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| Date: From: Subject: | 5/17/2005 5:40:01 PM Home School Legal Defense Association Louisiana - Calls Needed to Help Reduce TOPS Discrimination |
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====================================================================== From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ====================================================================== May 17, 2005 Louisiana - Calls Needed to Help Reduce TOPS Discrimination Dear HSLDA members and friends: House Bill 120 would reduce the current requirement that homeschool students score three points higher than public school graduates on the ACT college entrance exam in order to be eligible for the Louisiana Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). A student who has completed an approved home study program and was enrolled in the program no later than the end of the 10th grade is eligible for TOPS financial aid if they score 3 points higher than the total required for public school students. Under House Bill 120 a homeschool student would be eligible for TOPS aid if they scored two points higher that the total required for public school students. While we would like to completely remove this discriminatory policy, this bill moves the TOPS eligibility requirements in the right direction. This bill has already been discussed in the House Committee on Education and reported favorably. Now the bill has been sent to the House Appropriations Committee and we need your calls to urge them to pass this bill out of committee. ACTION REQUESTED: Please contact the members of the House Appropriations Committee listed below with this message: "Please vote in favor of House Bill 120. Currently homeschool students must score three points higher than public school students on the ACT in order to be eligible for TOPS. This is discriminatory and must eventually be stopped." House Appropriations Committee Members Representative John A. Alario, Jr. (504)340-2221 Representative Donald J.Cazayoux, Jr. (225)638-8725 larep18@legis.state.la.us Representative Charlie DeWitt (318)442-1513 larep025@legis.state.la.us Representative Yvonne Dorsey (225)342-9700 larep067@legis.state.la.us Representative Cedric B.Glover (318)226-5665 larep004@legis.state.la.us Representative Cheryl A. Gray (504)568-2098 larep098@legis.state.la.us Representative Elcie J Guillory (337)491-2320 larep034@legis.state.la.us Representative Roy Hopkins (318)227-2003 larep001@legis.state.la.us Representative Willie Hunter, Jr. (318)362-5492 larep017@legis.state.la.us Representative Michael Jackson (225)342-0774 larep061@legis.state.la.us Representative Jalila Jefferson-Bullock (504)896-1478 larep091@legis.state.la.us Representative Eric LaFleur (337)363-5019 larep038@legis.state.la.us Representative Charles McDonald (318)281-8121 larep014@legis.state.la.us Representative Thomas H. McVea (225)634-7470 larep062@legis.state.la.us Representative Dan W. Morrish (337)824-3979 larep037@legis.state.la.us Representative Joe R. Salter (800)259-4135 larep024@legis.state.la.us Representative Steve Scalise (504) 888-9899 sscalise@legis.state.la.us Representative Jack D. Smith (337)828-7778 webreps@legis.state.la.us (Please include "Rep Jack D. Smith" in subject line) Representative John R. Smith (800)259-2709 larep030@legis.state.la.us Representative Francis C. Thompson (318)878-9408 larep019@legis.state.la.us Representative Warren J.Triche, Jr. (985)447-0999 webreps@legis.state.la.us (Please include "Rep Warren J.Triche, Jr." in subject line) BACKGROUND: The Louisiana state financial aid program, TOPS, has been open to homeschool students who have been enrolled in an approved home study program since the end of their 10th grade year. However, in order for a homeschool graduate to receive any TOPS aid they must score at least three points higher on the ACT that the minimum score required for public school students. Currently the minimum ACT scores a public school student is required to receive to be eligible for TOPS are: (1) For a TOPS-Tech award - 17, (2) For an Opportunity Award - 20, (3) For a Performance Award - 23, (4) For an Honors Award - 27. While HSLDA is neutral on bills that would provide government benefits to homeschoolers we oppose discrimination against homeschoolers. Since Louisiana already provides TOPS funding to students in homeschools HSLDA maintains that the three point difference between public school and homeschool students is discriminatory. We cannot stand by while Louisiana discriminates in such a blatant manner. All Louisiana homeschoolers need to stand together for freedom, whether they choose the private school or approved home study option. In our opinion, reducing or eliminating the three point penalty for approved home study programs would not create a significant risk of increased regulation for families who choose the private school option. Sincerely, Thomas J. Schmidt, Esq. HSLDA Staff Attorney ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -> How many news articles did you read this morning over your oatmeal? We live in a world where concise information presented at the right time can make a big difference in the outcome of important legislative efforts. Yet it's tough to keep up with all the issues that affect you. HSLDA does this for you in the areas that affect your homeschool. Our emails and website enable you to take quick, decisive action. Please consider becoming a part of this team. More reasons to join HSLDA... http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=1923 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ====================================================================== The HSLDA E-lert Service is a service of: Home School Legal Defense Association P.O. 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Thank you for your cooperation. ====================================================================== | |
