Committee Summary for Senate Education Finance (02/12/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB293 00:02:41.920 - 2:01:02 PM	Public Hearing	relative to using enrollment in Medicaid as a measure of eligibility for school lunches.	Long, Pat(D)
SB295 00:22:28.039 - 2:20:49 PM	Public Hearing	expanding the number of students eligible for education freedom accounts.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)

SB293: Senator Long, Manchester Support00:02:41.920 - 2:01:02 PM; Senator Long from Manchester supports a change in the state school funding formula to better account for children living in poverty. He argues that the current measure, based on free and reduced-price meals, is outdated and inefficient, leading to undercounting of impoverished children. He suggests using Medicaid eligibility as a more precise measure to ensure funds are allocated where they are most needed, reducing bureaucracy and ensuring schools receive adequate funding to meet the needs of students from impoverished backgrounds.
SB293: Laura Milligan, New Hampshire Hunger Solutions Support00:05:09.280 - 2:03:30 PM; Laura Milligan from New Hampshire Hunger Solutions supports SB 293, emphasizing the importance of changing the state school funding formula to facilitate participation in the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). She explains that CEP allows high-poverty schools to offer free meals to all students, reducing administrative costs and improving student wellness and learning outcomes. Currently, only two out of 103 eligible schools in New Hampshire utilize CEP due to the state's funding formula, which discourages schools from not collecting free and reduced meal forms. She urges the committee to pass SB 293 to ensure more efficient use of taxpayer dollars and to support essential school programs.
SB295: Senator Victoria Sullivan, Manchester and Litchfield Support00:22:28.039 - 2:20:49 PM; Senator Victoria Sullivan introduced Senate Bill 295 FN, which aims to remove the income cap on Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). She clarified the distinction between vouchers and EFAs, emphasizing that EFAs are monitored and controlled by an organization. Sullivan argued that New Hampshire voters support expanding EFAs, as evidenced by their success and public demand. She criticized the instability caused by annual income qualification requirements, sharing stories of families losing funding due to minor income increases. She also addressed concerns about wealthy families using EFAs, pointing out that they currently use public schools at a higher cost to taxpayers. Sullivan highlighted the historical discrimination against Catholic schools and the need for true education freedom, urging the committee to support the bill.
SB295: Senator Rosen Information Only00:26:32.559 - 2:24:53 PM; Senator Rosen asked Senator Sullivan about the potential for removing income restrictions and annual determinations for the state's Medicaid program, similar to what is proposed for EFAs. He questioned whether such a policy change would affirm the importance of children's health akin to the support for private or homeschool tuition. Sullivan responded that while the question was not directly related to the bill, she acknowledged the detrimental effects of current welfare cliffs and expressed willingness to work on better solutions for guiding people off public welfare and Medicaid.
SB295: Senator Sullivan Information Only00:28:24.000 - 2:26:45 PM; Senator Sullivan addressed questions regarding the success of the Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) program. He clarified that the discussion was specifically about EFAs, not the broader voucher program. He mentioned that while there isn't direct measurable data like improved test scores or higher education enrollment to prove the program's success, parents' assessments and standardized tests or portfolios are used to evaluate progress. Sullivan emphasized that over 60% of voters, and an even higher percentage of parents, support expanding the EFA program. He also highlighted personal stories where the program has significantly benefited students, suggesting its value beyond measurable metrics.
SB295: Senator Rosen Oppose00:33:47.919 - 2:32:08 PM; Senator Rosen raised concerns about the financial implications and effectiveness of expanding the EFA program. He questioned the lack of measurable data to justify increased spending on a program that does not show clear improvements in student achievement. Rosen also challenged the notion of savings for school districts when students leave public schools, pointing out that fixed costs like buildings and staff remain. He emphasized the high percentage of students attending neighborhood public schools and questioned the justification for funding the EFA program more heavily in a tight budget year.
SB295: Senator Carson Information Only00:38:55.079 - 2:37:16 PM; Senator Carson referenced a document from the Heritage Foundation's Center for Education Policy, highlighting the financial aspects of the EFA program. He noted that public schools are well-funded, spending $26,320 per pupil, while the EFA award averages much lower. Carson also discussed the state's practice of providing sustainability grants to school districts when students leave for EFAs or charter schools, essentially funding students not in public schools. He confirmed these financial details with the speaker, indicating a need for clarity on how funding and costs are calculated and managed.
