Democratic candidate for governor, Maggie Hassan, was recently endorsed by New Hampshire’s largest union*, the National Education Association (NEA-NH).
In their press release, the union stated that “Maggie shares our belief that good public schools are the foundation for strong communities and a vibrant economy and that for our students and schools to thrive, we all need to be held accountable — teachers, parents, students and elected officials. She knows that continuing to slash school funding risks losing an entire generation of students who won’t get a second chance…”
Union President, Scott McGilvary, also stated that “it became very apparent that there was one candidate that can stand up for public education and bring us forward and that Maggie Hassan is our candidate.”
Hassan is married to Thomas Hassan, current principal of Phillips-Exeter Academy (PEA), one of the more prestigious private schools in the country. Aside from her husband’s reputed $250,000 annual salary, the Hassans are able to live on-campus, with undoubtedly huge discounts in their living expenses.
This summer, Hassan spoke out (video) against the School Choice Scholarship Act (HB 1607) (SB 372), which was vetoed by Governor Lynch but subsequently passed by override.
This act provides tax credits for businesses who contribute to non-profit scholarships, which are then made available to poor and middle-class New Hampshire families who prefer to send their child to private school, home school, or to a different public school – eliminating some of the burden of paying twice for an alternative to their de facto public school. One can only imagine the excitement for a less-fortunate family receiving one of these scholarships, knowing that their child has been given a “second chance” for a great education, when their only other choice was failing them miserably.
Lynch and Hassan both objected to these bills, saying that they would “hurt public schools” and would “downshift” the costs (a popular liberal meme) to cities and towns.
Why is it that Maggie, hero to the (duped) working-class public school teachers of New Hampshire, and self-proclaimed advocate for “middle-class families“, wants to prevent a number of low- and middle-income families from giving their children a leg-up on making something of themselves? If she really believes that “a good education gives New Hampshire citizens the best opportunity to succeed, launch careers, and build a strong economy“, how can she reconcile her objection to this bill, sitting in her posh, ivory-tower Phillips-Exeter living room each night?
Kudos to the New Hampshire legislature, for coming up with an idea that will help improve the lives of children who would otherwise languish in a sub-standard educational environment, and inviting private businesses to help make the success possible. This is the type of innovative legislation we need to see more of; but don’t hold your breath if union-enslaved Democrats take over again.
As for Maggie, I insist that you, and your family, end the hypocrisy. I suggest that your husband resign his high-brow, “ivy pipeline” PEA position and take the job of principal in one of New Hampshire’s worst performing high schools. Paying for your own living expenses, and receiving a less-than-1% level salary, send any of your future grandchildren to the same public school (perhaps enrolling them in a skilled-labor vocation?). Maybe then, when you are living by example, can you make these ridiculous claims, and still sleep at night.
* Note: I was unable to find an announcement of this endorsement on the NEA-NH website.
Update: Kudos as well to Steve, who crowned Hassan, “The Duchess of Phillips-Exeter!”
H/T: 4RG.org, NH Insider.com, NH Watchdog.org