If they can afford it themselves or get a scholarship, great! But I don’t want them bleeding our public education taxes for themselves. If you allow “Education Freedom Accounts” to proceed, what’s to stop all the people who don’t have children from wanting their tax money back?

—Cynthia Stave of New Boston, NH

This bill essentially either drives cost to local taxpayers or simply takes away from our public schools which are the bedrock of our country.

—Denise Trombly of Nashua, NH

—Mary Kelley of Dover, NH

All kids deserve a great education. Vouchers create a 2 tier system where a percentage of kids drain resources from the remaining student population. Public schools are mandated to accommodate all students but private/charter schools can cherry pick who they admit

—Kathleen Moylan of Nashua, NH

I moved to NH because I have deep roots here, and love the natural beauty, pace of life, and the people. We do pay quite tidy property taxes for the privilege of living here, but I am fine with the bulk of it going to public education and 90% of NH children.

And, though I do not support school vouchers, I understand the EFA was intended to help people who cannot afford public school alternatives. I definitely do not wish to send my tax dollars to wealthy people who CAN afford them. It is outrageous that HB115 would expand our voucher program by eliminating the income qualifying gap entirely, meaning that taxpayers would be subsidizing extremely wealthy families in sending their kids to elite private schools.

A recent report from Reaching Higher NH indicates that expanding our voucher program with no income limit COULD COST THE STATE OVER $100 MILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR. That is $100 million in public money that would be diverted away from supporting public education – even though Granite Staters overwhelmingly support their community public schools, which are attended by nearly 90% of New Hampshire students.

I urge that the legislature, especially my representatives Riché Colombe, Jim Creighton, and Jim Fedolfi, NOT approve HR 115.

Instead, please support local communities by fully funding special education costs, maintaining or increasing aid to hiring and retaining qualified educators, and funding building aid so that students have safe and healthy environments to learn.

Let’s make NH first, not 9th or 42nd in education, and not support a small minority. On behalf of all New Hampshire kids, please vote down HR 115.

—Lucinda Winslow of Antrim, NH

This bill strips public schools of needed funds in favor of religion based education, no matter the euphemisms used by the drafters. I seem to recall some document saying government “shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion. “ These schools do not have to take special ed students or demonstrate results. It’s pure and simple Christian nationalism. I’m unalterably opposed.

—Philip J Kinsler of Lyme, NH

This bill is going to raise our taxes significantly. We pay extremely high taxes in Pembroke due to the lack of funding for special education and many school costs. Once this voucher program is in place our taxes could increase by 25%. What will you do to offset the increase?

—Susan Seidner of Pembroke, NH

It’s my understanding that this bill will expand the already over-budget school voucher program and force NH towns to increase property taxes. I am sure I speak for most NH residents when I say our property taxes are already unconscionably high. If people want to send their kids to private schools that’s fine, but not at the expense of our wonderful public schools, or on the already breaking backs of NH taxpayers.

—Deborah Fexis of NOTTINGHAM, NH

Public tax dollars should not go to anything but public school education. There is no regulation over charter or home schooling, our tax dollars could be going towards institutions or individuals abusing children.

—Heather Reardon of Brookline, NH

I strongly object to the redirecting to private schools the tax money I willingly pay to support public education. I have yet to see a decent rationale for this bill. The people who will take advantage of this bill do not need the money and most likely are already sending their children to private school. Stop trying to lure families away from public schools and pay the state’s fair share to support public education!

—Margaret Henrichon of Bedford, NH

I believe that this should remain for those families that have a more difficult financial time paying for their child’s education. If they choose to send them to someplace outside of the towns public school system. Thank you.

—AARON ANDERSON of FARMINGTON, NH

I was under the impression that vouchers last year cost way more than was budgeted. There are very good public schools in NH. If someone does not want to attend the public schools, they can pay for it themselves. Do NOT take money away from the public schools or burden taxpayers with paying.

—Cynthia Munford of Bedford, NH

Public money should NOT be used for any other educational settings than PUBLIC education.

—Emily Karmen of Warner, NH

This I strongly oppose my tax dollars being used for families to send their children to private and parochial schools , particularly families who are not indigent. Not only do I not endorse the religious or private educational values, but it leaves les and less resources for the already struggling public schools. This is wrong!

—Sarah Glatz of Newton, NH

This bill moves tax dollars to those who least need them. Support public education!

—Joan Ostrowski of Amherst, NH

Public Schools need the funds. People making other choices should not impact financials of public schools.

—Sandy Pouliot of Milan, NH

i thought we were not going to have an increase in taxes-that’s what you often campaign on. don’t do this to the good people of this state when they are having enough of a difficult time paying their bills. you don’t want to have them loose their homes. also, let’s make public education/schools better instead of shifting money away from public schools.

—spencer burdge of hanover, NH

I don’t believe we should remove the income cap. Public money should stay at public schools. I can’t see how giving vouchers to everyone helps those in our community. Our public school children should reap the benefits of what my local tax dollars pay for, not someone who is willing choosing elsewhere.

—Colleen Doyle of Anherst, NH

This is a horrible bill. With my property taxes going up, why are you forcing us to pay for two educational systems? Vouchers need to go, not be expanded.

—Charles Rhoades of Dover, NH

My taxes are for PUBLIC school support. Vouchers are a way to divert from that purpose.

—John Meserve of Newton, NH

I have expressed my opposition to the school voucher program and its expansion to my State representative, explaining that my opinion is shaped by my love and respect for teachers, including my Mom, my Mother-In-Law, and my daughter who all chose teaching as their life’s work. It was also his dear wife’s choice. My input fell on deaf ears. He does NOT represent me. The aid that the State provides to towns should NOT be diverted to people who choose to home school, to send children to religious schools, or to help them pay for private schools. Our school is the center of our community, highly respected and highly succcessful in its mission. It needs all the financial assistance possible to continue to serve our children. Thank you.

—Anne Dodd of MONT VERNON, NH

I do not support using public taxpayer money to support students going to private schools, especially those that have the money to pay for them out of their own pockets.

—Christina Guevarra of Andover, NH

The state always seems to have enough money for private and religious schools and not any for neighborhood schools. the neighborhood schools been denied money for years and it just gets our local property taxes higher and higher stop these freedom accounts. They’re not freedom they are robbery.

—Lynne Abt of Brookline, NH

Given the tight budget, it would seem that the last thing the legislature should be doing is giving taxpayer subsidies to those who need it least. If you really have an extra $50 million or so to spend, give it back to the towns or school districts for property tax relief.

—Jeanne Dietsch of Peterborough, NH

I oppose this bill for the following reasons:

School vouchers direct more money away from our communities’ public schools.
Vouchers could cost the state approximately $102 million in the 2025-2026 school year.
Low and middle income taxpayers would be paying for private and parochial schools for the wealthy.
The current voucher program provides little accountability and measurement of performance metrics and other critical data. Public schools have to report performance.
The NH Dept. of Ed refuses to provide program data. Efforts to increase transparency and tighten monitoring of the program have been killed by Republicans every year since the program’s inception.

—Debra Rodd of Amherst, NH

—Elizabeth Gibbs of Newport, NH

As a citizen of Claremont and a past School Board Chairman, I strongly oppose the issuing of vouchers for non-public schools using taxpayer’s money. Public Schools are already underfunded by the state, which has ignored it’s responsibility for decades.

—Thomas Wansleben of Claremont, NH

I oppose this bill for the following reasons:

School vouchers direct more money away from our communities’ public schools.
Vouchers could cost the state approximately $102 million in the 2025-2026 school year.
Low and middle income taxpayers would be paying for private and parochial schools for the wealthy.
The current voucher program provides little accountability and measurement of performance metrics and other critical data. Public schools have to report performance.
The NH Dept. of Ed refuses to provide program data. Efforts to increase transparency and tighten monitoring of the program have been killed by Republicans every year since the program’s inception.

—Daniel Rodd of Amherst, NH

So-called Education Freedom Accounts are taking our property taxes and giving them to people and organizations we’re prevented from overseeing or holding accountable. This is nothing but taxation without representation. Taking money intended to fund public education, as stated in our Constitution, and giving it away is the definition of the libertarian “taxes are theft” slogan. This must not pass.

—Jean Lewandowski of Nashua, NH

I urge representatives to vote against any bill that drains money from the public schools. Towns gain strength by having as many children as possible attend the same school. Defunding the public schools encourages more parents to seek education outside the town. This erodes the community and also isolates children from their neighbors. It’s bad for towns and bad for the country.

—Cynthia Katz of New Boston, NH

From our Sunapee, NH petition:

Whereas, taxpayers have a right to know how their money is spent and deserve clear, verifiable evidence that it is being spent wisely and delivering results; and

Whereas, taxpayer dollars are being diverted from public schools to private and religious education through Education Freedom Accounts (vouchers), and this shift does NOT reduce public school expenses, leaving local taxpayers to cover the difference through higher property taxes; and

Whereas, unlike public schools, private education funded by taxpayers through vouchers lacks key accountability measures, such as reporting how funds are used, tracking student performance, ensuring services for students with disabilities, conducting background checks for staff, and adherence to minimum standards;

Therefore, we, the voters of Sunapee New Hampshire, call on our state elected officials to uphold their duty to fiscal responsibility by rejecting any expansion of taxpayer funding for private education until we have full accountability, transparency, and a sustainable funding plan that ensures no further strain on public schools or local property taxpayers.

—Cynthia Currier of GEORGES MILLS, NH

The increased cost of $100 million will come from the Education Trust Fund, a fund specifically intended to support public schools not private schools. Also, the cost will strain the budget: Diverting funds from the Education Trust Fund will strain public school budgets and likely lead to higher property taxes which are already too high.

—Susan Liebowitz of Plainfield, NH

I strongly oppose the proposed bill HB115, providing for universal eligibility to Education Freedom Account money.
I understand that not all students are served best by their public school. I homeschooled my own children for 4 years while living in another state. However, I have always supported the central role of public schools in ensuring we have the educated populace necessary for a functioning democracy. I believe Education Freedom Accounts degrade the quality of our public schools and this will be magnified by the adoption of universal eligibility.

I also am against public tax money being used to support religious education. For example: Dublin Christian Academy states on its website: Dublin Christian Academy is dedicated to the purpose of developing Christian leadership. …and… Education cannot be neutral; education must be based on God’s truth and consistent with Biblical principles

Dublin Christian Academy’s statement makes it clear that the tax money I am legally compelled to pay to the state is being used to support a specific religious belief system. THAT IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE and violates the separation of church and state which is the bedrock of our democracy.

—Patricia Saenger of Temple, NH

Local communities are already facing huge tax increases. Let’s not send public dollars to private schools so local communities need to charge more property taxes to fund education.

—Daniel Saucier of Rochester, NH

I am adamantly opposed to HB115 because it syphons money away from our public school system to a voucher system with little or no oversight. The state of NH has not funded its educational system properly since I moved to the state in 1984. By passing this bill, the legislature will be burdening homeowners with higher property taxes because our public schools will continue to need funding that has been given away to a poorly run voucher system. The state should be providing an excellent education to all by funding our public schools and not vouchers.

—Sandra O’Neill of Madbury, NH

As a former public school teacher, I can’t see why funding private or religious schools should be part of the government’s responsibility. I strongly believe in the separation of church and state and this voucher program certainly negates that. I am 92 years old, so my teaching experience is perhaps a bit outdated but I could appreciate the fact that students came from every neighborhood and farm. Public schools are the glue that binds us together. Let’s not forget that!

—Nancy B Roberts of Peterborough, NH

FACT: Most of the money that has been spent on “education freedom accounts” so far has gone to wealthy people who were already sending their kids to non-public school alternatives. Why would anyone want to further undermine NH’s public education system unless their ultimate goal was to 1) destroy it 2) replace it with a for-profit system under which only wealthy, white, suburban, straight, cisgender children would be educated. Please kill this abomination in committee.

—Dan Williams of Concord, NH

Vouchers takes vital funds away from public schools.

—Michael Mulvey of Nashua, NH

I am a parent and a public school teacher. I wholeheartedly oppose this irresponsible bill.

—Patricia Sockey of Amherst, NH

I oppose the Bill. I don’t want my Tax dollars funding non-public schools w/o having any representation to that entity. This whole concept of Education Freedom Account is a sham against Public Education (IMO), If there is a need for “choice” within the public school system, then make those provisions (choices) available within the Public School systems. Do we know if these non-public entities take students with special needs and would they be required to do so, if it’s a parent’s choice to do so with this “voucher $”…

—Bruce Buttrick of Goffstown, NH

The citizens of our town and those through out the state are feeling tax increases due to less funding from the state. School funding lies on the shoulders of the tax payer. Please vote this down. My taxes in my last years taxes rose $1100.00 in 6 months. These tax increases cannot be sustained. I am a retiree living on a fixed income.

—Patricia Smith of Brookline, NH

I disagree with paying for vouchers universally for private, religious and charter schools. They do not have the same requirements of public school. All children need education and public schools are not being funded enough. We should not support a program that can’t be audited.

—Leanne Hamilton of Franklin, NH

I oppose the proposed bill

—MARY TRASK of Colebrook, NH

This bill would expand the already unaccountable school voucher program regardless of income. Initial projections of the cost of such a program would exceed $100 million of state money which diverts public money which could be used to support our local public schools and provide property tax relief.

The legislature needs to focus on funding an adequate education for our public school students, fully fund special education, and support the more than 90% of NH students who attend these public schools. The current school voucher program has no guardrails or unaccountability. Public dollars need to be dedicated to our public schools.

—Erin Saucier of Rochester, NH

I’m opposed to tax dollars being used to send wealthy children to private schools.

—Joel Stave of New Boston, NH

Efforts to expand school voucher eligibility to all students, regardless of family income, could cost the state approximately $102 million in the 2025-2026 school year. In the 2024-2025 school year, school vouchers will cost the state approximately $26 million. The cost has surged since the program was created in 2021, far exceeding initial state cost estimates and oversight and reporting on this spending is non existent. Please vote against this expansion if you care about our public school system and keeping local property tax in Newton steady.

—Tammy Gluck of NEWTON, NH

DO NOT USE MY TAX DOLLARS FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL VOUCHERS- MY TAX DOLLARS ARE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

—Dottie Schmidt of Stratham, NH

Hello,

I am writing as a New Hampshire resident who is also a mother to an amazing six year old, autistic boy. My son has thrived in his public school with the support of an IEP and a one-on-one para educator. Before kindergarten my son attended the YMCA which was a wonderful educational center. They taught students to read and write at age four. However my son was unable to keep up without support. He could not count to three when he began kindergarten last year. Now he counts perfectly to thirty. He is learning to read and write. He is a math whiz. He deserves the best education and for him, that is in a public school where his autism needs can be accommodated. He will go far in life and we will see just how far he can go if he is given the best opportunities. Instead of cutting special education funding, I ask that you expand it so we can see all the potential my son and his peers have. We don’t want to take their opportunities from them, nor do we want to miss the opportunity ourselves to see just how successful they can be.

Please don’t forget the department of education is still in existence. Schools must uphold FAPE and I believe this bill would put New Hampshire in non-compliance with their federal obligation to ensure all students have this right.

Public education means everything to me. At twenty-three, I volunteered in Guatemala where public education is not entirely free. We are so lucky to have free education in this country. Please expand this incredible resource.

Sincerely, Gayle Hoisington, Soren’s mom Merrimack, NH

—Gayle Hoisington of Merrimack, NH

I’m deeply troubled by this legislation and the lack of vetting or oversight this bill has been through. I see significant impacts on my taxes and the opportunity my children (ages 5 and 8) have to benefit from public education under this bill. I’m deeply concerned and will continue to speak out about this. I’m disappointed in the elected members who drafted this and will be enraged if those on the committee don’t defeat this.

Susan Sprinkle Bedford, NH resident

—Susan Sprinkle of Bedford, NH

Special education is fundamental for those who learn in different ways or require unique instruction. My son is six years old and has autism. Without the help of special education, his progress from kindergarten to first grade would have been hindered and potentially unachievable. He deserves a fair opportunity to learn in a public-school setting.

School vouchers are a choice that cannot be at the expense of and diminish the education of others.

—Scott Murphy of Merrimack, NH

We need the finances to support public school education. We need to separate religion from state. Instead this bill finances religious schools. This bill supports wealthy people who already were sending their children to private schools.. Reject HB 115 for all the above reasons.

—Roz Lowen of lincoln, NH

While I completely understand the idea and desire for private schools there should not be public funding leaving our school districts and shifting costs to ALL taxpayers for students to attend private schools. This is, in effect, a subsidy for private education and is completely unacceptable to me as a taxpayer and parent with children in public school.

I went to a private high school, and hold high regard for private education, but have decided to keep my children in public schools. My parents had to find the money to put me through that school.

As a republican sponsored bill, the party that touts fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, and parents rights, I do not understand how this voucher program meets those goals. Expanding this voucher program would help SOME families pay for private education while hurting ALL families by shifting more cost to our towns and therefore all taxpayers in the state meets your states goals. That is a subsidy. A handout. An unfair redistribution of tax revenues that will create long-term problems in our state.

Research shows that strong public education helps lower crime, decrease prison populations, and create safer communities. This bill will have knock on effects for decades of New Hampshire residents, decreases in new families moving to this state, and unseat NH as one of the best places to live in America.

Please think more about the future of our state and less about your wealthy donors by voting this bill inexpedient to legislate.

—Jeremy Dobson of New Boston, NH

Cutting funding to public schools to put the money into private schools is a huge disservice to the states children. Special education is needed. The children in the public schools need funding to stay in public schools.

—Jaclyn Taylor of Bedford, NH

The legislature should support local communities by fully funding special education costs, maintaining or increasing aid to be able to hire or retain qualified educators, and funding building aid so that students have safe and health environments to learn.

—Nancy Bannon of WALPOLE, NH

Dear Representatives/Committee members, I strongly oppose HB115-FN, universal education vouchers. The original intention for EFAs was to help families afford alternatives to public school. Giving money to anyone that chooses private or homeschool education regardless of need is fiscally irresponsible. Keep the income limit requirement in place and oppose HB115-FN. Thank you.

—Theresa Vaillancourt of Goffstown, NH

As a parent, a retired educator, and a tax payer, I offer the following:
Via our constitution, the state should be funding our public education to a greater degree. Instead, they are using a large amount of tax money to pay for charter schools that 1) cannot be audited as the dept. of ed. isn’t enforcing that they should be disclosing the required information, 2) don’t have to use accredited teachers, and 3) don’t have to use an appropriate curriculum, etc, etc. It is all illegal in my opinion. Too many are not following state laws.

—Marilyn Britton of Peterborough, NH

This diverts funding from public education. It’s taking money from the poor to give to the rich.

—Neil Lewis of Nashua, NH

This bill is harmful and I cannot support it. It benefits wealthy families on the backs of the rest of NH’s taxpayers while simultaneously taking funding out of the public schools, which harms students. In particular, low-income and disabled students will be further harmed by this bill, because they are deliberately and systematically excluded from many private schools.

—Melanie Stringer of Manchester, NH

Our taxes pay for PUBLIC services which includes PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Private money is for private things including private schools.

—Donna Vuilleumier of Hillsboro, NH

Vouchers are taxation without representation and must be stopped. Vouchers will also raise our property taxes.

—Shawn Yager of Keene, NH

This bill undermines public education which is critical to a well educated functioning society. It benefits the wealthy who choose private education. Puts more financial burden on towns to support their public schools..

—Anne Mock of Hollis, NH

I live in Bradford NH where our property tax bills are and continue to be the highest among our surrounding towns. My husband and I are both retired medical professionals and our property taxes are difficult to pay as it is. If you vote to raise them, we will be unable to pay them.

—Deborah Bernacchia of Bradford, NH

Property taxes should not be funding anyone’s private school tuition. Property taxes should only be supporting public education.

—Amanda Blanchard of Concord, NH

Please remember you are elected to carry on everyone’s wishes. This bill is NOT going to help the majority of school children.

—deirdre conway of alexandria, NH

Vouchers are terrible for the people of the state of New Hampshire and will end up costing tax payers more money. Please oppose this bill.

—Karen Mayotte of Bedford, NH

I am a resident of Concord and the parent of the public-school student. Our schools already lack the resources to properly educate and support all students. Diverting even more public funds to private schools will make this problem even worse. Public funds should fund public schools. I oppose this bill.

