The Homeschool Day at the Capitol was well attended in spite of the inclement weather.  The snow did not materialize in Denver as predicted.  It was cold and flurries were falling - but I have been in worse weather for the DAC.  About 120 cards were collected at the DAC for Rep. Merrifield.  Please mail any that you have to: Rep. Mike Merrifield, Colorado State Capitol, 200 East Colfax Room 271, Denver, CO 80203. 

 

Chris Klicka, Senior Counsel at the Home School Legal Defense Association, was the keynote speaker.  He did an excellent job connecting the difficulties and victories of the past to where we are right now.  All of us must remain vigilant.

 

State Senator Greg Brophy was awarded the "Statesman of the Year Award."  It is much deserved and many thanks go to Sen. Brophy for his continued efforts for all of us as a State Senator but also as a homeschool dad.  Thanks, Greg, and to all of our friends in the legislature. 

 

The Ruth Beechick Award went to Pete Olson and his family.  Pete is a veteran homeschooler who in the early 1980's was in court due to his conviction to homeschool his children.  It is quite a story.  There were many dark days but needless to say Pete's victory helped all of us, then and now.  Thank you Pete Olsen and family for what you endured for homeschooling freedoms.  You are an inspiration to us all.

 

Thanks to CHEC for a wonderful DAC and for your faithfulness to take on this much needed event year after year.  The DAC is a major component in the homeschool lobby and it tremendously impacts those in the legislature.  Please go to www.chec.org and get the info for the 2007 State Conference in June.  You can also register online. 

 

Now on to legislative updates:

HB 1347 (immunization tracking bill)  is up for second reading in the Senate this week.  There is hope it will be amended on the floor to have an "opt-in" provision.  The current "opt-out" is for immunization information only and all other pertinent info remains in the data base.

 

HB 1301( Cervical Cancer Immunizations) passed House Appropriations Committee today and is on its way to second reading. 

 

SB 124, the housing bill that redefines the family, is still in the process to the governor.  There is still time to contact the governor to ask for a veto of this bill.  The info is in previous emails and on my e-update blog at www.ro828.com under legislative updates.

 

-Treon