 5/21/2013
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Date Set for UN Disabilities Treaty Hearings
A UN disabilities treaty that was defeated last year is back in the U.S. Senate. We need you to contact your senators and tell them why this treaty must not be ratified.
5/14/2013
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Ask Your U.S. Representative to Sign Letter Opposing UN CRPD
Please contact your representative and ask him or her to sign a letter opposing Senate ratification of a dangerous United Nations treaty.
5/3/2013
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Congress Tackles the Common Core National Standards and Databases
Please take time to thank the members of Congress who joined the fight against the Common Core national education standards. With your help, we will continue the battle.
4/30/2013
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UN Disabilities Treaty on the Move
We are hearing from multiple sources that the U.S. Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee is gearing up to hold hearings on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We need to act now!
4/26/2013
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New Changes to Military Enlistment for Homeschool Graduates
An amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act is producing good policies for homeschoolers looking to enlist in the military. Here are some things homeschoolers should know.
4/9/2013
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Do Our Kids Belong to Us—or to the Community?
In an MSNBC promo, Melissa Harris-Perry promotes the radical and controversial idea that “we have to break through our kind of private idea that kids belong to their parents.” Sadly, this isn’t a new idea.
4/9/2013
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National Databases: Collecting Student-Specific Data is Unnecessary and Orwellian
Recent efforts to make states share their student information with the federal government could have dire consequences for individual privacy. HSLDA has learned that at least one state’s database includes information on homeschoolers.
1/28/2013
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National Survey on Drug Use and Health—Have You been Contacted?
Some HSLDA members have expressed concern about a government health survey. Rest assured that the survey is not mandatory and that the information it obtains must be kept confidential.
1/18/2013
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U.S. Department of Transportation Seeks Public Comments
on “Black Boxes” in all New Autos
Drivers who feel that requiring data recorders in cars will invade their privacy have until February 11 to share comments with federal officials.
12/17/2012
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Common Core State Standards Initiative: Too Close to a National Curriculum
HSLDA is growing more concerned that “voluntary” state academic guidelines could turn into national standards that even homeschoolers will be forced to teach.
12/11/2012
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Send Thank-You Notes to Senators on the “Nice” List
Please take time to thank the senators who voted against the UN disabilities treaty and in favor of protecting parental rights.
12/4/2012
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Senate Rejects Ratification of UN Disabilities Treaty
Due to your calls, emails, and office visits, the Senate minority stood strong and ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was rejected.
11/29/2012
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Senate to Vote on UN Disabilities Treaty on Tuesday—Call Now!
We have just received word that the U.S. Senate will hold a straight up-or-down vote on Tuesday, December 4, on whether or not the United States should ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
11/27/2012
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Vote on United Nations Disability Treaty Imminent: Calls Needed!
Please contact your senators today and ask them to oppose the United Nations disabilities treaty, which could be up for a vote this week.
11/19/2012
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Urge Your Senators to Stand against UN Disabilities Treaty
Your calls to the U.S. Senate have helped prevent a dangerous United Nations treaty from being ratified. We need you to continue opposing the treaty during the current lame-duck session of Congress.
10/29/2012
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Michael Farris: Be Part of the Solution … Vote!
We encourage you to watch HSLDA Chairman Mike Farris’ new video on how crucial it is that you vote on Tuesday, November 6. Please share this with your friends, family, and on social media
10/22/2012
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Paul Ryan: Keep Homeschooling Free!
HSLDA applauds Paul Ryan for his strong stance on homeschool freedom. It’s refreshing to see a candidate who may be the next in line to the president stand up for parental rights and homeschool freedom.
9/25/2012
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Senate Adjourns Without Voting on UN Treaty—Victory for Now!
Your calls and contacts worked! Now we’ll need your help to defeat the UN disabilities treaty when the lame-duck Senate meets again after the November election.
9/21/2012
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Urgent Calls Needed Today To Oppose UN Disabilities Treaty!
We need you to call both of your U.S. senators right now and ask them to support Senator Lee in rejecting the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
9/4/2012
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Education Establishment Still Doesn’t Get It!
