Restrictive Homeschool Legislation to be introduced Thursday (NJ)

email | 1/6/03 | Scott Woodruff, HSLDA staff attorney

[ladylib]

In this case, I'm happy to do so. If the NJ state legislature and Nanny Weinberg want homeschoolers to have physicals every year, let the state (taxpayers) pay for it. Homeschoolers already pay for public schools that they don't use.

[ladylib]

The bill is before the education committee on May 17:

http://www.enochnj.org/pagegen.cgi?opcode=detail&file=A1918alert1.txt

[TimHaas]

It was pulled again -- most likely on June 10th now.

A rally is being planned before that date -- will post details when they're available.

Tim Haas
New Jersey Homeschool Association

[ladylib]

Thanks.

[Tired of Taxes]

Hi Coleus.

I'm a homeschooler living in NJ, but I wasn't pinged for this last update on A1918. I do receive updates through various email groups, but sometimes there is more info here. Would you please make sure I'm your ping list? Thanks.

[TimHaas]

A RALLY TO SAVE HOMESCHOOLING IN NEW JERSEY!


Date: Monday, May 24th, 2004

Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., RAIN OR SHINE!

Place: Front steps of the State House, Trenton

Sponsors: ENOCH, Unschoolers Network, Catholic Homeschoolers of New Jersey, Tricounty Home Educators, New Jersey Homeschool Association


We need you and your family in Trenton on Monday!

This is your best chance this year to send the message that no changes are needed to the laws that have allowed tens of thousands of New Jersey children to learn and grow in the safest, most nurturing environment possible — in their own homes, with their own families!

Please put aside any plans you may already have for the day and make sure you’re counted!

We are asking legislators and the press to come out and see what a mighty force homeschoolers are in New Jersey.

If they come and see 200 of us, they will think they can turn away from our plight without a second glance.

If they come and see 2,000 of us, they will know we cannot be ignored!

Your presence on Monday can make or break this effort!

Some of our lawmakers have a very narrow view of homeschooling, fundamentally misunderstanding WHO does it, HOW they do it, and WHY they do it.

It is imperative that we demonstrate the DIVERSITY and DEPTH of the homeschooling movement!

Bring a sign (handheld only -- no sticks), banner, homemade T-shirt, etc., with a slogan that will identify you as a homeschooler. Try to keep it short, and try to use some form of the word “homeschool” or a reference to A1918. Remember, we are not against public education, but for homeschooling.

Some suggestions:

“Homeschooling Works”
“Homeschooling -- 40 Years Of Success”
“Remove A1918, Not Parental Rights!”
“A1918 Is Unnecessary, Unfair, Unfunded!”
“A1918 Discriminates!”
“Homeschoolers Have Civil Rights Too!”
“A1918 Violates Federal Law [Small Print] 20 USC Section 7886(B)”
“Medical Privacy for Homeschoolers Too”
“Homeschooling Saves Taxpayers $130,000 Per Child”
“N.J. Home Education Is Perfect!”
“New Jersey and Home Education -- Perfect Together”
“Home Education Freedom Now”
“Vote for Home Education Freedom”
“Free for N.J. Taxpayers -- Home Education”
“Education Excellence -- N.J. Home Education”
“Oppose A1918”
“Home Education -- The Garden State’s Best!”
“We Grow Great Kids -- N.J. Home Educators”

(Especially for children)
“I (heart) Homeschooling”
“I give homeschooling an A+”
“Homeschooling makes great citizens”


TRANSPORTATION DETAILS:

CHARTER BUSES

Please note that according to our rally permit, charter buses CANNOT discharge passengers directly at the State House complex. We believe that if the drop-off/pick-up point is a few blocks from the complex we will be working within the permit limitations.

PARKING

There is a large overflow parking area on Perry Street where a bus comes by to pick up and drop off at the State House. It is about a 10- to 15-minute walk otherwise, but the bus goes right there.

