New Hampshire families just got a vote of confidence, as the House Education Committee narrowly recommended “ought to pass as amended” on SB 193. This important school-choice measure will go to the full House in January.
The bipartisan vote was 10-9. Cornerstone commends the legislators who put kids first with this vote. Of special note are Reps. Rick Ladd (R-Haverhill, 603-989-3268, ladd.nhhouse@charter.net) and Glenn Cordelli (R-Tuftonboro, 603-515-0008, glenn.cordelli@leg.state.nh.us) who took the lead in crafting an amendment to address concerns raised by some of their colleagues, and Rep. Barbara Shaw (D-Manchester, 603-626-4681, beshaw3@comcast.net), who stood with New Hampshire students despite resistance from fellow Democrats.
The vote means that a majority of committee members trust parents to make good educational choices for children, and it means that those members want to expand available choices. Governor Chris Sununu in his statement following the vote affirmed his support for the measure.
SB 193 would allow education savings accounts (ESAs), which are restricted-use accounts that parents may apply to qualified educational expenses for their children. ESAs help to empower families, regardless of income, to choose the best educational environment for their children.
The committee majority refused to be intimidated by the shameful campaign of fear and misinformation spread by the bill’s opponents. Cornerstone expects the same pressure will be brought to bear on the full House before the January vote. We will continue to stand with the students and families working for more and better education options.