Members of the education establishment continue to disdain homeschooling and to call for greater regulation. But with your support HSLDA can help keep homeschooling free.
8/30/2012
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Pentagon Changes Homeschool Enlistment but HSLDA Isn’t Ready to Salute
HSLDA is working with certain members of Congress to ensure the latest military homeschool recruitment policy follows legislators’ intent.
8/20/2012
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U.S. Department of Education Agrees: Homeschoolers Are Eligible for Student Aid
The latest statement from federal officials should leave no doubt regarding homeschool students and college financial aid.
8/20/2012
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UN Treaty Dangers are Real: A Response to Sen. Rockefeller
Senator Jay Rockefeller and others claim they have taken precautions to make a UN treaty on rights for the disabled safe for America. HSLDA Chairman Mike Farris explains why they are wrong, and why we still need your help to stop the treaty now.
8/7/2012
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UN Treaty Update: Visit Senators at Home to Ensure Victory!
Thanks to your efforts a Senate vote on a dangerous UN treaty has been delayed. We urge you to contact your senators in their home offices to ensure victory for parental rights.
7/30/2012
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UN Treaty Moves to Senate Floor—Keep Calling!
If this convention passes, the White House could begin pushing through an entire package of UN treaties that erode parental rights and undermine U.S. sovereignty.
7/20/2012
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UN Treaty Markup Delayed—Keep Calling!
Your calls are working! A temporary delay in considering a dangerous UN treaty means there is more time to urge senators to oppose the measure. But we need you to act now.
7/19/2012
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Romney Adds Voice in Parental Rights Battle
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney recently joined HSLDA in “unequivocal” opposition to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This treaty undermines U.S. sovereignty and erodes parental rights, freedoms which Romney declares “have been at the heart of our historic rise to world leadership.” And while HSLDA has not endorsed any candidate for president this year, we applaud Gov. Romney for his strong stance on this very important issue for parents.
7/16/2012
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Santorum Joins Fight against UN Treaty—Call Now!
Rick and Karen Santorum, who have a special needs daughter, have joined the fight against a UN treaty that would usurp the role of parents in caring for disabled children.
7/13/2012
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Senator Kerry: We’ll Pass the CRPD by July 26
Call your U.S. senators and urge them to oppose a UN treaty that would undermine the rights of parents.
7/3/2012
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Urgent Calls Needed: Senate Committee to hold Hearing on Dangerous UN Treaty
Protect U.S. sovereignty this Independence Day! Contact your senators and urge them to oppose a United Nations treaty that would impose new restrictions in the name of helping disabled citizens.
7/3/2012
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How the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities would Threaten Family Integrity
The CRPD would create special dangers for families with children who have disabilities, and in particular, families who choose to homeschool.
5/25/2012
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New UN Convention Attacking Parental Rights
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities attacks the authority of parents and adds the government as a primary decision maker in a child’s life.
5/2/2012
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Update in the Battle for Religious Freedom and Conscience Rights
HSLDA urges you to contact members of Congress and ask them to support legislation that would preserve the freedom of religious employers to follow the dictates of their conscience.
4/13/2012
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Calling all Graduate Students and Seminarians
for an All-Expense Paid Week in DC!
Applications are being accepted for a free weeklong seminar on faith and society being held by the Heritage Foundation.
3/27/2012
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Act Now as President Obama Opens Public Comments on Conscience Rights
Please act now to protect religious liberty by commenting on the Obama administration’s controversial mandate regarding abortion-inducing drugs.
3/5/2012
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NHERI Conducting Study on Achievements of African-American Students
The National Home Education Research Institute is currently conducting a groundbreaking study of African-American families, and would love your help!
3/1/2012
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Does My High School Grad Need a GED for Federal Student Aid?
Don’t believe the misinformation out there. Homeschool graduates are still fully eligible for federal student aid to college.
2/21/2012
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Update on Battle to Protect Religious Freedom and Right of Conscience
HSLDA is urging its members and friends to continue contacting the U.S. Senate on behalf of religious liberty.
2/17/2012
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Chance to Compete in Science & Engineering Festival
Homeschoolers are encouraged to participate in the USA Science & Engineering Festival.
