'The Issue Before Us Today Is School Choice'

Is it school choice or "risky education policy?"

The state's nascent education tax credit program has an uncertain future after the House voted to repeal it. Supporters came out in numbers Friday to defend the law before a Senate committee, while critics panned it as an unconstitutional money grab at the true expense of public education.

Rep. Mary Gile, D-Concord, a lead sponsor of the repeal bill, said it was "risky education policy."

The education tax credit was designed as a boon to unaccredited, creationist schools, said Bill Duncan, who has blogged about the issue.

But Paul Edgar, principal of Tri-City Christian Academy in Somersworth, called it a sensible policy that makes a significant difference to families served by his school–likely to be accredited next year.

"The issue before us today is school choice," Edgar said.

Bill co-sponsor Rep. Steve Vaillancourt, R-Manchester, called it an "unconstitutional education voucher."

"In not one, but in fact in two sections, the New Hampshire Constitution prohibits any tax money from going toward education of religious institutions," Vaillancourt testified.

The Senate hearing was still in progress as of 2:30 p.m. Friday.