Meeting Announcement: Attend This Sunday!

 

Center for Parental Responsibility (CPR)

WEEKLY UPDATE (A Few Highlights): Friday January 16, 2004

 Website: cpr-mn.org       contact: info@cpr-mn.org   voicemail: 651/490-9277

 

To protect our children’s future we need to stop alienating dads today!

“If it is to be, it’s up to me” - Your input and participation is needed for reform

You are either part of the problem or part of the solution.

 

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ATTEND NEXT CPR General Meeting THIS Sunday January 18, 2004

from 5-8pm at William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul Minnesota

AN EDUCATIONAL MEETING TO HEAR

EXPERIENCED LEGISLATIVE EXPERT(S) provide specific information on how YOU can make a DIFFERENCE:

Why talk to your legislator – how your legislator can help you – how to approach you legislator (take out the intimidation factor), what to expect from a legislator, and much more!

See below for details.

FREE snacks!

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This Week’s Update at a Glance/Summary (see details below)

1)      GENERAL PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE - details

2)      IV-D Eligibility Bill Rages on! Get on the bandwagon to reform! Understand how IV-D applies to you!

a.       More legislators have heard our message

b.       We need people to communicate the message and talk to: legislators, county commissioners, other interested and affected citizens,

3)      Miscellaneous Non-Custodial Parent (“NCP”) INFORMATION

a.       Book available “More than just a paycheck”

b.       Case Law: Rubino v. Morgan – no rights, no responsibilities – If your ex won’t let you see your kids, then no child support can be expected.

4)      Upcoming Events

5)      CPR Members: Individual Case Victories!

 

 

ENCOURAGEMENT-HOPE-STRENGTH

 

Don’t be afraid” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed “O Lord, open my eyes so I may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding and protecting him. 2 Kings 6: 16-17

 

“ Lord, open my eyes today. I want, and I need to see Your protection and provision all around me. The harsh enemies I face – doubt, fear, discouragement, my ex, and the county DHS office – make me tremble at times. Sometimes I feel surrounded and doomed to defeat. Remind me to lift up my eyes to see how You are defending me every day.”

 

 

 

 

Meeting Date: Sunday January 18, 2004
Meeting Time:
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, 7-8pm optional: additional legislative details
 
Event Location: William Mitchell College of Law (
Summit Ave.) in St Paul, MN

Hwy 94 to Dale. Take Dale South to Summit. Drive east to Victoria, take a right. The building is on the corner of Victoria and Summit - lots of free parking available on the street. Parking lot reserved for students, but often available on Sunday nights. Use the entrance where the flagpole is and you will then be directed to the #230 meeting room. FREE POP, FOOD AND SNACKS ARE PROVIDED. Remember, what ever little food/candy item you can add to the food table is appreciated by all since we meet during the dinner hour. Meeting Agenda:

    1. 5-5:20 registration and find a seat (room can be crowded), network: meet others with same/similar concerns – share personal experiences and tips.
    2. 5:20-5:30 opening, welcome, quick prayer, and announcements
    3. 5:30-6:30/6:45 Guest Speaker: LEGISLATIVE EXPERT will discuss the following topics:

                                                               i.      why non-custodial parent (fathers) issues must be addressed with legislators – if they don’t hear about the problems from their constituents, they don’t think their laws are creating any problems.

                                                             ii.      how to approach your legislator – creating a sound-bit - what to say, how to get their attention, maximizing the little time they usually offer, what influences them most to take action, limitations of legislators, etc

                                                            iii.      what to expect - how your legislator can make a difference and what legislators make the most impact on these family issues – what your legislator may be able to do for you in your case

                                                           iv.      hearings – when and why they occur, tips on testifying and providing handouts, why they are important to attend – limitations of hearings --- the process of going to “the floor” and then what happens with committees afterward

                                                             v.      the politics of politics, agreements behind the scenes, committees, caucus, etc

                                                           vi.      role-play for anyone willing to volunteer to “show” people a typical legislative presentation

    1. 6:30/6:45-7 Update on Issues or group discussion impacting non-custodial parents.

                                                               i.      Top 20 ways to position yourself for custody

                                                             ii.      Legislative Overview: 4 bills: income shares child support, cost shares child support, IV-D, presumption of equal shared physical custody

    1. 7-7:15 pm break – network with each other – meet new people who’s experiences you can learn from.
    2. 7:15-8 (optional hour) BECOME AN EXPERT IV-D TO IMPACT CHANGE AND PREVENT FURTHER PROBLEMS IN YOUR CASE (iv-d is the root of the problem so it is critical to learn how you can make a difference NOW in preparation for this next legislative session. We need people to stay for this hour who want to understand how to communicate the message and get the message across to government elected officials. Learn how the 1301 d objection can affect your case and why everyone should file one. We need people to volunteer for specific tasks that will be provided to push legislators, and others in the system, to corrective action.)

