Residents rally against HB 115's expansion of Education Freedom Accounts in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Senate Education Committee convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss House Bill 115 (HB 115), which proposes significant changes to the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. The bill aims to eliminate income thresholds for families seeking EFA funding, a move that has sparked considerable debate among educators, parents, and lawmakers.

During the meeting, several public school educators voiced strong opposition to the bill, expressing concerns about its potential impact on public education funding. One educator highlighted the importance of accountability in educational spending, questioning whether students receiving EFA funds would be held to the same standards as public school students. This sentiment was echoed by other speakers who argued that the proposed changes could divert essential resources away from public schools, which serve the majority of New Hampshire's students.

Anne Staley, a resident of Peterborough, raised alarms about the fiscal responsibility of providing EFA funding to families regardless of income. She pointed out that the state is already facing budget deficits and questioned the wisdom of expanding a program that could benefit wealthier families at the expense of public education. Staley emphasized that existing state and federal resources already support lower-income families, and extending EFA eligibility could exacerbate financial strains on the state budget.

Heather Robitaille, a Merrimack parent, also opposed the bill, arguing that it would disproportionately benefit affluent families while public schools struggle with funding. She noted that many residents, regardless of political affiliation, are against expanding EFAs, especially when public education is inadequately funded. Robitaille highlighted the burden on taxpayers and the need for prioritizing public education over private school funding.

Conversely, supporters of HB 115, including Alicia Houston, argued that the bill would empower all families to choose educational options that best suit their children's needs. Houston asserted that education should not be limited by income and that EFAs could provide equitable access to quality education for underserved communities.

The committee also heard from Ed Tarnowski, a representative from EdChoice, who presented data suggesting that expanding EFAs would not significantly impact state finances. He argued that the program could enhance public education by fostering competition among schools.

As the meeting concluded, the committee faced a growing divide between those advocating for educational choice and those emphasizing the need to strengthen public education. The discussions highlighted the ongoing debate over how best to allocate educational resources in a time of fiscal uncertainty, with many residents urging lawmakers to prioritize funding for public schools that serve the majority of New Hampshire's children. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of educational funding in the state.