Committee Summary for House Education Funding (05/01/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB204 00:10:20.640 - 12:10:21 PM	Executive Session	relative to criteria for reporting child support delinquencies to federal agencies.	Spillane, James(R)[A]2024
SB292 1802H 01:07:38.359 - 1:07:39 PM	Executive Session	authorizing a warrant for the funding of state special education aid.	Lang, Timothy(R)[C+]2024
SB295 1857H 01:14:27.679 - 1:14:28 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to education freedom accounts.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)
SB295 1857H 01:36:25.040 - 1:36:26 PM	Executive Session	(New Title) relative to education freedom accounts.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)

HB204: Representative (unspecified) Information Only00:10:20.640 - 12:10:21 PM; The representative introduced the executive session and mentioned the bill's focus on school meals. They noted that the session would allow a speaker who was unable to attend the public hearing to speak, as requested by the bill's sponsor.
HB204: Representative (unspecified) Information Only00:11:34.800 - 12:11:35 PM; The representative moved to retain the bill, indicating the complexity and the need to consider it alongside other related bills.
HB204: Representative Papovich Information Only00:11:34.800 - 12:11:35 PM; Representative Papovich seconded the motion to retain the bill, citing the complexity of the bill and the need for more time to gather information.
HB204: Representative Damon Oppose00:12:47.279 - 12:12:48 PM; Representative Damon opposed retaining the bill, arguing that the information needed was already available and emphasized the importance of feeding children for effective learning. They noted the bill's bipartisan support and low fiscal cost, urging the committee to oppose the retain motion.
HB204: Representative Weinstein Oppose00:14:07.839 - 12:14:08 PM; Representative Weinstein agreed with Representative Damon, stating that sufficient information had been received from stakeholders and supported passing the bill without retaining it.
HB204: Tim Ruhr, Business Administrator, Keene Support00:14:29.839 - 12:14:30 PM; Tim Ruhr, unable to attend the public hearing due to a road closure, spoke in support of the bill. He highlighted the bill's design to save tax money by targeting aid to students between 175% and 200% of the poverty level, referred to as the 'working poor'. He explained that the bill would be opt-in and shared cost, estimating a minimal fiscal impact of about $250,000 in the first year. Ruhr emphasized the importance of feeding students who need it most and stopping the waste of taxpayer money on those who can afford meals.
HB204: Representative Damon Information Only00:17:44.240 - 12:17:45 PM; Representative Damon confirmed with Tim Ruhr that the bill is an opt-in program, allowing districts to decide participation.
HB204: Representative (unspecified) Information Only00:18:41.120 - 12:18:42 PM; The representative questioned Tim Ruhr about the costs associated with online application development, which are part of the bill's provisions.
HB204: Representative Fellows Information Only00:20:55.039 - 12:20:56 PM; Representative Fellows asked Tim Ruhr about the impact of the bill on smaller districts within the Keene SAU, to which Ruhr explained the minimal costs and significant effect for a small number of families.
HB204: Representative McGuire Information Only00:22:06.720 - 12:22:07 PM; Representative McGuire asked Tim Ruhr about the potential savings from the bill, and Ruhr clarified that it would redirect funds from paying off bad debt to targeting aid more effectively.
HB204: Representative Papovich Information Only00:24:05.120 - 12:24:06 PM; Representative Papovich inquired about the possibility of further discussions with Tim Ruhr to better understand the issues, to which Ruhr welcomed such engagement.
HB204: Representative Damon Information Only00:25:10.720 - 12:25:11 PM; Representative Damon asked Tim Ruhr about the district's policy when meal debt is capped, and Ruhr explained the measures taken to ensure students are fed while also addressing parental responsibility.
HB204: Representative (unspecified) Information Only00:26:14.120 - 12:26:15 PM; The representative followed up on the district's policy on feeding students with capped meal debt, and Ruhr clarified that the district covers these costs through various budgets but does not use teacher's personal money.
HB204: Representative Fellows Information Only00:27:23.200 - 12:27:24 PM; Representative Fellows asked Tim Ruhr about the estimated costs for the Keene School District, to which Ruhr provided the figure of $8,500 and the total student population of the district.
HB204: Representative (unspecified) Information Only00:28:35.120 - 12:28:36 PM; The representative asked Tim Ruhr about the potential assistance of online applications for the program, to which Ruhr expressed a neutral view, suggesting it would help but not significantly increase applications.
