The NH Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the state must increase education adequacy payments (Monitor, July 1), but in so doing has provided no specific dollar amount or strict timetable for the legislature to act. It feels like back to the future — a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs (again) but a ruling with no teeth (again). This is not Groundhog Day. It is Groundhog Decade.
The court has bent over backwards to give the legislature the time and space it needs to comply with past court orders and the state’s constitutional obligation to pay for an adequate education. But following the latest ruling, we immediately hear voices claiming the legislature and executive branch need not abide by the decision because of the separation of powers.
Some among us fail to understand that the Supreme Court is the final arbiter in constitutional matters. When the two other branches of government fail to comply, we no longer live under the rule of law.
Charles Martone
Concord