Legislative Alerts for February 25, 2008

Legislative Alert for LB1141. Printable flyer

NCHEA Key Concerns with LB1141

Media Information and Documents, including information from HSLDA and NHERI.

LB1141 Transcript --- LB1141 starts on page 11 of the document.

LB1141 As Submitted

LB1141 Summary

February 25, 2008

Dear NCHEA Members, Support Group Leaders, Nebraska Homeschoolers, and Home Education and Parental Rights Supporters:

You may have read in the news media or heard from Senators that because LB 1141 is having a late hearing, i.e. on this Tuesday, February 26, 2008, and that because the Governor Heineman has indicated he will veto LB 1141 there is little chance that LB 1141 will become law and thus there is little danger to our current homeschooling freedom. The NCHEA does not take that position. The NCHEA believes the danger has not been diminished.

At the present time, we believe there are enough votes on the Education Committee to vote the bill out of the committee. Even if the Education Committee decided not to vote the bill out of committee or voted to indefinitely postpone the bill, the language of LB 1141 could be attached as an amendment to another education bill. Governor Heineman's vetoes have already been overridden during this Legislative session.

The NCHEA believes attendance on the day of the hearing is vital!! Homeschoolers can make a statement just by the sheer numbers in attendance. A large attendance by you will serve as notice to the Education Committee and to other Senators that Nebraska's home educators take threats to their homeschooling freedoms seriously. Further, a large attendance will serve as notice to Senators who might consider introducing similar legislation in 2009.

Prayer Petitions

The NCHEA and those providing capable and sacrificial assistance are requesting that your prayers include the following the petitions.

• Prayer for safety of travel for all those attending the hearing.

• The flights for Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute and Mike Donnelly, attorney with Home School Legal Defense Association, will be on time.

• The families of Dr. Ray and Attorney Donnelly would be well and safe while they are away from home.

• Prayer for those testifying against LB 1141, that they would have clarity of speech and mind, that the Lord would direct their testimony and responses to questions from the Education Committee, and they would follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

• Prayer that the senators would listen with an open and receptive mind and heart to the arguments presented against LB 1141.

• Continued prayer for those organizing the opposition to LB 1141.

Hearing Update:

• Hearings start at 1:30 p.m. Currently, LB 1141 is the third bill that will be heard before the Education Committee on Tuesday, February 26, 2008.
• The hearing rooms will not be unlocked until 1:30 p.m.
• How attendees conduct themselves during the hearing and in the Capitol the day of the hearing will also be very important, i.e. orderly, graciously, and respectfully.
• The audience in the hearing room should not applaud or create any disturbance during the course of the hearing as that is prohibited and distracts from the presentations. We want the Senators to give their full attention to positions being presented by those testifying and not be distracted by other things occurring in the room.
• Please note there is very limited seating in the actual hearing room #1524.

• The Warner Chamber, on the second floor of the Capitol will be opened for seating with a live audio/video feed from the hearing room #1524. Those unable to be seated in the actual hearing room will be able to see and hear the proceedings of the hearing.
• The decorum in the Warner Chamber should be the same as if attendees are in the actual hearing room, thus, no cheering, applause, jeers, boos etc.
• The NCHEA will have a supply of badges/name tags to wear, similar to those on Legislative Day, indicating opposition to LB 1141.

Testimony against LB 1141

• We hope that those opposing LB 1141 will be given one hour to present their case.
• The NCHEA has been informed that each oral testimony should be limited to 3 minutes.
• The NCHEA has organized testimony against the bill with 16 individuals presenting oral testimony in opposition to LB 1141.
• Due to the limited time available for oral testimony, we are requesting that written testimony be presented. It will be considered the same as oral testimony. Written testimony can be given to the Legislative Page in hearing room #1524 or given to NCHEA staff who will deliver it to the Legislative Page in room #1524.
• The NCHEA will have staff in the Warner Chamber to deliver your written testimony to the Education Committee.

Time Frame for Decision by the Education Committee

The Education Committee could take up to a week to make a decision on LB 1141. The NCHEA will notify you in a timely manner when the outcome is posted or you can check the Unicameral's web site for the status of the bill.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Lincoln on Tuesday. Plan on being in your seat in the Warner Chamber on the second floor of the Capitol at 1:30 p.m. Make sure to plan some extra time for walking from the parking garages. This is a printable map with parking garages that can be found around the Capitol.

We thank you for your continued prayer support and willingness to take action. Ultimately, the LB 1141 situation is in the hands of the Lord; He has it in control and we can't forget that. I believe we have a responsibility to use our God given freedom by making our position known to and educating our legislators, and others on the issues and the reasons for our position. The next step in using our freedom is for us to make our position known at the hearing; then wait for the decision the Lord will reveal. Based on that decision, we may need to take additional action.

Respectfully,

Nick

Nick Lenzen, President

Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association (NCHEA)

P. 0. Box 57041

Lincoln, NE 68505-7041

www.nchea.org

nchea@nchea.net