Public parking is available in the Capitol Complex parking garage. It is accessed by turning right onto Barrack Street from West State Street and turning left at the first light onto Lafayette Street. Proceed to the next light and turn right onto South Warren Street. Make the first right and make another right at the stop sign. Bear left at the light and make a right at the light toward the back of the State House. Proceed to the guard booth and have picture ID ready to gain access to the parking garage.

Metered, on-street parking is available along West State Street. Pay lots are located at the corner of South Warren and Lafayette Streets, and at North Warren and Hanover Streets. Handicap parking is available in the parking garage and on West State Street in front of the State House and Annex and across the street from the State House.

You can get a map of street map of Trenton from www.mapquest.com.

Clover Park & Lock
431 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609
(609) 392-9582
http://www.trentongarage.com

Hamilton Train Station Parking
800 Sloan Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08619
(609) 584-7703
http://www.trentongarage.com

Park America Inc
Bank, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 396-4440

Park America Inc
State Street Square, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 393-9822

Penn Central Parking Inc
81 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609
(609) 392-5835

Station Plaza Park & Ride
60 Wallenberg Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 584-7703
(609) 599-2802 (fax)
http://www.trentongarage.com

Station Plaza Park & Ride LP
458 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609
(609) 599-3100
http://www.trentongarage.com

Trenton Parking Garage
1 West Lafayette Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 394-9324

VIP Park & Lock
60 Wallenberg Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08608
(609) 599-9614

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Here are the directions to the State House from the NJ Legislative webpage:

From the East: Take 195 west to Route 29 north (toward Lambertville). Exit right at Memorial Drive. Follow signs for the Capitol Complex and proceed through the light at the end of the ramp. After the light, make a sharp first right and proceed making a semi-circle around the parking area. Pass through the light into the Capitol Complex.

From the South: Take Route 206 north or 295 north, and follow directions to 195 west. Follow directions above for traveling from the east.

From the West: Enter Trenton via Delaware River toll bridge (Route 1 north). Exit at Route 29. Take Route 29 north (toward Lambertville). Exit right at Memorial Drive. Follow signs for the Capitol Complex and proceed through the light at the end of the ramp. After the light, make a sharp first right and proceed making a semi-circle around the parking area. Pass through the light into the Capitol Complex.

From the North: Take Route 1 south to the last New Jersey exit (“Capitol Complex”). Turn right onto Warren Street and go to the light where you will make a left onto Market Street. Pass through the next light at William Trent Place and bear right following signs for the Capitol Complex.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

You can take the River Line (www.riverline.com) between Camden and Trenton, and direct rail service to Trenton is provided by both N.J. Transit (1-800-582-5946; www.njtransit.com) and Amtrak (1-800-872-7245; www.amtrak.com). N.J. Transit also provides bus service to and within the Trenton area.

FROM THE TRAIN STATION

Walking: South Clinton Avenue runs along the left side of the train station. Proceed up the avenue (to your right when facing the road) one block and make a left onto East State Street. (You’ll soon pass the Department of Environmental Protection on your left.) At one point, the street becomes a pedestrian mall. After the mall, the street becomes West State Street. The State House is two blocks up on the left. The walk takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Cabs: Cabs are available at the rear of the station.

Buses: Buses stop in front of the train station at the corner of South Clinton Avenue. Most service West State Street and the State House.

[Coleus]

New Jersey--Statewide Rally May 24 To Oppose A1918

Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg is continuing to push hard for new restrictions on New Jersey homeschoolers. It is time for citizens to rally to show their opposition.  This is a call to action to every New Jersey homeschool family!

ACTION REQUESTED:

1.  Please come to a rally on Monday, May 24, at the statehouse front steps in Trenton from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2.  Although there are cafeteria and restroom facilities inside the statehouse building, they will not be available to us since they cannot accommodate the large number of homeschool families that we expect. Port-a-potties will be available, but you should make your own arrangements for meals.

3.  Signs on sticks are not permitted. Signs that are held by hand are permitted. Buttons and stickers, of course, are permitted.

