Elizabeth French

ar Members of the Committee, I am writing to express my strong support for HB 1799, which represents a crucial step toward achieving fair and equitable school funding in New Hampshire. Recent court rulings, such as the ConVal and Rand decisions, have highlighted the urgent need to reduce reliance on local property taxes for education funding. HB 1799 addresses these issues by increasing state adequacy funding, tackling achievement gaps, and exploring sustainable revenue sources beyond property taxes. It also ensures that SWEPT revenue is directed into the Education Trust Fund, paving the way for a more constitutional and balanced system. As someone who believes in the importance of quality education for all children and the need for fair property tax relief, I firmly support HB 1799. This bill is a vital step toward a more equitable education system and a fairer tax structure. Thank you for considering my testimony. I urge the committee to support this important legislation. Sincerely, Elizabeth French