Legislative Update Report

January 29: Meet Josh Cowen, Author of The Privateers, for a Community Conversation on Vouchers

In The Privateers, Josh Cowen lays bare the surprising history of tax-funded school choice programs in the United States and warns of the dangers of education privatization. A former evaluator of state and local voucher programs, Cowen demonstrates how, as such programs have expanded in the United States, so too has the evidence-informed case against them.  As state lawmakers consider yet another effort to expand an unaccountable voucher scheme, we are thrilled to host two events with Josh Cowen and hope you will join us! Can’t make the event but want to take action? Click here to urge your state lawmakers […]

1/17/25: NEA-NH Legislative Update

Broad Array of People Testify Against Universal Voucher Bill!   One of the biggest bills of the year had its public hearing this week in the House Education Funding Committee. HB 115 would expand our unaccountable voucher program by eliminating the income qualifying cap entirely. Thank you to everyone who signed in, wrote in or testified in-person against this bill! Overall, there were more than 3,400 people who signed in against the bill compared to only 791 who signed in support. A broad array of people came out in opposition including several NEA-NH members, people who went to or sent their […]

1/10/25: NEA-NH Legislative Update 

As the 2025 New Hampshire legislative session kicks off, educators are bracing for what could be a pivotal year for our students, our classrooms, and our profession. Click here to read a powerful call to action from NEA-New Hampshire President Megan Tuttle.  First Week of Hearings Begins with House Universal Vouchers!  ACTION REQUESTED: SIGN IN TO OPPOSE HB 115 being heard in the HOUSE Education Funding Committee on Thursday, January 16th at 1:00 pm. Please find step-by-step instructions to sign in below.  One of the biggest bills of the year will have its hearing during the very first week of […]

1/4/25 NEA-NH Legislative Update: Next Week: Legislative Advocacy Training; First Day of Legislative Session; Ayotte Inauguration 

Virtual Legislative Advocacy Training on Wednesday, January 8th!  Want to get involved in the fight to protect public education at the State House but don’t know where to start? We have you covered. As we prepare for legislative efforts that would dramatically impact public education, NEA-New Hampshire President Megan Tuttle will host a virtual advocacy training on January 8 from 6 – 6:30 pm with Government Relations Director Brian Hawkins. Registration is required for this 30-minute training on how you can be an advocate for the issues that matter most to you and your students this upcoming session.   SIGN UP […]

Legislative Update: A Look at the Year Ahead and Getting Ready to Defend Public Education 

Awaiting Language of Bills  As the year comes to a close, all the bills have been filed but we are awaiting the publishing of language and the bills the Senate is able to keep confidential for the time being. However, with more than 1,000 bills expected to be filed we do know what most of the issues will be just based on the title published. Around 150 of those bills fall into some category of education policy or finance. Here are some of the biggest volume areas:  Vouchers  Our biggest challenge this year is likely to be the drive to […]

A photo of the New Hampshire State House dome.

12/14/2024: NEA-NH Legislative Update

New Legislature Sworn In – New Majority Priorities Clear So Let’s Get Ready!  New Leadership in Senate  The new state Legislature was sworn in on December 4th. Senator Sharon Carson is the new Senate President and Representative Sherm Packard is returning as Speaker of the House. We also know that Senator Regina Birdsell is the new Senate leader for Republicans and Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka will lead Senate Democrats. In the House, Representative Jason Osborne is returning as Majority Leader for the Republicans and Representative Alexis Simpson has been picked as Minority Leader for the Democrats.  Committee Assignments  While we […]