The New Hampshire House of Representatives has approved a controversial school choice bill by a vote of 184-162.
The bill would allow some parents to take their children out of public schools and then spend the state tax dollars that would have gone to that public school on other forms of education, including homeschooling and private school tuition.
Democrats have argued the bill is an attack on public school funding.
Republicans, like Rep. Rick Ladd of Haverhill, argue the bill will help students who aren’t a good fit for public school. Ladd is chairman of the House Education Committee.
“What we need to do is provide opportunity for our children. Competition is good, not just for the private school, but for the public school.”
The bill now heads to the House Finance Committee.
An earlier version of the legislation passed in the Senate last year. It has the support of Gov. Chris Sununu.
