EFA warrant article could reduce taxes
Voters in Jaffrey can vote for a warrant article that could reduce future property taxes. The article calls on state lawmakers to strengthen accountability and restore income limits to New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account voucher program. The article urges legislators to require fiscal and academic performance reporting comparable to that required of public schools and to limit eligibility to families with demonstrated financial need. Lawmakers recently removed all income caps, significantly expanding the program beyond its original purpose. The EFA program is now an unfunded mandate that is projected to cost $110 million over the next two years with no new state revenue identified – pushing the cost onto property taxpayers. Public funds will be redirected to private education but will not reduce the constitutionally required costs of public schools. Restoring the income limits on EFAs would reduce the future costs to all property taxpayers and not give an unneeded subsidy to parents who can afford to provide their children a private education. Voters are asked to support stronger oversight and income limits for New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account voucher program to protect taxpayers and ensure responsible use of public funds.