SOURCE: Union Leader

By TOM FAHEY, State House Bureau Chief

CONCORD – The New Hampshire Advantage Coalition called yesterday for defeat of Gov. John Lynch's proposed constitutional amendment on school funding.

Lynch's amendment says the state cannot fund less than half the cost of an adequate education. It also allows the state more flexibility in deciding how to distribute money among towns so state aid will reach the districts that need it most.

NHAC executive director Tammy Simmons said lawmakers are being asked to vote on the amendment without knowing its cost. The Legislature has before it a bill defining an adequate education, but doesn't plan to figure out until next year what it will require the state to spend.

Holding up one of dozens of empty wallets NHAC was handing to legislators, Simmons said, "this is what we're concerned about -- a sea of empty wallets across New Hampshire." She said the state already spends enough on schools, and that the state will find itself with a sales or income tax if the amendment passes.

"The question is do we want Concord to dictate what local school districts spend on education." She said the amendment will hurt local control and will not stop school funding lawsuits.

Lynch spokesman Colin Manning denied claims the amendment will lead to a broadbased tax.

"Gov. Lynch has said he will veto an income or sales tax. The governor has strong record of fiscal responsibility," he said. Manning pointed out that Republicans who backed the GOP candidate for governor in November play a large role in the NHAC.

"This is being brought to you by the same people who brought you Jim Coburn, and that says a lot," Manning said.

The House plans to hold a day-long hearing on the amendment, CACR 18, tomorrow, followed by work sessions over the next two weeks to consider proposed changes to it.

Conservative groups like NHAC are not alone in opposing the amendment. Those who feel the language would allow future Legislatures to cut funding to schools by redefining an adequate education also oppose it.

Today, members from that side of the argument gather in Concord to voice their concerns.

Londonderry School Superintendent Nate Greenberg said he will be joined by the New Hampshire Children's Alliance, the National Education Association, and school administrators and districts that were part of the original Claremont Coalition lawsuit. That suit led to the state Supreme Court ruling that said the state is obligated to pay for an adequate education.