HB769

I support the concept of this bill, however I think it will increase our already high property taxes by too much. A rate higher than current rates but lower than the proposed rate would be preferable.

Dear Representatives, I write today in opposition to HB 769 due to concerns about how this increased education funding may be diverted away from public schools and into the growing network of vouchers and charter schools. While investing in education is critical, this bill fails to ensure that additional taxpayer dollars will remain in public schools, where they are most needed and where the majority of New Hampshire’s students are educated. Public schools serve all students, regardless of ability, income, or background. Yet, in recent years, we have seen a steady siphoning of public funds into voucher programs and charter schools that do not have the same level of accountability, transparency, or obligation to serve all children. Without explicit safeguards, HB 769 could accelerate this trend, diverting vital resources from local districts and placing even greater strain on schools that are already struggling to meet the needs of students with special education plans, English language learners, and those from lower-income backgrounds. Additionally, raising the per-pupil base funding without addressing how and where those funds will be allocated risks further expanding the state’s Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, which uses public dollars to fund private and religious education. The lack of oversight in these programs means that taxpayer money can flow to institutions that are not held to the same academic and ethical standards as public schools. If New Hampshire is going to increase education funding, those dollars should be used to strengthen public education—not to subsidize private choices at the expense of community schools. This bill also adjusts the statewide education property tax rate, which could place an unfair financial burden on taxpayers while failing to guarantee that increased funding stays in public schools. Instead of opening the door to more privatization, we should be focusing on policies that invest directly in our public school districts, ensuring that all children, regardless of zip code or financial status, have access to a high-quality education. I urge you to oppose HB 769 unless it includes clear provisions to keep these funds in public schools and prevent further expansion of unregulated voucher and charter programs. New Hampshire’s students deserve a strong, well-funded public school system that works for everyone—not a system that diverts resources away from the very schools that serve the vast majority of our children. Thank you for your time and consideration.