Florida Homeschoolers – Important Legislation to be Aware Of

There is a reorganization currently afloat before the Florida legislature which will put our children, from birth, under the control of the Department of Education and has the potential of having complete control over private schools. We can do a better job of raising our children than the government can.  

We are asking that all concerned parents call both the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Select Committee of Government  Reorganization and voice opposition to the pending changes. In addition to calling the State Representatives listed here, we ask that you also call your State Senator and other Representatives in order to urge them to amend Senate Bill 7202.

Legg, John (R)  Chair   850-488-5522 or Fax: 727-861-5229

Aubuchon, Gary (R)   Vice Chair  850-488-7433  or Fax: 239-344-4901

To find your state senator, visit http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/Find.

To find your representatives, visit http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx.

As outlined in more detail in the attachment, these plans will have an impact on both private and home schooled families beginning at birth.

MESSAGE TO THE CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR

DO NOT CREATE A DIVISION OF EARLY LEARNING AT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (reasons outlined in the attachment )

DO MOVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE VPK SCHOLARSHIP TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.  (reasons outlined in the attachment )

CALL INSTRUCTIONS

1. First, ask to speak with the Representative or Senator. However, if you are told that they are unavailable, ask the person answering the call to take down your information.
2. Provide your Name and Address and how many people you are representing. For example, if you represent a Coop or other group and are calling on behalf of the group, provide the name of the group and how many families you represent. Provide also the total number of relatives and friends that agree with your position.
3. Provide the SPECIFIC bill number and SPECIFIC message as noted above that you are requesting to change.
4. Ask for the Representative or Senator to either contact you by email or phone to discuss the issue.
5. Be polite and courteous. 

REMEMBER, YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES GET INUNDATED BY THOUSANDS OF PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS ESPECIALLY DURING LEGISLATIVE SESSION WHERE MAJOR PIECES OF LEGISLATION ARE BEING DISCUSSED. KEEP IT SIMPLE AND DIRECT. 

Please read the attachment to understand more fully how these plans impact your family and educational environment. Politely remind the representatives that private and home education is working well in Florida and these changes jeopardize the environment that has been hard fought for Florida families over the past 20 years. 

Independent education is under attack.  If these plans go through, the State will control education from birth through graduate school unless we act now. Once private schools are completely regulated, homeschooling will be next.

Please contact the above named Representatives and take additional steps to find out who your State Senator is and contact him as well. 

To read the “attachment”, click here and scroll to the bottom and see the Alert – Background Information link.