 

Your input is always welcome! Your suggestions are appreciated!

Your willingness to take action and do something is needed!

CPR can help give you ideas of what can be done to make a difference!

Attend the meetings to meet other people who have been through what you are going through  - they can provide you ideas to help you prevent mistakes and

learn how to win your battle.

 

 

IV-D Eligibility Bill Rages on! CPR Continues to Challenge Title IV-D (Government Child Support Collections and Enforcement)

 

·       WHY IV-D IS IMPORTANT: IV-D reform is the best way to make the greatest change for the greatest number of people to ease the pressure of the draconian system that disengages fit fathers and prevents them from participating in the lives of their children. IV-D government services are provided solely and only to the custodial parent, and that is why you feel like your rights are being trampled on – because they are! It’s you against the entire bureaucracy. IV-D services are why you feel like you are being treated like a criminal – because the IV-D system was set up for criminals – it was set up to locate and prosecute fathers who had abandoned their families resulting in the child’s dependence on public assistance. Now ALL NCP’s are erroneously and involuntarily “welcomed” into the child support system (just as another class of people were “welcomed” into the “camps” of the 1930’s). The NCP’s are treated with the same prosecutorial fervor as all criminals, regardless of the circumstance, regardless of the fact there is no compelling state interest, and regardless of how involved you are as a non-custodial parent, and regardless of need for the prosecutorial methods. Because you carry the “label” of non-custodial parent, you are treated like a criminal that must be emotionally, financially, mentally beaten to submission. CPR is fighting to change this unnecessary government intrusion and the violations of your constitutional rights as a parent: equal protection of the law, due process, and your right to parent apply to you!

 

·       REMINDER: The IV-D Strategy Committee is now meeting every Thursday night. The meetings take place at 2935 Costa Lane, Little Canada, MN, from 6:45pm – 8pm, or whenever we get done. Next meeting January 22, 2003. Email or call for questions at info@cpr-mn.org or 651/490-9277, if you want to participate in overall strategy. Anyone interested in making the passage of HF1031/SF974 (IV-D eligibility standards) a priority is invited to attend and help strategize and plan. Updates will be provided and volunteers will be recruited for specific activities, at the Sunday night general meetings from 7-8pm. Attend the CPR General Meeting and find out what specific action item you might be able to assist with. So much has happened and we have made so much progress its nearly impossible to detail everything.

 

·       NEW INFORMATION: DHS remains firm in their fight against HF1031 (eligibility standards). This is no surprise as they work hard to protect their fiefdom. We have heard nothing from them that we don’t feel confident arguing. CPR just completed a 22 page reply rebuttal to a 3 page DHS memo supporting the status quo – by which the DHS overreaches their authority and gets involved unnecessarily in private cases. This 22 page reply will soon be available on-line. Call if you want the document emailed to you.

 

·       COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Hennepin, Ramsey, Chisago, and Washington – they have all been presented the IV-D message as a county cost savings proposal. We need to see more commissioners from all counties to hear the message – can you get an appointment with your county commissioner, and CPR will attend with you? We will discuss how the counties can help reduce unnecessary spending.

 

·       NEW INFORMATION: LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS. Since the last update, we have met with more legislators: Rep. Powell, Rep. Boudreau, Sen. Cohen, Congressman Ramstad; and we have upcoming meetings scheduled with Rep. Otremba, Rep. Soderstrom, Rep. Wardlow, Sen. Berglin, Sen. Lourey. Rep. Powell has agreed to request the bill HF1031 be taken off the table for further discussion. Can you get us a meeting with your legislator?

 

·       NEW INFORMATION: LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION NOTICE from November 2003 is available. We need you to get ahold of the July-August-September-October-November letters and send them to your legislators.

 

·       REMINDER: You can OPT OUT of the IV-D program with a 1301 d exception objection letter – that letter continues to be updated. A CPR research aid has produced a wealth of new information to back up this valid option to protect your rights as a parent. Much additional research has been located, reinforcing the validity of the 1301 d objection, which will finally renew your constitutionally protected voice in the process.

 

 

Miscellaneous Non-Custodial Parent INFORMATION

 

·        NEW INFORMATION – Book “More Than Just A Paycheck” – a well written book by a Wisconsin Fathers for Children and Families member shares his experiences and emotions while going through a divorce in central Wisconsin. This 123 page book is now available free from their website: www.wisconsinfathers.org/PAYCHECK.pdf

 

·        NEW INFORMATION - Rubino v. Morgan, 638 N.Y.S.2d 524, 224 A.D.2d 903 (3rd Dept.  1996) which held that child support paying parent is entitled to relief from support obligation if child abandons relationship with that parent and refuses to have anything to do with the paying parent, either on her own accord or through mother's excessive visitation interference, or parental alienation.   The
child's right to support and parent's right to custody and services are reciprocal.  (Note:  If parent has no right to custody or visitation [which is a limited form of custody] not based on his or her own malfeasance, misconduct or neglect, logic holds that there cannot be responsibilities without rights.   These cases also fall under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of Article IV, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, since child support and its enforcement is governed and regulated by Federal child support laws.

