Paul Allen-Webber

I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1799. As a Jaffrey resident and taxpayer, I believe this legislation is a critical step toward fulfilling the state’s constitutional obligation to provide every child with an opportunity for an adequate education, regardless of their zip code. For too long, New Hampshire has relied disproportionately on local property taxes to fund our schools. This has created a system of "haves" and "have-nots," where a student's educational quality is determined by the property wealth of their community. HB 1799 addresses this inequity by: Reflecting Real Costs: The bill updates the definition of an "adequate education" to include essential services that are currently underfunded or ignored, such as school nurses, mental health counselors, transportation, and modern technology. Increasing Per-Pupil Aid: By raising the base adequacy amount and increasing "differentiated aid" for students with special needs, English language learners, and those from low-income families, this bill ensures that funding follows the student’s actual needs. Reducing Property Tax Pressure: By increasing the state's share of education funding, this bill provides much-needed relief to local property taxpayers who have shouldered an unsustainable burden for decades. Addressing Achievement Gaps: The requirement for statewide and district-level plans to identify and reduce outcome disparities is a necessary accountability measure to ensure all New Hampshire students can succeed. Investing in our children is an investment in the future of New Hampshire’s economy and workforce. It is time for the state to meet its responsibilities and ensure a fair, predictable, and adequate funding system for all our public schools. I respectfully urge you to support HB 1799. Thank you for your leadership and for considering my testimony. Sincerely, Paul Allen-Webber