SB295: Unnamed Senator Information Only00:41:52.880 - 2:40:13 PM; An unnamed senator followed up on the discussion about per pupil spending, specifically addressing the inclusion of unfunded liabilities like teacher retirement costs in these figures. The senator noted that these costs, which are no longer covered by the state, are borne by municipalities and affect per pupil spending numbers. The conversation was cut short by the chair, who redirected the focus to avoid debate and continue with the hearing's informational purpose.
SB295: Kia Schneider Information Only00:44:10.480 - 2:42:31 PM; Kia Schneider was preparing to present her testimony but was advised by the chair to summarize it within three minutes rather than read it in full. She agreed to adjust her approach accordingly, indicating her readiness to discuss her views on the EFA program.
SB295: Cornelia Schneider, Moltonborough Oppose00:44:20.839 - 2:42:41 PM; Cornelia Schneider spoke against SB 295 FN, highlighting the impact on her friend Hannah, a salon worker and mother from Moltonborough. She explained that Hannah and her family cannot afford private or parochial schooling even with the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, as it does not cover the full cost of private education. Schneider argued that the EFA program would drain resources from public schools, describing it as 'death by a thousand cuts.' She presented a political cartoon from Arizona to illustrate her point and referenced Daniel Webster's views on public education to argue against the bill, suggesting that it undermines the public school system.
SB295: Sarah Scott, Americans for Prosperity Support00:48:06.480 - 2:46:27 PM; Sarah Scott, Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity, supported SB 295 FN, focusing on its budgetary implications. She disputed claims that the expansion cost would exceed $100 million annually, citing data from the Josiah Bartlet Center that suggested a cost under $17 million over two years. Scott argued that the EFA program is fiscally responsible, empowers families to choose educational paths that suit their children's unique needs, and does not require income verification, similar to public and charter schools. She emphasized the program's potential to enhance educational opportunities and improve New Hampshire's appeal to families.
SB295: Jane Harrington, Moltonborough Oppose00:53:29.040 - 2:51:50 PM; Jane Harrington, a retired teacher from Moltonborough, opposed SB 295 FN, arguing that voucher systems, including EFAs, do not improve educational outcomes. She referenced a comparative study between Sweden and Norway, where Sweden's adoption of a voucher system led to a decline in educational performance and increased segregation. Harrington urged the committee to learn from these international examples and vote against the bill to avoid similar negative impacts on New Hampshire's public education system.
SB295: Jen Deml, Bedford, Granite State Taxpayers Support00:55:47.799 - 2:54:08 PM; Jen Deml from Bedford, representing Granite State Taxpayers, supported SB 295 FN for its potential to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers. She argued that expanding EFAs by eliminating income eligibility criteria is fiscally responsible and would introduce market-driven competition, incentivizing better performance in public schools and reducing long-term local tax burdens. Deml emphasized that EFAs empower parents to choose the best educational environments for their children, ultimately leading to tax benefits and improved educational value.
SB295: Unnamed Speaker, Granite State Taxpayers Support00:59:13.640 - 2:57:34 PM; The speaker from Granite State Taxpayers argues in support of the bill by discussing the financial implications of the current school funding system. They point out that if a student leaves a public school for another program, there are no marginal savings for the district, which could lead to an increase in property taxes. They use an analogy to explain that just like replacing inefficient windows to save on heating costs, the bill aims to introduce market-driven efficiencies in education. They believe that despite initial costs, the bill will lead to long-term financial efficiency.
SB295: Unnamed Senator Information Only01:00:52.520 - 2:59:13 PM; The senator questions the concept of a 'market-driven' approach to education as mentioned by the previous speaker. They express concerns about the applicability of market principles to education, especially given the constitutional obligation to provide a free and adequate education to all students, including those with special needs. The senator highlights the variability in educational needs among students, suggesting that they are not interchangeable like products in a market.
SB295: Unnamed Speaker, Granite State Taxpayers Support01:01:39.960 - 3:00:00 PM; In response to the senator's query, the speaker from Granite State Taxpayers shares a personal anecdote about their daughter, emphasizing the potential for personalized education to better meet individual student needs. They argue that customizing education can lead to better outcomes for students, using their own experience as an example. They also touch on the broader issue of public school performance, suggesting that current systems are failing students.
