CONCORD – On Friday, House Democratic Leader Rep. Alexis Simpson (D-Exeter), Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Matt Wilhelm (D-Manchester), Senate Democratic Leader Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D-Portsmouth), and Senator David Watters (D-Dover) joined Mayor Matt Gerding of Somersworth, Somersworth School Board Chair Maggie Larson and Somersworth school administrators for a tour of the city’s middle and high school facilities. Legislators were joined by several students who shared concerns about looming personnel cuts and advocated for how important maintaining public school funding is to their community.

Following the tour, legislators offered the following thoughts:

“Today’s tour of the Somersworth school district was an incredible opportunity to see our wonderful public-school facilities and hear from students and school administrators about the awesome programs and career technical center. The students were engaged and excited about the many opportunities they have for hands-on learning and the appreciation they have for their beloved educators.

What’s clear is this: cities and towns across New Hampshire are beginning to panic about Republican budget cuts that will force cuts onto property taxpayers. Republicans control the House, Senate, and Governor’s office. They alone will own the consequences of this budget–the rising property taxes, the service cuts, and the economic strain on families and small businesses. House and Senate Democrats will continue fighting for a fair budget that protects working people, rather than padding the pockets of the wealthy at their expense. It’s simple, taxpayers can no longer be expected to foot that entire bill while Republicans at the state level mismanage the state budget,” said House Democratic Leader Rep. Alexis Simpson (D-Exeter).

House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Matt Wilhelm (D-Manchester) added, “I was so happy to be in Somersworth, where 20 years ago I led a team of dedicated, diverse young AmeriCorps members serving in City Year New Hampshire, helping Somersworth public school students stay in school and on track to graduate. That experience taught me firsthand about the challenges so many of our students face–kids coming to school hungry, struggling to focus because they didn’t know where their next meal was coming from, or needing extra support in the classroom but not always having access to the resources they deserved. That’s why New Hampshire cannot afford to continue down this path of underfunding our schools while property taxpayers shoulder the burden. The decisions made in Concord have real consequences–whether it’s shortchanging special education, cutting school transportation, or failing to fully fund free and reduced lunch programs, our students and communities are the ones left paying the price.”

“Today, we heard directly from teachers and administrators about the cuts they are facing because of the lack of state funding — for things like supplies for Genius Hour, hours at the in-house Health Center. The Republicans have been in total control and have continuously diverted funds away from our neighborhood schools. Schools like Somersworth have no excess to cut but because of this failure of leadership, they will be forced to do so,” said Senate Democratic Leader Rebecca Perkins Kwoka (D-Portsmouth).

Senator David Watters (D-Dover) added: “Supporting our career and technical education programs has been a chief priority of mine throughout my time in the Senate and it was great to tour Somersworth’s robust program today. I’m proud to lead legislation this session to support lowering costs for these centers and strengthen key partnerships with local businesses.”