HELP ALERT  05.03.07

SB 392A  GETS HEARING. STILL TIME TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD


Today, the House Education  Subcommittee On Education Innovation took testimony in support and opposition to SB 392A, a bill that would force children into public schools a year earlier and require that home schoolers "register" their children and begin testing a year earlier.

The sponsor of the bill, Senator Vicki Walker once again stated that she had received "caustic" emails and calls from home school families in opposition.  Oddly, not a single other legislator from either the House or the Senate mentioned one inappropriate communication. If Walker's  past histrionics are any indication, her perceptions are, at the very best, dubious.

Much was made of the "value" of this bill because it would "force" otherwise negligent parents to get their children into school. But no one could say why a child of neglectful parents would somehow be better off because she was forced into a government school, while still having to face the same neglectful parents at home. And while, as always, "education professionals" testified that parental involvement was crucial, this bill goes a long way to eliminating parental involvement.

As a result of running late, (the supporters of the bill were given unlimited time to speak) several people who signed up to testify in opposition were not given an opportunity to voice their opinions. However, the chair of the committee, Representative Betty Komp, has scheduled a "work session" for May 8th, at which time the people who signed up to testify today will have that opportunity.

"Work sessions" are when bills are actually voted on. Usually public testimony is NOT taken at work sessions. This work session will be an exception. (It is not clear if the committee will accept testimony from anyone who was not signed up today.)

This delay means there is still time to contact the committee and express your opposition.

If you are asked by committee members if you live in the member's district, please remind them that whether you do or do not, they are making decisions for you and your children and you have a reasonable expectation of having your opinion heard.

Please remember, legislators are your employees, they are NOT your bosses. They make rules only with the permission of you, the voter.

Contact information for the subcommittee and a suggested message follows.


Betty Komp, Chair 503-986-1422 rep.bettykomp@state.or.us
Karen Minnis, Vice-Chair 503-986-1449 rep.karenminnis@state.or.us
Arnie Roblan, Vice-Chair 503-986-1409 rep.arnieroblan@state.or.us
Peter Buckley 503-986-1405 rep.peterbuckley@state.or.us
Ben Cannon 503-986-1446 rep.bencannon@state.or.us
John H Dallum 503-986-1459 rep.johndallum@state.or.us
Gene Whisnant 503-986-1453 rep.genewhisnant@state.or.us


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Dear Representative,

Senate Bill 392A is an unnecessary intrusion on parental autonomy. Parents are the people in the best position to determine what is right for their children.The children of neglectful parents will not be served better by being forced into school a year earlier.
I urge you to reject this attack on my right to make informed decisions about my children's education.

Very truly yours,

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