4.  Parking will be challenging and public transportation is limited. Consider filling every seatbelt in your car or van with a homeschooler, having the driver drop the passengers off near the statehouse, then allowing the driver to drive around for two or three hours and pick the passengers up at a pre-arranged time and place. Another public event will be occurring about the same time as ours, but at a different location in downtown Trenton. This will put
additional strain on parking, highlighting the need for advance planning and working together with other families.

5.  Since you and your group may be in the full sun during the rally, consider bringing hats, water bottles, etc. Also consider bringing an umbrella if there is any chance of rain.

6.  This rally is pursuant to a permit the capitol security office has issued.  Be courteous to all security and law enforcement personnel you may encounter, and promptly follow any lawful orders they issue.

On May 24, the assembly will be in session. They will know we are there. It is extremely important that our presence be felt in a large way.  Bring as many other people as you can--relatives, neighbors, friends-who are willing to speak out for freedom.

Homeschool freedom in New Jersey is at a critical juncture. Your part is important. Please come.

See below for further references:

Clover Park & Lock 431 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609 (609) 392-9582 http://www.trentongarage.com Hamilton Train Station Parking 800 Sloan Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08619 (609) 584-7703 http://www.trentongarage.com Park America Inc Bank, Trenton, NJ 08608 (609) 396-4440 Park America Inc State Street Square, Trenton, NJ 08608 (609) 393-9822 Penn Central Parking Inc 81 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609 (609) 392-5835

Station Plaza Park & Ride 60 Wallenberg Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08608 (609) 584-7703 (609) 599-2802 (fax) http://www.trentongarage.com Station Plaza Park & Ride LP 458 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609 (609) 599-3100 http://www.trentongarage.com Trenton Parking Garage 1 West Lafayette Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 (609) 394-9324 VIP Park & Lock 60 Wallenberg Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08608 (609) 599-9614

There are many options for parking in Trenton!

There is a large overflow parking area on Perry Street where a bus comes by to pick up and drop off at the state house. It is about a 10-15 minute walk otherwise, but the bus goes right there.

Public parking is available in the Capitol Complex parking garage. It is accessed by turning right onto Barrack Street from West State Street and turning left at the first light onto Lafayette Street. Proceed to the next light and turn right onto South Warren Street. Make the first right and make another right at the stop sign. Bear left at the light and make a right at the light toward the back of the State House. Proceed to the guard booth and have picture ID ready to gain access to the parking garage.

Metered, on-street parking is available along West State Street. Pay lots are located at the corner of South Warren and Lafayette Streets, and at North Warren and Hanover Streets. Handicap parking is available in the parking garage and on West State Street in front of the State House and Annex and across the street from the State House.
 
Here are the directions to the State House from the NJ Legislative webpage:

From the East: Take 195 west to Route 29 north (toward Lambertville). Exit right at Memorial Drive. Follow signs for the Capitol Complex and proceed through the light at the end of the ramp. After the light, make a sharp first right and proceed making a semi-circle around the parking area. Pass through the light into the Capitol Complex.

From the South: Take Route 206 north or 295 north, and follow directions to 195 west. Follow directions above for traveling from the east.

From the West: Enter Trenton via Delaware River toll bridge (Route 1 north). Exit at Route 29. Take Route 29 north (toward Lambertville). Exit right at Memorial Drive. Follow signs for the Capitol Complex and proceed through the light at the end of the ramp. After the light, make a sharp first right and proceed making a semi-circle around the parking area. Pass through the light into the Capitol Complex.

From the North: Take Route 1 south to the last New Jersey exit ("Capitol Complex"). Turn right onto Warren Street and go to the light where you will make a left onto Market Street. Pass through the next light at William Trent Place and bear right following signs for the Capitol Complex.

3.  Public Transportation

Direct rail service to Trenton is provided by both NJ Transit (1-800-582-5946) and Amtrak (1-800-872-7245). NJ Transit also provides bus service to and within the Trenton area.

