House ED&A Committee votes to move educator death benefit forward with a recommendation of Ought to Pass with Amendment
CONCORD, NH – January 31, 2018 – NEA-New Hampshire President Megan Tuttle applauded the House ED&A Committee’s 11-6 vote to move HB 1415 forward with a recommendation of Ought to Pass with Amendment.
HB 1415 establishes a benefit of $100,000 for the family of an educator killed in the line of duty.
“When I first became a teacher 19 years ago, nobody told me that part of an educator’s job description included being expected to put myself in harm’s way to face violent situations,” said Tuttle.
When police and firefighters are called to respond to an emergency at a school, the employees at those schools are already deeply involved in the situation “holding the fort” waiting for them to arrive.
“No one is ever hoping to need this benefit, but should the worst happen, the family of an educator who gives up their life in defense of a student deserves some recognition and compensation for their sacrifice.”
“We are happy to see the Committee agrees that, should the unthinkable happen here, an educator’s sacrifice should be recognized just as we recognize the sacrifice of our dedicated police and firefighters.”