On Feb. 8 the NH House of Representatives will vote on three bills that, if passed, will expand NH’s education voucher system. It is important you contact your local NH representatives and tell them to 1) be sure to attend and 2) to vote no on all three of these bills because each bill incrementally increases the amount of our tax dollars for private use with no accountability. HB 1665 would open our tax dollars to every family earning 500% over poverty level. This would cover families making up to $150,000 for a family of four. HB 1634 would remove any income cap for families thereby making this a tuition subsidy for any family that wishes to take public tax dollars to pay for a private education regardless of their income.

HB 1561 has nine categories with automatic eligibility well beyond the initial “needs” spelled out in the initial law. Another vital piece of information to know is that private schools are “urging” students to apply for a voucher (a.k.a. EFA) through the Children’s Scholarship Fund first before they receive any school financial aid. Once the student is approved for anywhere between $4,000 and $8,000 (and rising) the school will then decide how much of their own financial assistance they will offer. You can find your representatives at “NH General Court: Find My Rep” at gencourt.state.nh.us to take action is now.

Kathleen Malsbenden

Newmarket