SENATE AND HOUSE DEMOCRATS ADVOCATE FOR EQUITABLE EDUCATION FUNDING AND OPPORTUNITY

CONCORD - Today, in anticipation of Governor Sununu’s budget address, Senator Jay Kahn (D-Keene) and Representative Mel Myler (D-Hopkinton) issued the following statement:

“Governor Sununu, alongside Republican leadership in the House and Senate, wants to direct public funds to privately operated schools, without accountability and regardless of family financial need,” stated Senator Jay Kahn (D-Keene). “Democratic legislators are fighting to ensure public schools have equitable funding and provide opportunity for students across the state, regardless of zip code. Our work over the past two years shows that state funding increases lead to local property tax decreases.”

“Sustaining current levels of state education aid will be critical to public schools and property taxpayers throughout New Hampshire,” said Representative Mel Myler (D-Hopkinton). “Last term, Democrats made education funding and property tax relief top budget priorities, returning an additional $178 million to communities throughout the state. It is essential that Governor Sununu continue current levels of state education aid, as any reduction would harm public education and raise property taxes throughout the state.”

HOUSE DEMOCRATS OPPOSE HATEFUL ATTACK ON TRANSGENDER CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today, the House Children and Family Law committee heard testimony on HB 68, a bill that would add gender affirming treatment for Transgender youth to the definition of child abuse. The committee had many families waiting to testify however recessed to a time uncertain. Ranking Member, Rep. Pat Long (D-Manchester) released the following statement:

“HB 68 is an egregious attack on Transgender youth and their families. I am horrified that it has returned to our committee yet again and saddened that many Granite State families had to be subjected to the trauma of testifying to such a hateful piece of legislation today. It is unfortunate that the bill’s sponsor chose to leave promptly after introducing the bill instead of staying to hear from the families and youth whose very dignity is targeted by this legislation. House Democrats unequivocally oppose HB 68 and support the right for all children and adults to live as they are without discrimination.”

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SCHOOL VOUCHER PROGRAM, HB 20, A DISASTER FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today, the House Education Committee took public testimony on HB 20, legislation which would enact a school voucher program in New Hampshire. The committee took hours of testimony, and will continue the public hearing next Thursday, February 11. A record 3,198 members of the public signed their opposition to this legislation with the Education Committee. Ranking Democrat Rep. Mel Myler (D-Hopkinton) released the following statement:

“HB 20 would be disastrous for public education in New Hampshire and it is no surprise that so many Granite Staters turned out in opposition today. This bill would remove money from public education, increase property taxes, benefit wealthy families, and allow discrimination against students. I am pleased that the hearing on this bill will continue next Thursday, so we can continue to hear how harmful this would be to New Hampshire taxpayers.”

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