Blossom Dodge | Support HB734

My name is Blossom Dodge, and I am writing in support of HB734, which seeks to create a more equitable and sustainable funding system for public education in New Hampshire. As a lifelong New Hampshire resident and an educator, I strongly believe that every student, regardless of their zip code, deserves access to a well-funded education. This bill represents an important step toward addressing disparities in school funding while also providing much-needed tax relief to low- and moderate-income homeowners. By requiring towns to send all revenue from the statewide education property tax (SWEPT) to the state's General Fund, this bill ensures that education funding is distributed more fairly across all communities. Currently, wealthier towns benefit disproportionately by keeping excess revenue, while less affluent towns struggle to provide the necessary resources for their students. Redirecting these funds at the state level will help ensure that all school districts receive equitable support, rather than allowing disparities to persist. Additionally, this bill wisely incorporates a provision that adjusts school funding annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This is a necessary measure to ensure that our education system keeps pace with inflation and rising costs. Without regular adjustments, school budgets become increasingly strained, forcing districts to make cuts that negatively impact students and educators alike. Another key benefit of HB734 is the increased eligibility for low- and moderate-income homeowners to receive property tax relief. Rising property taxes are a burden on many families, and this provision helps to alleviate that financial strain. Ensuring that more homeowners can access tax relief will help make homeownership more sustainable, particularly for those in financially vulnerable situations. Finally, the establishment of a committee to study the tax relief program is a prudent step toward ensuring that these measures are effective and properly implemented. This allows for continued oversight, evaluation, and potential adjustments to better serve homeowners and maintain fiscal responsibility. While I fully support the goals of this bill, I urge the legislature to ensure that the redistribution of funds is handled with transparency and accountability. There must be clear oversight and reporting mechanisms in place to guarantee that school districts receive the resources they need without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. HB734 is a comprehensive and forward-thinking bill that addresses both the need for equitable education funding and the importance of property tax relief for struggling homeowners. I urge the committee to support this bill and take an important step toward creating a fairer and more effective education funding system in New Hampshire.