By Carolyn Martin (CHEC Director of Government Relations)

Rough Beginnings & More

Several times during the special session, work on the House floor was disrupted by pro-Hamas protestors. In much the same way, protestors prolonged the opening day proceedings of the current legislative session. During the speeches over the first few days, not unexpectantly, leadership laid out their aggressive plans for more government programs and more government intrusion into our lives in the name of the ‘common good.’ What was unexpected was a bill being scheduled for committee before it was even introduced. The bill repealed and reenacted a law passed during the special session that is the subject of a lawsuit by one of the House members, bringing some very contentious debate during the committee meeting and the floor debate.

After watching the quarrelsome beginnings of the session and reviewing the first round of bills introduced, it became clear that we wouldn’t see the usual election-year fluff bills and collaboration. This is going to be a rough year for the people’s liberty!

By Carolyn Martin (CHEC Director of Government Relations)

And So It Begins, Again

The march toward more government programs, more government control over our families and our livelihoods, and more restrictions on our inalienable rights has begun. Last year was bad enough, but despite this being an election year, those who run our government have not finished implementing their complete transformation of our beautiful state. And so it begins, today is the first day of the 2024 legislative session.
 
Parental rights have been exchanged for a child’s rights. Religious liberty has been dwarfed by special rights given to presumably oppressed people groups. What about homeschooling? So far, we have been able to keep the dam from breaking on our freedom to educate our children how we see fit. Yet, there is much opposition coming from many directions. State alphabet soup agencies, departments, and boards. School choice and anti-homeschool advocates. Local school officials and boards. Legislators on both sides of the aisle.
 
There is no way I can withstand them alone. I rely greatly on God’s help to see and understand these attacks. But each of you also plays an integral part. First and foremost, this is a spiritual battle. God’s enemies hate what He has created – especially children, the family, and the church. Homeschooling is a lifeboat for the preservation of our families and our faith. It is essential that you stay true to His call to raise your families in the admonition of the Lord, or everything I do is meaningless. Pray to God for His protection and provision for me and every homeschooling family in this state.