2/16/2012
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Contact the U.S. Senate: Oppose Judicial Activism
Please call now to oppose the nomination to federal district court of a lawyer with a proven track record of anti-Christian bigotry and judicial activism.
2/14/2012
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Urgent Calls Needed to Protect Religious Freedom and Conscience Rights
Please call now to support a Senate amendment that would block a White House attempt to overrule religious and moral convictions.
1/31/2012
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Update on President Obama’s Attack on Educational Freedom
The White House has yet to respond to thousands of homeschoolers who oppose President Obama’s recent attack on educational freedom. We urge HSLDA members and friends to continue to press for a reply.
1/26/2012
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Help Stop Obama’s Attack on Educational Freedom
Please call the White House and your legislators in Congress to tell them the federal government should not dictate how long a child stays in school.
1/23/2012
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Obama Administration Disregards
Freedom of Religion & Right of Conscience
Current federal leadership has upheld a new health care mandate that violates freedom of conscience. HSLDA is considering its options in continuing to battle this rule.
1/20/2012
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A Homeschool Study May Appear in your Mailbox …
The federal Department of Education is conducting a national survey that includes a homeschooling component. Though individuals are not obliged to respond, similar past surveys have provided useful information about the growth of homeschooling.
1/13/2012
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Major Victory for Homeschool Graduates Enlisting in the Military
With the help of several congressmen, HSLDA secured a long-term guarantee of equal treatment for homeschoolers who wish to enlist in the U.S. military.
12/15/2011
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Oppose S. 1877, Federal Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Legislation
HSLDA urges opposition to a new U.S. Senate bill that would make every American adult a mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect. This bill would create a police-state reporting environment and could actually harm at-risk children. While the bill appears to have stalled, we encourage you to read more about this dangerous piece of federal legislation.
11/1/2011
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Calls Needed to Oppose the U.S. Senate’s Big-Government Education Bill
HSLDA urges members and friends to contact their U.S. senators with concerns about efforts to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act. As currently written, the legislation could lead to national education standards.
10/24/2011
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Federal Government Threatens Parental Rights with Early Learning Challenge
HSLDA believes the federal Race to the Top early learning program subverts the constitutional lawmaking process and erodes the authority of parents.
9/19/2011
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Comment Period on Conscience Regulations Ends September 30
Time is running out for those who wish to speak against proposed government health care regulations that violate the religious convictions of some employers.
9/12/2011
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Fifth Annual CAP Training Day—October 11
HSLDA is hosting a lobbyist training day to inform our members regarding the battles we currently face in Washington, D.C., and equip them with the tools they will need to come along side us in protecting homeschooling nationwide.
8/23/2011
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Federal Government Tramples Conscience Protections
HSLDA encourages homeschoolers to express their concern about the narrow religious exemption in new federal health care regulations.
8/8/2011
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Congress Has an Open Ear this Month
August is here, and members of Congress are heading home for a month in their districts. This is a great opportunity to express your gratitude or frustration and bring up your concerns to the leaders representing you.
6/14/2011
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U.S. House Committee Looks at Law Limiting Department of Education
H.R. 2117 is in direct response to new Department of Education regulations that were issued last November to add a federal definition of a credit hour and federally restrict the accreditation policies of college and universities.
5/5/2011
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HSLDA Fights for Homeschooled Military Enlistees
HSLDA helped persuade Pentagon officials to extend a program that places homeschool recruits in the military’s highest enlistment option.
3/11/2011
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Congress Introduces Legislation to Make American Community Survey Optional
HSLDA has long been concerned about the level of personal information collected and the invasiveness of the American Community Survey. If you share this concern, we urge you to contact your U.S. representative about a bill that would make most of the questions on the survey optional.
2/15/2011
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U.S. House of Representatives Holds Education Hearing under New Leadership
Witnesses invited to testify by new leadership in the House called for limited government involvement in education and more freedom of educational choice.
1/24/2011
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U.S. House Votes to Repeal Health Care Law
The House of Representatives voted to repeal the health care reform law, but the measure faces increased opposition as it moves to the Senate.
1/21/2011
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Financial Literacy Challenge Opportunity
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Education will be offering their 2011 National Financial Capability Challenge March 7–April 8.
