HB0431 by Rep. Bell / SB0433 by Sen. Bunch

PASSED & SIGNED INTO LAW

Hello TN Homeschoolers, (please forward to your HS e-mail loops, co-ops, tutorials, etc. Thanks!)

GOD is so very good to us!!

I've just spoken to Rep. Mike Bell about the high drama which took place today in the House Chamber at our state Capitol!

Mike stood and fielded questions at the well (the podium facing all the representatives) for 2--that's TWO--hours as the battle raged with the entire TN House of Representatives for the passage of HB 0431!

And the GREAT news is that the 2 hour battle over this one bill, it passed 61-27!!

Mike said that one legislator whose desk is up front near the well leaned over to him to encourage him saying, "The trying of our faith produces patience." And he experienced this today as he stood for our freedom!

He also told me that after the vote, representatives who voted against the bill came to him, shook his hand and complimented him on his handling of the debate.

He said that a maneuver was used which he had never seen in all his time there as both a lobbyist and representative. An emergency Calendar & Rules Committee meeting was called from the floor and rules were used to limit the debate on the bill.

Mike promised to write up the experience this weekend and we will be sending that to you so watch in the days to come for the first hand recounting of this incredible drama in Mike's own words !

Mike also said that the video of the debate will be posted on the Tennessee General assembly web site soon, so if you have time to watch it it will be available. go to http://www.legislature.state.tn.us and click on the "videos" link at the top right.

Remember today is the National Day of Prayer! May we encourage you to Thank God for His goodness to us! Pray for our Nation, for our world, for our state, for repentance and revival so that our God will be glorified, that our families will be blessed by Him and be a blessing for Him!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, WONDERFUL HOMESCHOOLING MOTHERS!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

This bill corrects a problem discovered in 2008, when home school high school graduates were fired from their jobs, denied employment and refused entry to post secondary educational institutions.

Using a new interpretation of a 1992 era regulation, departments of TN government began not recognizing diplomas awarded by church related schools that chose not to seek state department approval. No approval is required to operate.

They are approved by state law to operate. They are not approved by state departments' new interpretation of their regulations to award high school diplomas.

This bill is to correct this discrepency.