CONCORD, N.H.—Statement by AFT-New Hampshire President Deb Howes on Gov. Chris Sununu’s State of the State address today:
“Gov. Sununu slaps himself on the back for his education accomplishments, but he pointedly failed to acknowledge the heroic work of our teachers, paraeducators, and staff who have shown up every day during the pandemic for their students. While trumpeting the statewide voucher program and his mantra of cutting property taxes, the public should know that siphoning money from public schools for unregulated private school vouchers doesn’t help students or families and sends property taxes through the roof.
“Let’s be perfectly clear: If the governor really cares about all students’ education, he would support adequate investment and avoidance of political ideology. Students and teachers need to count on honest instruction, not a ban on so-called divisive concepts; vulnerable students need more social workers and counselors to address social and emotional issues; and all public schools need to be fully funded so that kids can be put on a trajectory to success in life, career, and jobs.”
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