1/7/2011
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U.S. House to Vote to Repeal Health Care Law
HSLDA urges members to call their U.S. representatives and share thoughts about an upcoming vote aimed at repealing the government takeover of healthcare that passed in 2010.
11/22/2010
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Senate Holds Hearing on CEDAW
Thanks to the efforts of HSLDA’s members and friends, we are confident that for now a dangerous U.N. treaty will not be acted upon by the U.S. Senate.
11/22/2010
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CEDAW and the International Threat to Homeschool Freedom
Supporters of the UN CEDAW treaty intend to use international law to coerce the restructuring of the family and the role of every man and every woman on the planet.
11/2/2010
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Colleges Now Required to Determine “Validity” of High School Diplomas
New federal student aid regulations aimed at determining the validity of high school diplomas will not affect homeschoolers as long as they identify themselves as being home—educated.
10/25/2010
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Department of Education Seeks to Regulate Higher Education
A recently proposed regulation would give the federal Department of Education unprecedented authority over all colleges and universities—even private ones.
9/13/2010
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Advocacy through Legislation: Proactively Preserving Freedom
Key to protecting your family’s right to homeschool is HSLDA’s monitoring of legislation on the state and federal levels. During the 2010 sessions, we evaluated more than 100,000 pieces of legislation.
8/17/2010
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Opportunity to Speak Out During August Recess
Congress is in recess, which means now is a good time to visit your representative and senators in their home offices. You can encourage those who have battled to protect parental rights and homeschool freedom while impressing upon others the importance of these issues.
8/5/2010
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Update: Over 30 States Adopt National Education Standards
Over the past several months, states have been steadily adopting the national education standards that the National Governor’s Association released, making them eligible for additional federal funds. HSLDA views this as an alarming trend.
8/2/2010
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DISCLOSE Act Halted: Victory for Free Speech!
Your calls helped prevent passage of a bill that would have severely restricted free speech. HSLDA urges members to continue contacting their U.S. senators, however, in case the legislation is revisited after August recess.
7/26/2010
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Senate To Vote This Week on Supreme Court Nominee
Additional information about U.S. Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan’s career indicates at least one instance in which she opposed homeschool freedom.
7/12/2010
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Elena Kagan Confirms Her Support for International Law
HSLDA urges our members and homeschoolers nationwide to call their two U.S. senators and express their opinions on the nomination of Elena Kagan for Supreme Court.
6/25/2010
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Will Elena Kagan use International Law as Supreme Court Justice?
HSLDA urges members to contact their U.S. senators and express their concern regarding the nomination of Elena Kagan for U.S. Supreme Court justice. Kagan’s emphasis on international law could pose a danger to parental rights should she be confirmed.
6/22/2010
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Another Congressional Attempt to Muzzle Free Speech
HSLDA urges its members to contact their U.S. representatives and ask them to vote against the DISCLOSE Act, which could have a chilling effect on political speech.
6/18/2010
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Nationalized Education Standards—an Update for Home Educators
Two organizations representing numerous state governors have released education standards in English and mathematics. HSLDA is monitoring the situation to ensure the standards are not forced upon homeschoolers.
6/14/2010
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HSLDA Co—hosts ESEA Briefing
HSLDA recently urged members of Congress to retain protections for private schools and homeschools as they prepare to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
6/14/2010
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Chance to Compete in Science & Engineering Festival
Homeschoolers are invited to participate—and compete—in the first USA Science & Engineering festival to be held in Washington, D.C. this October.
5/27/2010
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HSLDA Applauds Financial Capability Challenge Winners
Nearly 150 homeschooled students scored in the top 20th percentile of the 2010 National Financial Capability Challenge.
5/11/2010
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Homeschool Leaders Go To Washington
Eighty—three homeschool leaders from 37 states and Puerto Rico recently spent three days in the Washington, D.C. area lobbying members of Congress.
3/31/2010
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Common Core State Standards Initiative: National Education Standards 2.0
HSLDA has long been fighting attempts to impose national curriculum standards. Consequently, we intend to oppose the new Common Core State Standards Initiative—national curriculum by another name.
