An open letter to Governor Sununu:
Dear Governor Sununu,
We are aware that SB193 supporters have tied their unconstitutional voucher bill to the bill authorizing the public-school employee death benefit, among other education related bills. The thousands of school employees in this state, along with their families and supporters find this tactic reprehensible. If you believed that we would be moved to offer support for a bill that robs millions from public school children across the state to save the death benefit bill, then you have grossly underestimated the lengths to which public school employees will go to protect our students.
Employing strong-arm, parliamentary trickery to save your voucher scheme at a time when New Hampshire teachers dip into their own pockets to purchase pens, paper, and other needed classroom supplies; when our schools face a shortage of guidance counselors and support professionals; when local school budgets struggle to keep pace with student needs; and when districts and parents are being asked to make hard choices about curriculum and programs to reach all students; shows you have clearly sided with Betsy DeVos over the students, educators, and taxpayers of this state.
The effect your voucher program would have on the children of New Hampshire from every zip code and background is devastating. Your voucher program would remove funding and programs from every school district in the state. We cannot allow that to happen.
We want those House members who recognize the dedication of public school employees willing to step in harm’s way to protect the children in their care, by passing the educator death benefit bill, to know how grateful we are for their support. And we want them to know that we believe the dangers of your voucher program are so great, we urge them vote to non-concur with HB1636 and bring an end to the looting of New Hampshire’s public schools.
You, the Senate leadership, and the supporters of SB193 have miscalculated our devotion to our public schools once again.
Sincerely,
Megan Tuttle
President, NEA-New Hampshire