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

1) IV-D Challenge Rages on! Get on the bandwagon! Understand how IV-D applies to you!

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

3) Upcoming Meetings and Events and Needs – NEXT General CPR Meeting Sunday Night 11/16 – BRING someone with you!

4) CPR Members: Individual Case Victories! (there is hope if we keep challenging)

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to PROSPER you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE.” Jeremiah 29:11

Title IV-D (Government Child Support Collections and Enforcement) Challenge

· WHY IV-D IS IMPORTANT: IV-D reform is the best way to make the greatest change for the greatest number of people. IV-D Government services provided solely and only to the custodial parent is why you feel like your rights are being trampled on – because they are! 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 their dependence on public assistance. Now ALL NCP’s are erroneously “invited” into the system and treated the same way, 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.

· NEW INFORMATION: CPR finds out first hand that the Minnesota Child Support Enforcement is WORRIED about our eligibility bill (HF1031 and SF974) because the climate is ripe at the legislature and the governor’s office for REFORM that would reduce unnecessary government intervention into your life. Legislators are ready for change because the state budget can no longer maintain this unnecessary financial burden – especially when it is further destroying families and increasing litigation for all.

· NEW INFORMATION: July-August-September and the NEW OCTOBER Legislative Education Notices (“LEN”) are complete. People always want to know “how can I get involved.” Change in family law will not occur until you get involved and convince your legislators that current laws are negatively impacting fathers, which negatively impacts children. To protect our children’s future we need to stop alienating dads today. These letters continue to elicit support from legislators, but we need your help. Legislators are noticing these letters – but they NEED to see these letters from their constituents – YOU (and as many people as you know of who will send the form letters)! CPR continues to get responses from legislators. These letters are forcing conversations at the legislature.

· NEW INFORMATION: CPR volunteers (Lee S.) met with Penny Steele, Hennepin County Commissioner. She is eager to investigate why the county is getting involved in private divorce cases where there is no reason and no need, and she is eager to STOP wasting state and county taxpayer money. She is already setting up a meeting with a second commissioner to give CPR a chance to be heard on the IV-D problem and the unwanted and unnecessary government intervention. We’re grateful for Penny Steele’s willingness to challenge unnecessary government involvmement. Stay tuned for the rest of the story.

· NEW INFORMATION: CPR met Jan Parker Wiessner, Ramsey County Commissioner. She was not quite as eager to investigate, but she appears curious to get a better understanding. She requested a copy of our eligibility bill (HF1031). Linda Derks, Assistant Director of Ramsey County Child Support also attended this meeting. Linda is willing to take on troublesome cases that don’t belong in the system and work with CPR and NCP’s to figure out why they can’t get out of the system. Stay tuned for the rest of the story.

· NEW INFORMATION: Minnesota DHS has completed the Fiscal Year 2003 Child Support Enforcement Report. You can call the DHS CSE Help Line at 651/296-2542 for a copy. It should soon be available on their website dhs.state.mn.us. There is a new format, with, as always, a lot of interesting data – though you really have to commit yourself to analyze it – it is not always self-evident.

· 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.

· Strong progress with more attorney’s, judges, and other state and federal government and legislative support continues.

For the Activist - Your ACTION ITEM – What YOU can do:

1) We ask that YOU make two copies of each LED and send to YOUR two legislators. To find out who your senator and your representative is in your local area, call 651/296-2146, where you can also obtain the address. It is SIMPLE and QUICK, and only will cost you two postage stamps, but it makes a big difference towards family law reform. Soon the letters will be available on the internet, until then, email request for copies to info@cpr-mn.org.

2) If you get a monthly billing statement from the state, you are a IV-D case. If your “ex” is not on public assistance, contact CPR on how to File a 1301 d Exception Objection to get out of the IV-D system and handle your situation privately, and stop the oppressive enforcement measures that further harm your already fractured family.

3) Does anyone live in Fridley or know anyone who lives in the Fridley area who would be a constituent of Senator Don Betzold? We NEED constituents to help us get in the door of this legislator who is the CHAIR of the key committee (Senate Judiciary) required to drive change in the Senate. He has been vehemently opposed any and all legislation that is “pro-father” or “pro non-custodial parent.” He seems to erroneous assume that anything “pro-non-custodial parent” is “anti-children.” He needs to hear proof of stories from constituents that this is not the case.