HB204: Representative (unspecified) Information Only00:29:41.320 - 12:29:42 PM; The representative followed up on the benefits of online applications, and Tim Ruhr acknowledged that while it could reduce staff workload, it might not significantly increase family participation.
HB204: Representative (unspecified) Support00:31:49.440 - 12:31:50 PM; The representative shared personal experience as a teacher, emphasizing the importance of feeding children to enhance learning and recounted instances of paying for student lunches out of pocket.
HB204: Representative Luno Support00:32:57.679 - 12:32:58 PM; Representative Luno supported the bill, highlighting its significance in reducing expenses for low-income families, improving student readiness to learn, and the relatively low fiscal impact. They urged the committee to recommend the bill for passage.
HB204: Representative (unspecified) Support00:36:38.440 - 12:36:39 PM; The representative summarized the bill's impact, noting increased eligibility, easier qualification, and personal responsibility without mandating participation. They mentioned strong online support for the bill.
HB204: Representative Papovich Information Only00:37:40.800 - 12:37:41 PM; Representative Papovich clarified that Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) are not vouchers and noted the lack of specific cases of students being denied food due to inability to pay.
HB204: Representative Brown Support00:38:52.000 - 12:38:53 PM; Representative Brown supported retaining the bill, expressing concerns about the causes of hunger and the use of SNAP funds for unhealthy purchases. They suggested focusing on healthy choices and understanding the root causes of hunger.
HB204: Representative Damon Oppose00:40:07.280 - 12:40:08 PM; Representative Damon opposed retaining the bill, emphasizing the importance of caloric intake over food quality for food-insecure families and urging the committee to support the bill's passage.
HB204: Representative (unspecified) Information Only00:42:29.440 - 12:42:30 PM; The representative responded to Representative Brown's comments, clarifying misconceptions about the use of free and reduced lunch funds and emphasizing the nutritional value of school meals.
HB204: Representative Damon Support01:01:25.119 - 1:01:26 PM; Representative Damon supported the bill, emphasizing its focus on feeding the children of the working poor. She described it as an opt-in bill, suggesting that not all districts would participate immediately. She highlighted that federal reimbursement would cover most costs for feeding children at lower poverty levels, making the bill cost-effective. Additionally, she mentioned that fed children exhibit better cognitive function, fewer behavioral issues, and require less special education services, advocating for the bill's passage as beneficial for New Hampshire.
HB204: Representative Luno Oppose01:04:56.240 - 1:04:57 PM; Representative Luno opposed retaining the bill, criticizing the decision to retain it as cowardly. He argued that the bill deserved a full debate on the House floor, and everyone should be on record regarding their stance on feeding hungry children and supporting families.
HB204: Representative Damon Support01:06:12.240 - 1:06:13 PM; In a second instance of testimony, Representative Damon referenced a conversation she heard on the radio with the Lieutenant Governor of Vermont named John, who spoke about the need for courage and compassion in government service. She hoped for more of these qualities in the committee's decision-making.
SB292 1802H: Representative Spilsbury Support01:07:38.359 - 1:07:39 PM; Representative Spilsbury moved for an ought to pass (OTP) recommendation on SB 292 and introduced amendment 1802H. He noted that the amendment reflects the committee's previous work on HB272, ensuring a floor of 80% funding so that proration cannot reduce funding below that level. He emphasized this as a result of bipartisan cooperation and advocated for its passage to be sent back to the Senate.
SB292 1802H: Representative Luno Support01:09:12.040 - 1:09:13 PM; Representative Luno expressed appreciation for the committee's commitment to the amendment and the underlying law. He stated his support for both the amendment and the bill as amended, highlighting the improvement to the law.
SB292 1802H: Representative Spilsbury Information Only01:10:37.600 - 1:10:38 PM; Representative Spilsbury moved to recommend Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA) on SB292 as amended by 1802H. The motion was seconded by Representative Kofalt.
SB292 1802H: Committee Members Vote01:11:25.440 - 1:11:26 PM; The committee members voted unanimously in favor of the OTPA motion for SB292 as amended by 1802H, with a final vote of 18-0.
