GOP lawmakers advanced twin bills to make Education Freedom Accounts available to all families regardless of income, with the House passing HB 115 and the Senate advancing SB 295, NH Journal reported. The measures cleared both chambers over unanimous Democratic opposition.
GOP lawmakers on Thursday took another step toward making taxpayer-funded Education Freedom Accounts available to all families regardless of income, successfully advancing twin bills in both chambers despite unanimous opposition from Democrats.
NH Journal
The two votes came hours apart, NH Journal noted.
In the House, HB 115 passed 198-180. Hours later, the Senate advanced SB 295 on a 16-8 party line vote.
NH Journal
Supporters of the program welcomed the expansion. Kate Baker Demers, executive director of the Children’s Scholarship Fund of New Hampshire, framed it as a win for families.
Thank you for trusting parents and increasing access to Education Freedom Accounts so more of our children get the education and learning experiences they absolutely need to thrive,
NH Journal
Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s position on EFA access was also part of the story, NH Journal reported.
Gov. Kelly Ayotte has previously said she’ll sign legislation increasing access to EFAs if it reaches her desk, but has stopped short of calling for immediate universal access.
NH Journal
HB 115 would phase in universal eligibility over two school years, while SB 295 would eliminate the income requirement within 60 days of enactment. Supporters pushed back on the claim that the program drains public schools.
Because the majority of school spending is local — around $15,000 per student — schools increase their per-pupil income when families choose the EFA. They have fewer students to serve and more money with which to serve them.
NH Journal
Read the full story at NH Journal.
