National Center Staff Daily Log
Doug Domenech, Executive Director
Caleb Kershner, Manager, Federal Policy and Research
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6:30-7:45 a.m. HSLDA headquarters in Purcellville, VA. Doug Domenech and Caleb Kershner wrap up several details before heading into the city. Doug e-mails a White House staffer as Caleb finishes a coalition letter supporting Congressman Eric Cantor's education tax credit proposal. Caleb e-mails the letter to Congressman Joe Pitt's staffer, asking her to forward it to other pro-family groups, requesting their signatures.
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Doug and Caleb grab coffee and juice and inhale a muffin. (Doug inhales faster than Caleb!)
Allows parents to reduce their income tax by $1,000 per child.
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7:45 a.m. 50-mile trip to DC. On the road, they briefly strategize about the day's events, discuss the president's Tuesday night speech, and critique the media's coverage of the speech.
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8:00 a.m. On the way, Doug and Caleb pick up Dan LaPre in Leesburg-lending a helping hand through the tough traffic into Washington, DC. Dan is a staffer for Representative Norwood (IL), a member of the Education and Workforce Committee. We discuss President Bush's education plan during the commute.
9:00 a.m. Arrive DC. Drop off LaPre at Longworth House Office Building. Arrive at HSLDA's Capitol Hill office. Doug and Caleb check e-mail, make several calls, and divide up the day's meetings.
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This makes us "H-O-V positive." (High Occupanccy Vehiclea three person minimum).
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10:00 a.m. Doug attends leadership meeting in House Majority Leader Dick Armey's conference room with other pro-family groups.
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Discuss marriage tax penalty relief and review schedule of upcoming legislation
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10:00 a.m. Caleb attends a House Education Committee hearing on education reform in Rayburn Building.
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Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge and Delaware Senator and former Governor Thomas Carper, tesify at hearing.
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11:00 a.m. Doug catches taxi to V.P. Cheney's office off Pennsylvania Ave.
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11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Doug and reps from other pro-family groups meet with V.P.'s staff regarding Bush education plan.
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Doug addresses concerns over some testing provisions and alternatives to use of National Assesment of Education Progress (NAEP) test.
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2:00 p.m. Caleb and Doug attend VAT (Value Actions Team) meeting in top floor of Capitol Building. Congressman Joe Pitts directs meeting. Doug leaves VAT early to attend another meeting.
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Caleb asks family groups in attendance to sign the education tax credit coalition letter.
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2:30 p.m. Doug attends education "listening session" sponsored by House Majority Whip Tom DeLay's office.
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Doug again states case against NAEP.
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3:15 p.m. Caleb attends Senate VAT meeting in Senator Tim Hutchinson's office.
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4:30 p.m. Doug and Caleb attend Ways and Means Committee meeting with Representative Dick Armey on Marriage Tax Penalty.
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We stress need to include all married couples in the relief package.
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5:30 p.m. Return to HSLDA's DC office, pack up materials, and close down computers.
6:00 p.m. Pick up Dan LaPre.
7:00 p.m. Drop off LaPre in Leesburg.
7:30 p.m. Arrive HSLDA, Purcellville. Drop off materials.
7:45 p.m. Head to respective homes.
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On the way out the door, exchange pleasantries and share cookies with Congressman J.C. Watts who had business in the building.
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