Hi Everyone
I have fantastic news! The Senate Judiciary Committee requested a couple of minor changes in some of the wording in the civil portion of the bill in exchange for moving the bill along to Appropriations without having to be heard. The changes have been run by our legal expert and he has assured me that these minor changes will not affect the purpose of Matt’s Law, so we are off and running. “WOO HOO!” Two down and six to go!
Our next stop is the Senate Appropriations Committee in May, time and date TBD.  Anyone that wants to attend any of the hearings is more than welcome and it is greatly appreciated but if you must pick and choose please save the day you can come for the first hearing in front of the Assembly (Public Safety Committee) in June.Â
Remember that is when we will be changing houses and starting all over again, it is crucial that we make a huge impact on the Assembly. We want to go in force with a BANG just like we did with the Senate Public Safety Committee so they will know from the start how much support this bill has and how important we believe it to be.
I thought you would like to know that Matt’s Story is touching lives across the country and even outside our country and making quite an impact. I have been contacted by several people that have come upon Matt’s site and they feel like they know him and want to help in bringing about awareness and change. One of the most recent being a young man on the East Coast that has a radio station and is putting together a public announcement against hazing. When I have more details I will definitely let you know when you will be able to tune in and hear this over the Internet. I know it is going to be awesome.
Something else I wanted to let you know. We have started a link for “Hazing Stories” that can currently be found under Important Links but we hope to have it moved to the Home Page in the near future. Our first (and only) story at this time is from a very brave young man that feels by sharing his story he can make a difference and I believe this too. His name is Joe and he will be speaking this Saturday, April 22 at 11:00am at CSU Chico in Butte Hall. I encourage anyone that is in the area Saturday morning to stop by to hear his story.
It amazes me just how many people have been and continue to be touched by Matt’s Story. If you have a hazing story or you know of someone please have them send it to Matt’s site. You don’t have to give any person information if you don’t want to. I just believe when people start hearing or reading true stories they will be forced to realize what is going on and can better educate their children of the dangers.
CONGRATULATIONS to everyone for a job well done the letters are really making a difference. Now we write to the Senate Appropriations Committee, FYI the vice chair, Senator Aanestad, of this Committee’s District is Butte County (Chico). Keep the letters coming.
Thank you for your continued support, you ARE making a difference.
“Hug your children and tell them you love them everyday.”
Love,
Debbie, MM
