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Committee moves to preserve statutory language for math learning communities and separate funding question
Summary
The Finance Division I endorsed updated statutory language for the Community College System's Math Learning Communities program while proposing to remove the appropriation from the standalone bill so funding can be addressed in the CCSNH budget. Lawmakers favored striking the appropriation section and passing the program language to ensure the
Lawmakers in the Finance Division I voted to move forward with revised statutory language for the Math Learning Communities program while recommending that the bill's appropriation be removed and addressed in the Community College System of New Hampshire's budget discussion.
Shannon Reed, representing the Community College System of New Hampshire, said Section 1 of HB 494 updates statutory language governing the math learning communities program and Section 2 contains an appropriation that the governor included in the budget. Reed urged lawmakers to preserve the statutory changes while allowing the budget committee to address funding levels as part of the system's overall appropriation.
Supporters and committee members agreed the statutory language should be modernized and made less prescriptive about course content so the program can adapt to evolving curriculum needs. Committee counsel and staff recommended an amendment to delete the appropriation section from HB 494 and pass the language-only bill forward so funding could be considered during the regular budget review of CCSNH.
A motion to pass the bill as amended (strike Section 2) was moved and seconded; the committee approved the change on a roll call vote reported as unanimous. Lawmakers said the appropriation language could still be considered in the governor's budget or in HB 2/HB 1 review of CCSNH funding.
Speakers referenced in the committee record include Shannon Reed (Community College System of New Hampshire) and committee counsel and staff who advised removing the appropriation while preserving the policy language.
