Save Our Scholarships: Hearing on Repeal Bill – Part 2

This is Part 2 of the public hearing for HB 632, the ETC repeal bill. Please join us so the committee may hear from you!

For a summary of what happened at the first public hearing, read ETC Repeal Hearing Update – Part 1.

 

WHAT: Public hearing on House Bill 632, the first one that intends to repeal the Education Tax Credit scholarship program – Part 2

WHERE: Legislative Office Building, room 202, located at 33 N State Street, Concord.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 5th, starting at 1:00pm

 

The Education Tax Credit (ETC) scholarship program is the only one in the state that supports low-income students’ access an education that fits their individual needs. It allows private donations – not state funds – to be given to a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to at-risk children. Scholarships may be used for tuition at out-of-district public schools, private school tuition, or home education expenses.

This school year, 413 children are utilizing the ETC scholarship for their education. If the program is repealed, they will likely be unable to continue in the learning environment that fits their needs.

The ETC scholarship program is facing multiple legislative attacks this year, the first of which is House Bill 632. It will have a public hearing on Tuesday, March 5th starting at 1:00pm in Legislative Office Building (LOB) 202. It may be moved to a larger location. (Note: The public hearing time changed on 2/13/2019. The correct time is updated in this post.)

Please come and testify, or just provide moral support by filling the room. The public is welcome to provide written or oral testimony, or may sign the “blue sheet” to indicate your position on the bill.

Children are welcome and encouraged to attend! This is a perfect civics field trip – to see the legislature in action on an issue so near to our hearts!

The Legislative Office Building (LOB) is immediately behind the Statehouse, located at 33 N State St, Concord, NH 03301. There is on-street parking, and a parking garage nearby. Parking will be at a premium this day because of other major hearings scheduled.

Driving directions to the State House and Legislative Office Building (LOB) are available here. The LOB is located immediately behind the State House, the building with the golden dome.

If you are unable to attend, please contact the committee before the hearing.

CALL: Phone calls are most effective, particularly if you share what educational opportunities mean to you and your family. Mention if you are a constituent. Here is the committee members’ contact information.

EMAIL: We have an easy-to-use tool that will send an email to the committee as well as your own state representatives. The message can be personalized for greater impact.

A brief group email is takes only moments. Their emails are below for an easy copy/paste.

susan.almy@comcast.net
Richard.Ames@leg.state.nh.us
dennis.malloy@leg.state.nh.us
David.Karrick@leg.state.nh.us
Thomas.Southworth@leg.state.nh.us
Tom.Schamberg@leg.state.nh.us
edith.tucker@leg.state.nh.us
Lisa.Bunker@leg.state.nh.us
Jennie.Gomarlo@leg.state.nh.us
Willis.Griffith@leg.state.nh.us
Tom.Loughman@leg.state.nh.us
Jerry.Stringham@leg.state.nh.us
norman.major@leg.state.nh.us
repulery@comcast.net
patrick.abrami@leg.state.nh.us
Charles.Burns@leg.state.nh.us
Fred.Doucette@leg.state.nh.us
jess.edwards@leg.state.nh.us
Alan.Bershtein@leg.state.nh.us
susan.almy@comcast.net
Richard.Ames@leg.state.nh.us