SB295: Unnamed Senator Information Only01:03:15.400 - 3:01:36 PM; The senator presses further on the issue of educational outcomes, questioning where the data is that supports the success of the program proposed by the bill. They point out the lack of reporting on students who leave public schools for other programs, challenging the speaker to provide evidence of improved outcomes. Another senator interjects, suggesting that some questions might be beyond the scope of the witnesses' expertise.
SB295: Paula Young, Moltonborough, NH Oppose01:04:45.599 - 3:03:06 PM; Paula Young, a retired librarian from Moltonborough, NH, presents testimony on behalf of Dr. Eric Swenson, who opposes Senate Bill 295. Dr. Swenson argues that the bill would divert public funds to private schools, benefiting families who can already afford private education. He warns that this could lead to a decline in public school funding and quality, negatively impacting students, especially those from rural areas or lower-income families. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the principle of free, quality public education for all.
SB295: Unnamed Senator Information Only01:08:42.238 - 3:07:03 PM; A senator comments on Moltonborough being the best-funded school district in the state, questioning Paula Young about her awareness of New Hampshire's low per-pupil spending compared to other states. The discussion highlights the disparity in educational funding across the state.
SB295: Bernadette Ensley, Manchester, NH Support01:09:43.719 - 3:08:04 PM; Bernadette Ensley, a home educator from Manchester, NH, supports the bill, sharing her family's struggle to afford living and educating their children in New Hampshire. She discusses the high costs of housing and the financial burden of homeschooling, mentioning their reliance on scholarships and family loans. Ensley argues that the bill would help families like hers by removing income-based restrictions on educational funding, allowing more families to choose the best educational path for their children.
SB295: Leonard Wit, Sandwich, NH Oppose01:12:20.560 - 3:10:41 PM; Leonard Wit expressed his opposition to SB 295, highlighting the benefits of public education for his family across generations. He argued against the bill, stating that it would divert tax dollars away from public schools to fund private schools, which he finds unfair, especially in rural areas like Carroll County where he lives. He emphasized the limited options for non-public schooling in his county and the potential negative impact on rural students, particularly those on free or reduced lunch programs, if resources are diverted to urban and wealthier areas.
SB295: Kevin Gurley, Manchester, NH Support01:16:36.560 - 3:14:57 PM; Kevin Gurley testified in favor of the bill, sharing his personal experience with private schooling for his two boys. He mentioned the benefits of smaller class sizes and structured learning environments that private schools offered, which led to improved grades. He noted that his family's income barely qualifies them for the Educational Freedom Account (EFA), indicating the financial strain of private education without such support.
SB295: Tom Randall, Mount Vernon, NH Oppose01:18:12.800 - 3:16:33 PM; Tom Randall, originally from the UK and a resident of Mount Vernon, NH, opposed the bill. He discussed his experience with public schools, emphasizing their role in community building and integration. He argued that the bill would undermine local public schools by diverting funds to private schools, which he believes would not benefit the majority of families but rather subsidize education for wealthier families. He stressed the importance of public schools to small towns and suggested that the bill would harm the unique community values of New Hampshire.
SB295: Paul Edgar, Somersworth, NH Support01:21:48.760 - 3:20:09 PM; Paul Edgar supported the bill, focusing on the concept of educational freedom and its alignment with New Hampshire's 'Live Free or Die' ethos. He argued that education is not neutral and that parents should have the freedom to choose schools that align with their worldview without subsidizing public schools that teach opposing views. He works at a small Christian school in Somersworth and believes that expanding EFA to universal eligibility would enhance educational freedom.
SB295: Doris Henderson, Nashua, NH Oppose01:25:06.560 - 3:23:27 PM; Doris Henderson, a former school board member from Nashua, opposed the bill, arguing that it's too early to expand the EFA program without sufficient data. She criticized the lack of a level playing field, noting that public schools face more regulations than private schools. Henderson suggested that instead of expanding EFAs, the legislature should focus on deregulating public schools and returning to traditional academic instruction, free from federal mandates and political agendas. She proposed that districts fund academic instruction outside the district as an alternative to EFAs.
