Legislative Update: HB1803 Public Hearing Video - January 23, 2026 Windham Independent
Legislative Update - HB1803 Public Hearing Video
On January 15, the Education Funding committee held a public hearing for HB1803, a bill that would take away education tax credit (ETC) scholarships from families receiving education freedom account (EFA) funds.
No state money is spent on the ETC scholarships - every dollar comes from private donations. New Hampshire gives an 85% tax credit to individuals and businesses that donate to the ETC program, so there is a reduction in general fund revenue for the state, but none of those tax dollars would go into the Education Trust Fund.
If a business paying 35% in federal income taxes donates $100 to the scholarship program, they still owe $15 to the state of NH, but save $35 on their federal taxes, so they save $20 overall. The state of NH gets the benefit of the $100 in scholarships, plus $15 in taxes.
Only families whose income is under 300% of the federal poverty threshold are eligible for an ETC scholarship - this Democrat bill targets the poorest of our state residents, the very people that most need our help, leaving them unable to cover their education costs.
The hearing video is here: https://tinyurl.com/2026HB1803
Normally, I would not ask you to watch long testimonies - as a state representative, I worked hard on speaking briefly and effectively (if you met me in person, you already know that is not my natural inclination).
But these people are not politicians or polished speakers - they are scared and stressed because their only way to provide an education for their children is threatened, and they are pouring their hearts out in front of the committee to try to protect their families… so please listen to them speak.
Their testimonies start at 2:48 (time stamp is in the bottom right portion of the video) - please skip there if your time is limited.
The hearing starts at 2:03pm with the prime sponsor introducing the bill. I’d suggest skipping ahead to 2:23, when the first of many questions start being asked by the committee members.
This bill has no chance of passing the House, but I am deeply troubled by the willingness of my colleagues to hurt our most vulnerable residents by removing their access to a much needed program funded with private donations.
I am truly grateful for the trust you showed by sending me to represent you in Concord. I will continue to fight to keep New Hampshire on the right track, including making it so every New Hampshire family can afford to make the education choices that most benefit their children.
Please reach out to me at 603 267 4142 (call or text), or by email at dpmwindham@gmail.com (a quick call or text after emailing me would greatly help) with any questions or concerns.
Daniel Popovici-Muller
Windham State Representative,
Vice Chairman, Finance II Committee
Education Funding Committee