September 30, 2008
Alert From the HSLDA
New Hampshire: Help Stop Increase in Homeschool Regulation
It is critical that New Hampshire homeschoolers send homeschool-friendly representatives to the legislature this year. New Hampshire homeschoolers fought a tough battle last year against S.B. 337 that would have significantly increased government intrusion into the lives of homeschoolers. And, as much as I would like to report otherwise, this small victory last year IS NOT an indication that the battle is over.
I have received multiple reports that some members of the education committees are preparing to file legislation to substantially increase regulation over New Hampshire homeschools. These reports indicate a serious threat to freedom for New Hampshire homeschools, and I am asking you to take action now to help prevent this threat.
Members of the House Education Committee who supported the Rouse amendment to S.B. 337 (the Rous Amendment was the more restrictive amendment) were:
Representative J. Timothy Dunn of Cheshire–District 03 Representative Claire Clarke Merrimack–District 06 Representative Kim Casey of Rockingham–District 11 Representative Kimberly Shaw Hillsborough–District 26 Representative Emma Rous Strafford–District 07 and Chair of the Education Committee.
Members of the Senate Education Committee who supported the Estabrook version of S.B. 337 (the most troublesome version) were: Senator Iris W. Estabrook, District 21 includes Dover, Durham, Epping, Lee and Rollinsford.)
Senator Joseph A. Foster, District 13 Nashua Senator Martha Fuller Clark, District 24 includes Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, New Castle, Newington, North Hampton, Portsmouth and Rye.
Senator Molly Kelly, District 10 Keene includes Chesterfield, Dublin, Fitzwilliam, Hinsdale, Keene, Marlborough, Richmond, Surry, Swanzey, Troy and Winchester.)
The representatives listed above have demonstrated that they favor increased governmental regulation over New Hampshire homeschools. This is in spite of facts that show that homeschoolers continue to perform well. It is hard to understand why New Hampshire legislators and Education Department bureaucrats want to invest so much time in regulating an area of education succeeding so well, especially when New Hampshire public schools need far more attention.
Unless you take action to send different kinds of members to the legislature, we will likely have a far more difficult time fending off increased regulation in the coming legislative session
ACTION REQUESTED
1. Support homeschool friendly candidates.
I urge you to get involved in your local races in support of the homeschool-friendly candidate. Find out where the candidates stand and get involved. In New Hampshire, it is possible for a handful of people to influence a House election because the races are in relatively small areas. The best way for homeschoolers to preserve freedom for homeschooling in New Hampshire is to elect representatives who will vote against increased regulation.
2. Attend the CheNH business meeting.
CheNH will be holding its annual business meeting on October 24. An exciting guest speaker who is active in local government in the Seacoast area is planned. He will talk about the upcoming legislative battles over homeschooling based on his personal experience. Please make plans to attend now. Even if you aren’t a member of CheNH, you won’t want to miss this event. For more information visit the CheNH website at www.Chenh.org. HSLDA is pleased to partner with CheNH and other New Hampshire homeschool leaders to defend the freedom to homeschool in New Hampshire with minimal government interference.
3. Stay informed about the commission that was set up as a result of S.B. 337.
The commission has started meeting and consists of homeschoolers, legislators and government school authorities. The commission has been struggling to get organized, and most recently the chair of the commission, Ms. Judy Day, resigned and Representative Kim Casey (who supported the most restrictive legislation) has taken her place. HEAC member Chris Hamilton has been chronicling the meetings of the commission at a website here: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=5563 . If you are able and interested consider attending the commission to observe its proceedings.
Together we can preserve homeschooling freedom in New Hampshire. We know that freedom isn’t free. It requires sacrifice and hard work. I know HSLDA can count on freedom-loving homeschoolers in New Hampshire to zealously guard their rights.
HSLDA is privileged to serve you. Your membership allows us to advocate for homeschooling freedom in New Hampshire, with our federal government, and all over the world. We thank you for your attention to these important matters of freedom and for your ongoing support.
Michael P. Donnelly, Esq. Staff Attorney