Veronica Tomasko-Silva

It is unclear to me as to why the legislation wants to broaden the education gap for young children struggling to read. There is no reason within this proposed bill to get rid of this program, and no suggestion for an alternative. Nothing indicates whether this program is simply not utilized in this state, or if there is a revenue based reason to discontinue the program. This program from its website, seems to be entirely voluntary as to whether teachers receive this training. Which makes revenue seem like a poor reason to discontinue. Just because some counties may choose not to participate in the program, doesn`t mean that every county shouldn`t be able to. Frankly, the appearance of this bill seems to be willfully and actively participating in the disadvantaging of New Hampshire children. New Hampshire has one of the highest literacy rates in the country, and we maintain that by investing in the education of every New Hampshire student. Not just the ones that excel with no aid. Increased literacy rates do not exist in a vacuum and often include supplementary education like the Reading Recovery Program. This legislation should be unanimously opposed for the benefit of New Hampshire youth.