Breaking News! Legislative Update March Continued '24

MiCHN Condemns State Representative Koleszar’s Attempt to Blame Michigan Homeschool Families for State’s Failure to Protect Foster Kids Lansing, MI  The Michigan Christian Homeschool Network today condemned a social media post from State Representative Matt Koleszar (D-22nd District) that called for increased regulations of homeschool families following an unrelated case of abuse within the foster care system of Michigan. In response, Michigan Christian Homeschool Network (MICHN) Vice-President Israel Wayne issued the following statement: “MiCHN is unequivocally opposed to any and all abuse of children, and believe those who abuse children should be prosecuted by the adequate child abuse laws that already exist in our state. Instead of exploiting a false political narrative about home education to make headlines, Representative Koleszar’s time would be better spent focusing on improving Michigan’s struggling public school system, focusing his attention on the real problems that plague the state’s Child Protective Services and the abuse of children in union-backed schools." “We have fought long and hard in both the courts and the legislature to secure our current Michigan homeschool laws, and today we reiterate our position that we will resist, to the fullest measure, any efforts to restrict the homeschool freedoms that families have enjoyed since 1993. Homeschool families should not be burdened with additional regulations because of a few bad parents who break the law and abuse their children.” The Michigan Christian Homeschool Network (MICHN) was founded in 1984 to advance homeschool freedom in the state of Michigan so that it can be a place for families to freely pass on their values and faith, training their children through home-based, parent-directed, privately-funded home education.   We have more research and information HERE. Read MiCHN's Statement on Abuse and Child Protection Policy. Homeschooling and Abuse. Child Abuse and Neglect of the Homeschooled Versus the Conventionally Schooled: Groundbreaking Study. One child fatality is one too many.

Get Started HERE! History of Homeschooling in Michigan Donate A Most Urgent but Quite Brief Message to Homeschool Dads (from Someone Who Doesn’t Do It Anymore) Here’s the reason I’m not a dad of homeschoolers anymore: They’re adults now. We’re done. We fought the good fight, ran the race—all that. Really, in our case, it’s true that my wife did almost all of it. But I made some sacrifices, too. Education was an all-in family thing until they went to college. At the time, when we first started, I thought, on balance, it was the right move. But given that’s it all said and done, in light of all the struggles and doubts and self-questioning through those long homeschooling years, I’ve now reached this conclusion: It was TOTALLY the right move. It was all worth it. All of it. We have no regrets, whatsoever. I’m not kidding. Normally, I’m Mr. Nuance, Mr. See-Both- Sides, and Mr. Measured. But seriously: I honestly am so very, very, very glad we went the route we did. So thankful to God. So thankful for my wife. The years go by, and you don’t get them back, man. I have regrets in life, and made some judgment errors. But the homeschool ride? Wow, was that was the right call for us. Keep going. -Brant Hansen (Featured INCH Speaker)    Support Homeschool Freedom & Enjoy Benefits! Have you joined MiCHN as a Supporting Member yet? Sign up today and help us continue our work of protecting and expanding homeschool freedoms in Michigan and providing important resources for families.  PLUS, you'll get fantastic benefits and perks for your family, including up to 25% off the upcoming Homeschool Conference!  Pssst... You Can Register For the Conference HERE   Still Taking Nominations  for The Marcia Holmes Memorial Award  September 2022, MiCHN lost a very dear member of our leadership team-- our conference coordinator for many years, a close friend and sister in the Lord, Marcia Holmes. While we miss her dearly, her life was an inspiration to so many of us, and it is our hope and prayer that her contributions and legacy will live on in the heart of our conference and the state homeschool community as a whole. In remembrance of Marcia, we would like to honor one outstanding Michigan homeschool leader at the INCH Conference annually, with the Marcia Holmes Memorial Award.  We are asking for your help to choose a worthy recipient of this award. Our MiCHN leadership team is currently accepting nominations from across the state. To choose the recipient of this year's Marcia Holmes Memorial Award, we are looking for a leader who best represents a faithful and persevering servant going through hard times, yet still dedicated to serving the homeschool community-- just like Marcia did!   When reading these verses from Hebrews 12 and Galatians 6, what homeschool leader do you know who has endured hardship and struggles, yet continued to serve and be a blessing to others in your homeschool community? Who comes to your mind that best exemplifies the following:   "... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith..."  (Heb. 12:1b-2a)   "Let us not become weary in doing good,  for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Gal. 6:9) Please submit the name of your nominee and share their story, by emailing our office at: Email: [email protected] Subject Line: The Marcia Holmes Memorial Award **Nominations are due by Monday, May 6th, 2024 at NOON. ** The honoree will be recognized and presented with a special plaque during a Keynote Address at the INCH Conference.  Did you see our newest update on S.B. 285 (the Mandatory Kindergarten bill)? S.B. 285 has passed the Michigan Senate (on April 16, 2024) , but it will need to pass the Michigan House before it can be sent to the Governor to become law. Here is who voted for it:  Yeas—21: Anthony, Cherry, Klinefelt, Polehanki, Bayer, Geiss. McCann, Santana, Brinks, Hertel, McDonald, Rivet, Shink, Camilleri, Irwin McMorrow, Singh, Cavanagh, Johnson, Moss, Wojno, Chang  Nays—15: Albert, Hauck, Lindsey, Theis, Bellino, Hoitenga, Nesbitt, Victory, Daley, Huizenga, Outman, Webber, Damoose, Lauwers, Runestad  Excused—2: Bumstead, McBroom  ****View the bill here. We have received many questions asking for clarity on what the bill means for homeschoolers. See the Answers to the Questions HERE!   These are quite uncertain times. Right now, MICHN would advise you to make sure your account is up to date and accurate with Homeschool Legal Defense Association. Be sure to visit their website, and if you have not done so already, BECOME A MEMBER today. What's happening at MICHN