—Elizabeth Lahey of Concord, NH

I firmly believe that tax dollars should not be used to support charter and private schools. Our public schools and educators are some of the best in the country, and I would hate to see further degradation of our public services.

—Matt L of Roxbury, NH

I strongly believe that public funds should support public schools. If families choose to send their children to private institutions it is a choice they must make with their personal funds.

—Cassandra McCue of Nashua, NH

We need to stop filtering money away from public schools. Wealthy people who choose private school experiences should pay for that out of their own pockets.

—Jessica Bertini of Bedford, NH

HB115 will allow Education Freedom Accounts to divert as much as $130 million from the Education Trust Fund at a time when the state is still failing to meet its constitutional obligation to fund an adequate education. Fully fund the state’s share of local education costs before any EFA expansion is even considered. Thank you.

—Rina Petit of Litchfield, NH

—John Petit of Litchfield, NH

I am in 100% opposition to this bill as it will continue to ruin public education. The Republican Party and majority seeks to put their interests in areas they do not belong. Stop this nonsense sense, strengthen public education, and stop the right wing nuts from this abusive legislation!

—Philip Klose of Concord, NH

Public money should be for public schools. Focus on funding an adequate education for our public school students: fully fund special education and support the more than 90% of NH students who attend public schools.

—Suzanne Lee-Ciambra of Hanover, NH

Keep money in public schools and support special education!

—Jim Varela of Hudson, NH

Keep money in public schools and support special education!

—Stephanie Varela of Hudson, NH

I oppose HB 115-FN . The school voucher program is taking away the funding for our public schools, The voucher plan diverts public money that should be used for our local public schools. Our school children deserve an education that will fulfill their needs as they grow and learn. Taking away funding for our schools, spending as much as $100 million of state money which should be used to support our public schools, is not the way to provide “a more than adequate” education for our children… they deserve more… vouchers are certainly not the way forward.

—Patricia Thayer of Exeter, NH

This bill is an assault on public education which is the foundation of our society. Since common sense seems to have disappeared I will make an appeal to those who only think in terms of money. This will cost the tax payers too much, force individuals to flee our state, and drive property values so far into the ground no one will want to live here.

—Maura Willing of Concord, NH

This bill, other voucher bills, are adding to our taxes and undermining public education. Conval and the Claremont decisions clearly indicate that the way NH funds schools is unconstitutional.

—Matthew Towne of Barrington, NH

I am opposed to this bill because of the impact it will have on my property taxes . A good education for our students benefits all of us in the long run. However, I am not in favor of weakening the public education system by diverting funds so liberally,. There is a need for accountability before committing to handing out funds for choice of school.

—Denise Forest of Auburn, NH

I am opposed as this bill will take money from our public schools, which should be our priority. As well, charter “schools” need more oversight, which is not being done. Are the children who attend them truly getting the education they need, especially with teachers who have less training? This bill will undermine public schools in New Hampshire even more due to lack of funding. New Hampshire used to be one of the top states in the country for education and is losing that status with emphasis and funding being diverted to charter “schools”! Also, where is this money going and who is profiting from these “schools”? Please stop risking the future of New Hampshire’s children by destroying good public education!

—Catherine Bilodeau of Northfield, NH

Public tax dollars should only support public schools

—Eric Ryherd of Dover, NH

Public tax dollars should only support public schools

—Amy Ryherd of Dover, NH

As a retired public elementary school teacher of 36 years, 32 of them in Keene, NH, I thoroughly oppose this bill. It undermines funding for public schools, does not have proper oversight to it as far as eligibility and income limits, and increases the tax burden to property owners like myself. Many charter schools are short lived, do not have fully qualified staff, and are not in the best interests of the students. NH needs to greatly scale back or eliminate this program and fund public schools properly as the fair adequate education Supreme Court cases have ruled in favor of.

—Karen Cloutier of Keene, NH

Wealthy families should pay for out of district or private schools.

—Asra Zahn of Lyndeborough, NH

I am in opposition to the bill to reduce income threshold for eligibility for the Education Freedom accounts (EFA). Having the costs for this bill trickle down to homeowners, many of whom can barely afford our high taxes, is foolhardy. Our town recently renovated both our elementary and middle/high schools. They are beautiful buildings and fit the needs of our community. While I do understand that the public schools aren’t for everyone, there are other options such as charter schools that have no tuition. They don’t take funding away from the public schools. I have two sons, one who graduated from Newmarket High School and one is a sophomore. School is what you make of it. Do not pass this bill and have consequences for many in order to help few.

—Lisa Tetrault-Zhe of Newmarket, NH

The Free Staters and Libertarians are breaking public education by defending it. We see what is happening. . There’s no country in the world where their model of less government is thriving. Don’t approve a failed approach. Don’t provide public funds for private education and religious education. People can pay for that themselves, it’s a choice and you’re not taking away their choice by voting NO.

—Maureen Maisttison of Hollis, NH

I strongly oppose HB 115. The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Accounts (vouchers) is unacceptable. There should be no further expansion of taxpayer funding for private education through EFAs until two conditions are met: (1) full accountability is established and maintained, and (2) the state develops a sustainable education funding plan that does not place additional burdens on our public schools and local taxpayers.

EFA’s lack of accountability, the state’s finances, municipal budgets, the needs of local public schools, and the New Hampshire Constitution are all compelling reasons to reject HB 115.

—Catherine Bushueff of Sunapee, NH

I believe the school voucher program to be unconstitutional and undermines public education. Currently the voucher program is overspent and contains no safeguards to ensure qualified teachers are teaching, and ways to measure student achievements are lacking. My property taxes continue to rise due to maintaining the voucher program, which supports paying for religious and private schools, and paying for public education. Parents already have free choice to have their child attend a private or religious school. I do not believe I should pay for their child to attend those schools. Please vote down this bill and other further bills that promote the voucher program. With gratitude, Margaret Keeler

—Margaret Keeler of New London, NH

This will increase our property taxes. Funds collected and meant for public education should not be diverted to private and religious schools that are not held to the same standards as public schools.

—Elissa Rasmussen of Brookline, NH

Any republican who ran on making life better for working families and then supports this bill is admitting they WILLFULLY LIED TO THE PEOPLE OF NH TO GET ELECTED.

—Anneliese Larin of Atkinson, NH

I oppose this bill because it will erode vital support for our public school system.

—Brett Thelen of Harrisville, NH

Public schools should be public and taxes should not support private education.

—Meghan McGinley Crowe of Pelham, NH

Public education is critical to ensure that every child has an opportunity for a quality education. If you choose to use an alternative form of education, it should not at the public’s expense. An educated society is what makes our country strong. It is the “great equalizer “and creates opportunity for our citizens to have a better life. You can’t take money away from public schools and then criticize them for underperforming - they are underfunded! I oppose the expansion of vouchers and the weakening of our public schools. Please Vote NO on HB 115

—Corinne Joly of New Ipswich, NH

Greetings. I’m in opposition to this Bill as it can enable residents using tax money to pay for a religious education. I pay taxes to support our public schools, not private schools. Keep the church and State of New Hampshire separate.

—Lloyd Ziel of Greenland, NH

If someone wants to send their child to a private school, they should do so using their own money, not state money that was allocated for public education.

—Jennifer Spear-O’Mara of Keene, NH

I oppose this Bill - we need more funding from the state for our public schools. It is absolutely ridiculous to take away funding from our students to fund a program that has zero oversight or controls in place like the school voucher program. We need to ease tax burdens in our towns and by having more funding from the state for public education this will helps.

—Casey Kropelin of Merrimack, NH

Until NH lives up to its constitutional obligation to fully fund our public schools, it has no business expanding a give-away program for people who want private education! Vouchers divert public money from public schools to private/home schools, which drives up property taxes. This expansion of the voucher program will result in significant and costly impact on our taxes. The absence of accountability for the use of these funds is essentially taxation without representation!

—Brenda Quinn of Hopkinton, NH

All public money coming from property taxes must go to public schools educating all children, not some of them. The state must fund more of the burden of education in this state as it is a public good.

—Karen Ghioto of Lisbon, NH

This bill will take money away from our town schools and provide it to private, less accountable schools. Some of them are religious institutions. Despite what the NH Supreme Court has said, I believe this is a violation of the separation of church and state. Also, it will mean a cut in special education funding, which provides services to our most vulnerable students. In order to help them reach their potential and be productive members of our community, they need these services! I am an educator and a parent in this state.

—Abby Pierson of Bedford, NH

I moved to Merrimack because their schools were better than Manchester. I pay taxes and want my money to go where my kids go, to public schools. If our schools aren’t beating Massachusetts, we need to do better.

—Tiffany Faulhefer of Merrimack, NH

The explosive growth of NH’s school voucher program is seriously undermining public education funding. The legislature has a responsibility to insure an adequate education for all students, not just a select few.

—Louise Pajak of Sandown, NH

i oppose this bill, our property taxes are already out of control.

—gary Emmerling of Brookline, NH

The argument against public funding for private or religious schools is that it violates the principle of separation of church and state, can lead to discriminatory practices, weakens the public education system by diverting funds away from it, and may disproportionately benefit wealthier families who can already afford private education, potentially exacerbating educational inequalities; essentially, public funds should be used to support inclusive, accessible public education for all students regardless of background.

—Ethel Hull of Concord, NH

Public schools in many areas is the fabric of a community which brings everyone together. Not only do the schools provide education, they are the social hub for the community. There’s is more to reading, writing and arithmetic. Our public schools provide the community with the arts, sports and community service for all that reside in their jurisdiction not just its students. Much of this cannot be achieved if students are scattered far and wide. Don’t make our public schools the dumping ground of those students such as those with disabilities that other forms of schools reject. We have an obligation to our citizens to provide the best education at the most affordable cost.

—Barbara Cavanaugh of Deering, NH

Private school should be paid for privately. Public funding belongs in public schools.

—Kara Everett of Hollis, NH

I oppose funding any non-public school options, including charter schools, until the state of New Hampshire fulfills its duty to properly find out public schools. Tax payers should not carry the weight of exceedingly high tax burdens because the NH DOE Commissioners decided that the public should also fund private and non-constitutionally mandated charter schools.

—Taylor Ratcliffe of Rindge, NH

This bill, if passed, will bankrupt our already struggling public school system.

—Gary Hoffman of Nashua, NH

The only possible purpose of this bill is to put one more nail in the coffin of public schools. If it passes, the effects will be costly, both directly in terms of monetary cost, and indirectly, in terms of harm to our local schools long term.

—RUTH LARSON of Alton, NH

It is deeply disingenuous to complain about failing schools why you won’t provide adequate funding to schools and teachers. Instead of giving money to charter schools, put those funds back into the hands of public schools and see what can happen. You have an obligation to ALL students and families of this state to provide a high-quality public education.

—Alexis Lang of Portsmouth, NH

I oppose this bill for several reasons. First, there is little accountability/measurement of performance. A person I know who provides home schooling at the high school level for his son said that he does not have to provide a curriculum/measurements to receive the voucher. As a former business manager and teacher, I am alarmed and even ashamed that NH does not expect formal measurements/requirements: performance in business and education require this. It is common sense. Second, we low and middle income taxpayers could be paying for private and parochial schools for the those in upper income bracketts, who can afford the expensive schools. If this program continues, a cap on income must be continued.

—Charlotte Locke of Amherst, NH

We should not be diverting any funds away from funds going towards public education.

—Ehaab Bakeer of Litchfield, NH

This bill would adversely affect public schools and their mission. It is costly to tax payers, has no accountability for performance, and in large part funds religious education which is constitutionally questionable. Please stop this attack on public schools.

—Dalton Winslow of Grantham, NH

I do not want money to be diverted from public schools. Vouchers are a bad idea and only benefit the wealthy.

—Kelly Alessi of Litchfield, NH

Stop diverting funds away from public education!

80% of students using vouchers were already enrolled in private / charter schools There are no certification requirements or oversight of private/ charter schools employees

Stop wasting money to cater to a few families and a political agenda!

—Martin Warren of Plainfield, NH

I oppose this bill as it takes money and focus away from public education, funneling resources to religious and private schools.

—Alicia Flammia of Walpole, NH

My family moved here to Bedford because of its highly rated school district, as did many families we know. It was not easy to afford a house here, but we thought it was worthwhile to bring our tax payer dollars here because of the promise of one of the best school districts in New Hampshire. We believe to have the best education, our kids need to be learning from each other and also benefit from the full impact of our tax dollars. This program would pull funding away from my kids schools. I do not want to question my move here. I want the promise fulfilled that my kids will receive the education I had wanted for them.

—Andrea Mak of Bedford, NH

It is disgusting that this state is doing anything but discussing how to dismantle this voucher program.

How we will provide adequate public schooling for the general population of this state?

It disturbing that members of the state government think that distributing public funds to private institutions, in some cases religious institutions, is in line with the American values laid down in our Constitution. This program is a flagrant disregard of separation of church and state.

These private institutions are also far from equitable. They do not need to provide an appropriate education to all U.S. citizens. If they don’t want to educate a student due to disability, behavior, or identity they simply can remove that student from the school. New Hampshire public schools are left with less resources to educate the remaining students which are the majority of the population.

Public schools are working to educate students in order to provide them with the opportunity to chase the American Dream. Students who have less resources at home are not utilizing this program, only those who already have the means to attend private schools. By defunding public schools you are continuing to perpetuate a class system in which students are not given equal opportunities in the United States.

—Taylor Boone Boule of Keene, NH

Private schools do not have guardrails or accountability. They are selective of the students they choose. Public schools accept all students. Tax money should go to public schools.

—marilyn brock of BEDFORD, NH

This bill will inflict further damage on education in NH. We cannot continue to underfund education if we want to prosper as a state.

—Kamee Leshner of Nottingham, NH

Please keep taxpayer funds going to public services like education. We need to restore and improve public schools for ALL students as opposed to funding institutions that would support a small fraction of children who have families who can pay and transport them to private institutions.

—TOM PRINGLE of NEWMARKET, NH

I am very much against Universal school voucher expansion as proposed in House Bill 115 because it puts an undue financial burden on the communities in New Hampshire. I have three grandchildren who are in private school and two who are homeschooled. Despite this financial burden on my family, I am against Universal school voucher expansion as proposed in House Bill 115. Thank you for your time and interest in my opinion.

—Jacquelyn Stetser of Hillsboro, NH

From The Boston Globe, 1/14/25: A recent study finds that New Hampshire ranks first in the nation for its proportion of “under qualified teachers” — defined as a “teacher who is not fully certified by the respective state’s standards, or certified but in a subject area other than the respective teaching assignment.” The article goes on to state that disparity in math scores of 4th and 8th graders between high and low income students nationally is at its highest level.

NH desperately needs a higher level of funding for public education. This bill will dramatically lower funding for public education and disproportionately affect students in less affluent towns and cities.

—Judith Clementson of Londonderry, NH

This bill essentially gives tax money to families for private and religious schooling regardless of income. With the current income restrictions over 77% of families using the vouchers never had their children enrolled in public schools. If passed, this bill could cost the state over $100 million at a time when revenues have been reduced and the state budget is already overspent. I ask you to oppose this bill.

—Jennifer Jobin of Merrimack, NH

JAN 16 HOUSE. HEARING

	Since the enactment of universal school voucher program, New Hampshire is struggling with the programs’ cost and lack of transparency and accountability.

	Overwhelmingly, school vouchers are being used by families with children already in private school to subsidize their tuition.

	Voucher programs’ skyrocketing costs will divert funding not only from public schools, but also other critical public services.

“Public money belongs in public schools. We need to focus on providing the necessary funding to our public schools so that all children in New Hampshire continue to have access to a high-quality, public education.” Most of the funding is already going to families who’s children never went to a Public School.

—Jean Martin of Gilmanton, NH

I am strenuously objecting to this bill. It is projected that vouchers will cost over $100m this year! The state is already severely underfunding public education (more than any other state) and shifting costs (with gross inequities among towns) to local property taxes, which are already among the highest in the nation!

—Jane Westlake of Ctr Barnstead, NH

You need to fund public schools, our taxes are high enough that we can’t even survive ion fixed income. Enough is enough

—Kathy Twombly of Keene, NH

This will take away much needed funding from already underfunded public schools. Unless the state decides to adequately fund education this bill will have disastrous consequences for our most vulnerable students.

—Grace Sisti of Gilmanton, NH

The state of NH cannot afford this bill. More importantly, it would mean low-income taxpayers are sending high-income kids to private school. Where’s the need? Parents already have the option to choose private school, I don’t understand why NH taxpayers need to take another hit — especially for families who don’t need the handout to exercise school choice.

—Maggie Wachs of Bedford, NH

Our tax monies need to go to public schools, not private or religious schools.

—Karen Metcalf of Weare, NH

Public Schools are already trying to run and teach our children with little to no money. More should not be taken away from Public Schools, these children are our future and we need to support them and the schools (the people who work hard trying to teach).

—Elissa Powers of Weare, NH

Greetings, I am opposed to this bill because it hurts public schools and gives tax payer money to religiously affiliated institutions (Constitutionally prohibited). The public school system is essential to the continued prominence and existence of the Country. It ensures that all citizens receive an education and opportunity to succeed in our society. The public school system is mandated to provide for all children without discrimination. Charter schools may decline such enrollment at their discretion, and without accountability. Public funding for charter schools has been sold by the state as a cost-efficient way to provide alternative education. This is true in part to the freedom they have to determine which students and needs they wish to provide for. However, the economics do NOT support that argument as Charter school require separate facilities and administration. In other words, duplication of existing resources, paid for by the same taxpayers who provide for public education. This expansion to all students, regardless of need, just gives taxpayer money to families who have already sought private education. It does not significantly reduce public school enrollment and certainly does not reduce public school budgeting needs due to the fixed costs. Kindly reject this bill and improve state funding to local districts, starting with the restoration of funding that the state used to provide. Thank you

—Thomas Gellar of Pelham, NH

Voucher programs like this one only further disadvantage at risk school districts. This v will erode New Hampshire’s quality of public schools overall.

—Maude Lemaire of Bedford, NH

Tax dollars should support public schools. Private and Charter schools do not follow guidelines for teacher licensure, curriculum or other guidelines that public school are required by law to follow. I do not want my tax dollars to support schools that are not offering the same curriculum and teacher qualifications. If people choose to send their student to a different institution then they can pay for it privately.

—Allyson Birchmeier of Goffstown, NH

Please do not remove funding from a woefully underfunded public education system to the detriment of the vast majority of families to benefit a small number of families who have chosen to forgo their right to FAPE. Please remain fiscally responsible by providing an independent revenue source that will fully fund any vouchers issued for private education. Please remain fiscally responsible by providing oversight to ensure that vouchers are only used for approved educational opportunities and not abused at the expense of the taxpayers. Please do not violate the Establishment Clause of the Constitution by using public funds to support religious education.

—Tara J Mann of Weare, NH

State funding for education should benefit public schools. Parental choice means just that: parents can choose their children’s education. Private schools are to be funded by private funding, Public schools are to be funded by public funds. School vouchers are a direct assault on public education and are designed to undermine a major institution that has its roots in the very earliest settlements in the United States. Public education is a primary foundation for American success.

—Suzanne Tether of Sunapee, NH

HB115, as written, represents yet another bad step down the path of terrible legislation. It will take even more funding away from our public schools. It provides minimal to no accountability for the funds received, and in fact provides rewards to the oversight organization to encourage even more parents and students to take advantage of EFA. HB115, by raising the income level requirements, only ensures that the people that need help the least will be able to pay for private and religious education through EFA. At a time when the state finds itself in a financial crisis, why even consider legislation that will further increase the deficit. This is a thinly veiled effort on the path to defund public education and it is WRONG

—paul brock of bedford, NH

The Freedom Account (education voucher) program introduced in 2019 has no accountability to the public for how funds are spent and outcomes of the program. With a control on eligibility, the cost to the State which will/has been passed to the local property taxpayers is $26M far exceeding the original estimates. Now a study by NH Reaching Higher shows that by expanding access universally for this program, it will cost local taxpayers almost $116M in a state with no sustainable education funding and a budget with an estimated deficit of over 100M. I urge the House Education Finance Committee to vote this down. Work has to be completed to meet the judicial requirements on adequacy, town equity of costs and other policy issues which would strengthen, not weaken, our valuable public school system.