SB295: Angelique Doati, Concord, NH Support01:29:42.960 - 3:28:03 PM; Angelique Doati, a single mother from Concord, supported the bill, explaining her choice to send her children to Bishop Brady High School for its faith-based education. She highlighted the financial sacrifice she makes to afford private schooling and her high property taxes, arguing that the EFA would help families like hers who are not wealthy but still value private education.
SB295: David Trumble, Ware, NH Oppose01:31:14.159 - 3:29:35 PM; David Trumble from Ware opposed the bill, arguing that the EFA program is discretionary and not constitutionally mandated, unlike public school funding. He presented data showing minimal savings from students switching to private schools and criticized the program's cost estimates. Trumble highlighted that the EFA program does not serve all students equally, particularly those with special needs, English language learners, and low-income families. He suggested that any additional funding should be directed to help schools in need rather than expanding the EFA program.
SB295: Leah Ley, Ware, NH Support01:36:26.280 - 3:34:47 PM; Leah Ley shared her personal experience with homeschooling and how the Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) have enhanced her ability to provide educational resources for her son. She highlighted the financial struggles her family faced when she was younger and contrasted it with the current opportunities provided by the EFAs, such as being able to purchase comprehensive literature packs. Ley emphasized the importance of educational choice for all families in New Hampshire, arguing that EFAs should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation, to enable them to choose the best education for their children.
SB295: Patty Long, Peterborough, NH Oppose01:38:55.360 - 3:37:16 PM; Patty Long, a retired public school teacher, expressed her concerns about the allowable expenses under the Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) and the potential impact of removing the income cap. She presented data on EFA expenditures, highlighting non-educational uses such as summer activities and ski trips. Long argued that removing the income cap would significantly increase taxpayer burden and divert funds from public schools. She called for more transparency and accountability in how EFA funds are spent, suggesting that EFA recipients should be held to the same standards as public school students.
SB295: Alysa Sosa Molina, High School Senior Support01:47:05.159 - 3:45:26 PM; Alysa Sosa Molina, a high school senior and EFA recipient, shared her personal story of how the EFA enabled her to attend a private school that offered growth opportunities and a brighter future. She emphasized the transformative impact of the EFA on her life and highlighted the struggles of other students who could benefit from similar opportunities. Molina advocated for the passage of SB 295 to make EFAs accessible to all students, regardless of their family's income, to provide them with better educational opportunities.
SB295: Deborah H, President of the American Federation of Teachers Oppose01:50:19.960 - 3:48:40 PM; Deborah H, representing the American Federation of Teachers, opposed SB 295, arguing that every child in New Hampshire has a constitutional right to a robust public education. She highlighted the state's inadequate funding of public education and criticized the expansion of voucher programs as spending of choice rather than necessity. H questioned the Department of Education's cost estimates for the EFA program and cited a poll showing strong public opposition to diverting public funds to private education. She urged the committee to focus on strengthening public schools instead of expanding the voucher program.
SB295: Joe Mundy, Public School Educator and Administrator Oppose01:55:11.280 - 3:53:32 PM; Joe Mundy, a public school educator and administrator, opposed SB 295, arguing that it undermines New Hampshire's public schools, which serve the majority of the state's students. He criticized the idea of using public funds to support private educational choices, emphasizing that public schools are supported by local taxpayers and serve the public good. Mundy highlighted the lack of state oversight and accountability for private schools and homeschooling, urging the committee to prioritize the needs of the majority of students who attend public schools.
SB295: Dr. Sydney Legett, Superintendent of Schools for Plainfield and Cornish, NH Oppose01:58:30.199 - 3:56:51 PM; Dr. Sydney Legett, superintendent of schools for Plainfield and Cornish, strongly opposed SB 295, arguing that it threatens New Hampshire's public education system and state finances. She highlighted the financial burden of expanding the EFA program, the lack of accountability and transparency, and the fundamental opposition to New Hampshire's values of self-reliance and community responsibility. Legett compared public schools to public roads, emphasizing their role as a public good accessible to all. She urged the committee to reject SB 295 and focus on strengthening public education for all students.
SB295: Al, Superintendent Information Only02:07:49.400 - 4:06:10 PM; Al, a superintendent, testified about the challenges of managing budgets in two districts, Plainfield and Cornish, NH. He explained that despite presenting negative budgets (lower than the previous year), taxes are still increasing due to downshifted costs from the state, such as retirement and special education costs. He highlighted the difficulty in explaining this situation to the community.