SB292 1802H: Chairman Information Only01:12:18.239 - 1:12:19 PM; The Chairman discussed the need to finalize committee reports quickly and mentioned that they would handle one more bill that day, with others to be addressed the following Tuesday. They confirmed that SB292's report was already completed.
SB295 1857H: Representative Lad Support01:14:27.679 - 1:14:28 PM; Representative Lad moved to recommend Ought to Pass (OOTP) for SB295 and introduced an amendment 1857H. He explained the differences between this bill and HB115, noting that SB295 would cap the number of students eligible for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program at 10,000 for FY26, with a 25% increase when reaching 90% of that cap. He also discussed the program's cost-effectiveness and its benefits for students struggling in traditional public schools.
SB295 1857H: Representative Burton Information Only01:21:32.960 - 1:21:33 PM; Representative Burton inquired about the rationale behind prioritizing siblings over children with disabilities in the EFA program. Representative Vlad explained that it was to maintain educational flow and family convenience.
SB295 1857H: Representative Fluo Information Only01:22:46.480 - 1:22:47 PM; Representative Fluo clarified that the amendment would effectively eliminate the enrollment cap after two years if it is not exceeded, as per sections 5 through 7 of the bill.
SB295 1857H: Representative Fellows Information Only01:25:10.639 - 1:25:11 PM; Representative Fellows asked about the procedure for tracking and reporting when the 90% enrollment threshold is reached. It was explained that the scholarship organization would notify the Department of Education, which would then inform the Secretary of State.
SB295 1857H: Committee Members Vote01:27:24.320 - 1:27:25 PM; The committee voted on amendment 1857H, resulting in a 10-8 vote in favor of adoption. Representative Lad then moved OTPA for SB295 as amended by 1857H, which was seconded by Representative Papuchim Miller.
SB295 1857H: Representative Bricky Information Only01:28:17.920 - 1:28:18 PM; Representative Bricky expressed frustration over the lack of data on academic achievement for students in the EFA program. The Chairman acknowledged the concern but noted that the executive session would proceed with the current information.
SB295 1857H: Representative Luno Oppose01:29:39.600 - 1:29:40 PM; Representative Luno strongly opposed the EFA program, referring to it as a 'scam' rather than a voucher program. He criticized the program's expansion to higher income levels, the lack of auditing and data on educational use of funds, and suggested that it was a tool to attract 'free state freeloaders' to influence state policy.
SB295 1857H: Representative Fl Support01:36:25.040 - 1:36:26 PM; Representative Fl expressed support for the EFA program, emphasizing the importance of alternative education for students who are not thriving in public schools. They highlighted that less than 3% of the student population uses the EFA program, suggesting that it caters to a small but significant group of students. They shared personal experiences from working in public education, noting the varying success rates of schools and the need for options to suit diverse student needs and backgrounds. They argued that keeping struggling students in failing environments is detrimental and advocated for parental choice in education.
SB295 1857H: Representative Blindstein Support01:42:33.639 - 1:42:34 PM; Representative Blindstein supported the idea that not every school is suitable for every student, using personal experience to illustrate the costs of private education. They questioned the fiscal impact of the EFA program on taxpayers, suggesting that removing income limits could lead to significant financial burdens without clear benefits to the public education system. They expressed opposition to the expansion of the voucher program, citing concerns about fairness and financial impact.
SB295 1857H: Representative Bricky Oppose01:43:56.360 - 1:43:57 PM; Representative Bricky defended public schools in New Hampshire, citing high marks in education quality and economic indicators. They challenged the argument that students are failing in public schools, noting that many students using the EFA program were never enrolled in public schools. They urged a 'no' vote on the bill, emphasizing continued support for public education.
SB295 1857H: Representative Papish Miller Support01:46:17.520 - 1:46:18 PM; Representative Papish Miller expressed surprise at opposition to a program designed to ensure equity in education funding. They emphasized that the EFA program should be accessible to all who need it, and those who do not need the funds should not apply, thereby maintaining fairness and equity.
SB295 1857H: Representative AS Oppose01:47:26.639 - 1:47:27 PM; Representative AS highlighted the funding disparity in New Hampshire, where public education is largely funded by property taxes, and criticized the state's minimal contribution to K-12 education. They opposed spending state money on private school education, emphasizing the need to prioritize public education and other critical state programs such as Medicaid and the university system.