—Elizabeth Stikeman of New London, NH

Public property tax dollars need to be directed towards the NH public school system. Taking the money away from that into a private company with no ability to monitor and no transparency seems skeptical at best and close to illegal at worst. All children deserve a strong education and I am aware that not all public school systems are able to offer that because of local funding which is why that situation should be addressed. Also, the fact that 85-90% of the families receiving this money are already enrolled in private school or homeschooled. If this program is to continue, which I do not support, it should be available to only the struggling income earners and not all families.

—Krista Whalen of Hollis, NH

I am a mom of two and a public school teacher. My two adult children went through the Londonderry public school system from grades K-12. They are both adults now and one of them is a public school teacher as well. We chose public school for our children and moved to a community where we felt our kids would get a quality education, thrive socially, and be happy. Private school has always been a choice. My husband and I both went to a Catholic school for grammar school. It was a choice , but our parents made for us, and they paid the tuition. Parents always have a choice to send students to an alternate school, but that is a choice. A free, public education is offered by the town in which each student lives, and as taxpayers, we pay so students can receive that public education. If parents choose an alternate education for their student, they need to pay for that education. Please don’t take tax payers money and allow it to go to private charter schools, it is not fair to the children of the state. Please understand public school teachers work really hard to provide an amazing education for students. If you as a parent are not happy with what is going on with your students education, talk to your child’s teacher, we are really here for the kids! Thank you for your consideration.

—Jessica Payeur of Londonderry, NH

This bill will only help to destroy public education in the state of New Hampshire.

—Barbara Gondek of Londonderry, NH

I do not approve of NH House Bill 115. The focus needs to remain on adequately funding our current public schools. Until private schools are held to the same standards as public schools, taxpayer funds should not be diverted to unregulated entities. Public accountability and transparency are essential when it comes to the use of public funds.

—Julie Green of Litchfield, NH

This bill will only help to destroy public education in the state of New Hampshire.

—Ronald Gondek of Londonderry, NH

Taxpayer funds should support public education. I am opposed to using vouchers which often drain money from vital public education programs and often fund programs that lack accountability.

—Kathleen Flammia of Walpole, NH

I see no reason why my tax-payer dollars should go to wealthy people who can afford to send their kids to private schools. I support public schools.

—Joyce Weston of Plymouth, NH

Expanding school voucher eligibility to all students, regardless of family income, could cost the state approximately $102 million in the 2025-2026 school year, according to a new study by Reaching Higher New Hampshire. Low and middle income taxpayers would be paying for private and parochial schools for the wealthy. Even with the current income restrictions, over 77% of families using vouchers never had their children enrolled in public schools. Independent studies have found that outcomes for participation in similar school voucher programs in other states are, at best, mixed. More recent studies have suggested that these programs have had significant negative effects on student outcomes for the students who participate in them and have diverted funding from public schools. Researchers have stated that school vouchers “cause catastrophic academic harm” and have had a worse impact on student outcomes than any other policy or event in public school history, including the global pandemic. The current voucher program provides little accountability and measurement of performance metrics and other critical data. The NH Department of Education (NHED) is under growing scrutiny for refusing to provide key program data to state auditors. The NHED contracted out the administration and management of the voucher program to the Children’s Scholarship Fund in 2021. As part of the contract, the NHED limited the data that the Fund is required to share with the agency and the state regarding key performance metrics, spending metrics, and other critical data. The NHED performed a compliance review of 50 total voucher accounts over two years, and found that 25% of them were missing information, including unverified residency and inaccurate income reporting. The Fund will be required to pay the state back for several of the accounts that were awarded in error

—Robert Levine of East Kingston, NH

Education Freedom Accounts should not be expanded until a true accounting of the current program is assessed. Right now a fixed amount per student per year is transferred to the Citizen’s Scholarship Fund where a student’s education cost is being spent as asked by the student’s parent and that is where the New Hampshire Department of Education (State) oversight ends. Because the State is paying for a student’s adequate education then an EFA student should be required to take the same testing as those students in public schools. That is the only way the State can measure how an EFA student is being taught in relation to a public school student.
Is there accounting for unspent EFA funds per student per year being returned to the State? Is there accounting for where ESA money is being spent for a student - as to an accredited institution, certified teacher, educational activity? Also, are the administrative costs incurred by the Citizen’s Scholarship Fund deducted from the EFA’s grant or are they an additional cost incurred by the Department of Education? Either way it adds an unnecessary cost to the education of New Hampshire students. This is only one view of the viability of EFA accounts. I’ll leave the resulting educational deficiency of our public schools due to EFA’s to another respondent.

—Eileen Naber of Mont Vernon, NH

HB115 removes income caps for school vouchers, directing more money away from our communities’ public schools. Investing in public schools is critical, and diverting money away hurts local communities. This leaves the LOCAL taxpayers having to fund the difference, especially for special education! Expanding school voucher eligibility to all students, regardless of family income, could cost the state approximately $102 million. If a parent chooses to send their child to a private or religious school, that is their choice, but it should NOT BE FUNDED BY TAXPAYER DOLLARS!
Even with the current income restrictions, over 77% of families using vouchers never had their children enrolled in public schools,

—Michelle Couture of Raymond, NH

I highly object to the further fleecing of our local taxpayer dollars to support non-public schools. I am a retired person with grown children, but still care passionately about all children and the future of public education in our society.

—Judith Ackerson of Franklin, NH

I strongly oppose HB-115, expanding the tax give-away to all students voluntarily attending private schools. The state can not afford this give-away, which is expected to cost upwards of $100 million dollars a year. The transparency and auditing of this expensive program has been murky at best, but even with that, it is clear that it is already costing each and every taxpayer money that could be much better used elsewhere.

Please do the responsible thing and vote NO on HB-115

—Betsy Ferguson of Exeter, NH

Property taxes are already out of control. Home owners Can Not shoulder the burden of the increase of property taxes this would bring. Many home owners are elderly on fixed incomes and the increases in property taxes already exceeds the Social Security COLA increase that we rely on to just to survive. They must find an alternative to funding of all education be it public or private. Especially to Those of us who no longer have children in the school system. Back when I was in school my parents paid tuition, we had to pay for our lunch, and we had to pay per ride for bus transportation. Why is that all paid for now thru raising taxes? The tax rate is already driving many home owners and businesses away… keep raising taxes and they come a time when there isn’t anyone left to pay taxes.

—Steven Carey of Keene, NH

Please do not approve this at this time

—Scott Knabb of Sunapee, NH

As a taxpayers, I am strongly opposing this bill. The bill has so many loopholes where people can take advantage of the funding and it is taking funding away from the public schools that desperately need it.

—Stephanie Young of Litchfield, NH

Public money for Public education.
The public KNOWS that these “vouchers” are almost singularly used by people whose children already attend private schools and who will continue to do so regardless of the voucher. The people who will not be able to use vouchers are those who would most need it: those who can’t afford the addition fees this private schools require and those who don’t have the transportation to get to those schools.
“In 1993, the New Hampshire Supreme Court held that “part II, article 83 [of the state constitution] imposes a DUTY on the State to provide a constitutionally adequate education to every educable child in the PUBLIC SCHOOLS in New Hampshire and to guarantee adequate funding,” and that this duty is enforceable by the judiciary.

—Danielle Molleur of Alton Bay, NH

We do not need to decimate public schools in order to “help” all students. These bills are a misguided way to remove funding from schools, with very little oversight as to how my taxes will be used. New Hampshire has always had some of the top education in the country and we risk harming our students who either cannot afford to pay private school costs or who cannot find the services they need in the private sector. We already have options for students whose needs cannot be met in the public schools to get services paid for outside of the system. We do not need to take tax dollars out of the system to send to religious schools and homeschooling for parents who simply prefer those. I should not be paying for their students when it harms other students!

—Catherine Robertson-Souter of Seabrook, NH

I wholeheartedly oppose tax payer dollars funding private or religious schools, or homeschooling.

—BONNIE BRUNO of HOLLIS, NH

Public school teachers work hard to have positive outcomes for their students. One of the things some teach is the importance of separating facts from flashy promotions and all encourage making logical decisions based on real truth. Private, religious and homeschooling may provide those same concepts but have a greater likelihood of information being skewed. Additionally it does not make sense for state funding to augment families who were already paying to send their children, please do not raise the income level cut off. Siphoning off funds from public education is not logical. One of the things that makes democracy work in this country, and others, is having a broad population that is educated and can distinguish between hype and reality. Losing funding often leads to larger classes, poorer facilities and less attention to individual students which can leave some of them behind.

—Janet Hooper of Center Harbor, NH

I cannot believe that this state is attempting to take away money from our public schools with this voucher program. Tax payer money should go, as it always has, to supporting our public schools and our students. Making our public schools the best they can be, should be the goal of our educational tax dollars. We need to be supporting our public schools, not weakening them and endangering the educational programs provided by them.

—Irene Grand of Strafford, NH

I have moved from Grand Rapids, MI where vouchers killed our public schools ability to offer basic services that before had been funded. The academics went down. My kids went from the ability to take all high level courses to only being able to offer math. Our music and art programs suffered. Our teachers suffered. Parents had to start a foundation to try to raise funds because so much was diverted to private schools. Please don’t follow Michigan’s example.

—Carrie Ripple of Bedford, NH

Since your voucher program disproportionately helps families whose children are and have been in private/religious schools and not the families who would like an educational option for their kids, removing the income cap will only help those who can already afford a choice. Please vote NO on this bill.

—susan Jackson-Rafter of Nottingham, NH

I strongly oppose removing the income gap from the voucher program. In fact, I strongly oppose the whole voucher program, which is already leeching funding from our public school system. We need to limit any increase to the voucher program and protect public school funding. Stop trying to dismantle the public school system.

—Karen Rent of Keene, NH

Any money from taxes should be used for public education only.

—Mark Tippin of Litchfield, NH

Good afternoon, I am writing in opposition of this bill. I am not only a parent of a elementary age child but also a 16 month old but as a public school teacher. New Hampshire is 50th out of 50 states in state funding for public schools. This has been going on for years and the state has continued to cut funding each year leaving communities to carry more of the weight. No matter if the communities are low income. To further strip funding and funnel it to private and charter schools continues this trend and is not only wrong it’s immoral. The state should be supporting public schools which are the foundation of our society. I ask you as both a parent and teacher to strike this down and reverse couse. Support our schools and in turn our students who are the future of our society.

—DAMON KLEMPNER of GREENVILLE, NH

Hello, Please note my opposition to HB115. This bill would pull school funding aware from public education and create a competitive market for education. Adequate education should not be competitive market, it should be accessible to all students within our state not just the ones with the means to travel to the best schools. I feel confident that there is a way to honor parental wishes in education without depleting our public school system. Every NH student DESERVES an adequate education not just the ones who have the resources to attain it.

—Stephanie Wolff of Franklin, NH

I am a Christian and am opposed to my taxpayer dollars supporting assistance to religious and private schools. I intend for my taxpayer dollars to support my community public schools. It is an incredible burden in NH as there is such minimal aid from the state. The state says that it isn’t raising taxes, but in essence raises mine by downshifting costs such as retirement contributions and special education costs to the towns. My property taxes go up. The fact that the state provides assistance for children to attend religious and private schools just increases my burden. Most assistance programs have guidelines about how money may be spent and accountability protocols in place to determine if money is being spent appropriately. The Education Freedom Accounts have no accountability in place for taxpayers to view. The “freedom” in the title seems to mean that the recipient can do whatever they want to with the funds. Also, most assistance programs are addressing a need, such as medicaid funds to help low income persons access health care. A large majority of the children receiving money through EFA were already accessing their education of choice before receiving funds. In essence there is no problem that this assistance program is addressing. It is a total misuse of my taxpayer dollars.

—Martha A Hunt of Sutton, NH

I oppose removing the income gap from the voucher program. Voucher programs take money away from public schools. This program is inequitable because it continues to increase the pressure on local schools. Our local school is cutting valuable positions because of a decrease in state funding due to vouchers. I strongly oppose the whole voucher program, which is alredy leeching funding from our public school system. We need to limit any increase to the voucher program and protect public school funding. Stop trying to dismantle the public school system.

—Justin Rent of Keene, NH

I oppose this bill. It will raise my taxes and take needed funds from my public school. It benefits the wealthy at the expense of regular people. Vote Inexpedient to legislate, or no

—Tim Smith of Ashkand, NH

I strongly oppose this bill. My tax dollars should not be going to households with high-incomes to fund their private educations. These vouchers will take funding away from our public schools (which I understand is the plan from the GOP) however, this is not a popular opinion amongst constituents. I highly encourage every representative to go into their community and pose the question to the general public (not just the few who follow legislation) asking if they support public schools or this bill to essentially privatize education.

—Tiffany Gagnon of Londonderry, NH

Most of my taxes go to Public School funding. Many single mother work and are Head of Household. This bill supports the wealthy. My taxes have increased significantly over 30 years. 25 percent of the vouchers have not been accounted for. Republicans are not transparent with the vouchers system. Our children and Grandchildren deserve a safe and productive teaching schooling environment to prepare them for life skills that are independent and entrepreneurial in mind set. Keep our Public schools safe from gun violence and pay the teachers with the money you take from my taxes!!! Keep Trump out of our schools!

—Lauretta Driscoll Greer of Raymond, NH

Stop trying to get rid of public education in this state. Dismantling public education will result in a generation of undereducated people. Our children deserve a well supported foundation to become well informed citizens. Our children deserve the services public schools provide to children who are disabled. Is the goal to create an undereducated, ill informed, generation that does not value fellow humans from all walks of life?

—Claire Curley of Weare, NH

This newer voucher system is taking funds away from public education and raising property taxes as well. There a few is any restrictions on them and no accountability of how the funds are being spent. Also there is a the separation of church and state and we are NOT supposed to be funding religous schools. Please be more supportive of our public education and end the voucher system all together. Thank you for your time. Hope Lothrop Nelson NH

—Hope Lothrop of Nelson, NH

Stop stealing money from local property tax payers and funneling them to for profit, private, and charter schools. Enough is enough. Cancel this entire mess before it’s too late. Pay back the $400 million you’ve already stolen from public schools in NH.

—Kelly Omu of Wilton, NH

Public schools are the backbone of America.

Everytime we privatize an industry we get worse results. Look at the energy disasters in Texas. Look at Private Prisons. When something is for profit the incentive is to provide the lowest quality for the highest price.

Don’t do that to our children.

—Mike Machanic of Campton, NH

I am opposed to HB 115 which will remove income restrictions in the school voucher program because it will allow more and more people with the most financial resources to utilize the program and deplete the education fund which provides education services to the people with the least resources.

—David Breault of Salem, NH

Has a detailed financial review been done to understand how this impacts public education funding and those students that choose to use this path still? Does it save money or leave financial gaps that will need to be covered by the town taxpayer?

—Jana Pirie of BEDFORD, NH

I am strongly opposed to this bill to move more public funds to voucher school programs. Lets support our public school system instead of undermining it

—Charles Ward of Durham, NH

As a former special education teacher of public schools, I oppose this bill as I feel it is detrimental for the education of all public school students. As it is, current funds do not adequately cover the education of a regular or special education students. In my opinion, the expansion of vouchers would further decline a critical situation.

—Terri Spear of Exeter, NH

Vouchers subsidize people already paying for private schools and further weaken a public system long under siege by underfunding and rhetorical attacks.

—Tim White of Effingham, NH

Taking money away from public schooling when the budget is already not enough and teachers are underpaid, will not serve the public. We do not need to line the pockets of private institutions, or save money for families who can already afford provate education.

—Nicole Dery of Londonderry, NH

As the Courts have repeatedly decided, the State of NH has an obligation to fund public education adequately. This bill is yet another step in defying that obligation. The cost of EFAs will reduce resources for public schools, perhaps by as much as $100 million drawn from the Education Trust Fund, a fund specifically intended to support public schools. To date, EFAs have primarily benefited families that already using private schools or homeschooling, essentially subsidizing private interests at the expense of the public. There is little to no accountability for these funds and no evidence that they improve educational outcomes. This egregious law would further strain NH towns and the families that pay property taxes and it will reflect shamefully on the legislature if passed into law.

—Christine Bachrach of Grantham, NH

I am a retired Hollis Elmentary School teacher and oppose this bill as it takes funding away from New Hampshire’s public schools.

—Sandra Bothmer of Brookline, NH

I do not support public education funds being diverted to private schools. If we as a country invested more in public schools we could achieve better outcomes for ALL students. Removing the income eligibility will allow families who can afford and choose public schooling to draw much needed funds away from those families who prefer public education or those students who rely on special education services to perform well and benefit from their public education.

Historically, when we have appropriated significant funding to our public schools we have seen better outcomes for students across the board. The data is there, our history has evidence of this and it should not be ignored. Those of us who oppose this bill are paying attention, spreading the word and voting in upcoming elections.

—Christine Morrissey of Litchfield, NH

Please veto HB 115. I support and believe in public education. Public schools educate every child, even students with special needs, and have accountability built in. Teachers are properly certified and standards are met. I do support parental choice, as students are diverse and have differing learning styles: but I do NOT support the voucher system proposed. This broad bill drains money from our local schools and sends the money to schools without any accountability. I believe the voucher program subsidizes a group of wealthy families who can afford to transport their children to elite private schools and do not need these extra funds. This program will bankrupt our communities! Ellen Farnum

—Ellen Farnum of Tamworth, NH

That this state would continue to divert public funds to private institutions is abhorrent. Public schools already are underfunded, by the Education Commissioner’s own admission, and the solution is to give more money away? Do NOT support this bill.

—Mark Haley of Keene, NH

STOP this irresponsible draining of public education funds (our tax dollars!) so you can support more private education and allowing for NO ACCOUNTABILITY on the disbursement of those funds. You can’t possibly believe that this process won’t lead to abuse by self-enrichment! Stop this nonsense! The real shame here is that not too many of you seem embarrassed.

—William Weibel of Jaffrey, NH

I oppose this bill. It would take money away from students who need funding to receive an education. If someone wants to attend private school, please do, but pay for it yourself.

—Eric Schlapak of Dover, NH

I do not support expanding the “voucher” system and the use of public funds to fund private/charter schools.

—Rebecca Pierce of Manchester, NH

I wish to state my opposition to this bill and urge all members to vote against it.

—Patricia Goodlin of New London, NH

We should be fully investing in and funding public education, not stealing from it to give to private schools.

—Michelle Mogé of Derry, NH

TO:Members of the House Committee on Educational Funding RE:HB 115FN

My name is Janet Schaffer. I’ve been a resident of Warner for over 40 years. My son attended school in the Kearsarge Regional School District.

I am opposed to HB 115 -which removes the income cap from Educational Freedom Accounts.

We just completed our deliberative session in the Kearsarge District. A small group of citizens proposed a cap on our school budget. It was overwhelmingly defeated, but here’s what I heard at this meeting of over 1500 people:

citizens in this district (parents, retirees, working people with no children in the schools, graduates of this district, current students) support maintaining quality PUBLIC education programs -from advanced placement to special needs. Citizens in this district are struggling with the burden of funding more and more of this quality education through property taxes. And the state continues to step away from paying the state share. Vouchers (EFA) take money from local taxpayers. The proponents of vouchers twist themselves into pretzels trying to convince us ( and themselves?) that that isn’t true, and yet-it is. Our state is facing a budget crisis. The Department of Education is telling school districts that the state may not be able to contribute to Special Education. The state is in court FIGHTING school districts and citizens who are demanding the state meet its constitutional duty to fund an adequate education ( the court has said adequacy is nearly twice what the state currently pays).

Meanwhile, you are blindly considering legislation that is estimated to cost 102 Million Dollars with the bulk of this money going to: religious schools Students who are already enrolled in religious or private school This is shameful. Money that could go to meet the state’s obligation to fund PUBLIC education is going to individuals who CHOSE not to use our public schools. This is wrongheaded. HB 115 should be recommended as Inexpedient to Legislate.