4) If you live in Hennepin County (or any other county) – set up a meeting with your county commissioner and invite CPR along to explain the core root of the child support problems. IV-D is a budget issue and the county commissioners are responsible to taxpayers to eliminate unnecessary expense.

5) If you have a Ramsey County case and both parents want OUT of the IV-D system and you can’t get out, call CPR to arrange a meeting with Linda Derks to seek resolution of your case.

Miscellaneous Non-Custodial Parent INFORMATION

CPR Website. Continue to watch the website progress on a daily basis. We want this to be a “clearing house” of information for everyone. Everyday many people are finding good material and information in many different locations.. Please let CPR know if you find something others should know about, and we will enter it on the CPR website. Please make suggestions on how the CPR website can be more useful and informative for you. We are in the early stages of development.

NEW INFORMATION: CPR volunteer and board member found this petition going to President Bush to stop the bias against dads. SIGN YOURSELF UP AS A PETITIONER! Please read and sign the online petition "Non-Custodial Parental Rights" at http://www.PetitionOnline.com/usncpr/ .The BEST parent is BOTH parents - support equal shared parenting!

For the Activist - Your ACTION ITEM: Educate yourself, learn to articulate the problem, and write letters to the editors on fathers issues as much as you can – even if you don’t get printed, you are making a difference. Share the information and learn from others. If you are willing to tell your story to legislators or on cable TV, or other media, contact info@cpr-mn.org, we have a volunteer who will help write stories.

Upcoming Meetings and Events and Needs

NEXT CPR GENERAL MEETING: Third Sunday of the Month. November 16, 2003, from 5pm-8pm at William Mitchell College of Law. The building is on the corner of Victoria and Summit – lots of free parking available on the street. Use the entrance where the flagpole is and you will then be directed to the #230 meeting room. Special thanks to Tim B who brought hot gourmet soups to our last meeting! 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:

5-5:20 registration and find a seat (room can be crowded)
5:20-5:30 opening, welcome, prayer, and announcements
5:30-6 Guest Speaker: to be announced
6-7 Update on Issues or group discussion impacting non-custodial parents
7-7:15 pm break – network with each other
7:15-8 (optional hour) BECOME AN EXPERT IV-d #103 class (the root of the problem)

CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINE HEARING: Tuesday October 28, 2003, from 10am – 12:30 pm. House Civil Law, House Judiciary and Senate Judiciary met to discuss Cost Shares Bill (SF600/HF 664). Cost Shares is much more favorable with regard to “equity” enforcing the “equal duty to support” philosophy. Cost shares detracts from the purpose of IV-D child support legislation which is to recover public assistance paid to the custodial mom. Cost Shares is opposed by various attorney organizations. Two dads spoke on behalf of the legislation.

The articles in the Pioneer Press and Star Tribune were an incomplete picture of what occurred. Rebuttals were phoned in and called in and the editorial page has so far printed nothing to clarify the record.
The MN DHS did not testify (consistent with Commissioner Goodno’s new directive). No NCPs were allowed to testify because the author of the bill (Rep Rob Eastlund) and R-Kids wanted the hour to themselves. As a result, the opposition was able to report “no one testified in favor of the bill.” There were approximately 25 people in favor (to one degree or another) of the bill who wanted to testify and were not given time. Rep Mary Liz Holberg was apologetic about this.
CPR found out there is no worksheet available to calculate your child support under the Smith Bill (convenient way to hide reality).
The hearing room was FULL – this is great! We need to show up for all these child support related hearings to let the legislators know we are interested, we are affected, and we are watching how they vote. Its is always a good opportunity to get a better understanding where legislators stand, based on the questions they ask during the hearing.

