CONCORD, NH – Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoed HB 446—legislation that would have changed the Youth Risk Behavior Survey from an opt-out to an opt-in. This bill was unnecessary because state law already allows an opt-out provision for any parent who does not want their child to participate in the survey.
Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, provided the following statement:
“We should all agree that it is critical that schools, families, communities, and the state work together to provide New Hampshire youth with the tools, resources, and supports they need to learn and thrive.
As educators, we know this anonymous, optional survey helps identify important trends in youth mental health, substance use, and more so that the state can create effective prevention programs. That’s why NEA-New Hampshire is grateful that Governor Ayotte vetoed HB 446, which would have greatly reduced participation in this survey and could have negatively impacted the ability to gather useful insights from the data that could ultimately harm New Hampshire youth.”
###
About NEA-New Hampshire
NEA-New Hampshire is the largest union of public employees in the state. Founded in 1854, the New Hampshire State Teachers Association became one of the "founding ten" state education associations that formed the National Education Association in 1857. Known today as NEA-NH, and comprised of more than 17,000 members, our mission to advocate for the children of New Hampshire and public-school employees, and to promote lifelong learning, remains true after more than 165 years. Our members are public school employees in all stages of their careers, including classroom teachers and other certified professionals, staff and instructors at public higher education institutions, students preparing for a teaching career, education support personnel and those retired from the profession.