3/19/2010
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Homeschools and Education Savings Accounts
Homeschoolers are still being discriminated against by rules governing Education Saving Accounts, despite efforts by HSLDA to have these federal laws changed.
3/15/2010
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Calls Needed: Government Home Visitations in the Health Care Reform Bill
We have previously encouraged you to call your U.S. representative and urge him to oppose the health care reform bill which includes a program that threatens parental rights. As the bill may come up for a vote this week, we urge you to continue your calls.
3/12/2010
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Update on Byrd Scholarship Eligibility for Homeschoolers
Homeschoolers won a major victory last year when the Byrd Scholarship was changed to include home—educated students. Unfortunately, many state departments of education have been slow in incorporating this change into their policies and procedures.
3/5/2010
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Urgent Calls Needed—Health Care Bill May Be Scheduled for Vote
At the urging of President Obama, Democrat leaders in the House of Representatives have renewed efforts to pass the Senate version of health care reform. HSLDA strongly opposes this legislation.
2/4/2010
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Early Education: Head Start to Nowhere?
HSLDA believes that the continuing growth of the federal government’s involvement in education is threatening local schools and parents who are trying to do what is best for their children.
1/25/2010
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Health Care Momentum Slowing
Conflict caused by competing bills and the surprise election of a Republican senator in Massachusetts have slowed federal health care legislation to a near halt.
12/22/2009
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All I Want for Christmas is…Government—Run Health Care
After months of negotiations and votes, the U.S. Senate’s final vote on the health care overhaul bill is scheduled for around 7:30 p.m. on December 24, Christmas Eve.
12/8/2009
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Senate Tied up in Health Care Debate
The health care bill being debated in the U.S. Senate has designated $1.1 billion to fund expanded government home visitation programs. This provision poses a huge threat to parental rights and could be voted on at any time.
11/3/2009
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Calls Needed—House of Reps. to Vote on Health Care
The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on its final version of the health care reform legislation sometime this week. HSLDA opposes this bill because it increases government intrusion into the home and could threaten parental rights.
10/13/2009
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“Hate Crimes” Included in Troop Funding Legislation
On October 8, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a motion to include “hate crimes” in the National Defense Authorization Act to fund the troops.
9/22/2009
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Senate Finance Committee Begins Mark—Up—Calls Needed
The Senate Finance Committee will start marking up its version of the health care bill September 22, 2009. Urgent calls are needed to the members of the committee asking that the creation of home visitation programs, in Subtitle I, be taken out of the bill.
9/17/2009
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Call Now to Oppose Federal Funding for Early Education Programs
The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote today or
tomorrow on H.R. 3221, the “Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act
of 2009.” This bill should be opposed for numerous reasons.
9/16/2009
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Enlisting Help
If you want to enlist in the U.S. military as a homeschool high school graduate, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
9/15/2009
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Health Care Debate Continues
HSLDA is very concerned about H.R. 3200, the House version of the health care bill, because we see it as a dangerous threat to parental rights.
8/11/2009
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Congress Goes on August Recess without Voting on Health Care Reform
Congress left Washington, D.C. last week without voting on H.R. 3200, the health care reform bill. But HSLDA is still very concerned about the pending legislation.
7/21/2009
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Calls Needed to Congress About National Healthcare Bill
Urgent calls are needed to the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to oppose H.R. 3200, “America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.” Although this bill does not directly impact homeschool freedoms, it would significantly impact parental rights and early childhood education.
7/20/2009
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Why Government Should Stay out of Early Education
As government increasingly seeks to supplant the private and family spheres, there is yet another form of federal intrusion on the rise: institutionalized early education.
7/16/2009
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CEDAW and Homeschooling Families
There is another UN convention that may be sent to the U.S. Senate for ratification, and would also threaten home educating families: the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women.
6/16/2009
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UN Treaty Jeopardizes Homeschool Freedom in Britain
Sadly, HSLDA’s warnings concerning the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child have proven correct in England, where a new report urges restricting homeschooling on the basis of these “rights.”
5/11/2009
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Is Congress Moving Toward Nationalized Standards?
