KEEPING THE FAITH ACTION ALERT
April 20, 2005

BE SURE TO JOIN US THIS FRIDAY!
American Vision Ministries is sponsoring the nation’s first “Restore America Rally” this Friday, April 22, 2005 at Trinity Chapel, 4665 Macland Road, Powder Springs, GA 30127. There will be workshops from 2-5:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Alabama Judge Roy Moore and Gary DeMar – President of American Vision will be keynoting the event, and they have been gracious to include me on the program. Call 1-800-628-9460 to make a reservation – or tickets will be available at the door.

I hope to see you there.

***

UPDATE ON PROPOSED RULE CHANGE FOR GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Last week hearings were held to determine if the State School Board would pass a proposed rule change requiring schools to inform parents about clubs forming on school campuses and allowing them the right to opt-in, opt-out their child from participating.

The Board voted 11-1 to send the proposed rule change back to sub-committee. There will be another hearing in thirty days to address this rule change again. If you have not written your school board member, please do so quickly. Go to www.doe.k12.ga.us and under "Georgia Education Team" click on "State Board of Education" to find what district you are in and who represents your district.  They are appointed by congressional district.  You can also read the proposed rule change 160-5-1.29 by clicking on "Education Rules" from their home page.

***

NATIONAL LEGISLATION
AgJOBS Amnesty Defeated (FAIRUS)

Yesterday, the Senate rejected Sen. Larry Craig’s (R-ID) AgJOBS amnesty amendment. This amendment was attached to the emergency war supplemental bill and would have provided amnesty to potentially millions of illegal aliens engaged in farm work, and their spouses and children. It also would have vastly expanded the current H-2A agricultural guest worker program. The amendment did not get the 60 votes needed for cloture and was rejected by a vote of 53 yeas – 45 nays. Both GA Senators Chambliss and Isakson voted no.

The Senate also rejected an agricultural guest worker amendment introduced by Senators Chambliss and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) offered as an alternative to the Craig AgJOBS amendment. The Chambliss/Kyl amendment, which would have also expanded the H-2A agricultural guest worker program but would not have provided current illegal aliens with a path to citizenship, was rejected by a vote of 77-21. Senator Isakson voted no.

***

Bankruptcy Reform Bill
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) attached an amendment to the Bankruptcy Reform Bill that would have allowed the prosecution of pro-life activists who peacefully picket abortion clinics. The protestors could have also been hit with civil lawsuits that could involve large fines. The amendment failed by a margin of 53-46 with both GA Senators Chambliss and Isakson voting no.

The bill then went to the House of Representatives – without the pro-abortion amendment – and passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 302-126. This bill reformed the bankruptcy laws so that now people with incomes above their state’s median income will be required to pay their debts through a court-ordered bankruptcy plan.

Georgia Representatives Barrow(D-12) Lewis (D-5), Marshall (D-3) and McKinney (D-4) voted against the reform. The rest of the Georgia Delegation supported the bill.

***

“I’M GOING TO BE WITH THE WOMEN OF GEORGIA” (WSBtv.com/AP)
At a “Walk for Women’s Lives,” held last Sunday, Lt. Governor Mark Taylor, Democrat candidate for Governor in 2006, told abortion rights supporters that this year’s Republican-controlled Georgia Legislature attacked women’s rights. “The rights of women, the respect for women, took serious blows under this gold dome last session,” Taylor said.

The Lt. Governor told a mostly female crowd of about 200 that he will be their ally. “I’m going to be here with you, regardless of who stands with me, behind me or in front of me. I’m going to be with the women of Georgia.”

Taylor’s remarks were brought about due to the Georgia Legislature passing the “Woman’s Right to Know” bill during the 2005 session. The bill requires a 24-hour waiting period and requires doctors to inform women seeking abortions about medical risks and alternatives, including adoption.

He went on to say, “We need to be speaking to the men and the men of Georgia need to do a better job of listening to the women of Georgia.” [Editor’s note: There goes the male vote.]

Thank you for Keeping The Faith.
Sadie Fields