SB295: Senator Information Only02:08:51.480 - 4:07:12 PM; The Senator discussed Article 28a of the New Hampshire Constitution, which states that the state cannot mandate programs without funding them. He questioned the use of the term 'mandate' versus 'enabling' legislation, suggesting that some laws allow districts to choose whether to implement them, thus avoiding the mandate definition. He expressed that this might lead to confusion in interpreting state responsibilities versus local decisions.
SB295: Dr. Sydney Legett, Superintendent of Schools for Plainfield and Cornish, NH Oppose02:11:10.440 - 4:09:31 PM; Dr. Legett responded to the Senator's comments, emphasizing the issue of unfunded mandates in New Hampshire. He provided examples such as a $17 million shortfall in special education aid and the state's Ed 320 rules that dictate school facility requirements without state funding. He also discussed the lack of transparency and accountability with the Children's Scholarship Fund, contrasting it with public schools' openness to audits and public information requests.
SB295: Brian Hawkins, representing NEA New Hampshire Oppose02:15:11.280 - 4:13:32 PM; Brian Hawkins criticized the expansion of voucher programs, citing Arizona's experience where such programs cost a billion dollars per year. He mentioned that New Hampshire's current program costs $30 million annually, expected to grow to over $38 million by FY 26. He argued that expanding voucher programs would divert funds from public schools, which are already struggling to hire and retain educators. He suggested that the legislature should prioritize funding public schools instead of expanding voucher programs.
SB295: Mary Grasset, Teacher at Mountain View Middle School in Goffstown, NH, and President of the Goffstown Teachers Association Oppose02:21:53.120 - 4:20:14 PM; Mary Grasset strongly opposed SB 295, arguing that it threatens the financial stability of public education. She highlighted the historical significance of public education in the U.S., starting with the Massachusetts school law of 1642. She pointed out the current challenges in public schools, including inadequate resources and the potential negative impact of diverting funds to voucher programs. She advocated for increased state aid for public schools, including special education and school building aid, and mentioned the need for technological upgrades to ensure all students have access to digital tools.
SB295: Adam Havock Support02:26:33.920 - 4:24:54 PM; Adam Havock expressed support for Universal Education Freedom Accounts. However, the testimony was cut off and did not provide further details on his stance or reasoning.
SB295: Adam Havock, Hudson Support02:26:43.640 - 4:25:04 PM; Adam Havock, a resident of Hudson and a constituent of Senator Carson, spoke in favor of Universal Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). He explained that he and his wife have two young children, one starting kindergarten soon and the other in a few years, and they wish to send them to a local private school. However, their income slightly exceeds the current EFA eligibility requirements. Havock argued that EFAs empower parents to choose the best educational paths for their children, whether it's public, private, or homeschooling. He emphasized that EFAs would improve academic outcomes, increase efficiency, and promote accountability in the education system, offering parents choice beyond a one-size-fits-all public education model.
SB295: Amanda Weeden, Rochester Oppose02:28:51.000 - 4:27:12 PM; Amanda Weeden, a resident of Rochester and a home education advocate, spoke against the bill. She highlighted her role in leading the largest home education support group in New Hampshire and her personal experience as a taxpayer and a parent who has always home-educated her children. Weeden expressed concerns about the impact of the EFA program on the home education community, stating that the influx of government money has been devastating. She argued that the bill is fiscally irresponsible as it would deplete the education trust fund. Weeden, identifying as a conservative Republican, questioned the fairness of taxpayers funding other people's educational choices, especially when she has opted out of government-funded education for her own children. She criticized the transparency and accountability of the current EFA program and opposed the idea of funding optional educational items like equestrian boots or gymnastics classes through taxpayer money.
SB295: Michelle Robker Oppose02:35:21.520 - 4:33:42 PM; Michelle Robker spoke in strong opposition to the bill, stating her family falls within the original EFA criteria of 300% of the federal poverty level and participates in the education tax credit scholarship as a 193a home educating family. She emphasized that the EFA was originally intended to help low-income families escape failing schools, but current participation shows over 70% are non-switchers. Robker argued that removing income restrictions would not encourage truly needy families to participate, as they have other options for funding their educational choices. She criticized the potential for the program to become out of control, benefiting those who do not need state support, and stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility and targeted support for those in genuine need.