SB295 1857H: Representative Ames Oppose01:48:55.679 - 1:48:56 PM; Representative Ames argued against the bill, citing fiscal irresponsibility given the state's budget constraints. They criticized the program for benefiting high-income families already paying for private education and raised concerns about accountability, data availability, and the promotion of religious education over science. They emphasized the need to fully fund public education before expanding the EFA program.
SB295 1857H: Representative Damon Oppose01:55:16.480 - 1:55:17 PM; Representative Damon expressed dismay at discussing voucher expansion while facing budget cuts in higher education. They criticized the program for subsidizing wealthy families and failing to address the inequity in public school funding. They noted strong local opposition to the voucher program and argued that the fiscal note was inadequate and biased.
SB295 1857H: Representative Copalt Support01:57:55.280 - 1:57:56 PM; Representative Copalt argued that the EFA program is fiscally responsible compared to other proposals, such as building aid. They shared personal stories of families benefiting from the program, including those not wealthy, and emphasized the importance of parental choice in education. They refuted claims that the program primarily benefits wealthy families, stressing its value for diverse family situations.
SB295 1857H: Representative paper Information Only02:02:40.800 - 2:02:41 PM; Representative paper corrected a misstatement regarding budget cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, clarifying that the cuts were significantly less than claimed, at about 2.1% of overall revenues.
SB295 1857H: Representative Megan Support02:03:49.920 - 2:03:50 PM; Representative Megan discussed the increasing need for special education due to issues in general education. They argued that the EFA program benefits families who assess their children's educational needs and make choices accordingly, emphasizing that the program is not just for wealthy families but for all parents contributing to education funding.
SB295 1857H: Representative Burton Oppose02:04:42.719 - 2:04:43 PM; Representative Burton emphasized that property taxes fund public, not private, schools and expressed concern over the lack of data justifying the EFA program. They noted strong local opposition and criticized the absence of a needs-based application process for the program. They opposed the legislation due to these concerns.
SB295 1857H: Representative Brown Support02:06:38.639 - 2:06:39 PM; Representative Brown supported expanded school choice, arguing that public education operates as a closed monopoly with stagnant quality despite increased spending. They cited the effectiveness and accountability of the EFA program, noting that it benefits low-income and minority students and improves local school quality through competition. They urged support for the bill.
SB295 1857H: Representative Kokum Support02:08:55.040 - 2:08:56 PM; Representative Kokum clarified that property taxes do not fund the EFA program, emphasizing that public schools receive full property tax funding regardless of student enrollment. They argued that allowing families to use a portion of their property taxes for their children's education through the EFA program is fair and supported the program.
SB295 1857H: Representative Peoples Support02:10:02.880 - 2:10:03 PM; Representative Peoples supported treating all students equally in terms of education funding, whether they attend public, charter, homeschool, or EFA programs. They dismissed criticisms of the program as rhetoric and expressed their intention to vote in favor of the EFA program.
SB295 1857H: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:11:21.280 - 2:11:22 PM; The speaker announced the vote results for SB295 as amended by 1857H, which passed with a vote of 10 to 8. The bill will proceed to the floor with an OTPA (Ought to Pass with Amendment) recommendation. Representative Lad was assigned to write the committee report, and Representative Luno was tasked with writing the minority report. The executive session on SB295 was then closed. The remaining bills, SB98 and SB294, were scheduled to be addressed the following Tuesday, along with other bills. The session concluded with a reminder about an event at Plymouth State University the next day, which included a lunch and campus tours for committee members.

Ladd, Rick(Chairman)(R)[B+]2024	Brown, Pam(Clerk)(R)	Spilsbury, Walter(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2024
McGuire, Dan(R)[A+]2024	Ames, Dick(D)[CT]2024	Burton, Wayne(D)[CT]2018
Luneau, David(D)[CT]2024	Colcombe, Riché(R)[A-]2024	Chretien, Suzanne(D)
Popovici-Muller, Daniel(R)[A+]2024	Damon, Hope(D)[CT]2024	Kofalt, Jim(R)[A+]2024
Fellows, Sallie(D)[CT]2024	Erf, Keith(R)[A]2024	Bricchi, Tracy(D)
Weinstein, Toni(D)	Peeples, Raymond(R)	Mehegan, Peter(R)