July 23, 2021 – Call to Action For SB 201

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 10:30 a.m.

WHPA members should already be aware of the ongoing attempt by legislators to create unregulated private schools in Wisconsin, called “micro education pods” (formerly “microschools”), and WHPA’s diligent work opposing this proposal. You can read WHPA’s previous statements and action on this proposal here and here.

The Senate version of the bill, SB 201, is scheduled for a public hearing with the Senate Committee on Education. It is critical that WHPA members and supporters speak up in defense of our homeschooling law at this hearing. The public hearing is scheduled for:

Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Room 411 South of the Wisconsin Capitol

What You Can Do (Instructions below)

  1. SHOW UP AND TESTIFY IN PERSON. This is the most powerful thing you can do to help protect our homeschooling law. When our law was first created, and each time it has been challenged, thousands of homeschoolers showed up in person and sent a powerful message to our legislators. This meeting is in a large room and will accommodate many people. Masks are not required.
  2. SHOW UP and register “opposed” in person.
  3. Call the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Senator Alberta Darling at (608) 266-5380 and ask that you be registered as opposed to SB 201.
  4. Call the members of the Senate Committee on Education and tell them you oppose SB 201. Find contact information here: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2021/committees/senate/2272

How To Testify In Person

  • Bring 10 copies of your testimony. 1 is for you; 1 is for the senate clerk, 1 is for the senate attorney, and 7 are for the members of the Committee on Education.
  • Show up early. The room will open about 30 minutes before the meeting begins. Be there.
  • Sign up to testify. There will be an iPad for electronic sign up near the entrance to the room. Enter your information, noting that you will be speaking in opposition to SB 201.
  • Time limit is usually 5 minutes. Do not plan to go over.
  • You are there to address the committee chair & committee members. It is their job to hear your testimony.
  • Identify the bill by its number, SB 201.
  • Clearly state that you oppose the bill and why.
  • Share your personal story if it is relevant. “Our current reasonable homeschooling law works.”
  • Restate your opposition clearly.
  • Thank the committee for their time and attention.

How To Register Opposed In Person

  • Show up early. The room will open about 30 minutes before the meeting begins. Be there.
  • Register your opposition. There will be an iPad for electronic sign up near the entrance to the room. Enter your information, noting that you are registering in opposition to SB 201.

What To Say In Your Testimony

Be sure to reread WHPA’s previous statements on “micro education pods” (formerly “microschools”) here and here. Consider including in your personal testimony:

  • You oppose SB 201.
  • Our current homeschooling law is reasonable and clear.
  • Our current homeschooling law works well for your family.
  • Micro education pods are unnecessary. Homeschoolers can already gather to share educational activities. If a group of families wish to start a small private school, they already may do so under current law.
  • SB 201 is confusing and raises more legal questions than it answers.
  • Micro education pods undermine our current law by confusing homeschools and private schools.

For over 37 years, WHPA has been working to protect our reasonable homeschooling law. Our greatest strength is our grassroots membership, which hails from across our state, and includes families of all kinds, from diverse backgrounds, faiths, political interests, and homeschooling styles. Homeschooling unites us all, and together we can defend the right of every parent in Wisconsin to direct the education of their own children. Please join WHPA in opposing SB 201 and this attempt to undermine the clear legal structure of homeschooling in Wisconsin.

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