Several interested parties and policy groups weighed in yesterday on the state Supreme Court’s education tax credit ruling. Here’s a sampling of their statements.
New Hampshire Republican Party Chairwoman Jennifer Horn: “We are pleased that the court’s decision will allow this worthy program to continue to benefit New Hampshire children. Education choice is about parents being able to find the best possible educational opportunities for their children, regardless of family income. The (scholarship program) has leveled the playing field, offering even our poorest students the opportunity to access the educational environment that is best for them.”
Bill Duncan, plaintiff and former Executive Council candidate: “I am deeply disappointed by the decision, especially the fact that it was not decided on the merits. This decision on standing disenfranchises taxpayers, parents and students throughout the state. There may be other ways to challenge the voucher tax credit program in the future. School districts harmed by the program could bring suit or a future Legislature could repeal it.”
Greg Moore, state director of Americans for Prosperity: “Today’s decision is a major victory for giving parents more opportunities to ensure that children can receive the best education for each child. No parent should be forced to send his or her child to a bad school. The education choice scholarship model gives needy parents more options to ensure the success of their child and keeping it in place empowers families across the state.”
Scott McGilvray, president of NEA-NH: “No matter how they try to dress it up, diverting dollars that should have been paid in taxes to fund public education to other sources, defunds and dilutes public education and will result in a diminishment in the scope of services provided to all the children of New Hampshire. As I have said many, many times, we have a public school system in New Hampshire to be proud of. ”
Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley, a Wolfeboro Republican: “School choice scholarships give low-income families more flexibility to find the best educational options for their children. Public schools in New Hampshire do a great job of meeting the educational needs of most students. But as a parent I know that some children need more choices for their education, which is why I have long supported charter schools, home-schooling, choice in which public school to attend as well as tax credit scholarships for low-income students.”
New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley: “This disastrous education voucher law funnels public funding to unaccountable, out-of-state right-wing groups bent on destroying our public education system and hampers our state’s ability to provide Granite State students the education they deserve.”