Janet Schaffer Warner

—Janet Schaffer of Warner, NH

Expanding the voucher system by eliminating the income qualifying cap could cost the state over $100 million dollars per year! The burden will fall on local government to make up the difference since this money will be diverted from public schools. This money should go to fully funding special education and other needs. Wealthy families do not need help to send their children to elite private schools. I know my local representatives are strong believers in public education and I hope others will join them to defeat this bill.

—Deborah Beaudoin of Peterborough, NH

My taxes have already gone up because of the school vouchers. Calling it “school choice” has always been deceitful, because parents already have a “choice”. My children all attended the Hudson public schools, they did very well, and the schools had ample funding. Today, because of the vouchers, they do not, and my granddaughters (who attend Alvirne) are not given the same opportunities, or offered many of the same classes, because the school lacks the funding. In fact, my granddaughter’s favorite class was cut. It was her French class. The band does not have the same resources, all art classes to not either, and neither does the culinary department. I could go on and on. The Republican party has wanted to privatize public schools for a long time, a conservative nonprofit group founded by DeVos has poured millions into supporting candidates who want to privatize private schools with public dollars. Using at several million from DeVos and her husband, the American Federation for Children has played a pivotal role in getting what supporters call “school choice” policies passed into law in many states over the last several years, according to current and former GOP legislators, lobbyists for teachers unions and academics. As a former public teacher, who comes from a family of teachers who taught at public schools, and a Catholic school, I vehemently oppose expanding the school vouchers that have sadly passed.

—Kathleen Logan of Hudson, NH

It is unquestionably reckless to remove the income eligibility requirements from the “education freedom account” program. Why, if a family can already afford to send their child to private school, does it make any sense for taxpayers to subsidize that? This is financially irresponsible and the exact opposite of what our state should be doing in the realm of education.

—Nels Tooker of Exeter, NH

The state of NH is facing a major budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. Our elected officials are tasked with making fiscally sound decisions for a responsible budget that meets the current commitments. The state of NH is currently litigating to avoid its legal duty to provide an adequate education to all children in NH. Taxpayer dollars diverted from public schools to private/religious institutions through the Education Freedom Accounts does NOT reduce expenses within the individual schools, nor does it reduce the tax burden for those communities. NH residents are feeling the choke hold of rising tax bills every year and yet elected officials are considering expanding the EFAs with little oversight or accountability as to how the money is being spent. This would never be tolerated in a public school, why should it be allowed y the State?

As a resident of Pembroke NH I ask you to reject any and all considerations of expansion of the EFA program until appropriate oversight, accountability and sustainable funding is in place.

—Sharon Eaton of Pembroke, NH

The purpose of taxation is to provide the means to support our communities as a common good. Education is a common good that has its roots in the understanding of our founding fathers that a well-educated populace was essential for maintaining our democracy. The school voucher program perverts this understanding by funneling tax dollars to private expenditures rather than using them to support our common educational infrastructure. To expand this program by removing income caps exacerbates the damage that this ill-conceived program causes. “The money follows the student” argument is a baseless canard, a circular argument that devalues the idea of investing in our communities and our public school systems. “School choice” is a rallying cry for starving our public schools of needed resources. I would place severe restrictions on any type of school voucher program. Lacking that opportunity, I rise in opposition to any expansion of this harmful diversion of funds.

—Robert Rushton of Brookline, NH

We have chosen to stay in NH and grow our family here because we love the public education system. Please do not take money from it to fund private schools, if people choose to go to private schools they can pay for it themselves. You will be especially harming the low income families who can not drive their kids to those schools and rely on school buses. My mo was a public school teacher for 0ver 40 years in Portsmouth NH, and her and her colleagues deserve all the funding that we can provide to help ALL kids in our state not just the well off.

PLEASE VOTE NO to vouchers!

—Christine Haskell of New Castle, NH

I oppose HB 115 for at least 3 reasons:

It will weaken public education when we need to expand support for public education. Schools already deal with a lot of competing priorities in meeting their mission. Taking dollars away from public education places undue burdens on teachers to achieve the State’s educational goals.
It will increase costs to property owners and renters when local municipalities need to increase education funding when the State cuts public education dollars. Public dollars need to be used for public education, and not to support parochial and private schools, especially when wealthy people will be able to take advantage of the voucher program.
There is a complete lack in accountability regarding the effectiveness of the current EFA program. In addition, there is a complete lack of auditing to measure administrative compliance and fraud. How can you expand an existing program when you the current program isn’t being held accountable???

—Douglas Carmel of Exeter, NH

It is clear that eliminating the income cap for vouchers will divert millions of dollars away from students in public schools who need it, and hand it people who need it the least. This bill will hurt the education of 90% our state’s students to give a subsidy to folks that least need it.

—Jeffrey Davis of Keene, NH

—Kathryn Perkins of Concord, NH

I oppose ANY EXPANSION of the EFA voucher program. Supporting this legislation will mean that property taxes will increase and that will be on those who vote for HB115. Please don’t do this to our citizens. Don’t raise the property taxes. Republicans aren’t supposed to be raising taxes after all.

—Claudia Damon of CONCORD, NH

My name is Jen Theroux, and I am a resident of Derry, NH. I have three young children that all attend, or will attend, Derry public schools. I am strongly opposed to HB115. The state of NH is currently at a deficit, and our tax dollars should not be going to support private or parochial schools when 75% of students currently utilizing EFAs are already in private or home schools when they apply for the grants. The State of NH and the legislature need to uphold the constitutional obligation that the State has to fund an adequate public education, not take public tax dollars away from public schools but taking the income cap off of EFAs.

—Jennifer Theroux of Derry, NH

I am opposed to the expansion of the Education Freedom Accounts because tax dollars should be used to fund public entities, not private ones. Over 70% of the current applicants for EFA’s are families who were already sending their students to private or charter schools and this program has already gone millions over budget. It’s a poorly though out and poorly executed program that was rammed through legislative discussions in order to put government funds into the hands of people who don’t need them. New Hampshire provides the least amount of state funding to our public schools in the country. We have the lowest tax burden in the country. And yet, due to this program, our property taxes continue to rise with the misinformed rallying cry of “public schools ask for too much money”. Please hear what your constituents are saying and do not expand this program and fulfill your financial obligations to the voters of NH.

—Ken Martin of Merrimack, NH

Wealthy residents do not need a government handout. If they wish to send their children to a private institution and have the money to do so, that is their choice. Continue to find a universally beneficial way to use our tax dollars.

—Heather Corbett of Pelham, NH

I am a parent and a life long educator. As a parent I sent my children to a variety of schools: public, private, religious and home school. The choices I made for my child and my family were just that. In NO way, is it appropriate to use public funds for personal choices of families and their children. Is it right that my 90 year old neighbor pay for my child’s religious education? I think not.

My tax dollars are an investment into the schools in my community. By diverting fund from the public education coffers you diminish the public school and you place more of a burden on the local tax payer.

—BRIGID MCNAMEE of Concord, NH

I am opposed to this bill because it is causing a reduction in public school funds and is helping in part to fund wealthy students whose parents can afford private tuition. As a senior, I am very aware of how expensive it is to live in my town and pay taxes here. My tax money is not being reliably or fairly spent on private school vouchers and accountability is not transparent or complete.

—Ann Dillon of Brentwood, NH

HB 115 would result in taxpayers subsidizing, extremely wealthy families who send their children to elite private schools. Expanding our voucher program with no income limit will cost the state over $100 million per year. That is $100 million in public money that would be diverted away from supporting public education, of which nearly 90% of New Hampshire students attend. Instead of sinking more money into a program that has no accountability, the legislature said fully fund special education costs, increase local aid to hire in retain qualified educators in properly fund building aid so that students have safe and healthy schools.

—Christopher Long of Plymouth, NH

As an educator in a New Hampshire public school (Lebanon High School), I strongly oppose this bill, which would divert approximately $100 million of taxpayer money from public education to private schools. Eliminating an income cap entirely does not solve a problem of helping low-income families make choices about their child’s education (which, by the way, also makes it harder for public schools to meet those needs!). I do not understand why public money should ever go to help subsidize wealthy constituents sending their children to elite private schools.

This is particularly frustrating on the heels of the recent Ed 306 changes, which significantly impact our school’s curriculum and graduation requirements and do not come with any additional funding to make those changes happen. Time and again, the New Hampshire state house proves that it does not trust teachers, does not respect teachers, and does not care about the welfare of students in our care in public schools. Investing in public education is crucial to a healthy democracy, and right now we are just not seeing that. Please vote no on this bill and fund the schools that we already have, and the students that already need additional support.

—Emily Simpson of South Royalton, VT

We are already ranked last in state funding education so we can’t afford to make this any worse

—amanda powers of manchester, NH

Do not use public dollars on private school.

—Kris Widmann of Grantham, NH

As a parent I support the efa program, as public school does not support the needs of every child. However I believe the efa program is flawed in its current state. There’s little oversight and it’s ripe for misuse. We should be placing appropriate restrictions for the receiving establishments and there absolutely needs to be an income requirement. Our public schools are ridiculously underfunded by the state and we should focus on fixing the school funding model BEFORE any expansion to the efa program!

—Jessica Cone of Derry, NH

Please oping EFA still hasn’t completed the state audit that was due in fall 2023

Thepose the expansion of the Education Freedom Account.
The exist DOE did a spot-check on the EFA in summer 2024 and found a 25% error rate
The existing EFA’s reports do a very poor job showing how the money is used by category or vendor
From the beginning of the EFA in 2021, the “switcher” rate - the percentage of children moving from public ed to an alternative - is at 25%, so the vast majority of participants, roughly 75%, are already out of the public ed system and are a new financial obligation to taxpayers; the program is funding choices that families are already utilizing
The existing EFA pays for a variety of educational uses, including drivers education, Legos, equestrian lessons, and other extra curricular activities. It’s not a debate of whether these are educational, but rather, is this an appropriate use of taxpayer funds
Accountability should be to taxpayers because we are the ones funding the program

Summary: It is financially irresponsible to expand a program to every school-aged child in the state when we have these unanswered questions.

—Michelle Levell of Auburn, NH

I am opposed to this bill because :

Private schools are not meeting public mandated standards for students.
Users of vouchers do not reciprocate and pay for the community benefit they receive from community educated, in their consumed services, to a level of standards expressed by community.
Creating a separate education system, eg. encouraging it, not focusing on continuous im- provement in community education, inexcusable. Would we do this for military training ?
Selfishly I am considering leaving the state as a retiree. If thats the intent underlying the bill its going to be successful. Driving retirees out of state that is.

—Dana Knight of Merrimack, NH

I cannot imagine how anyone could possibly consider this bill to be reasonable.

—Robert hennessy of wolfeboro, NH

I am not in favor of this bill because the math they have used to justify savings is inaccurate. They have not taken into account the costs for student transportation and special education all of which are federally mandated. This line was particularly alarming. ” It is unknown the impact this would have on local expenditures,” This bill would likely make our property taxes go up because the funding for public education (currently inadequate) would be even more inadequate. There is no disguising this bill as an effort to defund public schools and promote Christian-based education.

—Catherine Poole of Wolfeboro, NH

I want my tax dollars to support the public school in my town ! (I do not want to subsidize private schools or personal philosophies.)

—Katherine Gordon of Sunapee, NH

I am sick and tired of my tax funds being used for purposes of which I do not approve. I approve of public education - it is what makes a nation great and brings us together. I do NOT approve of using public education funds to support private, religious or other educational institutions. Plus, these institutions are not held to the same standards as public schools for student outcomes. How would I ever believe that students in NH are being educated if they are not tested with the same materials as public school students? It is unconscionable for a state to take MY tax funds and intend them for uses of which I and the overwhelming majority of people in the state do not approve. I vehemently oppose HB 115!

—Maureen Meyewr of Stoddard, NH

As a public school educator, I strongly oppose expanding our state’s voucher program. Before diverting more public funds to these vouchers, we should work on securing equitable funding for all our state’s public schools, especially for special education programs which are woefully underfunded and understaffed. Reinstating the tax on estates and dividends would be a great step toward this goal, but in the absence of that, we should at the very least ensure that public funds are available to public schools first and foremost. We wouldn’t need such a robust “school choice” program if we simply ensured adequate funding to all public schools in our state. We’ve already lost ground on other states over the past few years, and this would only ensure that we fall even further behind by diluting the high standards we public educators work hard to uphold every day. Thank you for your time.

—Matt Bryant of Nashua, NH

I urge the committee to Oppose HB 115. With a projected state revenue deficit looming, it would be irresponsible to remove income limitations on the EFA program. If passed, this would increase the education budget to an unsustainable level (at current revenue levels) and would most certainly further downshift costs to local property taxes. While the state is fighting in court against owning up to its constitutional obligations to fund public education, expanding access to EFAs at any level beyond the current 350% or less of the federal poverty guideline is irresponsible to NH citizens at best.

Before further expanding access to the program in any way, the legislature and the department of education needs to be more transparent on educational outcomes and financial impact at both the state and local level.

—Michelle St. John of Hollis, NH

I object to any increases for vouchers! It is out of control! All public schools should be fully funded before vouchers!!!!

—Ruth Kevghas of Concord, NH

I strongly oppose HB115. Taxpayer money should be used to fund public school and not subsidize private schools. Public funds should never be used to fund religious schools.

—David Franz of Peterborough, NH

I am opposed to any and all educational programs that utilize publicly raised funds without the same accountability as public schools. The failure of the current Commissioner of Education to allow for a full and transparent auditing of the existing EFA program is also cause to oppose further expanding the program. Finally, until private schools are required to cease discriminatory admissions practices (such as not admitting students with disabilities) no further public funds should be allocated to this program.

—Lisa Walker of PETERBOROUGH, NH

Universal vouchers will decimate our public schools and allow parents - who do not need financial assistance - to use money earmarked for public education for their own use. This is against the spirit of community and is aimed at breaking the backbone of public education. Reducing the amount of funds sent to public schools essentially hamstrings them - by limiting their access to staff and programming appropriate to meet student needs. Then, when those needs cannot be met due to a lack of funding, public schools and their dedicated staff are used as punching bags to declare public education a failure and make excuses to allow for more vouchers. It is a vicious cylcle that is hurting our students and eroding trust in the schools that have served our students well - and continue to do so - despite changing and increasing student needs - since their inception.

On another note - the Founders fully believed in the separation of church and state and on that ground alone, I am vehemently opposed to public tax dollars being used for parochial and other religious schools.

—Judith Clark of Portsmouth, NH

To: The House Education Funding Committee Fr: John Perrault

Let us remember Thomas Jefferson’s position on the separation of church and state. He would have a wall between them. Here is his letter to the Danbury Baptiste Convention in 1802:

Gentlemen

The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, & in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.

Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.

I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves & your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem. Th Jefferson Jan. 1. 1802.

—John Perrault of North Hampton, NH

Vouchers only serve to undermine public education in NH which is woefully underfunded at the state level. If we cannot support schools that support all students then only the privileged among us will continue to prosper.

—Sara Matatall of Goffstown, NH

Taxpayer dollars should stay in public schools!

—Jill Pennington of Manchester, NH

Public schools MATTER and the taxes collected to fund the schools in our communities need to be used ONLY for that purpose.

—Jim Bonyman of MANCHESTER, NH

This bill is detrimental to the children of New Hampshire. I implore the legislature to seriously look at properly funding education in New Hampshire rather than continuing to divert funds to private and religious institutions.

—Shane Rozamus of Goffstown, NH

As a resident of NH, I have been proud of Nee England’s commitment to education to all children. However, an expansion of vouchers violates the rights of children with disabilities. “Schools” that accept vouchers do not abide by IDEA or Section 504. This ensures that students with disabilities do not have access to these schools. By pulling money from public education, which is required to educate all students and follow IDEA and Section 504, you discriminate against these students. If a parent wants their child to attend a private school, then they have the right to pay for that themselves and apply for financial aid.

—Kristen Hughes of Rochester, NH

Not having a financial cap on this voucher is essentially loopholing private schools to get public school funding.

My city struggles as it is in our public schools and it would be sad to see less funding to help our children succeed in public. My son utilizes the special education at our local elementary and taking him to a private school would not be an option as majority of private schools don’t have special education teachers.

Please reconsider this bill, every child should be able to have a decent education.

—Jesenik Lahey of Manchester, NH

We need to support a universal public education experience so that we have a shared understanding of living in the same community.

—James Donelan of Peterborough, NH

This bill is flawed, and will be costly to the local residents through their property tax because the state has taken money for public education and moved it to reward private individuals, most of who really don’t need the money for their child to attend a private or religious program. This bill once again takes money from public schools, which are already (historically) underfunded.

If someone wants their child(ren) to attend a religious school, the taxpayers should not have to pay for it. Expanding school voucher eligibility to all students, regardless of family income, could cost the state approximately $102 million in the 2025-2026 school year, according to a recent study by Reaching Higher New Hampshire. This is money we don’t have! Low and middle income taxpayers would be paying for private and religious schools for the wealthy. Why should I support, through my property taxes, a religious school teaching students “their” ideas about “their” religion?

Even with the current income restrictions, over 77% of families using vouchers never had their children enrolled in public schools. If people want their child to attend a private school program, they should be responsible for paying for it. Their is no data that shows the students outcomes are better than students in public schools.

The NHED performed a compliance review of 50 total voucher accounts over two years, and found that 25% of them were missing information, including unverified residency and inaccurate income reporting. The Fund will be required to pay the state back for several of the accounts that were awarded in error.

You keep expanding the eligibility for higher earning families. This bill just adds more cost to the local taxpayers who get no benefit from the vouchers, but have to pay for them, while each year districts must cut valuable programs and personnel because they don’t have sufficient funding for their public schools. The state has never provided adequate funding to the districts. This issue has come to the courts several times, with the courts finding that NH does not provide sufficient funding to the public schools to ensure that each child receives an “adequate education”. Yet the state, through the Legislature, has never accomplished this, by looking at how to best address this. Let’s put this money back into the public schools, so they can provide a quality education for all their students.

—Judith Raskin of Bedford, NH

Concerning Education Freedom Accounts, if HB 115 were to be passed, I know that with no income limit, our state’s taxpayers may have to pay upwards of $100 million dollars! Wow! Does this mean my property tax would go up! Or, might it result in fewer dollars available for one of the cornerstones of our country, our society— public schools? I strongly oppose HB 115.

—William Thomas of Manchester, NH

Property taxes have increased dramatically. If parents want to send their children to private or religious schools they should pay for that themselves..

—Robert Kulish of Bradford, NH

I am a retired educator. While I do not oppose education vouchers I do oppose giving this funding to non low to moderate income people as it was originally intended. Providing our tax dollars to people of means is an insult to the taxpayers of this state who are already struggling with extremely high property taxes. I also request accountability for both the private school and homeschool students involved.

—Marilyn Deans of Hillsborough, NH

I oppose taking funding from public schools to support private schools. I feel private schools frequently have benefactors and the ability to fundraise which public schools do not have. They can also make choices regarding their students and curriculum public schools do not have. I do not want to necessarily support those choices. Taking money from public schools hurts those less fortunate who do not have a choice as to what school they attend. The parents often don’t have the knowledge, time or resources to choose someplace other than public school for their children, even if it would be beneficial. Please do not pass this bill.

—Stephen Walker of Greenland, NH

I strongly oppose this HB 115 because universal vouchers, while sounding theoretically like a great idea on the surface because the bill aims to create family educational choice, actually does the exact opposite. Vouchers will weaken our public school system. especially for families with fewer financial resources, or for families who moved to NH because they value a strong public school system that brings a community together, shares values about the importance of an excellent education for all children, and supports all children irregardless of race, wealth, values, culture, religion or disabilities. Vouchers discriminate against poor families and those with limited financial resources while favoring wealthy families with more financial resources who can afford private options.. Even with the vouchers, poor families will still not be able to afford private tuition which is very expensive. You therefore do not accomplish your goal of choice, but rather reinforce a two tiered system that favors the wealthy who get a discount on a private school they can already afford while depleting the economic viability of the public school by reducing the budget, resulting in fewer educational opportunities at the public school for those who do not have resources to go elsewhere, or would like to keep their children in the public school because of the importance of public school to local communities. Vouchers will have a very negative impact on our public school system by taking away money from our community public schools which are the foundation of our society and community. It seems that working to strengthen our public school system and provide support, tolerance and choice for all children, rather than weaken it should be your goal as public education is one of the essential foundations of our democracy . Please vote NO on HB115

—Rebecca Perlstein of Concord, NH

I am a teacher and a mom. I support public education. Vouchers have been proven in study after study to put taxpayer money into the pockets of higher income families while decimating the resources available to educate lower income families. Vouchers are way for people who can already afford to send their kids to private school to pay less for private school. They do not make private school affordable for lower income families. “School choice” is a complete fallacy in this model.

