Legislative Update

NH Parents First supported legislation this year that would have restored due process rights to parents who were instructing their children at home. This legislation, House Bill 1580, sponsored by Rep. Ingbretson, Hogan, Vita, and Willette came within 16 votes of passing the House.

The near success of this effort was due to the hard work of hundreds of parents who rallied at the State House in Concord, contacted their state representatives and attended public hearings, committee meetings and House sessions in Reps Hall. It was a remarkable effort that brought parents very close to victory!

H.B. 1580 was devised through lengthy discussions over the past year on LegalizeHomeschooling by a coalition of parents across the state.

Negotiations have begun for next year's legislation. Some parents felt HB 1580 did not go far enough to restore parent's rights as it left the current home education law, RSA 193-A, in place. Others worried that eliminating RSA 193-A would divide the home school community and needlessly worry parents, who were comfortable with the current law.

GIven the confusion that two options for home instruction created this year, many parents are getting behind a proposal to completely eliminate RSA 193-A and restore due process rights for all parents instructing their children at home. HSLDA has also given its support to a proposal that would replace the current law.

NH Families for Education Fundraiser

We are pleased to announce the formation of a new Political Action Committee:

NH FAMILIES FOR EDUCATION.

Its mission is to promote local control of education, particularly advocating family involvement.

NH Families for Education will help fund candidates who support families in education and work to defeat legislators that hold a restrictive attitude towards education, such as Representatives Emma Rous, Kimberley Casey, and Judith Day.

NH FFE will hold its first major fundraising event in conjunction with Cornerstone Action PAC and the NH Republican Liberty PAC on:

Saturday, April 17 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at the Draft in Concord.

Author Tommy Newberry, will talk about his new book

that exposes the new era of Big Government,

wealth redistribution, and a fatal dependence

on government assistance.

Tickets are $20 and sponsorship is $100.

Walk-ins are always welcome, but an RSVP would be very helpful. Please register online. You can pay online or at the door. Please use this link to see more details : http://nhdonate.com/standalone/index.php?q=civicrm/event/info&reset=1&id=4

NH Families for Education is setting up a website which will provide families with additional support, including information on legislative candidates based upon voting records and questionnaires on the issues. Parents who'd like to volunteer to help with this project, please contact: nhfamiliesforeducation@gmail.com

NH Families for Education will be a strong voice for families in New Hampshire.

Doris Hohensee and Michelle Levell

NH Families for Education

P.O. Box 4045

Windham, NH 03087