Several weeks ago, I was a part of an email from a constituent asking questions about House Bills that were Representative Aylward’s priorities in The Beacon. I would like to clarify that whatever Rep. Alyward writes as her priorities does not mean I am in agreement. The same is true on whatever House Bills I may have as priorities; Rep. Alyward may not agree with me and my reasoning. 

Each of us is an individual and we do not necessarily agree. Let me give an example which one of Rep Aylward’s priorities is HB 115, relative to Education Freedom Accounts to and extending to be “Universal.”

I wholeheartedly back and support the current Education Freedom Accounts program. In fact I do believe the time will come when there will be harmony with school choice and public schools. But here and now in 2025, I do not agree with extending the Education Accounts program to universal. 

My reasons have to do with common sense and that the State of New Hampshire may need to cut the next budget by at least $500M, and the proposed County, School, and Town budgets are all increasing. I am concerned for the taxpayers. 

Last fall many taxpayers received dramatic increases in their tax bills. I realize there are many people with higher incomes, that if their tax bill increases by $1,000 or $2,000

dollars it means nothing to them. Then there are the rest of the taxpayers that have no idea how they are going to pay for the property tax increase.

Therefore, I asked myself if the “universal” education/freedom accounts were a “want or a need.” Each of us should ask that question here and in all budgets.

I recommend and encourage citizens to become involved in local town meetings, school meetings, and county meetings. Attend monthly meetings. Become a part of the process in government.

Want to share the following information. As for school costs average cost to educate a child in New Hampshire public schools for the 2023-2024 school year was $21,545 per student. And in the 2023–2024 school year, the average New Hampshire Education Freedom Account (EFA) was $5,255 per eligible student. $16,290 is saved by taxpayers per student that utilizes the Education Freedom Account program.