—Moira McKinnon of Dover, NH

Stop wasting tax payer money to send elite children to PRIVATE SCHOOLS! My tax dollars belong to PUBLIC SCHOOLS that this government body underfunds year after year after year. This bill will quickly deplete public funds for public education while filling the pockets of private schools that parents CHOOSE to send their kids because YOU underfund public education. Stop! I refuse to pay for private education with my tax dollars.

—Jessica Thompson of Concord, NH

This bill will take away from public education and I cannot support it.

—Catherine Johnson of Manchester, NH

As a public school teacher, this bill would further help to destroy the already meager amount the state pays for public education. Additionally, vouchers are not enough to send low income students to private institutions, so this money will just be funneled to those who already have the means to send their children to private school. Protect public education!

—Nicole Kinneavy of Somersworth, NH

Please stop diverting more and more funding from NH public schools. Public education is the bedrock of American democracy. Removing the income limits and allowing universal vouchers will further exacerbate inequality in school funding by draining funds from the Education Trust Fund intended to support our poorer performing districts, and will place even more pressure on already overburdened property taxpayers.

—Anna Wells of Hopkinton, NH

This bill is bad for NH. There is already gross inequity in NH public schools because of the way we fund education. Schools in struggling socioeconomic areas have little room to Improve due to a lack of resources to attract, hire, and keep good educators. Rather than fuel these inequities, NH state legislators should focus on a way to level education across the state so that students in poorer areas get the same level of education as students in wealthier towns. This is how we make a stronger NH. This money would be better spent on initiatives to keep good teachers here in the state. Why not apply that money to resource-scares schools to improve them so that families want to keep their kids in public education. This nation prides itself on providing an education to all and thus we should fully support those institutions. With increased home values and property taxes, schools are going to suffer further, widening the gap between schools in towns like Bedford and schools in towns like Raymond. This bill is bad for NH schools and NH citizens and goes against the basic principles we pride ourselves on as Americans.

—Allyna Ward of Brentwood, NH

I am writing in opposition to House Bill 115-FN, as it would expand the already unaccountable school-voucher program. Initial projections of the cost of such a program would exceed $100 million of state money, diverting public money which SHOULD be used to support local public schools and provide New Hampshire residents with much-needed property tax relief.

—Adam Whittier of Sunapee, NH

I object to this bill because it diverts considerable tax dollars from an already stretched public education system. It puts that money into the pockets of already well funded private institutions, meaning the rich will really get richer at the expense of the less well off. The US public education system used to be the envy of the world, but this bill just serves to further erode it.

—Simon Wright of Wilton, NH

The new voucher bill, like the earlier ones, carries zero accountability, and now would eliminate income limits so that anyone can apply. The result will be that my residential property taxes will go in part to subsidize the children of wealthy NH residents, including adventures in exotic places and faraway lands (read educational opportunities). My property taxes have increased by $200 a month this past cycle. My husband died last summer, leaving me with greatly reduced income and the highest property taxes yet. This expansion is not affordable for me and perhaps most NH residents who will be faced with footing the bill. It’s about time the legislature stopped committing my money and those of us with big property tax bills to “education” that has nothing to do with the public education we support. Let these legislators start spinning their own straw into gold if they think this is responsible spending. It is not.

—Catherine McMahon of Wolfeboro, NH

I OPPOSE HB115, a bill which would divert public school funds to pay for the private school education of more affluent students. This in turn would either raise local school funding needs or lower the quality of education. This is an abuse of tax payers’ good will. Public education is vital to families, communities, businesses and our civic life. Please oppose HB115.

—Diane Root of Wolfeboro, NH

If parents want private education sources, let them pay for it.

—Nancy Lacasse of Hampstead, NH

Paying for rich families to send their children to private school is a waste of taxpayer money. What happened to the fiscally prudent legislature that we used to have?

—Sara Scheuch of New London, NH

Please stop sending taking our tax money away from public schools and sending it to schools that have no oversight or accountability. This is going to ruin public education and needs to stop.

—Sheri Quirion of Merrimack, NH

School vouchers divert much needed funding from public schools. There is no accountability for how vouchers are being spent and the actual cost of the program vs the initial estimates is astronomical! Private and religious schools do not need to provide the same services to students creating an inequality on who can actually utilize their schools. Instead of dumping more money into vouchers the state should be funding public schools adequately! As someone who attended religious schools as a child and who has 2 children in public schools now I strongly oppose this bill.

—Margit Turcotte of Lee, NH

It is incomprehensible to Think that legislators are willing to decimate public education by diverting so much funding away from our school system. This is already an impoverished field that is not given the right funding to support our most deserving and critical population-our children. You will force towns to eliminate needed positions, reduce special education offerings, and ultimately negatively widen the learning gap amongst student peers. We should be pooling our resources to support our overstretched schools and teachers to recruit the best talent and broaden content offerings to create post secondary careers. Instead, you are proposing to divert taxpayer money to families who do not financially require this assistance. You are overlooking doing good for the many and I am disappointed little effort has been made to speak directly to teachers and administrators who will be negatively affected if this passes. Do not support this bill.

—Erin Soltys of Spofford, NH

I am a public school teacher who is concerned about HB115. I am concerned about money being taken away from the 90% of the public school students in this state. It will take money away from town taxes which will make it harder to fund public education which is already underfunded. Teachers salaries will decline and it would impact teachers wanting to teach in the state. We already have a difficult time finding qualified teachers due to the low salaries. Teachers educate the future leaders of this country.

—Karin Pillion of Merrimack, NH

I, as a citizen, educator and taxpayer in NH, oppose ANY passing of legislation relevant to any expansion of the EFA program. NH has not met its obligation to its students on a whole, nevermind the chosen few. NH education is grossly underfunded as evidenced by the increasing property taxes happening statewide. Diverting money from public schools in the interest of privatizing education is irresponsible and only serves the chosen few. Additionally, there is no evidence that this program, or programs like it in other states, is making a difference in student outcomes. If it is successful, it is of a minute difference in the condition of the educational system in our country, and our State. Money should be utilized to build better education systems in our state, beginning with our public schools as these schools also benefit from federal dollars for doing so. Build up the educational intrastructure for the State, remain consistent with support, and then RESEARCH other programs, IF necessary. To turn a blind eye to our State’s responsiblity to ALL students is against the Constitution and to federal laws and regulations, not to mention to those who cannot defend themselves.

—Bridget Pare of Manchester, NH

This bill is nothing short of the continuing effort to defund public education by extremist representatives. The NH legislature’s job is to live up to its constitutional obligation to fully fund our public schools, not fund a taxpayer give-away to people who want a private education. Furthermore, vouchers do nothing for rural communities, unless you count attempting to close their public schools (see Croydon).

And we already have higher property taxes than we should in NH because the state underfunds its public schools. Universal vouchers, and any vouchers, for that matter, exacerbate the situation.

I, for one, am tired of expanding entitlements to folks at the higher end of the income spectrum. You all know that the EFA program helps these people and not lower-income families.

If your job as a committee is to fund education, then do it. Stop wasting time and money fighting court decisions.

—Kim Marie Fudge of NORTH CONWAY, NH

I urge you to please support our public school students and stop the expansion of school voucher programs. Public money needs to be spent on public schools, not an unaccountable voucher program.

—Kelli Thornhill of Nashua, NH

Taxpayer dollars should not go to funding private or charter schools. If a school can restrict admission, not provide free transportation, and not provide all necessary special education services, it should not receive taxpayer money!

—Mara Duffy of Atkinson, NH

NH Public schools are underfunded in my school district.i want my tax money to go to public schools.

—Marsha Morrow of Peterborough, NH

This bill will raise property taxes and harm local schools.

—Dale Pike of Newmarket, NH

Please oppose this bill and support a quality public education for all of our kids and society at large.”

—Seth Smiley of Amherst, NH

Public education is one of the pillars this nation was built upon. While it may need adjustment and improvement, the answer does not reside in taking tax dollars away from public schools to be used at the citizens discretion, essentially turning every school that doesn’t close it’s doors as a result of this action, into a private school.

Approving this bill will result in dozens if not hundreds of public schools closing, leaving many residents of those areas without any access to education whatsoever.

—Frank Garvis of Brookline, NH

As a member of the community, my education dollars belong in the NH public schools. It should never go to charter schools or home schools. These schools teach their own curriculum, not what our community has agreed is in the best interest of our children

—Lisa Hamblen of Plaistow, NH

this Bill is dangerous for our democracy. It is taxation without representation since there is no public overseeing of these private schools, nor are they held to any standards as our public schools are. I do not want MY tax dollars misused this way. And to give my money to wealthy people who can afford to send their children to any private school is a TRAVESTY!!

Secondly, this bill is unconstitutional. It violates separation of church and state which is a fundamental part of both the US constitution and the state constitution. You cannot use tax dollars to support any religious institution no matter how disguised.

—Linda Cunningham of Portsmouth, NH

Public funds do not belong in private schools.

—Rebecca McEwan of Madbury, NH

I am opposed to expanding vouchers to the top 1% which will raise Granite Staters’ property taxes by $100 million a year…while Republicans plan cuts to critical services for the most vulnerable. I do not support giving additional $ to support subsidies for families who already are in private, religious and homeschooling programs.

—MaryAnn Young of Greenland, NH

I am writing in opposition to HB115. I would ask that those lawmakers who are trying to expand NH’s problematic voucher program (that diverts public funds designated for public education to private and religious schools) consider whether they are representing the current and future people of NH or whether they are pushing a personal political agenda by supporting voucher programs. As a citizen of NH I ask that you opposed HB115 because Granite Staters overwhelmingly support community public schools. The NH voucher program without a qualifying income gap could cost NH over $100 million per year. Supporting a voucher system that has no accountability is problematic. As a citizen of NH I ask that all legislators do what is best for current and future citizens of NH. Vote in support of public education. An educated and engaged populace is essential for our individual and collective well being.

—Brenda Zarnowski of Madbury, NH

HB115 removes income caps for school vouchers, directing more money away from our communities’ public schools.

Low and middle income taxpayers would be paying for private and parochial schools for the wealthy.

The current voucher program provides little accountability and measurement of performance metrics and other critical data. The NH Department of Education (NHED) is under growing scrutiny for refusing to provide key program data to state auditors. The NHED contracted out the administration and management of the voucher program to the Children’s Scholarship Fund in 2021. As part of the contract, the NHED limited the data that the Fund is required to share with the agency and the state regarding key performance metrics, spending metrics, and other critical data.

—Randy Bunnell of Greenland, NH

My tax dollars should not be funding non-public education. You are able to have a choice where to send your child but that should be at the bill of the family not the public.

—Lauren Boisvert of Manchester, NH

This voucher program is one of the most fiscally irresponsible scams inflicted upon this state in a long time. To remove the income cap is ridiculous and damaging to our public education system and the tax payers who pay for it.

—Erika MacDonald of Hollis, NH

Public school is what sets the United States apart from almost every nation. Our towns have been tasked with paying for public schools by increasing property taxes. Certain politicians are using the current inflation climate and high taxes to their advantage in order to make public schools the scapegoat. The anti-public school lobbies and politicians hide under the banner of school choice , while not being honest about their intentions. Every dollar taken from the public school further burdens our towns. These vouchers are not even enough to pay for the average private school. And lastly , public schools are not perfect but do much with the little they are given - accepting every student no matter their ability or history. Thank you for your time.

—Oscar Arevalo of Goffstown, NH

I am very concerned about this bill for the following reasons: it will siphon funding away from public schools. NH has already been deficient in the funding of public education, and needs to increase funding rather than decrease funding for public schools. Communities are already struggling to fund education due to the lack of state funding. Property taxes are increasing, which makes it more difficult for schools to function and for families to afford homes. This bill would benefit wealthier people, religious, and other schools. There is no reason or mandate for the State of NH to fund private education. Well fund-funded public education is essential for a democracy and for the growth of a prosperous middle class. NH is already attracting more older wealthy people other states, rather than serving the families that most benefit from public education. I urge the committee and others to vote no on this bill.

—Joanna Andros of Walpole, NH

The expansion of Educational Freedom Accounts is a fiscally irresponsible policy. It sends my tax money to unaccountable private and religious schools with little to no fiscal or other oversight, taking tax money that should be used for public education. It does nothing to help students from rural districts like my own, and has cost far more than anticipated. A party of limited government that supposedly is fiscally conservative should not give up those foundational principals based on an ideological red herring.

—Kenneth Bartholomew of Warner, NH

Public education is a right granted to our children by the United States government. The diversion of funds from public schools to private is a slap in the face for every citizen of this state.

—Katherine Anthony of Sutton, NH

Enough of MAGA’s game of the dumbing down of New Hampshires Youth! Shame on you!

This is a bill that is categorically discriminatory of the poor and children with special needs!

—Lucy Wilkerson of Pelham, NH, representing Myself and my family of which we are 5 tegistered boters

Expansion of this program to include no income limit will require the state to divert additional funds away from critical need areas such as special education or risk overspending. Special education, a federal obligation to meet the needs of students with disabilities, is not optional and has been underfunded at the federal and state levels for decades. Local taxpayers have been carrying the weight of those costs with the expectation that the state would cover exorbitantly high costs through special education aid reimbursement. That state support has been prorated more than ever yet the school choice program is being proposed for expansion rather than a proration of its own. This sends the message that school choice is more important than fully funded special education. Furthermore, the district of residence maintains the responsibility for funding the special education services when a student in their jurisdiction attends a school outside of the resident district. Local taxpayers already carry most of the burden for funding special education for the students that actually attend the local public school and this initiative asks them to fund special education for students who attend schools in other municipalities. An expansion of this program would unduly burden the local taxpayer, potentially pitting school districts against each other as some accept education freedom account funds whilst invoicing special education costs back to the resident district and generally siphoning limited funds off to those who don’t need it risking further proration of special education aid. Expanding this program would encourage NH residents to disengage from the public life of their own community where they pay taxes to support local schools by incentivizing them with a subsidy that pales in comparison to the full investment that would be required as they withdraw from the public school option.

—Jessica Brown of Gilmanton, NH

Stop giving away public education money - it needs to stay in our public schools!

—Stephanie Levin of Nottingham, NH

Money allocated by the state should go toward public education before being given as a handout to families who can afford to pay for private school. It is unconscionable that a family that can afford to pay for private education for their child would be given a handout.

—Leslie Parker of Greenland, NH

This is giving money from the state to people who do not need it. Stop this irresponsible bill now!

—Tim Josephson of Canaan, NH

I am in my 64th year of teaching in New Hampshire and throughout that time the state of New Hampshire has ranked at or near the bottom of state support for public education. There have been numerous court cases that have tried to correct this embarrassing ranking and their decisions have asked the legislature to provide more funds that would provide greater equality of education. Instead, the state avoids support for public schools through school voucher legislation.. The voucher does not pay the full cost of educating a student, but instead subsidizes the families of means who send their children to private schools. In the process, money that should have gone to public schools is going elsewhere. The students, families, and money are going to a setting that reinforces the splintering of American society and avoids the democratization of the historical public schools. It is difficult for me to teach a Civics class to New Hampshire students knowing that the legislature is avoiding its court ordered responsibilities and supporting a voucher system that will further divide our citizens along socio-economic lines. Bill Murphy New Hampshire Teacher of the Year 1988

—William Murphy of Lyme, NH

NH is facing a revenue deficit. It does not make fiscal sense to increase the income levels for those who can receive vouchers, at a time when the state will be looking for more revenue, not giving away tax dollars to those who make more money.

—Maureen Redmond-Scura of Concord, NH

This bill weakens public education funding throughout NH by supporting private/parochial schools and reducing local school funding. Already public education funding is limited by rising local property taxes and resulting reduced school budgets. These kinds of policies especially hurt the least affluent NH towns. Further there is little accountability on these private schools on whether or not learning is occurring. I am a retired NH principal and more than concerned about the number policies that are being considered that will weaken public schools in NH. Please do not further weaken public education in NH.

—Nancy Pierce of Rye, NH

I oppose this bill for several reasons. First, I believe that Educational Freedom Accounts violate both the letter and spirit of Arts. 6 and 83 of the NH Constitution in that it compels the taxpayers of this state to pay for religious education. Second, the expansion of the program is fiscally irresponsible and a waste of taxpayer dollars vitally needed to support public education. Third, this bill will further erode support for public education at a time when additional support is needed. Fourth, this bill is a blatant attempt to subsidize private education for those who already have the resources to pay for it. Fifth, the Dept. of Education has failed to meet basic standards of accounting and oversight for this program that is owed to the taxpayers of this state.

For all of these reasons, I respectfully oppose HB 115 and urge the Committee members to vote it down.

Timothy Frazier Sullivan, NH

—Timothy Frazier of Sullivan, NH

—Amy Evans of Concord, NH

Vouchers will damage our public school system and its funding that we desperately need to meet the needs of all students.

—Teresa Hamlin of Manchester, NH

If we’re so worried about being prudent with our resources, it doesn’t really make sense for this state to be awarding cash payments to the wealthy, while the poor come to face the realization that they can’t even go to college to begin with to benefit from this program.

—Cameron Tuttle of Dover, NH

I’m opposed because this bill:

— Weakens public education when NH needs to increase support for public education. — Increases property taxes when local municipalities need to make up the State funding shortfall.
— Benefits wealthy people by removing the existing earned income limitations.

How can NH expand this program when there hasn’t been any accountability in either measuring the effectiveness of the existing EFA/voucher program, or ensuring administrative compliance and preventing fraud?

—John Craig of Dover, NH

Instead of sinking more money into a program that its advocates refuse to place any accountability on, we should be supporting local communities by fully funding special education costs, maintaining or increasing aid to be able to hire or retain qualified educators, and funding building aid so that students have safe and health environments to learn.

—Kenton Wheeler of Plymouth, NH

This bill will not support NH’s students. Instead, this bill will impact our states ability to fund public education. We cannot sink more money into this voucher program. Instead we need to fully fund public education in the state. That is where I focus needs to be.

—Nicole Woulfe of Exeter, NH

Public education, the cornerstone of democracy, is under attack in NH. We rank 50th - dead last - in state funding for education. Using tax payer dollars for Education Vouchers is creating a crisis in local communities and putting our children at risk,

—Susan Covert of Contoocook, NH

I fear our public schools (which are already expected to do far more than just educate children, with fewer and fewer resources) and tax payers (who have less and less money to give), will bear the brunt of the costs of allowing anyone with any income level (including those who can afford to send their children to private schools) to claim eligibility for a school voucher account. This bill is not the answer to our state-wide school funding problem. This problem has existed for decades and has yet to be resolved in a way that provides our students and educators with what they need in a fair and just manner to all taxpayers. My 2 cents.

—Roxanne Galica of Peterborough, NH

This bill is irresponsible. It diverts resources intended for public schools. Unlimited vouchers can be approved. There is a lack of accountability in spending. It allows payment of unnecessary expenses. Keep our taxes local.

—Ruth Niven of Franklin, NH

I oppose this

—Jaime Burgos of Pelham, NH

Taxes in Swanzey just went up substantially for many homeowners. We need to support and fund our local public schools and not divert money away from them. Public schools are the heart of our community. This bill will cause local taxes to increase even more to fund vouchers and cause our local schools to suffer.

HB 115 proposes to expand our unaccountable voucher program by removing the income eligibility cap entirely. This would result in taxpayers funding private school tuition for wealthy families who send their children to elite institutions. According to a recent report by Reaching Higher NH, removing the income limit could cost the state more than $100 million annually. This is $100 million in public funds that would be diverted from public education—despite the fact that New Hampshire residents overwhelmingly support their local schools, which serve nearly 90% of the state’s students.

Rather than pouring more money into a program that lacks accountability, we urge the legislature to prioritize local communities by fully funding special education, maintaining or increasing support for hiring and retaining qualified educators, and providing building aid to ensure students have safe and healthy learning environments.

