From the Desk of Mr. and Mrs. Hamlet Garcia

Philadelphia PA 19116

January 23, 2015

The Honorable State Representative Anthony H. Williams

11 East Wing

Box 203008

Harrisburg PA 17120

RE: PA Bill HB 2341 Amending the act of March 10, 1949 Known as the public School

code

Dear State Representative Williams

I had the pleasure of meeting you last summer, as you know I am a father, husband and

longtime Pennsylvania resident

Since 2011, I became a strong children and family advocate supporting and advocating for the

educational and civil rights of children, regardless of the color of their skin, socioeconomic

status or 5 Digit Zip Code. I do not want to see another family arrested for “stealing a public

education”. School residency issues should be handled as civil administrative matters.

As you may know In 2011, my wife and I were separated for a few months. My wife and daughter moved to Montgomery County with her father. We reconciled and as a result my wife and daughter moved back to Philadelphia school district two months before the school year ended. Please note, Montgomery County is 2 blocks away from my home in Philadelphia. .

Later that year, my wife and I were arrested and charged with, Felony of 3rd

degree , which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years in jail, for “stealing” 2 months’ worth of Kindergarten education for my five year old daughter

On our trial date of 01/28/2014, during the jury selection, I was informed that during the questions to the jury selection, 3 of the prospective jurors thought that

my wife and I were illegal and undocumented immigrants. Stealing services from US

taxpayers. Then, I understood that there was a possibility of being found guilty not for

the content of my acts, but judged by the color of mine skin and my last name.

I had to make a huge sacrifice, on behalf of my wife and daughter, I had to plead guilty to “stealing” a public education, paid over $10,700 dollars in restitution for two months of kindergarten education and a $100 dollar fine.

As a result, I am writing this letter requesting your support in Pennsylvania to stop the arrest of parents charged with felony larceny for “stealing of an education” for their child or grandchildren. As you know Democrats and Republicans State Representatives in Pennsylvania introduced this past June 2014 PA BILL HB 2341 http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2013&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2341 On behalf of myself, Hamlet Garcia, and my wife, Olesia Garcia, and other parents and

families of Pennsylvania, we respectfully ask you to introduce a companion bill HB 2341 at

the Senate to make sure this important bill does not die in the education committee.

There is a solution that benefits all sides! This can be done at NO cost to Pennsylvania

taxpayers Furthermore, Pennsylvania already had in place a civil and administrative remedy

to address school/zip-code residency violations, they just failed to enforce it. Stat.

(24 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 13 1302).

This process issues a fine and a civil remedy for school residency violations therefore the rush to

heavy handed prosecution is unnecessary.

Arresting parents for allegedly “stealing a public education”. Does not address the educational

best of interests of children and their familial situations are being disregarded. States' attorneys

are rushing to criminalize matters which should first be subjected to careful and thoughtful

administrative review. Therefore, on behalf of my wife Olesia Garcia and I, Hamlet Garcia and

other parents and families of Pennsylvania we respectfully ask you to: to introduce a companion bill HB 2341 at the Senate

Rationale: There is already a Pennsylvania infraction statute that allows for a fine and

reimbursement of school tuition.

All communities within Pennsylvania are facing the impacts of this education and economic

crisis, but arresting parents, the primary care givers of children for “theft of an education” will

not improve our educational and economic challenges. We thank you in advance for making

sound, fiscally responsive public policy that protects the basic human rights of all Pennsylvania

citizens, especially the most vulnerable

Today, our daughter attends a private Christian school, but we still fight for those who

can’t make the same choice.

We must make sure that children who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money can still get the best education .

The future of America's economic strength is determined each day in classrooms across

our Nation

Sincerely, Hamlet Garcia

Support from:

Dr Steve Perry, MSNBC & CNN Education Contributor,Principal & Founder of Capital Prep

Maria Conchita Alonso Actress/Singer/Songwriter/Activist/Artist Senator Gloria Romero,Ret,Founder California Center for Parent Empowerment

Kevin P.Chavous,Executive Counsel American Federation for Children Larry Sand,President California Teachers Empowerment Network

Attorney Ricardo Corona Founder of Corona Law Firm P.A State Representative Bruce Morris 140th Assembly District Norwalk CT Mona Davids, President of New York City Parents Union Sam Pirozzolo Vice President of new York City Parents Union Mattew SmithPresident of Philadelphia National Action Network

Julio Fuentes President/CEO Hispanic Creo,and State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Florida

Gwendolyn Samuel,President of Connecticut Parent's Union Annette Callahan,Illinois Parent Affected by School Residency Law

Rhonda Gath,co-founder Moms for School Choice Walter L Hudson Sr.Chairman National Awarencess Alliance Kelley Williams-Bolar,President of Ohio Parents Union