Democrat leaders wanted massive new interventions in private schooling

From a press release, Jan. 13, by the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA):

Purcellville, VA—Today, the New Hampshire House of Representatives resoundingly rejected a draconian homeschool proposal by voting 324–34 to maintain the current law. “Winning by such a significant margin is welcome relief for New Hampshire homeschool families,” said Mike Donnelly, staff attorney for HSLDA.

“It was a real surprise when Democratic leaders collaborated to bring these major changes to the floor for a vote, especially since the very same proposal had already been soundly rejected by their own committee,” said Donnelly.

It was pure old-fashioned grass roots activism that led to the resounding defeat. Continuing:

The victory was made possible by thousands of homeschool families from all over New Hampshire working diligently alongside HSLDA and Christian Home Educators of New Hampshire to educate their representatives about the threat to homeschool freedom.

Homeschool families participated in rallies, called their legislators, wrote letters, as well as walked the corridors of the state house to show their opposition.

Todd Donovan, a home school advocate from Andover, wrote in the Concord Monitor:

In an era when home-schoolers are significantly outperforming their public school counterparts the last thing home-schoolers and taxpayers need is another bureaucracy wasting their time and money.

The Plain Truth blog noted that this was a purely Democrat bill calling it a"Democrat assault on homeschoolers":

The homeschool community is reacting with alarm... The proposal to create the new state requirements is being pushed by Democratic leaders in the legislature

All Republicans in the House voted against the resolution.

Note - New Hampshire has a number of libertarian Republican legislators, including fmr. Republican Liberty Caucus State Chair Carol McGuire (photo left), David Bettencourt, Davie Itse, Al Badarraso and Jenn Coffey (photo right). Rep. Coffey of Andover was recently the guest speaker at a NH RLC state meeting.(List and photos at RLC.org). Also, sometimes Libertarian Party member, Rep. Steve Vallaincourt caucuses with the House GOP.

More info: RLCNH.org