—Melissa Alexander of Swanzey, NH

Can we stop with the school vouchers thing? Using government funds because you think your kid is too special for the public school your neighbors are in, ugh.

—Monica Galbraith of Exeter, NH

I strongly oppose HB115. The Education Funding Committee should be working with the NH School Funding Fairness Project to see that ALL NH public schools are able to provide students with a quality education rather than giving funds to a program that has no accountability and that has never had an honest and thorough audit. I do not trust the out-of-state company that runs this program and profits from it.

—Nancy Brennan of Weare, NH

There is absolutely no way you can justify putting public education tax dollars towards private schooling. IF a parent chooses to send their child to Private school, then they should private pay for that choice. Otherwise, they can enjoy free public education like the rest of the public, like we’ve always done. It’s beyond absurd and makes absolutely NO sense.

And by that logic, when you’re out plowing the state highways of snow, I would like you to also come plow my driveway. If that means you can’t do as good a job on the highways, so be it. That’s what i want.

—Linda Provencher of Merrimack, NH

This is the wrong direction for education. A robust, and well-supported PUBLIC education system is the underpinnings of a robust democracy.

—Catherine Simms of Concord, NH

Public education is absolutely necessary for an informed voting public. Re-allocating public funds to unaccountable private institutions, especially ones backed by religion, is an affront to the principles this country was founded on.

—Andrew Koehler of Manchester, NH

This is an outrageous give-away that drains money from public schools.

—Donna Fitts of Greenland, NH

Vouchers are poison to public education and will ruin our state’s schools. Taxpayer dollars should fund our public schools rather than parental whims, prejudices, and political leanings. I will not ever vote for a politician who supports vouchers in any form.

—Susan Rourke of Nashua, NH

Just stop this complete insane nonsense of school vouchers. Not only should they not be expanded, they should be eliminated entirely. This is a selfish, irresponsible dishonest and destructive initiative. It is detrimental to public education, a cornerstone of our system, and unfairly subsidizes some at the expense of other taxpayers.

—Joseph Fedora of Portsmouth, NH

This bill will direct even more money away from public schools. Instead of supporting public education it will further subsidize the private educations of the kids of wealthy families. This will cause an even greater load on the property taxes of the individual towns who are struggling to provide an adequate education for our kids.

—Bill Kinston of New Castle, NH

Public schools are already woefully underfunded. Any available monies should be dedicated to public schools.

—Patricia Stone of Freedom, NH

My tax dollars should not be used to fund religious schools or private schools who do not have the same requirements as all public schools. Remove the voucher program completely

—Matt Murray of Merrimack, NH

This bill with no guard rails puts money in drug abusing parents. And give money to wealthy parents who can afford private schools . Who pays the price? Special ed

—David Belanger of Hollis, NH

I am not in support of eliminating the income limit for vouchers. It would be irresponsible to expand the NH EFA program in the absence of any performance audit to ensure that it’s being administered in compliance with law and that the risk of fraud is minimized. In a recent compliance review there were errors in 25% of the eligibility determinations made out of 50 randomly chosen vouchers. This program needs to be thoroughly reviewed before looking to expanding the program.
?

—Nancy Michaud of Milton, NH

I am strongly against giving PRIVATE schools taxpayer money when there is little to no accountability of how the money is spent or accountability of what the students are learning.

—Christopher Bailey of Jackson, NH

Public schools in New Hampshire are already underfunded. This bill will divert scarce educational funds away from public schools.

—Kathleen Kirby of Nashua, NH

The continual diversion of public education funding to unqualified, uncertified religious private schools beyond being an anathema to our founding documents further erodes the quality of our educational system. Eventually this will impact property values as public schools in high value neighborhoods lose high quality educators. The policy is a short sided, transparent partisan effort to gut public education in favor of cheap, subpar schools who can decline to admit anyone they want.

—David Rourke of Nashua, NH

Passage of this bill will divert more funding from local school districts. This will result in increased local property taxes, adding to the stress on homeowners. We need the state to look for ways to support local schools, not to make it harder for them to meet needs.

—Michael Simon of Warner, NH

In a time where we are our property taxes are increasing and we have a budget short fall, we do not need to spend more on educational vouchers. The middle class is financially strapped. Why give people who are financially well off taxpayers money because they choose not to send their kids to public schools. Vouchers rob funding from public schools and as a direct result our property taxes increase. Public education is economy’s of scale at its best. If you feel they are not working. let’s figure it out and provide the funding. This is not the answer!!!

—Donna McCay of North Hampton, NH

Do not pass this bill. Thank you.

—Carol Heydt of Franklin, NH

Do not pass this bill. Thank you.

—William Heydt of Franklin, NH

Honorable chairman and members of the committee, Please stop siphoning money out of public schools to benefit rich people. Those dollars are better spent on feeding hungry kids or providing education to children in public schools.

—Laura Milliken of Concord, NH

As a parent of three children who attended public schools in NH, a member of the Gilmanton School Board for 8 years (yes, quite a while ago…), and someone who worked for 24 years in public schools in NH, the public schools need every dollar possible in order to provide a strong public education for the children of NH with out bankrupting their parents with such high property taxes that they cannot afford to live here. The state of NH already has one of the lowest rates of contribution to public schools , which then puts the burden on property taxes. A property tax is only proportional to the owner’s ability to pay at the time he or she purchases the property. Subsequently, if property values rise, or if the owner puts in personal work to improve the property, often the taxes become disproportional to ability to pay. This can certainly be true for retired residents. The State of NH should be working on more ways to contribute to local costs for public education, NOT reducing the resources it could dedicate to this. Furthermore, what happened to separation of church and state? Public funds should not be supporting religious schools. Please do not expand the Education Freedom accounts.

—Anne Onion of Gilmanton, NH

I was a teacher in Berlin for 30 years. Our community has always struggled with funding to support a quality education. I oppose legislation that would take away even more finding from our public schools.

—Pamela Couture of Berlin, NH

I strenuously oppose this bill. I support public education, which I believe the passage of this bill will harm.

—Morgan McCay of North Hampton, NH

I Oppose this Bill

—Eduard Stephan de Penasse Mouwen of Merrimack, NH

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB115-FN, a bill that would remove income criteria from the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, effectively expanding school voucher eligibility to all students regardless of family income.

HB115 would significantly divert funding away from New Hampshire’s public schools—an essential pillar of our communities. According to a study by Reaching Higher New Hampshire, expanding the voucher program could cost the state approximately $102 million in the 2025-2026 school year. This financial burden would fall disproportionately on low- and middle-income taxpayers, who would be subsidizing private and parochial schools for families who can already afford them. Even under the current income restrictions, over 77% of families using vouchers never had their children enrolled in public schools, highlighting how this program already prioritizes private interests over public education.

Moreover, evidence from other states demonstrates that school voucher programs yield, at best, mixed academic outcomes and, in many cases, significantly harm student performance. Independent researchers have described these programs as causing “catastrophic academic harm,” with outcomes worse than any other policy or event in public education history, including the global pandemic.

The current program also suffers from a severe lack of accountability. The NH Department of Education has resisted transparency, refusing to provide key data to state auditors and allowing the Children’s Scholarship Fund—an outside organization contracted to administer the program—to avoid critical oversight. A compliance review of 50 accounts found that 25% were missing essential information, including unverified residency and inaccurate income reporting, resulting in funds being improperly awarded.

Efforts to improve transparency and oversight have been repeatedly blocked. Expanding a program with such significant flaws would only compound its problems, leaving taxpayers and public schools to bear the cost.

For these reasons, I urge you to vote against HB115-FN and to prioritize New Hampshire’s public schools and the students they serve.

—Lisa St. Hilaire of Londonderry, NH

With the lack of revenue coming in to the state and the desire to cut taxes, giving millions of dollars out for Private schools, will in effect decrease the public schools ability to teach All the children. How many years has it been that a court of law said an equal adequate education for all and that the State needs to pay according to the State of New Hampshire Constitution. Please vote NO on this bill Thank You. Willie Farnum

—William Farnum of Tamworth, NH

We should not be taking money away from public education!

—Diana Kerr of Bedford, NH

This bill has nothing to do with the original legislation passed that begin the voucher program - to use some public finds to give some less well-off families in less effective school systems educational opportunity outside their home districts.

Every year since then the voucher program has been expanded by income level, allowing more and more families with more and more resources and take public money into the private realm. Indeed, 80% of those now using vouchers were never in public schools in the first place and found alternatives to their local schools without the need for assistance.

With no income limit on eligibility for vouchers, parents already affording private education tuitions of $45,000 to $65,000 will take our tax dollars to pay for something they can already afford on their own.

That’s wrong. It’s also a good way to bankrupt local governments and school districts by taking away tax dollars from them via property taxes - tazes that are already too high because the state refuses to face the fact that it’s a regressive and antiquated revenue system suited to the 18th century and not the 21st.

Do your jobs. Fund public education fairly, equitably, and adequately. Vouchers only make the problem worse - and demonstrate that you are in this to serve an anti-education agenda and not each and every citizen of the state. Doing the former is easy. Accomplishing the latter takes courage and wisdom that so far in my 10 years living in NH has been in short supply in the House of Representatives.

—Jeff Ross of Rye, NH

It saddens me to hear that our state legislation is considering to expand the voucher program. NH has always had choice, but that was something a family selected and opted to pursue based on their own means. If a family is making over $100,000 a year, then they should be able to pay for the programming they are selecting on their own.

It appears to me that the state is looking to attract people to participating in the voucher program as a way to attack the public school system. It also appears as though the legislation, if they enact something such as this, is looking to take funding the state has (which most of us know is impacting the public schools) and divert it away from what is a “free and appropriate education” provided by the state.

I would like to stress that NH is not able to meet its financial obligation to fund special education as it stands today; so before expanding EFA’s the state needs to focus on providing the essential funding for the most vulnerable and complex learners, those children and youth with IEP’s.

Additionally, NH is facing a state revenue deficit , which we all know means budget cuts will be taking place. We shouldn’t expand an entitlement program that includes people at the higher end of the economic spectrum, when we have such limited funds to address special education, homelessness and food insecurity, while also stripping funding away from poor communities (like those of us in the North Country).

Lastly, it is irresponsible to expand the NH EFA program when there isn’t even a performance audit that ensure that it’s being administered in compliance with law and/or the risk of fraud is limited. For information made available, a compliance review of 50 randomly chosen voucher accounts found errors in 25% of the eligibility determinations. Doesn’t this indicate to the state that a closer look at how the program is administered is clearly warranted. The state constantly scrutinizes the public school’s performance and compliance, why aren’t they doing the same for the voucher program?

I oppose this bill for various reasons. NH is better than this. We have always been so proud of our state and the education we provided our youth. Teachers across the state work hard to support all learners. It saddens me that our legislators do not hold that same faith in the public school system so many families and children cherish. Rather, it appears that there is an attack on public schools.

—Michelle Mason of Northumberland, NH

This does nothing but take from the poor and give to the rich!

—Kris Fenchel of Manchester, NH

This bill removes the household income criteria from eligibility requirements for NH school vouchers. This continues NH’s slide toward complete dissolution of our free American public school system here in NH by allowing any parent, no matter how wealthy, to take school voucher money, indirectly lessening the revenue available to educate non-wealthy children in our public education system. For example, the state education department has again this year cut the amount of money required for special education students, leaving the towns to pick up the state’s responsibility. With the passage of this law, now the wealthiest can take public school money to continue to keep their kids in expensive private schools, This continues to discourage many young professionals who are not in wealthy classes and who have or will have children from moving into our state. It also continues to make life unbearable for those who carry most of the tax burden for this state, the middle income citizens. NH already is at the bottom of the barrel of all US states in its support of public education. I cannot help but wonder if there might be a suicidal wish among too many of our state legislatures who I’m sure can see where this trend is leading - there is a point of little-to-no investment by the many wealthy of this state and the breaking of the camel’s back for the overtaxed middle class that will dissolve NH into the “free state” that invasive “free staters” want to see. I fervently oppose this bill.

—Johanna Chase of Northwood, NH

This is a terrible bill that will result in giving away NH tax dollars earmarked for public education to wealthy families with kids already in private schools. Vote no. Don’t fund welfare for the wealthy.

—Rebecca McWilliams of Concord, NH

This would divert public money from public schools. Hard pass.

—Allison Friend-Gray of Nottingham, NH

I don’t support my tax dollars that are meant to support public schools already in need of more funding going to private schools that only benefit the few.

—Nicole Cogdill of Dover, NH

I am a native born retired teacher and taxpayer who has lived in NH all of my life. I have taught in both public (Bedford and Bow) and private ( St. Paul’s School) institutions. I oppose diverting money away from public schools. It’s time for more support for public schools and for the state to live up to its responsibilities to its children.

—catherine tuttle of Hopkinton, NH

I oppose this bill for several reasons.

This bill does not take into account that the Kearsarge school district pays for all its buildings, facilities and maintenance. And comparing the costs in our district is like comparing apples to oranges to other districts where towns pay for that cost.
I feel strongly that we need to invest in education. Not take funding away from education. An educated populace benefits all citizens of a state and a nation.
There is nationwide concerted effort by the Republican Party to defund education because they know that an uneducated populace is easily controlled. And an educated populace tends to vote democratic.
Trump and his MAGA followers love the uneducated as they are easily swayed by their lies and propaganda. They feel that education is only for the rich.

—Dag Lidbeck of New London, NH

I oppose the state’s voucher program in all forms. However, if the program continues, HB 115 still must be voted ITL. A universal voucher program that is open to all students regardless of financial need, only rewards those who have already spurned their local public schools. A universal voucher program does nothing to provide an “adequate education.” It merely diverts much needed funds from the State’s public schools. Property tax payers deserve better from their state government. Pleas vote ITL on HB 115.

—Pat Gruttemeyer of Contoocook, NH

I raised three boys in the local public education system and it was an invaluable experience. I personally attended private school for high school and can say that was one of the most detrimental experiences of my childhood. I believe public education is the life blood of a community and it is imperative that it receive adequate funding.

—Ellen Eberhart of Contoocook, NH

I oppose the diverting of public education funds away from public schools. This seems contrary to the dreams of Ben Franklin, an early promoter of the concept of Public Schools. I’ve been an educator, both in elementary school, and community college, and I come from a family of educators. I am ashamed to be a member of a citizenry that would advance this idea.

—David Bodman of Raymond, NH

I strongly oppose HB115 and any expansion to the EFA program. I am a citizen, educator, and taxpayer.

New Hampshire is failing to meet its constitutional obligation to fully fund public education, and it should not be expanding any other educational program while it neglects these basic obligations.

NH”s Education Trust Fund is currently at a deficit of $53.8 million; we need to cut spending, not spend more. With NH in such a deficit, and NH state testing scores declining, the State, and us as taxpayers, cannot afford to be handing out money to in-audit-able educational programming with no way for the DOE to determine whether children participating in an EFA program are making progress in their academics.

The EFA program simultaneously ignores the State of NH’s responsibilities to A) educate K-12 public school students, B) be fiscally responsible for all state citizens, and C) be held accountable for fidelity of programming/ student academic progress to the same degree as public servants and local area agencies are held to.

—Beth Page of Andover, NH

Not everyone can afford to send their child to a private school, even with vouchers. Why are you draining critically needed funds for public education and giving them to people who can afford private schools? All children need a solid foundational education. That costs money. Stop stealing it from our children!!!!

—Barbara Chase of Amherst, NH

I strongly oppose HB115. I oppose any of my tax money supporting religious schools. Additionally, I object to money being taken from public schools that are obligated to serve all students and giving the funds to schools that can discriminate against students who have special educational, mental health, or medical needs.

—Catherine Whitney of Bedford, NH

It is unfair to take funding away from public schools. If families want to send their children to a private school they should have to pay tuition for a private school.

—Joanne Young of Merrimack, NH

We need to invest in our public schools to help them meet the needs of all children, not send our kids to schools that have little to no oversight. Additionally, we should not be using taxpayer money to fund vouchers for religious schools as this is not a separation of church and state.

—Janine Kriegl-Roberts of Concord, NH

Oppose because I am a public school teacher and you are killing our public schools.. how the heck is someone in the lower to middle income bracket going to afford a private school with $5000 taking public schools out of communities will have a huge impact on the state. It’s all about money. You are not thinking of this use in the state in the impact that the youth have on our state.

—Susan Mills of Exeter, NH

I am strongly Opposed to the voucher program, let alone the expansion of it. I believe it will inevitably degrade public education, and invite rampant gaming of the system which has inadequate oversight. U believe that the originators of this program knew all along that cost would be staggeringly greater than their ‘expert’ predictions and that Taking money away from Public schools which are already inadequately funded was the plan along.. This program is just plain wrong

—Mark Berry of Bedford, NH

We do not need to subsidize private school funding or move funds to private schools at the expense of public education. Instead, fund public education adequately so that students have the chance to develop the skills they need.

—Cynthia Cleary of Derry, NH

Please support our communities by fully funding public schools

—Kristen Sarno of Litchfield, NH

Funding Private, Religious and Home School Education is NOT the NH Way.

FUNDING PUBLIC EDUCATION IS THE NH WAY!

NH property taxes should not be the burdensome basis of public education. Public Education for all is what makes NH and the United States great…NOT FUNDING PRIVATE, RELIGIOUS AND HOME SCHOOL EDUCATION!!!

—Sharon Silva of Concord, NH

I think this is a mistake. I am an educator and have been for many years. I see how the rural communities of New Hampshire are already struggling financially. They shouldn’t be sending more money than they need to in support of well off families. Public funding is to help those who can’t afford to send their students to private school. Public funds shouldn’t be used to subsidize rich people sending their kids to private schools.

—Morgan Baker of Keene, NH

We need more money for public education, not less!

—Rebecca Domin of Nottingham, NH

Using tax money to fund private and religious schools is ludicrous. This is creating a society where only the wealthy will be able to afford education by draining the resources of already over worked public schools.

—Amber Connary Larareo of Keene, NH

Expanded vouchers for private schools is bullshit and un-American. If the rich want to send their kids to private school, they can pay for it themselves! My tax dollars should not be used to support private schools or the rich.

—Mark Fortin of Nottingham, NH

Universal school vouchers. House Bill 115-FN would expand the already unaccountable school voucher program regardless of income. Initial projections of the cost of such a program would exceed $100 million of state money which diverts public money which could be used to support our local public schools and provide property tax relief.

The legislature needs to focus on funding an adequate education for our public school students, fully fund special education, and support the more than 90% of NH students who attend these public schools. The current school voucher program has no guardrails or accountability. Public dollars need to be dedicated to our public schools.

—Karen Gelineau of Hudson, NH

I oppose expanding the use of state funds for private school vouchers. Our public schools deserve and need our support. New Hampshire property owners are being crushed by local property taxes. The wealthy may choose private education instead, but they can pay the full tuition if so.

—Bethann McCarthy of Andover, NH

Need to adequately fund public education before diverting funds to private education institutions

—Thomas Stevens of Manchester, NH

We need to support our public schools and not be giving state money to the rich for private schools.

—Gary Rice of Andover, NH

Tax payer money should not be diverted from public schools. End the voucher program. My taxes should not pay for non-public schools.

—Erica Jones of Chichester, NH

We need to support our public schools not become more divisive. This bill does not help the education of our future adults. I oppose this bill.

—Anne McCausland of Hopkinton, NH

Keep the property tax $$ to support public education

—Donna Lannan of Concord, NH

Public education is vital and important to all students. Allowing tax dollars go to private education takes away from the public education resources, which are already tight.

—Amanda Hyde-Berger of Merrimack, NH

I support public education at public education facilities.

—Clarise Ochoa of Derry, NH

Public money should be directed to the betterment of the general public. 70% of our children use public schools, which is supported by local taxes, and somewhat supported by the State, albeit poorly. We should NOT be using public funds for those that MAKE A CHOICE to send their children to private institutions. A choice for private education should be accompanied by a choice to pay for it privately as well. Our state’s children deserve every dollar of the money raised by public funds to go toward creating a stronger public school system.

