Legislative Alerts for February 18, 2008

Legislative Alert for LB1141. Printable flyer

NCHEA Key Concerns with LB1141

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

LB1141 As Submitted

LB1141 Summary

February 18, 2008

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

I am writing to encourage you to continue to pray that God would change the hearts and minds of Senators to a position opposing LB 1141 no matter what shape it may take and to continue your phone calls, letters, and e-mails. We thank you for your kind words of encouragement and value your prayer support.

Please continue to implement the timeline and action detailed in our previous Alert. In all cases, respectfully and graciously make your position known to the senators, their legislative aid or staff. Request that the senator respond to your concern in writing. If a senator responds in writing that he will vote against LB 1141, please send a copy of that letter to the NCHEA at nchea@nchea.net.

At this time, we believe the following Senators, without reservation, will vote against LB 1141: Ray Aguilar, Carroll Burling, Tom Carlson, Mark Christiansen, Abbie Cornett, Patrick Engel, Phillip Erdman, Deb Fischer, Mike Friend, Tony Fulton, Tim Gay, Lavon Heidemann, Russ Karpisek, Gail Kopplin, Scott Lautenbaugh, Dwite Peterson, Pete Pirsch, Arnie Stuthman, John Synowiecki, and Norm Wallman. Please send a note of thanks to these senators.

If a Senator is not listed, it is because we have not received evidence that the Senator will without reservation vote against LB 1141 or we have received conflicting statements. 

Compromise

The issue of compromise has come up as Senator Schimek has stated to the media she is willing to compromise. What Senator Schimek or the Education Committee might propose as a compromise if any is unknown. The NCHEAs position is there is no room for compromise; we will not give up any of our existing homeschool freedom. The bill must be defeated in its entirety. The NCHEA is not like Esau; we will not sacrifice our existing homeschool freedom for a bowl of stew, no matter what is in the stew.

Hearing Information

Hearings start at 1:30 p.m. There are four bills that will have hearings by the Education Committee on Tuesday, February 26, 2008. At this time, LB 1141 is the first bill on the agenda of hearings; however, this is not the final word. The NCHEA has seen the order in which bills will be heard changed on the day of the hearing.

There will be a sign in sheet at the front of the hearing room at the witness table where those desiring to testify should sign in. When it is your turn to testify, you will identify yourself and spell your name for the record and identify the organization you are representing if you are offering testimony on behalf of the organization. The proceeds of the hearing are transcribed word for word. 

The senator that is proposing legislation will address the committee first followed by others who support the bill. Then, those opposing the bill will address the committee. Typically, the Committee Chairman will then ask if there is any neutral testimony.

Written testimony is also accepted during the hearing. It is suggested that at least 10 copies be brought to the hearing. It is recommended that you indicate on your written testimony that you want it considered as testimony submitted during the hearing in opposition to LB 1141.

We do not know how much time the Committee Chairman will allocate for testimony. As a result, we cant predict the number of people who will get to testify. For this reason, we recommend that you prepare your testimony in writing in the event there is not enough time to present your testimony orally. Even when presenting oral testimony, we recommend that you bring enough copies of your testimony so that each Senator can refer to your testimony as you present it. The Senators may ask you questions following your testimony.

The NCHEA believes attendance on the day of the hearing is vital!! Homeschoolers can make a statement just by the sheer numbers in attendance as well as by submitting written testimony calling for the defeat of LB 1141. How we conduct ourselves during the hearing and in the Capitol the day of the hearing will also be very important, i.e. orderly, graciously, and respectfully.

Please note 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 be presented by those testifying and not be distracted by other things occurring in the hearing room.

Children are welcome to attend the hearing but please insure your children are respectful and with you at all times.

May God guide the efforts of the NCHEA leadership and members to defeat LB 1141.

Sincerely,

Nick Lenzen, NCHEA  President