Information
Bulletin #5 - Byrd Scholarship changes HB 2732 - SB1562 11/05/2003
Did you know that:
There is a vast array of scholarships available to
homeschoolers throughout the country. The importance of freedom from government
intrusion or the potential of government intrusion far outweighs the importance
of homeschoolers to be able to participate in this particular scholarship, no
matter how economically advantageous it is. Not every economic advantage is
available to everyone in this country. There are a variety of conditions and
qualifications that one must meet in order to obtain benefits, particularly in
the area of scholarships. Many scholarships are only available to particular
categories of individuals, such as children of firefighters, or children of
veterans, or students residing in a particular town. A change in federal law
should not occur just to allow homeschoolers to participate in those types of
"discriminatory" scholarships. Similarly, a change in federal law
should not occur just to allow homeschoolers to participate in the Byrd
Scholarship. In the case of homeschooled students, a change in federal law
allowing them to participate is not only unnecessary, it is potentially
harmful.
Federal
legislation that is being considered (HR2732/SB1562) to revise to the Byrd
Scholarship program is totally unnecessary and will only invite further
reporting requirements and regulation for homeschoolers!
Remember, when the government gives away money, it will want accountability, and accountability inevitably leads
to regulation. There are many
public and private scholarships available that contain certain criteria for
eligibility. Students in public schools do not qualify for all scholarships. If
homeschoolers do not qualify under the particular criteria of any one
scholarship, they should seek funding elsewhere. Taking the extra time and
effort to seek out funding elsewhere is far more preferable than to accept
funding from the government and risk potential regulation.
Attorney Deborah Stevenson - Executive Director of National Home
Education Legal Defense. – www.nheld.com or email : info@nheld.com
Judy Aron -
Director of Research, NHELD – imjfaron@sbcglobal.net