Georgina Lambert

Testimony Against HB 1820: Overreach and Mismanagement I strongly oppose HB 1820, which aims to mandate the Department of Education (DOE) to administer the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program without providing necessary funding or staffing. This bill reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the current capabilities and limitations of the DOE, which is already operating with minimal resources. By shifting administrative oversight to an already overstretched agency without adequate support, this legislation sets the stage for mismanagement and inefficiency. Expecting a small department to handle the complexities of school choice funding without additional resources is not only impractical; it jeopardizes the effective oversight of both EFA funds and public education. Furthermore, prioritizing the management of EFA funding over the core mission of enhancing public education is deeply concerning. This bill diverts critical attention and resources away from the primary goal of ensuring quality education for all students. Instead of concentrating on addressing the pressing needs of our public education system, HB 1820 promotes an agenda that may ultimately undermine traditional public schools. The focus should be on strengthening our existing education infrastructure, not shifting limited resources toward a program that lacks the necessary support for effective implementation. This legislation risks compromising educational standards and outcomes, harming students across the state.