Schmidt Announces Opposition to SB 136

State Senator Suzi Schmidt, a member of the Education Committee, sent me the following email message on Friday:

Dear Paul,

Thank you for contacting our office regarding Senate Bill 136, proposed legislation requiring all non-public school students to register each year with the State Board of Education. I understand and appreciate your concern on this issue and am working diligently to respond to all inquiries in a timely fashion and with the most up-to-date information.

Currently SB 136 has not been assigned to a committee for review, but as a member of the Education committee, this legislation is of noted concern to families and students throughout the state as well as myself.

In its current form the bill would mandate all non-public school students (including home-schooled students) to register with the State Board of Education each year, which appears unnecessary, excessive, and provides no solution to a given problem in the public or private education systems. Additionally there is no available information regarding how this mandate might improve education for students, the number of families it will affect, or the anticipated additional cost to taxpayers it will create. Because the proposed legislation seemingly provides no added value to education and is unnecessary to student achievement, I do not support this bill.

Because of these reasons, many individuals and groups are currently lobbying for amendments to this particular legislation, which may or may not be proposed in committee, so it is likely SB 136 may evolve before being called for a vote on the Senate floor.

Please rest assured that if SB 136 is called for a vote in the Senate, I would consider all constituent comments and concerns fully and cast a vote in favor of the 31st district's best interest. Thank you again for contacting our office, and please let me know if I can be of further assistance to you.

Regards,

Suzi Schmidt
State Senator
31st District

[Emphasis added]

My sincerest kudos to Senator Schmidt on her reasoned, principled opposition to a bad bill that simply has nothing to recommend it. I hope that all my local friends, especially homeschoolers and those concerned with education reform, will take note of Senator Schmidt's excellent words, and remember them.