Governor Ayotte has signed the new state budget into law, prompting reactions from various stakeholders. Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, expressed concerns about the priorities reflected in the budget.
“Budgets are moral documents; they reveal the true priorities of those in power,” said Tuttle. She noted that while some proposed cuts and policies were removed from the final budget, it still does not fully fund public education. Instead, she argues, the budget allows more public funds to be diverted to private schools for wealthy families, a cost that will ultimately fall on New Hampshire property taxpayers.
Tuttle emphasized that Granite Staters support their public schools and recognize their importance to community strength. However, she criticized the budget for not addressing existing inequities in school funding. “It is far past time that our elected officials work together to fulfill our collective responsibility to ensure every child—regardless of zip code—has access to a safe, supportive, and high-quality public education,” she stated.
NEA-New Hampshire continues its advocacy efforts for educators and students across the state. “We will not stop fighting until every child has access to the education they deserve: an education that sparks curiosity, fuels creativity, and opens doors to opportunity,” Tuttle concluded.
NEA-New Hampshire is a significant union of public employees in New Hampshire with a history dating back to 1854. The organization focuses on advocating for children and public-school employees while promoting lifelong learning.