A recent congressional hearing on education could foreshadow a serious threat to the freedom of homeschoolers nationwide and America’s constitutional tradition of limited government.
4/2/2009
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Volunteer Service Legislation and Homeschool Freedom
HSLDA has reviewed H.R. 1388, and there is nothing in the bill as passed by both the House and Senate that would threaten the freedom of homeschool families.
3/30/2009
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HSLDA Hosts CAP on the Hill Lobby Day
Seventeen HSLDA member families met with Federal Relations staff on Capitol Hill for the first Congressional Action Program Lobby Day in the 111th Congress.
3/17/2009
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Ogden Confirmed as U.S. Deputy Attorney General
On March 12, 2009, David Ogden was confirmed by a 65–28 vote in the U.S. Senate to be the U.S. deputy attorney general.
3/2/2009
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Homeschool Discrimination Fixed in Byrd Scholarship
As college financial aid offices look to help students afford tuition costs, some homeschoolers are finding out about another scholarship—the Byrd Scholarship—for the first time.
2/10/2009
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Commission Announces Major Changes to Child Product Safety Rules
After meeting with Consumer Product Safety Commission officials, HSLDA is satisfied that new children’s product regulations will not harm family businesses.
2/6/2009
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Justice Candidate a Threat to Parental Rights
Homeschool supporters should urge their senators to oppose the nomination of David Ogden for deputy U.S. attorney general. Ogden is a strong advocate of international law, including the UN Convention on the rights of the Child.
2/3/2009
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Federal Regulators Delay Testing of Children’s Products
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has voted to delay enforcing a portion of new safety requirements regarding certain products for children 12 and under. Specifically, the agency decided to wait a year before requiring manufacturers and importers to test and certify some children’s products.
12/15/2008
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Army National Guard Opens Doors to Homeschoolers
HSLDA has worked closely with top Army National Guard recruitment officers to ensure homeschool graduates receive equal consideration and have access to a full range of benefits when they enlist.
9/8/2008
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Why Government Should Stay out of Pre—K
As big government increasingly seeks to supplant the private and family spheres, there is yet another form of federal intrusion on the rise: institutionalized early education.
8/19/2008
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Join the 2008 Voter Registration Initiative
Generation Joshua and HSLDA are proud to announce an exciting opportunity for anyone who is interested in affecting the outcome of the 2008 election. Along with our national voter registration drive, we will be sponsoring a special voter registration in six key states—where students can win prizes for their efforts.
8/15/2008
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Hoekstra Receives 110th Congress Friend of Homeschooling Award
On July 31, 2008, HSLDA’s Federal Relations staff presented Representative Pete Hoekstra (MI) with the 110th Congress Friend of Homeschooling Award.
6/30/2008
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Homeschooler Among Top Award Winners in Financial Literacy Challenge
Eighteen—year—old Texas homeschooler Nicholas Bruno was one of 35 students who earned a perfect score on this year’s National Financial Literacy Challenge. His efforts earned him recognition at a Washington, D.C., awards ceremony and a college scholarship.
6/24/2008
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Capitol Hill Testimony a Success!
On June 11, Will Estrada, HSLDA’s Director of Federal Relations, testified before the House Committee on Education and Labor in opposition to portions of H.R. 2343, the Education Begins at Home Act.
6/12/2008
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Navy Recognizes SEAL Recruit’s Homeschool Diploma
In December 2007, Home School Legal Defense Association received word that the United States Navy had finally enlisted North Carolina homeschool graduate Brandon Diaz as its newest SEAL. This much—desired outcome followed on the heels of one last phone call to the Navy from Jeremiah Lorrig, deputy director of HSLDA’s Federal Relations Department.
6/12/2008
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Education Begins at Home Act (H.R. 2343): Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
The Education Begins At Home Act (H.R. 2343) establishes a program that brings the government into homes by establishing and growing programs that would bring unelected government officials into homes to inspect the family environment.
4/6/2008
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Federal Relations Department Hosts National Homeschool Leader Summit
On Wednesday, March 12, over 60 state homeschool leaders from 31 states, came to Washington, D.C., to take part in HSLDA’s National Homeschool Leader Summit, held every two years.
