Kim Lawrence

Dear Chair and Members of the Committee, My name is Kim Lawrence, and I am a resident of New Hampshire. I am writing in strong support of HB 1831-FN. New Hampshire families are being crushed by property taxes, and much of that pressure comes from how we fund public education. When the state fails to provide fair and adequate education funding, towns and cities are forced to make up the difference through local property taxes. That system is not sustainable for working families, seniors on fixed incomes, or young families trying to stay in New Hampshire. HB 1831 helps address this problem by repealing the cap on targeted aid used in determining education adequacy grants. Targeted aid—such as extraordinary needs grants and fiscal capacity disparity aid—exists to help communities with higher needs and weaker tax bases. But when this aid is capped, it shifts the cost burden right back onto local taxpayers. If we want to take pressure off property taxes, we must stop limiting the very funding designed to reduce inequities. HB 1831 is a practical step toward a more balanced and responsible education funding system that supports students while also supporting taxpayers. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to vote Ought to Pass on HB 1831-FN. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Kim Lawrence Resident of New Hampshire