HELP ALERT 06.12.07

SB 392B DIES IN HOUSE

Your tireless efforts have paid off.

Senate Bill 392B, which would have forced children into public schools at an earlier age, died on the House Floor today June 12th, 2007.

The final vote was 22 ayes and 33 nays. 

It should be noted that a supporter of the bill, Arnie Roblan changed his vote from "yes" to "no" after the bill failed. He then served notice of a possible reconsideration.  His "no" vote is NOT an indication that he supports parent's rights. It is a parliamentary move so that he could request that the bill be reconsidered in the future. (In order to make that request, you must be on the prevailing side of the vote.)

Interestingly, John Dallum, who supported the bill in committee, reversed his position and voted "no" on the floor. Never underestimate the power of your input. Ben Cannon, another supporter in committee, was excused.  Not voting is the same as voting "no" so once again, your input had an effect.(But this does not mean that Cannon should be considered a friend. Had he been there, he would have voted "yes.")

The bill's carrier, Betty Komp, responded to a question by stating that this bill would have "no effect" on home schoolers. This is not true. This bill would have forced home schoolers to report to the public school authorities a year earlier. When asked what punishment would face parents who refused to comply with this new state mandate, she explained that those rules had not even been created yet.

This has been a long battle and one which will be back every year, but for now, congratulate yourself on a hard won victory.

If your House Rep is one who voted against your authority, as a parent, to determine what is best for your children, this vote is one you should remember at election time.

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