HB739

Funds already allocated to schools on a local level should retain the funds they are given to use as needed. Education is not funded nearly enough as it is and to take away money where its use cannot be guaranteed does not directly benefit our students.

I am writing to put a stop to the insane bill to be passed- HB 283- To stop the education of the all arts education including visual, music, performing arts World language,Engineering, Technology, personal finance, digital literacy, computer science, redfines social science, and eliminates the following-requirements-civics,government,economics, geography, US and Nh history, holocaust and genocide education. To me this is a Fascist move - this is not what I want for our country- please vote NO on this bill. Thank you, Randi Mulqueen- retired Art Teacher-Hampton,NH

Educating our children fully and allowing them to think critically is essential to our future

I oppose this education bill

Dear Representatives, I urge you to OPPOSE this bill. The diversion of excess education funding (via SWEPT) into the "general fund" leaves a lot of holes regarding how surplus funding would be utilized. A stronger bill would provide clear direction on how excess funds would be dispersed among struggling school systems to make New Hampshire's education more equitable, but as it stands right now, it is not even clear that these funds would be used toward education. Please oppose this bill and ensure excess funds are still utilized to support education in New Hampshire. Thank you for your time.

Since state adequacy funding of education (adequacy plus SWEPT) still falls far below Cost per Pupil or total expenditure per pupil (on either a budget or actual basis), excess SWEPT funds should be allowed to remain in the communities where raised in order for those communities to apply the funds to the additional education costs aligned to CPP or expenditure per pupil. In that way, funds raised locally are applied locally.

Considering the State of New Hampshire continues to minimally fund school districts the passage of this bill would do little to improve the funding of schools. The excuse that the State would supply funding to needier districts would only create an excuse for it to funnel money to whatever district it chooses whether it's based on need or not. A bill covering the rules of what is to be done with surplus funds for use inside the school district would be much better. The rules could deal with addressing short comings within the district and eliminate State involvement with direction of funds.

This bill appears to divert money allocated for education funding to the general fund.

This bill will ruin education for all children

As a parent,grandparent ,educator and citizen I have seen and felt the impact of financial cuts to the education system, especially in New Hampshire. Those with special needs and low socioeconomic status are particularly vulnerable when it comes to educationally based funding cuts. Do the right thing by our children and make sure they have the benefits that you had !

I only oppose this bill as it's written because of section II(c). Strike out "(c) When a health care provider has determined by clear and convincing evidence based upon articulable facts that disclosure of the records to a parent or legal guardian of a minor child is likely to result in abuse or neglect. A health care provider who makes this determination shall document in the medical record of the minor child all facts upon which he or she relied in making the determination." and I support it. Parents should not lose access to their minor childs medical records ever, especially while still providing for their healthcare coverage.

Dear Committee, I am writing to express my strong concerns about HB739, which mandates that municipalities send any excess Statewide Education Property Tax (SWEPT) revenue to the state for deposit into the Education Trust Fund. While I fully support the goal of finding equitable ways to fund less wealthy communities, I believe this bill takes us in the wrong direction by stripping local control and redirecting resources to a fund that supports programs, such as vouchers, that I strongly oppose. By removing municipalities' ability to retain their excess SWEPT revenue, HB739 undermines the ability of local communities to make decisions about how best to support their students and invest in their schools. Local control is a core value that allows communities to respond to their unique needs and priorities. Sweeping those funds into the Education Trust Fund means we lose the ability to decide where that money goes and how it is used. Additionally, the Education Trust Fund currently supports voucher programs, which divert taxpayer money to private and religious schools. This shift in funding away from public education to private institutions further exacerbates the inequalities in our education system and undermines the quality and accessibility of education for all students. I agree that we need to find ways to better fund less wealthy communities, but redirecting local revenue into a fund that supports vouchers is not the right solution. I urge you to consider alternatives that prioritize strengthening our public schools, ensuring that every child, regardless of background or income, has access to a high-quality education. Thank you for your time and consideration.

These are real life skills our children need to thrive in their lives. Not everyone will go to college so tech programs offer options for those kids. Making America stupid will not solve the dismantling of our United States government. We are watching n waiting for our elected leaders to do what they were hired to do. Please spend our money on the people and most important our children !!!! Music, Art, Tech programs are all important developmental activities for our children. Thank you, Jennifer