House Leaders Comment on Override of Governor’s Veto of Education Tax Credits

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien (R-Mont Vernon) and House Majority Leader Pete Silva (R-Nashua) today released the following statement on the override of the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 372, allowing education tax credits.  The bill allows businesses to receive business profits tax credits when they contribute to education foundations that fund school choice initiatives. The House overrode the bill 236 to 108, within the necessary 2/3rds of members present and voting.

House Speaker William O’Brien

“No parent should be forced to send a child to a school that does not meet the child’s needs. This is good legislation to allow parents to give their children the best chance possible to succeed.  It makes school choice a reality for many children who lack the ability to find an educational environment where they can thrive.  This legislation is good for New Hampshire’s future and will bring competition to our schools, which should improve their quality as well.  Candidates for governor should show voters they understand the difficulties that many poor and working class families face in getting a quality education for their children by discussing where they stand on choice in education. Are they for the children or are children’s interests subordinate to the monopoly status of public schools?”

House Majority Leader Pete Silva

“Unfortunately the Governor chose to stand with his teacher union buddies and Democrat education bureaucrats over the children of New Hampshire. Luckily we were able to hold up the legislative position and now this bill will give more options to students and parents, protect local property taxpayers and give businesses the chance to ensure a strong workforce in the future.”