NH public school monies fund vouchers
In a recent article by Patrick O’Grady, “Sullivan House District 3: Newcomer Democrats challenge three incumbent Republicans”, Steven Smith, the Deputy Speaker of the NH House is quoted, “Education Freedom Accounts amount to 1.3% of education spending and the money does not come out of the Education Trust Fund.”
The $60 million being spent on Education Freedom Account vouchers this school year does come from the NH Education Trust Fund, reducing the state funds available to support our public schools. NH RSA 198:39 Education Trust Fund Created and Invested regulates what trust fund monies can be used for. Section 198:39 I(e) is “To distribute funds to scholarship organizations approved under RSA 77-G, that administer and implement RSA 194-F.”
RSA 194-F Education Freedom Accounts, sets up this voucher program and Section 194-F:11 Appropriation From Education Trust Fund states clearly the funding of $60 million of vouchers comes from the Education Trust Fund.
Steven Smith, who wants to be the next Speaker of the NH House, should know this. Why did he get this wrong?