In addition to the action described above in the budget update, both the House and Senate bills on comprehensive pension reform are under review by the other body.

SB 3, Senator Bradley's bill making comprehensive changes to the state retirement system, had a public hearing before the HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PENSIONS REFORM. The bill remains under review, with a committee vote and recommendation expected on April 26.

HB 580, Rep. Kurk's bill making comprehensive changes to the state retirement system, is scheduled for a public hearing before the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee on Thursday, April 21 at 10:00 in Room 100 of the State House. 

CACR 14 had a public hearing on Monday before the House Special Committee on Education Funding Reform. This proposal gives the legislature "the authority, responsibility, and discretion to define reasonable standards for elementary and secondary public education, to establish reasonable standards of accountability therefor, and to mitigate local disparities in educational opportunity and fiscal capacity. Further, in the exercise thereof, the general court shall have full discretion to determine the amount of, and methods of raising and distributing, State funding for education." Similar to the House language in CACR 12, the proposal would allow the state to set any level, if at all, of funding for public education. After debate and rejection of a suggested change in wording, the committee voted to keep the language as adopted by the Senate, but then failed to make a recommendation on whether or not the bill should be adopted. Both OTP and ITL motions failed on a 7-7 tie vote, and CACR 14 now goes to the full House for consideration without a recommendation from the committee. The House vote is scheduled for April 27.

ACTION ITEM

Contact your local representatives and voice your opposition to this proposal. Specifically share NHSBA's resolution that opposes any effort to amend the constitution in such a way that is contrary to the current interpretation of, and court rulings in, both the Claremont and Londonderry decisions. Local implementation of education programs comes within parameters established both by law and rulemaking. The state is a partner in this venture, and adequate education funding plays an integral role in the support and delivery of education to our children.

The proposal seeks to allow providing aid to certain communities at the expense of other, less "needy", communities. The reality is that the majority of districts in our state rely on state funding to help implement the educational programs offered within their schools. Significantly reducing the amount of aid directed to these communities will place significant strain on the local property tax, if those lost revenues are indeed replaced. If not replaced but followed by budget cuts, losses and reductions in educational programs will lead to fewer educational opportunities for our youth. 

Tuesday, April 19:

House MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Room 301, LOB

11:00 a.m. SB 2, allowing adoption of spending caps by municipalities. This bill not only addresses cities and towns under a charter, but also includes towns, school districts, and other political subdivisions under the municipal budget act. The bill inserts a new section on "Local Spending Caps" into RSA 32:5.

Senate EDUCATION, Rooms 305-307, LOB

1:00 p.m. HB 370, making changes to the pupil safety and violence prevention act (Bully Law). The proposed changes 1) delete a listing of common behaviors that have historically resulted in bullying, from the purpose statement; 2) deletes a provision authorizing the superintendent to grant a waiver from providing notice of an incident to the victim or the perpetrator; and 3) modifies and limits the ability of districts to respond to actions occurring off school property.

Thursday, April 21:

Senate EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, Room 100, State House

10:00 a.m. HB 580, relative to the New Hampshire retirement system, and relative to continuation of provisions of a collective bargaining agreement following the end of the term of the agreement.

House EDUCATION, Room 207, LOB

10:00 a.m. SB 90, directing the legislative oversight committee to study the consolidation of SAUs.

10:15 a.m. Proposed amendment to SB 90, suspending the 180 day requirement for the 2010-11 school year only.

11:00 a.m. SB 172, relative to performance-based school accountability criteria.

1:30 p.m. SB 67, establishing a committee to study school vouchers and school choice.

Senate FINANCE, Representatives' Hall, State House

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. HB 1, making appropriations for fiscal years 2012 and 2013, and HB 2, relative to state fees, funds, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. revenues, and expenditures.

Please note: the following hearing will be streamed live via the Internet at the following web address: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/houselivevideo.asx