VETERANS STAND-DOWN. Two CPR volunteers (Dennis S) assisted at the CPR booth at the Stand-down in St Cloud on October 31. We were so busy, we could have used 6 volunteers, and we needed an attorney to provide pro bono assistance. There were many needy non-custodial parents with atrocious stories. While all veterans are hit with tragic child support issues, like all NCPs, the Vietnam veterans have especially been an easy target for the system. The most popular CPR brochure request was “how do I get my drivers license back.” CPR met a like-minded attorney we can add to our referral list.

MN FATHERS AND FAMILIES NETWORK. Dan K and Dennis S volunteered their time to attend a Mankato event specifically for organizations that provide services to fathers. Through MFFN people around the state are becoming familiar with CPR, what we stand for, who we help, and how we are working for reform. Duluth MFFN is Wed. Nov. 5, from 9am-noon. St. Paul MFFN is Fri. Nov. 7, from 1-4pm. For details and registration see website: mnfathers.org (click on calendar).

Radio Programs: NCP Dr David Sutton will be sharing PART TWO of his story on kdwa.com (AM 1460 in Hastings) on Thursday November 6, 2003 from 11am-12noon. Call the station for a tape copy.

Ramsey County Rally: The rally on the streets of St. Paul on October 23, 2003 was a success. We stood on the streets with signs challenging the decisions of Referee Earl Beddow, due to his orders violating the rights of an American Indian child. The rally was followed by a COURT WATCH and 17 volunteers packed the courtroom to observe whether or not justice was served.. The referee had a whole different demeanor.

COURT WATCH. NCP Jamil J. case will be heard at the MN Court of Appeals on Thursday Nov. 13, 2003 at 10:40am. Attend! Show Support! Watch was the judges say, ask, do.

CPR VOLUNTEER NEEDS:

CPR seeks administrative help 12 hours a week (copies, mailings, filing, errands, return phone calls, some writing, etc). This could be a paid position by a contributor. Position would be located out of Little Canada.
CPR seeks intern (no-paid): marketing, etc (details listed on the stthomas.edu website)
CPR needs rent free office space by someone willing to contribute a spare room that we could office out of and meet.

For the Activist - Your ACTION ITEM: We ask YOU to attend as many different meetings as you find interesting. Information is power. The more you know, the more empowered you will be to make a difference.

1) KNOW the child support legislation – read the Rep. Smith bill (Omnibus Bill HF 778 – originally HF110), and read the Rep. Eastlund bill (SF600/HF 664) – familiarize yourself with the bill to know what you like and don’t like about each. Find house bills on the internet at house.leg.state.mn.us or call House 651/296-2314. Find it on the internet or call 651/296-2344.

2) No “cheat sheet overview” to summarize HF778 and HF 664 is available at this time from CPR – we encourage someone to volunteer to do this. What we really need is a side-by-side language comparison from current language to the Smith bill. Anyone can volunteer to get this - a legislator can request this for the DHS or house research to complete.

3) Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer, CPR needs your assistance – let us know what talents you are willing to share to grow the group, and how much time you have to offer to volunteer, so we can assist more non-custodial parents.

CPR Member Success: Non-Custodial Parent’s Individual Victories

Keep working with CPR, and networking with other members and this could be you!

· Non-custodial mom, C.B. (Chisago County) decides to take her custody/visitation loss to the Minnesota Court of Appeals on a pro se basis.

· Non-Custodial dad, B.D. (Ramsey County) submitted his 1301 D exception letter in August 2003, after receiving a “welcome to child support collection” letter in July. In October 2003, receiving the automatic computer generated letter of intent to suspend his drivers license, (due to alleged child support arrears) he called the case worker to remind her that they should no longer harass him like this because he has been sending the 1301 D exception letter to her each month, the case worker promptly STOPPED the suspension process!

· Non-custodial dad, M.J. was stopped for speeding and found out then, to his surprise, that his driver’s license had already been suspended; he gets his 90 day automatic reinstatement, and then his ex agrees to discontinue IV-D services.

· Non-custodial dad, M.B. (who has been denied parenting time) after filing lawsuits and 1301 d exception objection, the State DHS has all of a sudden discontinued billing him monthly for child support.

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).

WE are EAGER to add the names of all citizens who are EFFECTED 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 MOBALIZE (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 unsubsribe: 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.