In an effort to address potential education funding issues due to a pending state Supreme Court decision, a bill was introduced that aims to establish a spending cap and increase state contributions to education. House Bill 675 would limit spending based on a three-year average of state grants or previous budgets with a consumer price index adjustment. The bill would also add $5 per $1,000 of equalized evaluation to the Statewide Education Property Tax to reach the per-pupil education contribution set by a superior court judge. However, opponents argue that the bill undermines local control of education and unfairly burdens property wealthy communities.
Proponents of the bill believe it will provide property tax relief and address challenges related to high property taxes driven by school spending. While some see the bill as a viable solution, others, such as Waterville Valley town manager Mark Decoteau and Lebanon School Board Chair Lillian Maughan, argue that it will negatively impact communities and students by cutting core programs and increasing tax burdens. The bill has sparked debate among legislators and stakeholders, with concerns about accountability and fairness in education funding distribution. The fate of the bill remains uncertain as the House Education Funding Committee has yet to make a recommendation.
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