—Steven Rugoletti of Plaistow, NH

I oppose this bill for moral and financial reasons. When my local school could not meet my child’s education needs, I paid tuition to a school that could. That is my problem; we never expected our neighbors’ taxes to pay for that.
My parents were teachers, I have taught, and my child is an educator. I don’t agree that people should be given money to keep their children home for “education” without without meeting the same educational goals as in public school. Some of the voucher recipients are using the voucher money to stay at home instead of work, and some expect their kids to teach themselves, or older sibs to teach the younger ones. Who is checking that those children can read and do basic math? The state is handing out money without proper auditing that the educational results are adequate, and without auditing that the financial claims are valid. Handing out more money is not the answer. Hiring educational and financial auditors to screen and follow up on the existing claimants should be done for at least several years, and the results made public, before the legislature should be allowed to change anything about this voucher system other than to discontinue it.
It was a big mistake to start it, and would be a bigger mistake to remove all the guardrails.

—Marie Gilbert of Greenland, NH

Position Statement: Opposing the Expansion of New Hampshire’s Voucher Program

Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy, and taxpayer dollars are intended to support and strengthen public schools, ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education. The proposed expansion of New Hampshire’s voucher program undermines this foundational principle, creating significant risks for students, families, and communities. 1. Taxpayer Dollars Belong in Public Schools Public schools are accountable to taxpayers, ensuring that every dollar is spent transparently and for the benefit of all students. Voucher programs divert public funds to private and religious schools, which operate without the same level of oversight and accountability. Taxpayers deserve to know that their hard-earned money is being used to improve public education, not to subsidize private interests. 2. Lack of Accountability in New Hampshire’s Voucher Program New Hampshire’s voucher program is alarmingly unaccountable. Private schools receiving public funds are not held to the same academic, financial, or operational standards as public schools. They are not required to administer state assessments, follow state curriculum guidelines, or provide comprehensive services for students with disabilities. This lack of oversight jeopardizes educational quality and leaves parents and students without recourse when standards are not met. 3. Evidence of Harm from Other States’ Voucher Programs Research from states like Wisconsin and Louisiana, where voucher programs have been expanded, consistently shows negative outcomes for students and public schools. Studies have documented significant learning losses for students who leave public schools for voucher-funded private schools. Additionally, these programs drain essential funding from already underfunded public schools, harming the majority of students who remain in the public system. Expanding New Hampshire’s voucher program risks replicating these failures, weakening our public schools and leaving students behind.

For these reasons, the expansion of the voucher program is a step in the wrong direction. I hope this committee will do their homework. A key portion of that would be to read the studies out of other states where voucher programs have consistently failed. Foremost in these studies is Josh Cowen whose recent book, The Privateers, compiles decades of research studies and destroys any argument in favor of vouchers for all involved. Please make the evidence-based choice. Strengthening public education, rather than diverting resources to unaccountable programs, is the best way to ensure a bright future for every child in New Hampshire.

—Kelsie Eckert of Holderness, NH

This bill simply takes more money from public schools, makes taxes go up and allows wealthy persons to get grants to send their children to private schools. THIS IS WRONG ON DO MANY LEVELS!

—Cheryl Sprinkle of Exeter, NH

This is decimating public schools! We have an obligation to fund public schools, not private. It is also a violation of my religious beliefs- that my tax dollars pay for a religious education that holds values that I don’t support. Seriously, separation of church and state, folks. If I could include the palm to face emoji, I would!

—Suzanne Carmichael of Hopkinton, NH

We need to adequately fund public schools, not divert precious resources. We need to focus on providing the necessary funding to our public schools so that all children in New Hampshire continue to have access to a high-quality, public education

—Lori Aubrey of SANDOWN, NH

Public schools MATTER and the taxes collected to fund the schools in our communities need to be used ONLY for that purpose. I do not want my tax dollars diverted away to fund other education projects when we can’t even provide adequate funding for the public schools we have. If more of the funding is removed, those schools will start to collapse until they are no longer viable, leaving those who can’t afford a private option without anywhere to go.

—Lynn Poliquin of Goffstown, NH

We should fund our public schools and continue to support them. If a public school is not performing well, the solution should be to help fix the school, not send the money and children elsewhere.

—Natalie Rodenberg of Greenland, NH

Parents who send their children to private schools can well afford the tuition. They can send their children to public schools where they can receive a great education. We need to keep our public schools strong and make sure every child has a wonderful education. Education for all not just the few.

—Maurine DeLuca of Hampton, NH

Dear Representatives, Please ensure maximal funding for our public schools to ensure equitable and quality education is available in New Hampshire.

Initially, I intended to send my children to private school, but my older son’s minor academic and social challenges resulted in his exclusion from the private programs we had selected - at the Kindergarten level. I do not want my tax dollars supporting programs that can exclude children like my son. Let’s all rally behind our public schools and make them even stronger and more effective. Thank you, Sarah

Sarah Ann Smith, MS 969 Banfield Rd Portsmouth, NH 03801

—Sarah Smith of Portsmouth, NH

Private education should be paid for by the people that use it not from taxpayers.

—Fae Moore of WOLFEBORO, NH

As a resident of NH for most of my life, as a teacher at a private school, affiliated with the Epsicopal Church for 38 years. I oppose this Bill. Private education should be exactly that: private. The separation of church and state must be acknowledged and followed. Parents who choose to educate their children at home or at a private school should do so at their own expense. Public money should go to public schools. The State needs to step up and provide the constitutionally mandated “adequate funding” for our public schools. Giving our students the best possible education in public schools should be one of our highest priorities.

Lee Wells

—Lee Wells of Andover, NH

I oppose this bill. Though we sent our 3 children through private catholic schools, it was our choice, and we did not expect to get financial assistance. As a retired person I cannot afford the yearly increase in our taxes that is always blamed on our towns education budget. Please stop this voucher program.

—Janice Lachance of Merrimack, NH

Please stop giving public money to private and for profit institutions. Public education is already underfunded. Putting millions of dollars into a voucher expansion program puts the tax payers in a financial predicament.

—Joseph Benham of Peterborough, NH

Taxpayers should not be paying to send wealthy kids to private schools.

—Nate Nichols of Wolfeboro, NH

I oppose this bill!

—Laurie Runions of Sandown, NH

I don’t get to take my portion of required taxes that cover parks and rec, fire, safety and police in my town or the state to subsidize a private version of it. If this were allowed, it would leave towns in a lurch to provide quality services. The same goes for this bill-it will jeopardize the quality of services schools can provide for their students. Don’t approve this bill which will leave students who choose public schools with lesser services. Please, don’t be fooled by the illusion of choice as this will most definitely be the result. Thank you.

—Diane Merchant of Bedford, NH

I oppose using public monies to expand New Hampshire’s problematic voucher program. We should NOT be diverting public funds intended for public education to private and religious schools, as these schools are not accountable for the education and well being of all students as our public schools are. Thank you.

—Timothy Young of NEWMARKET, NH

This would divert money that needs to be used to support public schools. Children, especially those who need special education, will suffer.

—Cara Hoffmann Garso of Milford, NH

Please stop undermining public education by taking funding from school districts to funnel into charter schools. Why would we want public money deliberately directed into institutions with less oversight and unproven methods, faculty and track records?

Issues of a lack of choice or flexibility in public schooling would be far better addressed by properly funding public schooling itself, rather than siphoning off what little there is into the private interests.

Note that the so-called “free school” experiment in the UK (from 2010 to present) where tax payer money was given to independent schools was roundly seen as catastrophy (except by those literally profiting). This policy is now being dumped.

Back public education instead.

—Franklyn Hyde of Brentwood, NH

Our state must support our existing public schools effectively before taking on any additional commitments.

The elected officials have neglected their responsibilities to taxpayer… causing the extreme local school tax increases.

Reject the bill and restore funding to the communities public schools effective immediately!

—Holly Patterson of Plaistow, NH

I am adamantly opposed to funding private schools, especially religious schools, with taxpayer-paid vouchers. Furthermore, expanding the number of recipients is extremely fiscally irresponsible.

—John Walter of Keene, NH

At this time there isn’t enough State controlled money to fully fund general education much less the critical vocational/technical education needed in New Hampshire to allow private and home schooling to tap into more money from the education fund.

—Richard Andersen of Strafford, NH

I am opposed to the use of public dollars to pay for tuition at private schools, including religious schools, and for home school expenses.

—Lucia Kittredge of Hopkinton, NH

EFA have not had an audit. There is no accountability as to how the funds are used. There are no guidelines. Originally, proposed to assist families below the poverty line., now it would subsidize wealth families. Public funds should not be devoted to the indoctrination of religious tenets.

—Mel Myler of Comtoocook, NH

I oppose this bill because of the impact it will have on the broader funding for New Hampshire public education. I am not in support of the many charter schools that have been established under the recent state administration. Our towns are suffering financially because of the State’s reduction of financial support of public education. This bill will increase the financial burden on towns who are responsibly trying to provide quality education to our students. The State’s record is abysmal.

—Susanna von Oettingen of Warner, NH

This school voucher program is doing an incredible disservice to NH public schools. The state is already grossly underfunding its schools, to the detriment of local property owners who are forced to make up the difference. Removing even more funding from public education and allowing taxpayer dollars to go to unregulated for-profit schools is unconscionable. This bill perpetuates and exacerbates this issue by allowing higher-income families who clearly do not need to offset the expense of a private education to further funnel taxpayer dollars into schools that are simply not held to the same standards as public schools. Our public schools support all children in this state, regardless of background, disability, or circumstance. To reallocate funding from already under-resourced schools is a direct attack on the thingy that this state is most vitally obligated to do: educate its citizens.

—Jillian Clement of Brookline, NH

Public education is a foundation of democracy. Attempts to privatize education push us closer to meritocracy and aristocracy. It is unconstitutional to use tax dollars to fund non-secular institutions, and it is extraordinary that we would consider publicly funding schools that are not governed by the same laws and accountability measures that we hold public schools to, including anti-discrimination laws. The education secretary appointed by the incoming president during his last tenure stated in a federal hearing that she would not be opposed to providing vouchers to schools that discriminate on the basis of race. This is unconscionable. Our children and country deserve better.

—Emily Robichaud of Portsmouth, NH

I am in opposition to HB115 for many reasons. As a citizen, educator, and taxpayer, I strongly oppose HR115 because the state has failed to meet its current obligation to adequately fund our public schools and therefore taxpayer dollars should not be expanded and diverted to fund private schools and/or home education. NH is actively suggesting financial cuts to essential educational programs including special education (programs for our most vulnerable students) while considering expanding the financial benefits to others (those attending private schools) through universal vouchers. This is irresponsible and wrong. In addition, I cannot support any program that utilizes public funds without adequate oversight or evidence of improved student success/achievement. Taking any taxpayer dollars away from public education places a greater tax burden on already stretched and burdened local communities. HR115 is expensive, unproven, and bad for education. Our public schools need FULL support (financially and philosophically). Our public school students and families deserve your support.

—Lisa McConnell of Durham, NH

Eliminating the income cap in the voucher program is totally unnecessary and would be immensely harmful to our public schools which struggle mightily already for adequate funding. It would cost the state $100 million dollars to pay for these rich kids going to private schools. Whose stupid idea was this and what is the purpose? Wealthy families are more likely to use school choice, which is their prerogative, but don’t ask me to subsidize their private education. Support Public Education!

—Sue Kibbe of Walpole, NH

Diverting critical funding and NH public tax dollars from public schools to private/religious schools that aren’t accountable for student performance is a horrible idea. Most people who use the vouchers are upper middle class and rich families who already had kids enrolled in private schools. Facts matter: E.g. A review of Milwaukee’s 30-year-old voucher program showed it didn’t solve the gaps in student success. Reading and math scores aren’t much different between students using vouchers and those who don’t, and overall proficiency rates haven’t improved over the years. Further, according to Alan Borsuk, a Marquette Law School researcher who studied the program, vouchers hurt public schools by leaving behind a disproportionate number of children with special needs and chronic behavioral problems. Borsuk’s research also found voucher money strongly supports religious education. That presents another issue of debate among faith groups. Some Christian groups, particularly Catholic and evangelical private schools, support public funding for their religious education. But other faith groups see an unhealthy meddling of government in religion. https://baptistnews.com/article/pastors-gear-up-to-battle-bequest-of-vouchers-for-children-in-private-schools/

—Sonia Prince of Nashua, NH

I have been an educator since 1974 in various middle and high school capacities including high school English teaching, school counseling, coordinating a cohort of the State Competency-based Transcript Program, as well as a myriad of other active roles. Over the years I have watched the funds available for public schools (both State and local) get tighter and tighter. For several years, I was tasked with developing department budgets that were flat, that is, budgets that didn’t request more funds even though expenses grew. This was to protect the taxpayers in my district who were already paying high property taxes used to run the schools. The public system has struggled in good faith to provide the high quality of education to which our district was accustomed. The sad truth: operating costs (fuel, transportation, building maintenance, health care costs, etc.) continued to rise, requiring schools to squeeze more for students out of fewer funds. Still, our faculty was committed and we often supplemented educational costs from our own pockets. In the meantime, I have also watched local property taxes skyrocket. (My taxes loom over $28,000/year!)
House Bill 1115-FN will significantly expand the school voucher program which uses our tax dollars to pay for private schools, religious schools (separation of school and State?), and home-school expenses. (Interestingly, the State currently doesn’t even audit programs at home for student progress). These alternatives are ALL parental choices. For every dollar spent re-directing tax money for these personal choices, public schools lose funds desperately needed to maintain, much less grow, vital programs for the greater number of students across the state. Please remember, also, that public schools provide and administer individualized education plans for special education students, including specialized expert help in areas of occupational therapy, educational counseling, specialized educational techniques, independent living skills, specialized transportation, adaptive equipment, staff training, and much more. Further, public schools provide for the preponderance of students across the state. HB 1115-FN substantially limits public schools from doing the job they are committed to perform and which they are required to do by law for so many.
New Hampshire has been doing a good job preparing its students for success even though our state funding is low relative to other states. Some of that is due to the pure grit and dedication of our outstanding teachers. Still, we are at a breaking point and continued excellence is at risk. House Bill 1115-FN will cripple our ability to “hold our own” through public school education. Our students deserve better. While I recognize the right of parents to choose a different route, it is, in the end, a choice they make. I adamantly cannot support this bill.

—Corrine Lajoie of Contoocook, NH

The public school system that we (Taxpayers) pay a fortune for through taxes already is awful so we definitely cannot and should not pay for other kids private education, any further tax increases will destroy people’s livelihoods. If you want to send your child to a Charter School, Private School or you want to Home School that is your personal decision therefore you (NOT Taxpayers) need to pay for that, that’s how it has always been and that is how it has to stay. I couldn’t afford to send my child to private school to get a good education so I am not about to start paying for other peoples kids to go. How about you make changes to the public schools and fund those with the money we already pay in taxes so they can actually provide a good education since it is awful now. You cannot tax Taxpayers any further as you are ruining peoples lives and how they support their families based on your greed.

—Cassandra Cunha of Danville, NH

Taxpayers cannot and should not pay for other kids private education, any further tax increases will destroy people’s livelihoods. If you want to send your child to a Charter School, Private School or you want to Home School that is your personal decision therefore you (NOT Taxpayers) need to pay for that. How about you make changes to the public schools and fund those with the money we already pay in taxes so they can actually provide a good education since it is awful now.

—Joshua Cunha of Danville, NH

This will hurt us as taxpayers, property owners, parents, and teachers. Voucher programs are unaccountable, in study after study have resulted in learning loss for the children who leave public schools, and most importantly harm the center of NH communities and American Democracy: our public schools. I stand in opposition to this bill.

—Aryn Conway of Newbury, NH

The state should properly fund its public schools rather than pipe more and more funds into vouchers.

—Kirsten Hugger of Mont Vernon, NH

Public funds should be used for public schools NOT private schools.

—Nancy Mitchell of Alton, NH

NH already has the lowest state funding for education out of the entire US. Fund public schools properly.

—Emma Forest of Laconia, NH

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” Benjamin Franklin

Invest in the future of America by continuing to fund PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR ALL. Invest in the people of the United States of America.

—Cayleigh Dalrymple of Portsmouth, NH

I do NOT support this bill.

—Joanne Casale of Newmarket, NH

churches pay no tax. They do not contribute to the State bank account. That’s enough of a break. They collect money for their services. Public schools need money badly. If I wanted my child to go to a private school, I would pay. DO NOT VOTE TO GIVE WE CITIZENS MONEY AWAY.

—kathy dillon dillon of NASHUA, NH

As a proud public school teacher and parent of two students in our public school system, I find it inconceivable that this bill is even being considered. It is rooted under the guise of yet another attempt to take away a well-funded, sound, and equitable education from marginalized children and put money in the pockets of financially stable families that can already afford private school. Money being taken away from public schools hurts our children, especially those who require support services such as my daughter who is dyslexic. Public schools in our neighborhood are already struggling with being able to support children with such needs. Shame on those who vote for this bill.

—Laura LaVallee of Portsmouth, NH

The EFA program is fiscally irresponsible, since it has inadequate oversight and accounting. The EFA program is educationally inadequate in funding home-schooling without oversight. The EFA program is unconstitutional in that it diverts public funding to religious schools. The EFA program deprives our public schools of much-needed funds. The EFA program ultimately increases property taxes. I urge you to defeat it.

—Blair Moffett of Wolfeboro, NH

I oppose tax dollars going to private schools. Public education is overseen by an elected board. As a tax payer we have a say in how this money is used. We can attend school board netting’s and have our voices heard. The voucher system is a black hole where we have no input on how our taxes are used. I strongly oppose this bill and request you vote it down.

—Terry B Smith of Strafford, NH

As a taxpayer, I want to make sure that my taxes go to pay for quality education. Public schools are held to standards, and I am happy for my taxes to help pay for these schools. However, private schools, homeschooling individuals, and even some charter schools are not held to any standards in terms of the quality of education provided. For example, coastal waters charter school in Exeter took public funds and embezzled them while providing poor quality education. If families choose to attend schools outside of their public school they should be free to do so, but I do not believe public funding should be directed to fund this UNLESS all recipients of these funds are held to the same quality standards as all public schools.

—Emily Davie of Dover, NH

—Michelle Fijalkowski-Santy of PORTSMOUTH, NH

I oppose this bill when we cannot afford to feed all of our children school lunches like other states but you want to give public money for rich parents, among others, to send their children to private schools. Some of these schools include religious schools which is unconstitutional.

—Andrea Shepard of Hampton, NH

I believe in public education and supporting the children in my community. I do not want my money supporting private vouchers.

—Kristina Leedberg of Brookline, NH

Public money should not be used to fund private or religious schools. This bill will use taxpayers money for a program that is going to benefit a few at the expense of the majority. With budgets as tight as they are, and we know the state budget is going to be a tight budget this year, why would we be spending more money on vouchers?”

—Jennifer Kiernan of Keene, NH

Vote NO, defend public schools and taxpayers.

—Ashley Desrochers of Rochester, NH

Property taxes are intended for public education. Towns elect School Board members who determine how the money is used. I don’t support tax dollars funding undisclosed projects which private schools are. I strongly oppose HB115.

—Gregory Smith of Strafford, NH

I am a life long Republican and I am opposed to using public funds for Universal Education Vouchers. I have no issued with people sending their children to private schools but funds should not be taken away from public schools.

—Mark Kasok of Bedford, NH

Tax money should NOT be used to fund private, charter, or parochial schools! Public education exists for EVERYONE and should be funded adequately with public money.

—Joanne Piazzi of Rochester, NH

Public education needs to remain public. Vouchers for private education takes needed money from public systems.

—Jaysen Courmac of Danville, NH

I oppose the bill HB115

—Kelly Bates of Keene, NH

Taxes are already too high. Stop wasting our money.

—Jacquelyn Lund of Plaistow, NH

Public’s tax money should be used to support public schools only. Public schools would be severely affected by lack of funding if students/parents get to pick and choose any school to send their students, as public schools are ONLY funded by public money and public schools are REQUIRED to provide an education for ALL students! They don’t get to choose and allow certain types of students. They’re required to educate all.

—Melissa Marcotte of Rochester, NH

With the potential dissolving of the DOE looming and responsibilities pushed solely to the states, we as a state should not make an financial decisions until we know what funds we may need to access to keep school districts running at status quo. Right now there is no need to give these grants to those making the conscious decision not to use public school especially if they are not below the income requirements.

