Victoria Cobb, President Tuesday, February 7, 2012 Action Alert: If You Missed Today’s School Choice Rally… The grounds outside the state Capitol today were buzzing with excitement as an estimated 650 strong assembled on the historic grounds of the Capitol clad in yellow scarfs to promote school choice. Governor Bob McDonnell was the first to speak to what he called a “show of force” in regards to educational freedom. Gov. McDonnell emphasized that this was a priority bill for him, and this was a very simple and prudent step forward. The Governor warned “if we are going to continue to be a leader in technology and science we have got to continue to have greater choice and greater quality in education”. The bills highlighted today were SB 241 and HB 321, patroned by Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-26, Harrisonburg) in the Senate and Delegate Jimmie Massie (R-72, Henrico) in the House. Both Senator Obenshain and Delegate Massie spoke with great passion and purpose in regards to school choice. Delegate Massie spoke to the fact that the parents are in the best position to choose where a child should go to school not their zip code. He made reference to the success that other states have had with school choice like, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Florida. Senator Obenshain has been fighting for school choice for 9 years and stated that Virginia is far behind the rest of the country in providing education freedom for families. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli encouraged the crowd to contact their legislators, and that this is the right course for Virginia; a course that offers more options for parents and more opportunity for children. The Attorney General also noted that this bill is constitutionally sound and good for the budget. Kevin Chavous, former DC city council member and a national leader on school choice, remarked to the crowd “that this is not Republican issue or a Democrat issue,” adding, “We should depoliticize this issue.” He noted, “Every legislator should have to vote like they were voting on behalf of their own children.” Melvin Adams with Renewanation stated in his remarks that, “God gave parents children, not the state, and parents should be trusted with these decisions”. The event was concluded by passionate remarks by Dr. Alberta Wilson. Dr. Wilson, who grew up in the inner city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, gave stirring personal testimony from her childhood. “We should not leave the education of our children to chance, but to choice”, Wilson said. Dr. Wilson concluded by telling the audience that choice brings; Right, Power, and Opportunity. Say it loud so you can be heard in the General Assembly concluded Dr. Wilson, “YES TO SCHOOL CHOICE”!! Contact your Senator and Delegate today and urge them to support school choice and vote yes on SB 241 and HB 321 when the bills reach their respective chambers. As Gov. McDonnell said, “Democracy only works if people get involved.” Please get involved with school choice.
Click the link below to log in and send your message:
http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/vaff/5P5KQK4M.aspx
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment