CHAP Resumes Legislative "HELP" Day: Home Education Lobby Program

On December 11, 2013, twenty-four home educators and their families gathered at the State Capitol from various parts of the state of Pennsylvania. Their shared purpose is to:

• Get to know and our state legislators

• Let them meet a real homeschooling family

• Pro-actively advocate for home education

and lobby for H.B. 1013 (visit www.pasen.gov)

Despite the snow and freezing temperatures, families made homemade pies to show honor and appreciation to certain key public officials. Some drove quite a distance while others stayed overnight in hotels, all at the prospect of making homeschool laws better in Pennsylvania. Illness and inclement weather prevented several families from attending, but willing local moms baked extra pies to be sure we had enough. Like a miracle, we were able to reach out to every member of the House Education Committee, plus two for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee, all to encourage them to support House Bill 1013, which will eliminate redundant and unnecessary regulations.

The sponsor of the bill, a homeschool dad himself, kicked off our orientation. Another speaker, who is a second generation homeschooler, shared how his mother was almost in tears when she learned of what we were doing. His mom and dad, along with four other couples, were taken to court back in 1987 for homeschooling! In this context of threats and unreasonable requirements, our current laws were written in 1988. Then, they didn't know if home educated kids would do well. Now, we all know that homeschooling works with many studies to prove it. So it is time to update Pennsylvania's homeschool law and relieve some of these unnecessary regulations placed upon home educators.

Thanks to all who participated! Our next step is to keep after these legislators to ensure that the bill will get out of the committee soon. Let's flood their mailbox with postcards in support of this bill!  If you live in any of the following counties, your Representative is likely to be in the House Ed. Com. so your voice is especially important. 

Adams Fayette Mifflin Allegheny Forest Monroe Beaver Franklin Northampton Berks Huntingdon Philadelphia Blair Lancaster Warren Bucks Lehigh Westmoreland Centre Luzerne York Chester Mckean Erie Mercer

 Check for updates at: http://www.CHAPonline.com

Contact: cmoore@chaponline.com