Failing to reach consensus on a constitutional amendment to change the state’s education funding formula has become an annual rite of passage for lawmakers.
But Democratic Representative Gary Richardson of Hopkinton believes next year will be different.
Richardson is working with state Senator Nancy Stiles, a Hampton Republican, to come up with a proposed amendment to be considered in the next legislative session.
Richardson says previous attempts have failed because they have either given the Legislature full direction or sought to restrict the Supreme Court’s authority.
“This amendment would simply say that in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility, the state can target more of that money to certain school districts that need it than to others.”
Richardson says they are reaching out to Governor-elect Maggie Hassan to get her support.
An amendment would require three-fifths support in the Legislature, then two-thirds support of the voters.
Richardson says without Hassan’s backing, it would not pass.
He expects the bill to be filed in the Senate.
