I cannot express the joy in my soul for those of you who were able to make it to the state house in Concord to speak against SB337.  You all have made a name where there was none.  I felt overwhelmed by the fact that the bill makers thought they could strong arm the Homeschoolers like we were a 'safe' group to bully.  They obviously did not expect the outcome they got.  On behalf of all of us who champion behind you who attend and are there with you in spirit and voice, thank you!!  I cannot attend the hearings, although I would love to pack up my soap box and my boys and be on my way on the 15th.  I have to settle for writing emails and making calls.  We speak for eachother in these times in all our actions.  New Hampshire officials should think long and hard about fixing things that are not broken.  I think it is so foolish to restrict our freedoms to supposedly keep the few overlooked children from falling through the cracks.  They can't do that for the schooled students who fall through the cracks far more often than Homeschooled kids.  Not to mention, the people who abuse the system in any way are not usually affected by laws which make it harder for them to do something, because they aren't following the rules to begin with.  The only ones it hurts are those who are doing the right thing.  That whole train of thought borders on the idea that Homeschoolers are freaky and odd characters that need extra watchin' from big brother.  Yet Homeschooling continues to prove the opposite.  Although, I will admit to being a little odd but not freaky.  My children do not have access to TV in our home, not no access to a TV, just not the general media.  No satellite or cable but plenty of appropriate movies, dvds and netflix.  That absolutely makes us odd to some, especially non Homeschoolers but that is okay.  My boys are very good and are constantly complimented about their behavior.  (although they were liked when they watched TV too but I like it better knowing that they have to be selective in the media they choose for their info).  Anyway, getting off my rant and back on subject, You all rock!!  At least we have shown them we are more involved than they gave us credit for, no matter what the outcome.  God Bless and stay strong!!

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From the HSLDA E-lert Service...
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April 3, 2008

New Hampshire--Homeschool Hearing Continued Because You Showed Up!

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends,

Thank you!  Your commitment to freedom in New Hampshire sent a clear
message to the House Education Committee that this proposed
legislation is unnecessary and interferes with the rights of parents. 
In fact, so many people indicated a desire to testify that the
Committee has scheduled another public hearing for April 15 at 10 a.m.
in Representative's Hall!

Yesterday, as 10:30 a.m. approached, homeschooling families lined up
outside LOB 207, a room far too small for an estimated 300 waiting to
be seated and to testify.  When I first arrived, Chair Emma Rous was
sitting in a very small hearing room and it seemed clear that the
sheer numbers in attendance shocked her as she said in exasperation --
"Why did you bring so many people?"   She then graciously agreed to
move the hearing to Representative's Hall in the Capitol to
accommodate everyone. 

While there were a few people who testified in favor of the bill, most
of the testimony was in opposition.   During the testimony, a primary
reason given by the sponsor of the bill was that a "safety net" was
needed to catch the "very small number" of children who might be
falling through the cracks and not receiving an adequate education.   
CheNH Board Member Dave Wheeler and I testified and pointed out that
the proposed bills would accomplish nothing toward preventing children
from falling through the cracks.  Such an argument is a red herring
and a poor justification for increasing regulation over homeschoolers.

"RSA 169", said Wheeler, "already addresses the issue of educational
neglect. N.H. homeschoolers," Wheeler continued, "already provide a
written notice as well as the results of assessment test so that there
is more than enough information to determine whether an adequate
education is being provided."  

You may read my testimony online and prepare your testimony for April
15 by viewing our talking points memo at
http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=4988 .

Personally, it was a real blessing to meet many of you at the hearing
and to see you with your wonderful families!  Thank you for all of
your letters, phone calls, and emails to the New Hampshire
Legislature, and for attending the hearing!  I also would like to
commend the work of all New Hampshire homeschool leaders who are
working to protect homeschool freedom.  Let's keep it up and hold the
line on no more homeschool regulation in the Granite State.

ACTION REQUESTED

It is very important that you also attend the second public hearing on
Tuesday, April 15, at 10 a.m.  We need to have at least an equal size
showing to show that our resolve hasn't changed!  Be sure to talk with
your friends who weren't able to come -- they now have a chance to
voice their opposition to this bill.  

For more information on Senate Bill 337, see
http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=4989 .

Thank you for your support! 

Very truly yours,

Michael P. Donnelly, Esq.
HSLDA Staff Attorney