3/28/2008
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Senator Comments on California Court Decision
U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded the 2nd District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles, California, for its decision to rehear a case involving the rights of parents who choose to homeschool their children.
3/19/2008
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Congressman ‘Disappointed’ by California Ruling
A prominent congressman on the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee released a statement calling a recent California court ruling an "assault" on the right to homeschool.
3/18/2008
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Home School Issues: Regarding Rachel L.
HSLDA's Federal Relations Department has been working with many congressional offices as Congress responds to the California Court of Appeal decision on home education, In re Rachel L. HSLDA strongly believes that federal legislation to protect homeschooling would be very dangerous, as it would be a well—meaning attempt that could easily lead to federal control over homeschooling. Rather, we are encouraging a congressional resolution, and also are working with ParentalRights.org to protect the rights of all parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children through a constitutional amendment.
10/31/2007
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Education Begins at Home Act (S. 667): Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
The Education Begins At Home Act (S. 667) establishes a program that brings the government into homes by establishing and growing programs that would bring unelected government officials into homes to inspect the family environment.
10/30/2007
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New Director Named for Generation Joshua
Home School Legal Defense Association is pleased to announce that William Estrada has been chosen to head up Generation Joshua. It is always encouraging when we can fill key positions at HSLDA from within our ranks of co—laborers. After having taken the time to conduct an extensive job search, we concluded that the best person for this key position is Will.
10/15/2007
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Oppose H.R. 3685, the Employment Non—Discrimination Act (ENDA)
Congress is considering H.R. 3685, the Employment Non—Discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill that would forbid employers of over 15 persons from discriminating in employment or hiring against any person based upon that person’s “sexual orientation.”
10/4/2007
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The Danger of National Standards
Nationalized curriculum and testing would take away local control over education by allowing unelected bureaucrats, not parents and local school boards, to decide what subjects should be taught in schools and how.
9/6/2007
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HSLDA Co—hosts Joint Briefing on NCLB in Washington, D.C.
To help keep a major piece of federal legislation from encroaching on homeschoolers, HSLDA took part in a Washington briefing for congressional staffers and others.
8/9/2007
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Homeschoolers Lobby Congress as Part of Congressional Action Program
Dozens of homeschooling parents and children visited Capitol Hill recently as part of HSLDA’s Congressional Action Program. The event not only proved educational for those who attended—it helped yield an important legislative victory.
6/11/2007
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Victory Protects Grassroots Lobbying from Federal Control
Over the past five months, Home School Legal Defense Association and other organizations achieved an historic victory—one which would have been impossible without the help of hundreds of thousands of homeschoolers and other concerned citizens.
5/14/2007
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Calls Needed Protect Grassroots Lobbying from Federal Control
We urgently need you to call your U.S. Representative to resist
efforts to place federal control over grassroots lobbying activity.
The House of Representatives is preparing to introduce its own
lobbying reform bill, and it is very likely that attempts will be made
to regulate grassroots lobbying.
5/2/2007
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Federal Issue Update: Grassroots Lobbying
Home School Legal Defense Association has taken a position in opposition to congressional attempts to regulate grassroots lobbying. This first became an issue for us when the 110th Congress introduced Senate Bill 1 (S. 1), a major lobbying reform bill.
3/29/2007
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Veterans Affairs: Another Victory for Homeschooling
On March 16, 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs promulgated new regulations that now treat homeschools just like any other school, ending years of discrimination that questioned whether or not homeschooling was an “educational institution.”
3/26/2007
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U.S. Marine Corps Opens Doors Wide for Homeschool Graduates
The U.S. Marine Corps has joined the U.S. Army in actively pursuing homeschooled students. A recent statement from the Marine Corps Recruiting Command Public Affairs Chief makes it clear that homeschoolers are eligible to enlist in all military programs, the same as a graduate from public school.
3/21/2007
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HSLDA Restarts Congressional Action Program
Congressional Action Program lobbyists are back in full force. After the program’s three—year hiatus, Home School Legal Defense Association President Mike Smith and HSLDA Director of Federal Relations Will Estrada, reinstituted CAP earlier this year with the focus on training families to become citizen—lobbyists on Capitol Hill.
