Kathy Hubert

I am writing as a constituent from Newportvto respectfully ask you to support HB1456. During the 2025 legislative session language was added to HB2 declaring that the Legislature shall make the final determination of the state educational policies and the funding needed to carry them out. This language was inserted without public hearing or testimony and followed the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruling in the ConVal case. In ConVal the Court reaffirmed the constitutional principles established in Claremont I and Claremont II that the State of New Hampshire has the duty to define and fund an adequate education for every child. Those rulings made clear that this duty rests with the State and must be supported by taxes that are uniform in rate. HB1456 simply repeals the language added to HB2. This bill does not change education policy. It does not increase spending. It does not remove legislative authority over education policy or appropriations. It restores constitutional balance. Under our system of government the Legislature makes the laws and appropriates funds. The judiciary interprets the Constitution. No branch may declare itself beyond constitutional review. That balance protects all citizens and ensures that the oath of office to uphold the Constitution has real meaning. When the State fails to meet its constitutional obligation the burden shifts to local property taxpayers. Towns like Claremont and Newport continue to suffer under disproportionately high property tax rates because the State does not carry its full share of the cost of an adequate education. For communities like Newport and Claremont that are plaintiffs in the ConVal case this issue is not theoretical. It directly affects local property taxpayers and the constitutional responsibility of the State. I respectfully ask that you vote Ought to Pass on HB1456. Thank you for your service and consideration. Sincerely, Kathy Hubert