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A couple things you can do today:
- Pray for Representative Koleszar:
- For the Lord to lead him in all his legislative endeavors.
- For protection over him, his family, and those around him.
- For wisdom and guidance on very tough issues
- For understanding as he reaches across the aisle to get things done
- Call your state legislators and ask them to please defend homeschool freedoms as they are right now.
Unfortunately, at this time, Senator Polehanki has cancelled our scheduled meeting with her for tomorrow, March 1, 2023. Her staff has offered to reschedule later in the year and we have accepted and look forward to meeting with the Senator in the future.
In general, we have a couple concerns at this time. There have been multiple times where lawmakers are not being completely transparent with the public. At times, this has looked like a motion on the house floor to "suspend the rules," by-passing rule #42 steps b & c in the house rules which requires legislators to send bills into committee. Unfortunately, this means they can vote on any bill with no debate or discussion, giving us little time to get the word out to our families of any potential changes. At other times, they have turned off cameras so the general public can not see what is being said and done. While neither of these procedural tactics break any laws or rules, it is clearly not the transparency we have all been promised.
While MiCHN is a volunteer organization made up of concerned homeschooling parents just like you, we believe there is strength in numbers and there is cost involved in maintaining the presence we have had in the legislature for almost four decades, and keeping homeschoolers in the state networked and informed. If you would like to help protect and preserve homeschooling freedoms here in Michigan, please consider supporting our work through donations (we are a tax-exempt, 501-c-3 non-profit organization) and through annual memberships.
**It is important you understand we can not act on a bill, unless one is introduced. At this time, there has been NO BILL introduced in committees nor the chambers that would stipulate more regulations on homeschoolers. With that in mind, MICHN would encourage you to prayerfully consider what you can do in the future to engage with your local representatives:
- Write a letter to your state legislators introducing yourself and your family. In the letter thank them for all their hard work and service to the people of Michigan. Tell them you are praying for them, ask them if they have any specific prayer requests they would like to share with you-be it work or family related. If they share a request-be sure to follow up with a 'Thinking of You Note' and see how they are doing.
- Pray for our elected officials. Considering using a resource like pray1tim2.org.
- Visit them in their local district office or in Lansing. Many legislators set aside certain times in their districts to meet with their constituents. Consider blessing them by taking a delicious treat with you or leaving a small gift like special "made in Michigan" food or decorative item.
- Send cards of encouragement throughout the year. Birthdays (usually posted on their website), 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are all great opportunities to thank them for their service. Consider including a family picture and hand-drawn pictures or notes from your children to make it more personal.
- Invite them to homeschooling events in your area-picnics, programs, graduations, concerts, etc.
- Consider volunteering in their office or on their campaign. If you have confidence in what they stand for, offer your time to help: homeschoolers can assist with mailings, phone calls, placing yard signs, distributing literature door-to-door, marching in local parades, etc.
-Your MiCHN Legislative Team
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