 

 

·        REMINDER: Familiarize yourself with the court system by watching Cable TV Channel 6 program “Meet Your Court” produced by Hennepin County Court System. The program is aired every Tuesday from 9-9:30pm. Gaining a better understanding of the court system will help increase your comfort level when you have a hearing, and it will also give you information on how to use the courts to impact your case in a positive way. This past Tuesday’s program focus was on the media.

 

 

Upcoming Meetings and Events and Needs

 

·        SEE ABOVE for details on CPR general meeting THIS Sunday December 21, 2003 from 5-8pm

 

·        COURT WATCH. Non-Custodial Dad Randy Starr. Anoka County Court House. January 20, 2004 1pm. Call court administration ahead of time to make sure the hearing has not been canceled. If you have time available during the day, attend the hearing as a court watch advocate and support a non-custodial dad in his efforts to get his parenting time straightened out. This same case has challenged the constitutionality of the child support statutes.

 

·        LEGISLATIVE TOWN HALL MEETINGS: It’s a good place to get up to the microphone and ask your legislator about family law reform,

 

o       Senator John Marty will have a Town Hall Meeting the last week in January – be on the look out for details…check the CPR website calendar as it gets updated – or call his office at (651) 296-5645.

o       Contact Your Legislator to find out if they have any upcoming Town Hall Meetings – watch your local newspapers.

 

·        LEGISLATIVE COFFEES: Legislative Coffee Party. State Senator Dick Cohen and State Representative Matt Entenza invite you to one of our Neighborhood Coffee Parties to discuss issues facing the Legislature during the 2004 Session. Everyone is welcome.

 

o       Tuesday January 20, 2004, Time:  7pm - 9pm At the home of Greg Filice 15 Crocus Place.

o       Wednesday January 28, 2004, Time: 7pm - 9pm At the home of Cindy & Sam Orbovitch 1699 Portland Avenue.

o       Thursday February 5, 2004, Time: 7pm - 9pm At the home of Michael Dady & Kristi Skordahl 1415 Summit Avenue.

 

 

CPR Members: Individual Case Victories!

·        Non-custodial mom (GF) defeated an OFP against her in Dakota County – congratulations!

 

FOR THE ACTIVIST: if you want to do something to help the cause; if you want to know “how do I get involved?”  The problems in family law are bigger than any one of us can handle, but if we work together we can make a difference. Email CPR (info@cpr-mn.org) to request a list of what you can do. This list will soon be on the website.

 

Specific Organizational Needs for CPR:

Ř      We need help with our website – if you have that kind of expertise, please let us know. The expertise must be in html – a little Coldfusion is helpful. FTP is also required.

Ř      Office Max has CD Slim Jewel Cases and blank CDs on sale THIS WEEK (January 19-23, 2004). They are FREE on rebate. They are limited one person. CPR would appreciate if you would go get them under your name, and donate the CDs to CPR and bring them to the next Sunday night meeting (February 15, 2004) for our use (no out of pocket cost to you!)

Ř      Any case law or success stories or reports or books on father-custody or joint physical custody – please pass along the information to info@cpr-mn.org. Our next meeting in February will focus on CUSTODY.

 

LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP YOU. WE ARE A 100% VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO HELP YOU and your SPECIFIC SITUATION, BUT WE MUST WORK AS A TEAM TO HELP EACH OTHER.

 

 

SPECIAL NOTE:

PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL ALONG TO ANY NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT (or anyone else who is concerned for the non-custodial parent and the impact on the fractured family, such as: second wife, grandparents, girlfriends, employers, etc).

WE are EAGER to add the names of all citizens who are AFFECTED OR INTERESTED IN HELPING TO REFORM FAMILY LAW AND ANY NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT NEEDING ASSISTANCE IN THEIR FAMILY LAW CASE.

WE WELCOME YOUR PARTICIPATION AND WE NEED ALL INTERESTED NAMES so AS A CONCERNED CITIZEN we can ORGANIZE AND MOBILIZE (like Martin Luther King Jr did!) to prove to legislators that this issue matters to their constituents, and TO ACHIEVE THE GRASS ROOTS PUSH needed to DRIVE the MUCH NEEDED Family Law REFORM. Please forward names to CPR of other citizens interested in these issues. We want to add them to our list to keep people informed and show legislators there is a LONG list of effected and interested people in Minnesota.

ADDITIONAL NOTE to unsubscribe: You are receiving this email from CPR-MN because you have indicated interest in the group, or have attended a like-function where someone met you and thought you would be interested. If you would like to discontinue receiving these emails, please reply with "unsubscribe" in the email subject and your name will be removed from our list immediately. CPR-MN holds their membership information as very private information and will only use information for internal and informational purposes.