Matt Epling.Com
"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."
In memory of Matt
.
Matt's parents Kevin and Tammy and Sister Kristen have established this web site to honor Matt and to remember all that he accomplished in his short time here. We were very proud of Matt and we were looking forward to the young man he would one day become. We will hold in our hearts all the gifts he gave to us. All of us will remember and cherish the special times we shared together. We miss him everyday, but every time we hear a good joke, the sound of Matt's laughter will echo in our hearts.
Remember those lost at Columbine 4/20/99 and Virgina Tech 4/16/07. We cannot allow this to happen here in MIchigan. Contact you legislator to help pass "Matt's Law" for the safety of our children.
UPDATES 3/2009:
New bills introduced, Senate Bill 275 and House BIll 4850 are identical to what left the Senate Education Committee in December 2008. Senate Bill 159 has also been introduced and this is the full legislation introduced in 2007. Our sincere thanks to Rep. Byrnes, and Senators Jelinik and Anderson for thier efforts on behalf of Michigan's children.
Copies of the bills can be found on the MI legislative web site by typing in the bill number.
On Facebook? A new group has been created to help keep you updated.
"Matt's Safe School" Initiative, MI is the name. Join and ask your friends to do so as well so we can show our legislators people across the state know this is the right thing for ourchildren.
We are planning new date for the next Safe School Lobby Day, and will let people know soon.
Happy 21st Birthday Matt 2/10/09
UPDATE 2/20/09
"Matt's Law" Re-introduced!
"Matt's Law" was re-introduced as Senate bill 275 on 2/19/09. We would like to thank Senator Jelinek and his co-sponsors Sen. Anderson, Hunter, Richardville, Cherry, Pappageorge, Barcia and Clark. The bill has been referred to the Senate Education COmmitee. The committe is chaired by Sen, Kuipers who ahd previously released the bill from his committee prior to the end of the session.
We would expect to have swift movement ( hopefully not another two year delay) in Sen, Kuipers committee.
We are waiting for the legislation to be introduced in the House as well.
People can contact their legislators and ask them for passage of "Matt's Law" soon so we can begin to work with schools on drafting new policies.
Again we thank these legislators for looking out for the safety of our children.
12/19/08
"Matt's Law" dies on Senate floor.
Sad day for young people in Michigan, said bill sponsor
"Matt's Safe School Law" - a legislative package requiring schools to adopt
anti-bullying policies, died on the floor of the State Senate without a vote
as the 2007-08 Legislative session came to a close early Friday, December
19, 2008. The bills were named in honor of Matt Epling, an East Lansing
eighth-grader who took his own life in 2002 after a severe hazing incident.
He was 14 years old.
Senate Education Committee Chair Senator Wayne Kuipers (R-Holland) joined
long-time champions Senators Glen Anderson (D-Westland), Samuel "Buzz"
Thomas (D-Detroit), Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) and Randy Richardville
(R-Monroe) in the fight for final passage, a struggle which lasted
throughout the day Thursday and continued until the early morning of Friday,
December 19.
The initiative was killed by one person, Senate Floor Leader Alan Cropsey
(R-DeWitt).
Despite a lengthy Republican caucus meeting on the issue, Majority Leader
Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) and the majority of his caucus - who otherwise
supported the bills - were unwilling to challenge Floor Leader Cropsey.
"It is a sad day for all of us," said bill sponsor Rep. Pam Byrnes
(D-Chelsea), "but especially for the young people of our state and their
parents who were counting on this forward-looking policy to make Michigan
schools safe for learning."
"It saddens me that a political agenda moved ahead of the needs of
students," said Kevin Epling, father of Matt Epling and a long time champion
of anti-bullying efforts in Michigan. "It is unbelievable that one person
can determine policy for an entire state."
Please contact Senator Cropsey's office on your response to his actions.
Alan L. Cropsey
Republican of District 33
Office Phone: (517) 373-3760
Office Location: S-8 Capitol
E-mail Address: SenACropsey@senate.michigan.gov
December Deadline Looming!
Your help is needed to help pass Matt's Law!
"Matt's Law" needs to pass the Michigan Senate this fall session or it will fail and we will have to start all over again. So much work has gone into this bill and we as parents cannot allow this to happen. Contact your Senator today and read how you can help.
WGVU Radio Program Focuses on Bullying
Hear comments from Kevin Epling, Sen. Glenn Anderson and Rep. Pam Byrnes about "Matt's Law"
Partners in Prevention!
The current Miss Capitol City, Tiffany Griffin has chosen the issue of bullying as her platform,"Be a Buddy, Not a Bully". Both as the important social cause it is and from her own personal experience.
We are happy to help to join forces with her and support her. We ask that you help us chear her on during the upcoming Miss Michigan competition later this summer.
Tiffany we applaud you and all you are doing for all of our children.
Visit her website for additional information.
Miss capitol City, Tiffany Griffin
(yes we still need you!)
Email your Senator today