From the train station:

Walking: South Clinton Avenue runs along the left side of the train station. Proceed up the avenue (to your right when facing the road) one block and make a left onto East State Street. (You'll soon pass the Department of Environmental Protection on your left.) At one point, the street becomes a pedestrian mall. After the mall, the street becomes West State Street. The State House is two blocks up on the left. The walk takes 10-15 minutes.

Cabs: Cabs are available at the rear of the station.

Buses: Buses stop in front of the train station at the corner of South Clinton Avenue. Most service West State Street and the State House. If your group is bringing a charter bus, the passengers should disembark a couple blocks away from the rally site to avoid congestion, etc.

 

New Jersey--Announcing the 14th Annual Homeschool Convention

Thank you for your loyalty and partnership with Home School Legal Defense Association. Only by working together can we defend homeschool freedom and keep the cost of membership low.

We want to let you know that we will soon be at an event in your area on June 18th & 19th, 2004. The 14th Annual Homeschool Convention will be held at New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison, NJ.

Again this year, we are offering a special incentive for new members. First-time members who join HSLDA at the 14th Annual Homeschool Convention will receive a free book. Invite three of your friends to come to the conference and sign up as new members. If they note on their applications that you referred them, you'll receive a free year of membership when their memberships are approved!

We are also excited to announce our new "Join for Two" and "Renew for Two" promotions to encourage both new and current members to commit to two years of membership. When you choose to join or renew for two
years at a conference, you may take home up to two items from HSLDA's book table with a combined value of up to $20.

For more information about the 14th Annual Homeschool Convention please contact Margaret Reith at Phone: 732-291-7800 Email: office@enochnj.org   or visit http://www.enochjn.org

[Ed_in_NJ]

bttt

[hardhead]

Does this mean that ALL NJ school children undergo a yearly medical examination or just those accursed children of homeschoolers?

[Coleus]

Yes, therein lies the problem, ONLY homeschooled children will be required to have ANNUAL physicals while public school children forgo physicals unless they play sports. The State Law is posted above in another post.

The DemoCrap NJ Legislature beholden to the NJEA (teachers' union) is trying to regulate the homeschoolers so that none will be able to home school anymore. They are doing the same with businesses in NJ with a corporate tax and regulatory oversight. Verizon just pulled out and took 3,000 jobs with them!!

The DYFS of NJ visited a family over 40 times in the past few yrs. and allowed 4 boys to be almost starved to death, one boy, 19 yrs. old was found rummaging through a garbage bin his weight was 45 lbs.

Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg, instead of blaming DYFS for their incompetence, is now using the homeschool issue as the cause of their starvation. Where was It Takes a Village?

[stands2reason]

I never had an annual physical exam while growing up. Amazingly I'm still alive.

[stands2reason]

It's amazing how some conservatives can accept gov't intrusion into the people's lives as long as it "seems like a good idea for people to do anyway."

[stands2reason]

What is this, some kind of Jewish Conspiracy?

[Coleus]

Wow, I can't believe that we posted the same message, one minute apart from each other!

[LibertyBelle2]

Can anyone advise on news about yesterday's rally in Trenton? I was unable to attend despite a burning desire to do so, and now I can't find hide nor hair of ANY news about it! I've searched every newspaper I could find, googled, searched Freep...nothing! Did it even happen? What was the turnout? Why is the media silent on it? Where are transcripts of the speeches?? Did any press even show up?

[TimHaas]

The rally went beautifully -- we counted 1,600 people at 11:30, and more came as the afternoon wore on (we went from 11 a.m. to about 1:30 p.m.).

It was hot and muggy, but all it dampened was shirts, not spirits. Lots of assemblyfolk came out to say a few words, and we had a good five or six homeschool graduates speak about their experiences.

Copies of the prepared speeches and a rundown of the speakers should be available online soon -- I'll advise when they're available.

[rmlew]

No. It is a case of anti-Semite spinning the positin of a non-standard Jewish sect. It would be like calling Jews for Jesus normative Christianity and using their statements to show a Christian conspiracy,.