1/19/2007
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Victory for Grassroots Lobbying——Bennett Amendment Passes Senate
The U.S. Senate approved the Bennett amendment by a vote
of 55—43. American citizens will remain free to organize and contact
their congressional representatives without being forced to comply
with federal regulation and oversight.
1/12/2007
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Urgent Calls Needed to Protect Grassroots Lobbying from Federal Control
We need you to call your U.S. senators to fight efforts to place
federal control over virtually all grassroots lobbying activity. This
means that all organizations and groups that encourage people to call
their congressmen, including homeschool support groups, will be
subject to registration and reporting to Congress.
10/30/2006
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Federal Regulation: Parental Consent Required for Special Needs Evaluation
The National Center worked with HSLDA's litigation department to fix the regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to correct a problem which has been affecting homeschool families for years.
9/25/2006
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Bill in Congress to Make Public Education a Constitutional Right
As another reminder of attempts to take educational choices out of the hands of parents, legislation has been introduced in Congress proposing to amend the U.S. Constitution to make public education a “right.”
8/29/2006
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We Need You to Help Register Voters Next Month
The elections are a few weeks away, but there is still time to register many new voters. Generation Joshua and the National Center for Home Education have designated Sunday September 10 and 17 as “National Voter Registration Sundays.” Please consider joining this effort to help sign up new voters at your church.
8/11/2006
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Homeschoolers Protected in Federal Vocational Education Bill
In one of its last acts before the August recess, Congress approved the Carl Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (S. 250). HSLDA was successful in ensuring that protections for home—educated students remained in the bill sent to the President for his expected signature.
4/4/2006
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National Center for Home Education—Legislative Briefing Report
The National Center for Home Education's 2006 Legislative Summit reached one of its high points on Thursday morning, March 30. Four Senators and eight Representatives spoke to our group of 75 homeschool leaders.
10/6/2005
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Homeschool Non—Discrimination Act Introduced in Congress
On September 13, Senator Craig (R—ID) and Representative Musgrave (R—CO) introduced identical versions of the Homeschool Non—Discrimination Act in both houses of Congress. This bill seeks to eliminate several forms of discrimination which homeschoolers are currently experiencing.
7/19/2005
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House Subcommittee Proposes to End College Discrimination Against Homeschoolers
The legislation will stop discrimination against homeschooled students who seek to enter college before the "normal" age of seventeen.
6/21/2005
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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The first draft of regulations for the re—authorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) corrects a problem which has been affecting homeschool families for years.
5/31/2005
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New Tax Credit Legislation Will Benefit Homeschoolers
On May 18, 2005, Representative Mark Green (R—WI—8) introduced the SCHOOL Act (HR 2426). His legislation provides up to $3,000 in federal tax credits for individuals ($6,000 for married couples) who donate to scholarship organizations.
5/25/2005
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Representative Opposes Military Discrimination against Homeschoolers
In a recent statement to oppose the recent discrimination against homeschoolers in the military, Representative Mark Souder (R—IN—3) took a stand on the House floor in support of homeschoolers.
5/20/2005
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Homeschoolers Protected as House Education Committee Reauthorizes Head Start
On May 18, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce approved legislation that would introduce greater competition into the federal Head Start early childhood program. HSLDA worked closely with the House Education Committee staff to ensure that this legislation would not adversely affect homeschooling families.
8/5/2004
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Bill Which Prohibits Mandatory Early Education Still In Limbo in U.S. Senate
The U.S. Senate may complete the Head Start legislation this session, which was passed by the House on July 25, 2003, by a 217 to 216 vote.
8/3/2004
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National Center for Education Statistics Releases New Numbers for Homeschoolers
National Center for Education Statistics: U.S. Department of Education
2/5/2004
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 URGENT
Preserve the Institution of Marriage
Congress will soon be deciding on the right text for a constitutional amendment setting forth that marriage must be between a man and a woman. It is critical that we get this text right.
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Golfing with Grace
Faith, family, and golfing are fundamental in the life of 17-year-old Amy Anderson, winner of this year’s U.S. Girls’ Junior Golf Championship.
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