—Jacy Lavoie of Brookline, NH

It is not up to the tax payers to fund individuals who choose private schools. My tax dollars are needed in support of our local public schools

—Lynne Jeffries of Plaistow, NH

I am opposed to the shifting of property tax dollars raised for public education to be used for private education. Religious school, private schools and home schooling are personal choices with limited accountability and should be paid for with personal funds, not with public money. As a society, we are facing a number of serious issues. EVERYONE needs to understand civics, language, science, math, and history to be productive members of society so we can work together for the GREATER GOOD. Want to learn religion? Go to church. Want to ensure your children have your values? Be part of their lives. Public education is the foundation needed by EVERYONE - diverting money away will have a negative effect on our society for generations to come.

—David Salzberg of HOPKINTON, NH

There has been no audit done by the State on the EFA. Furthermore, the current EFA reports do a poor job of demonstrating how the funds have been and are being used. This lack of transparency to the taxpayers is unacceptable especially since the DOE found a 25% error rate on be EFA last summer. Additionally, it was shown that about 75% of EFA participants were already in alternative plans in 2021. That is a massive amount of students that taxpayers are having to financially support that were already outside of the public system before they applied for EFA. This appears to be a gross mismanagement of taxpayer money with an unacceptable lack of transparency.

—Christine Rodriguez of Milford, NH

The House is proposing HB 115, which would expand the private school voucher eligibility to ALL regardless of income-level. This was a foreseeable outcome when the Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) were first adopted as a “needs-based” program for low-income families. This removal of income restrictions, if it goes into practice, WILL put the financial burden on ALL OF US - to the tune of $100 MILLION state-wide. We have already seen this current income-eligible experiment cost Pelham taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars - and now the legislature wants to INCREASE this burden. To add insult to injury, our legislators do NOT support increasing state funding for special education to reflect even so much as basic inflationary impacts - the NH Dept. of Education is proposing a budget for 2026-2027 that keeps special education funding FLAT for a fifth and sixth year, which would push $100,000s in legally mandated special education costs down to local taxpayers. I ask, “Why can the state find money to fund this new experimental voucher program riddled with oversight and accountability issues, but can’t allocate funds to meet its obligations relating to those with the greatest level of special needs?”

—Renuka Burns of Pelham, NH

Tax dollars should never be directed towards private education. That removes critical resources from my community. Private school is a private choice and burden to those wishing to enroll their child.

—Dora Ferrari of Atkinson, NH

Public school funding needs to stay within public schools. People choose private because they do not want assistance from the government. Keep public out of private.

—Kristina Gjergjaj of Dover, NH

We need to STOP the expansion of the school voucher plan !

—Patsy Slothower of Sandwich, NH

Please don’t stretch our public education funds to support private schools! NH already gives the lowest amount of money (of all 50 states) to our public schools. We can’t afford to have our taxes help private schools too!!

—Diane Varney-Parker of Mason, NH

A vote for HB115 is like donating stolen goods you took from the working class, and giving them to the Yankees. Nobody receiving the goods benefits, and only the working class victims suffer.

No self respecting conservative or libertarian would levy our taxes, give handouts, and not allow for citizen oversight.

Vote NO on HB115!

—Roberta Boudman of Wolfeboro, NH

Public education is the very cornerstone of our democracy and is necessary for our polity to work by creating a common civic foundation for all citizens. This bill undermines that by diluting and diverting public funds for private purposes. Please vote against this bill!

—Dan Grosz of Peterborough, NH

The problem is that the current funding of public schools is untenable. How can more be added to the property tax base, additionally burdening already over burdened property owners and citizens of the state to fund additional schooling options?

—Paul Beaulieu of Sandown, NH

I am strongly opposed to using my tax dollars for parents to send their children to private schools, especially with the current lack of oversight for the education they receive.
Using tax dollars in this way means less funding for our schools, which will erode the quality of education available. I support public education, which is a bedrock of our democracy. Please vote against HB 115. Thank you.

—Patricia Wilczynski of concord, NH

Please vote NO!

—Barbara Lyons of Conway, NH

I am opposed to HB115 for a number of reasons. This bill will remove income caps for school vouchers if it is passed, and I feel that this would be very bad for the majority of residents in New Hampshire.

For example, this bill would take more money away from our communities’ public schools and could cost the state approximately $102 million in the 2025-2026 school year. Furthermore, the current voucher program provides little accountability and measurement of performance metrics and other critical data.

Additionally, recent studies have suggested that voucher programs in other states have had significant negative effects on student outcomes for the students who participate in them. I feel that there are just too many possible negative outcomes for the majority of taxpayers in New Hampshire if HB115 were to pass.

Thank you.

—Susan Tufts-Moore of Bedford, NH

As a retired teacher very familiar with public education I do not support this bill

—Virginia Mooney of Moultonborough, NH

I oppose this because I am concerned that students will not benefit. The voucher institutions may not have curriculum that prepares students.

—Andrea Valiante of Nashua, NH

This will be devastating to the already poorly funded public schools in of this states city. Private schools have zero accountability and a bill like this will only serve to widen the gap between rich and poor.

—Kate Millette of Nashua, NH

This money should be earmarked for public school funding

—Jacqulyn Jewell of Holdernesd, NH

I oppose increasing unregulated voucher we s and am in favor of focusing funding on our town run public schools.

—P DEXTER HARDING of TAMWORTH, NH

Public education is America’s best idea to bring about liberty and justice for all. Instead of trying to gut public schools, the state needs to fund public schools sufficiently. I refuse to send my tax dollars to religious schools and other private institutions. That is profoundly un-American.

—Beth Perkins of New London, NH

There must be limits , there is no accountability on how the money is used.

—Paul Gilbert of Greenland, NH

Spreading thin our educational funding and resources to unregulated teaching facilities is not the answer. Don’t give up on public schools.

—Samuel Robertson of Dover, NH

I am writing today to voice my and my family’s opposition to this bill. I cannot conceive of a greater harm than the robbery of funding for public education this bill would do. Plans like this damage our community. It would seem one party is hell bent on destroying our future for profit and ideology, with a seemingly willfully ignorant denial of the repercussions of their actions. Please, show the people of our state you care about them, and vote no to this bill.

—David Wilfing of Dover, NH

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB115, which would expand universal education vouchers in New Hampshire. Public funds should be used to strengthen our public schools, which serve the vast majority of students and provide a critical foundation for our communities. Diverting taxpayer dollars to private, charter, and home schools will weaken our public education system and increase inequality in educational access and outcomes.

Public schools are the backbone of our communities, ensuring that all children—regardless of their socioeconomic background—have access to quality education. Vouchers would funnel much-needed resources away from these schools, leaving them underfunded and less able to meet the needs of their students, especially those with disabilities and students from lower-income families.

Additionally, there is little evidence that voucher programs improve educational outcomes. What they do is shift public funds to private institutions that are not held to the same accountability standards as public schools, undermining transparency and fairness in how public dollars are spent. This is a disservice to taxpayers and students alike.

Instead of expanding voucher programs, New Hampshire should focus on investing in our public schools to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. I urge the committee to reject HB115 and prioritize policies that strengthen public education for everyone.

—David Fernandez of Dover, NH

I am vehemently opposed to the voucher program. I strongly believe that our public tax dollars should pay for public education.

Many private/charter schools have agendas aside from education, such as religious beliefs, I do not believe my tax dollars should support those agendas. The Constitution plainly says there should be a separation of church and state and the voucher program crosses this line.

—Barbara White of North Conway, NH

I strongly oppose this bill as it takes away crucial funds needed by our public schools. The already over-budget school voucher program is forcing New Hampshire towns to increase property taxes and this bill will only make the problem worse.

—Kara LaMarche of Bedford, NH

The legislature needs to focus on funding an adequate education for our PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS. I am vehemently opposed to the above bill and STRONGLY believe in our public school system!!!!!!!

—Sharon Pietz of North Conway, NH

Oppose

—Lenny Racite of Kingston, NH

I have been a public school educator for 35 years and worked in several states with different education funding streams. I love NH but the state system for funding for public education is archaic and unfair! Expanding vouchers for private schools is inequitable and state funds should not be used to support private education for families without economic need. Public schools are already underfunded and struggling to cover essential costs. This bill removes essential funds from the public funding stream. Please oppose this bill. Kim Gillis

—Kim Gillis of Epsom, NH

These programs drain budgets, lack academic accountability, and predominantly serve affluent families. NH should be working to support and fund our public schools and provide quality education to all regardless of income.

—Alecia Schneider of Plaistow, NH

We should only support public schools and improve them as community schools. If parents elect to use charter or private a tuition should be paid not our tax dollars. Tax dollars should be used for our public school improvement.

—Alysia Gomez of Plaistow, NH

I’m a mom to a 5th grader and someone very involved in our local community. The EFAs have been opposed by the majority of Granite Staters since the beginning of the concept. The percentage of families actually using vouchers to move their students from public school to another option is low with the current income cap. Expanding this cap will do little to nothing to close the achievement gap as statistically the families who need help the most already have access to the program. The lack of transparency and oversight of this program should be criminal. If a CFO handled a private corporation’s funds in a similar manner, they would most certainly be fired and most likely brought up on charges. NH is going to continue to fall in the rankings for academic achievement as the state continues to bankrupt public schools and property tax payers. Expanding EFAs is not right for NH.

—Jodi Langellotti of Dover, NH

I have worked for my district’s schools for nearly 18 years….education $$$ belong in our public schools NOT private or charter schools!!!

—Lynn Cornell of Bedford, NH

VOTE NO ON THE EDUCATION EXPANSION BILL. The education voucher program is un-American and unconstitutional. It is a ruse by which public funds are transferred to private and religious entities AND WILL BANKRUPT OUR STATE!!!

—Catherine Teran of Sandwich, NH

As a 28 year veteran special educator of the New Hampshire Public schools and a 23 year residence of the town of new Boston, I want it noted that I am not in favor of expanding vouchers for public schools. My three state representatives and my senator do not feel the same way And there is absolutely nothing that we have been able to do to change their minds. The state of New Hampshire needs to spend more money on our public schools and less money on school choice put that money into the schools that we already have, which can be amazing places. I happen to work in one and have worked in many others. And we as taxpayers should not be footing the entire bill for the cost of education in the state of New Hampshire. It is appalling and absurd. The children coming up through our public schools today should have the same opportunity to have the excellent public school education my daughter had and she only graduated last year. Thank you for your time.

—Jennifer Bourgeois of New Boston, NH

Taxpayers would be subsidizing wealthy families who already send their kids to elite private schools.

—Joseph Bagshaw of Center Conway, NH

With the state facing such a significant budget deficit, I think that allowing the cap to be removed from the eligibility for the education freedom grants, allows people with means to educate their children as they want to receive funds that are needed in other areas of the budget not to mention funds that need to be used to keep our public schools healthy.

—Barbara Callaway of Hanover, NH

I am strongly against this bill. I support public education. Those who want to send their kids elsewhere should foot the bill themselves. I believe in education, not manipulation and indoctrination. I certainly don’t want to pay for it with my hard-earned taxpayers dollars.

—Faith Sheridan of E Wakefield, NH

This is a terrible idea and will benefit those who can afford to see their kids to the more expensive schools. The students at the public schools who may already be struggling will be affected even more. I have 2 public school graduates and want the public schools to thrive for our kids.

—Elizabeth Cross of Portsmouth, NH

Until the funding crisis is resolved, I am opposed to any efforts to divert funding away from public schools.

—Jacqueline Coe of Bow, NH

I adamantly oppose this bill!

—Vanessa Mann of New London, NH

I oppose this bill because it will increase our taxes to charter and private schools that are already funded by rich investors. If New Hampshire is so invested in education, put more funding in public schools. Pay the teachers and the paraprofessionals a living salary. Vouchers do not work because it’s an unfair lottery system and it’s nothing more than modern segregation between rich and poor.

—Candice Jackman of Plaistow, NH

With property taxes rising across the state the passage of this bill will only continue to more tax burden on the citizens of New Hampshire. To expand this program will also add to our state’s budget and thus it’s deficit.

I support the separation of church and state and oppose any public dollars being diverted to religious schools as well as private schools. If this bill was to assist underprivileged/low income students (and their parents) to be able to afford a private education, I might be able to get on board, but to expand this so that even those who can easily afford to send their children to private schools is not fiscally responsible. Those who can already afford this privilege should not be subsidized by the state!

—Kristin Ebbeson of Rochester, NH

There is no accountability with this funding. You are taking my tax dollars and are not checking on the schools that this money is going to in order to determine if a strong education is happening. Why will the state not allow an audit of this funding? I am opposed because there is NO accountability of my hard earned dollars that I am REQUIRED to pay to the state. Do your job and represent the people who elected you!

—Linda Malo of Auburn, NH

The very wealthy need to pay for their own luxuries. Keep education funding for the public schools systems that need it!

—Sam Paolini of Brentwood, NH

I urge the committee to reject HB115 and instead commit to properly funding NH public schools.

—Jessica Syner of Windham, NH

I am opposed to this bill because I belueve in the integrity of public school education and wish it to be funded appropriately.

—Anne Roser of Madison, NH

I oppose this.

—Joan Plante of Brookline, NH

I strongly believe in public Education. This bill weakens Public Education financially!

—Laura Doggett Campbell of Wolfeboro, NH

This bill will increase local property taxes and degrade school quality and achievement in the state. Just take one look at the research on vouchers and if you are really concerned with educational quality you must vote no.

—Nancy Walser of Sandwich, NH

This bill must not pass! We need to support public education!

—Richard Campbell of Wolfeboro, NH

Public school funding will build a stronger New Hampshire for all generations!

—MARGARET LOUGHRAN of WONALANCET, NH

—Rene Melaragni of Plaistow, NH

This is just another way to siphon our tax money to private schools. As a 28 year educator of public school in NH, I oppose this bill and will be watching how my elected officials vote.

—Patrick Moeschen of Salem, NH

New Hampshire doesn’t need to be spending more of its limited educational budget on inadequate private institutions, but destroying public schools is what Republicans are after in the first place.

—Michael Duenas of Dover, NH

I strongly support PUBLIC education as a responsibility of the State.
Private schools are for those who can already afford it. The amount of money over the budget for vouchers last year was obscene and irresponsible. Taxpayers are footing the bill in their communities with added costs to maintain their housing.
In addition religion based school pay no taxes so the burden will fall on those you are short changing.

—Susan Winters of Tamworth, NH

School vouchers programs take funding away from other budgets, generally only benefit the wealthy and harm public schools. We should be investing in our public schools which are accessible to all citizens and not just the affluent. These programs will further drive families out of NH, making the issue of an aging population even worse. Funding our public schools will attract more families to NH.

—Evan Thuotte of Plaistow, NH

I am requesting the house oppose HB115. I have 4 children, all have atended public schools and recieved intensive special education services. I am an occupational therapist by profession and my husband is self employed. We have owned a home in Exeter for 20 years and both of us grew up in Exeter in the public school system. Although we are college graduates we fall into an income level of working poor, due to cost of living expenses. We have never made enough to send our children to a private school, nor would private schools in our area be appropriate for the needs of my children. There is no evidence that Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) improve educational outcomes compared to public schools. I have 2 children still in public school and are thriving with their IEPs. The cost of EFAs will reduce resources for public schools. This will directly impact supports and services my children need to access school. It is estimated that EFAs will cost NH taxpayers over $100 million, which will come from the Education Trust Fund. This fund is intended to support public schools. I already pay over $10,000 in property taxes and can not afford more. Diverting funds from the Education Trust Fund will strain public school budgets, leading to higher property taxes. Why would the state prioritize a few students by removing quality education from the majority? I urge you to oppose HB115. My children deserve a high level education too!

—Nicole Sheaff of Exeter, NH

I pay taxes to support PUBLIC schools of which my son attends not to have those public school funds to be used for private schools, charter or home schools!

—Carol Stella of Greenland, NH

This bill will steal money from public schools and will generate a self-fulling prophecy that public schools will fail in their mission. Support of public schools has been a bedrock of American history. I do not want my paid taxes to support the subsidy of well off people to simply send their kids to private schools. This voucher system has ballooned to a monstrosity.

—Erik Swenson of Moultonborough, NH

This bill will put a financial burden on all towns and taxpayers. Families who choose to send their children to private schools or homeschools should be 100% responsible for the financing that decision. I do not wish for my tax dollars to be used to fund any private schools or home schools.

—Jessica Wilhelm of Pelham, NH

https://ycnnow.com/2025/01/06/kearsarge-regional-school-district-deliberative-session-1-4-25/

—Gregory Uhrin of Newbury, NH

I support NH public schools and believe that it is imperative that public funds go to support our public schools to make them the best they can be. Universal school vouchers are unconstitutional! I am appalled that the NH Legislature is even considering giving my hard earned tax dollars to families without any income requirements. DO NOT take public tax dollars and use them for private education. Instead, let’s make NH public schools great! My children are NH citizens and got an excellent education in our public schools. PLEASE VOTE NO ON HB 115 Universal Vouchers

—Martha Nichols of Sandwich, NH

We should absolutely NOT be diverting public funds from public schools to support private education options. If people want to make the decision to pursue alternative non-public schooling, that’s on them. Public schools are vital to our democracy. My parents went to them. I went to them, Our children went to them.

—Jonathan Doherty of Hopkinton, NH

Congratulations. This is a brilliant bill if the purpose is to dumb down our state and destroy public education. While the Dept. of Education is a disaster and the education system needs improvement, this bill will end up requiring millions in taxpayer money to re-build education from the smoldering ashes, and the legal fees to get there. All on the back of increased property taxes that are already too high. Then we can become the poverty-stricken, uncivil, christian nationalist state. you seek. Great job. Defeat the bill and go back to sleep.

—Arthur Maerlender of Sutton, NH

I support fully and adequately funding public education. Funding private schools with public money distracts and dilutes this effort. Sheldon Perry, Tamworth, NH

—Sheldon Perry of Tamworth, NH

I am asking good to vote against HB 115

—Susan Raban of Brookfield, NH

The passing of this bill would be absolutely detrimental to Public Educators and students alike. Public education is already in a financial struggle. Teachers are often paying out of pocket for supplies in order to provide materials for their students. Passing this bill would allow parents to determine where their children attend school, thus determining where the majority of the money is sent to. This would be a massive blow to the schools that are already struggling financially, as they would face the possibility of receiving even less money. Not only would this effect the staff and administration of those schools, but it would greatly effect the students of those school as well; who have no say in the matter whatsoever.

—Zachary Joy of Manchester, NH

I strongly oppose HB 115. This bill would mean taxpayers subsidizing wealthy families who send their kids to elite private schools at a cost of over $100 million dollars per year, public money that would be diverted away from supporting public education. NH residents overwhelmingly support community public schools which are attended by nearly 90% of New Hampshire students.

Instead of sinking more money into a program with no accountability, elected officials support local communities by fully funding special education costs, maintaining or increasing aid so towns can hire or retain qualified educators, and fund building aid so that students have safe and health environments to learn.

Alex Moot Chocorua, NH

—Alex Moot of Chocorua, NH

I believe that school vouchers takes money away from public schools and will result in higher property taxes. As a single senior on SS and a small state pension, I’ve owned my house for 50 years but I’ll be pushed out! Also, kids will be increasingly raised in silos which is, of course, what these parents want - I think it’s sad to encourage divisiveness. Thank you

—Nancy Rideout of Webster, NH

The public education system in New Hampshire is already underfunded, as the NH Supreme Court court has ruled. House Bill 115-FN would divert public money which could be used to support our local public schools and provide property tax relief.

Please focus on funding an adequate education for our public school students, fully fund special education, and support the NH students who attend these public schools. The current school voucher program has no guardrails or accountability. Public dollars need to be dedicated to our public schools.

—Geoffrey Cunningham of TAMWORTH, NH

I am opposed to any expansion of the program. Vouchers divert public money from public schools to private/home schools, which drives up property taxes. Increasing the voucher program in any way would result in a negative impact on our taxes; Not only does the program impact taxes, there is not public oversight into how the funds are spent. Please use public funds to support public education.

—Moira Taylor of BARRINGTON, NH

I oppose this bill since it drains state funding from our already under resourced public schools and exacerbates the already onerous property tax burden. Furthermore HB115 is not in any way needs based- a direct contradiction of Republican policy.

—Michael Mackey of Newfields, NH