Representative Luna discusses $8.8M federal funding for schools and Medicaid changes

The New Hampshire Legislature's recent meeting on March 31, 2025, focused on education funding, particularly the financial support provided to schools. A key discussion point was the federal funding amount of $8.8 million allocated to reimburse schools for various expenses in 2024. Legislators noted that while this figure is significant, it does not represent a transformative change in funding levels.

Representative Luna highlighted that the funding could potentially increase by an additional $4 to $8 million, depending on school participation rates. However, he emphasized that even with this increase, the overall funding would not reach the levels seen pre-pandemic, which were in the mid-teens of millions.

The meeting also touched on past changes to Medicaid funding for schools, which were implemented just before the pandemic began. These changes allowed for greater compliance and flexibility, including the introduction of telemedicine services, which proved beneficial during school closures. Legislators expressed relief that these adjustments were made in time to support schools during challenging circumstances.

Overall, the discussions underscored the ongoing challenges in education funding and the need for continued support to enhance school resources and participation in federal programs. The meeting concluded with a recognition of the importance of these funding discussions as New Hampshire schools navigate their financial futures.