Justice For All
mslife(AT)tsbbs02.tnet.com
IDEA UPDATE:
Hurrah For Small Victories...
BUT THE FORCES OF RETREAT PERSIST
GREGG AMENDMENT WITHHELD:
Thanks to your assertive advocacy, and the willingness
of Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN) to withhold another
amendment (his Welfare Reform/Education Amendment),
Senator Gregg (R-NH) did not offer the IDEA Flexibility
Amendment; however, Senator Gregg continues to speak on the
Senate floor regarding damaging amendments to the IDEA.
Senator Gregg's decision not to offer the IDEA Flexibility
Amendment is great news - - but indications now are that this is
only be a *postponement* NOT a *cancellation*.
JOINT SENATE/HOUSE HEARING CONDUCTED:
The joint Senate and House Hearing on the IDEA took place on
April 22nd, but resulted in no action. There was moving
testimony from advocates bringing attention to the bi-partisan
compromise IDEA package passed just last year and the need
to implement the law NOW! The opponents of IDEA also
testified making their usual attacks about the IDEA and its
implementing regulations.
There is no doubt that the forces of retreat are working long
and hard against the IDEA. These folks have made headway in
convincing many in Congress to weaken the IDEA.
WE CANNOT RELENT IN OUR ADVOCACY. TOO MUCH
IS AT STAKE. ONLY A GROUNDSWELL OF SUPPORT
FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IDEA WILL TURN THE
TIDE!
ONLY *YOU* CAN CREATE THAT GROUNDSWELL!!!
ACTION NEEDED:
First, contact Senator Wellstone and thank him for sacrificing
his amendment to save the IDEA! (V. 202-224-5641; FAX
202-224-8438; e-mail senator(AT)wellstone.senate.gov)
Next, contact Senator Gregg and ask him to support immediate
implementation of the IDEA with NO AMENDMENTS! (V.
202-224-3324; FAX 202-224-4952; e-mail
mailbox(AT)gregg.senate.gov
And then, call/write/FAX/e-mail your Senators and encourage
them to oppose any amendments to the IDEA. Our message
should be: Implement the IDEA NOW! NO AMENDMENTS!
EDUCATION FOR ALL!
JUSTICE FOR ALL!!!
-- Mark Smith mslife(AT)tsbbs02.tnet.com
--More good news: The House of Representatives stripped H.R. 1252 of the provision entitled "court ordered taxation" which would have prohibited judges to order or approve settlements that would force state or local governments to raise taxes to comply.
-- Fred Fay jfa(AT)mailbot.com Justice For All Moderator http://www.mailbot.com/--------- End forwarded message ----------
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