“Homeschool Act” Passes Committee Among Overwhelming Opposition
SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) continues to fight to protect the rights of parents to choose the best educational experience for their children. HB 2827, the “Homeschool Act,” was heard in committee today and passed over the objection of tens of thousands of families choosing home or private school for their children. This bill mandates that non-public elementary and secondary schools register annually with the Illinois State Board of Education, and also requires homeschools to fill out a Homeschool Declaration Form or risk fines and even imprisonment. It further requires administrators to submit personal information about themselves and their students to state and local authorities.
“Parents should be allowed to put their children in a learning environment that will help their own child succeed,” said Rep. Charlie Meier. “Illinois is facing a budget deficit, skyrocketing crime, the cost of household goods on the rise, and many more problems. We should be addressing and fixing the problems that actually matter to Illinois citizens, not creating more bureaucracy to solve a problem that does not exist.”
The public has been vocal about their opposition to this state overreach. Over 49,000 motivated residents filed witness slips in opposition to HB 2827. Thousands of Illinoisans took to the State Capitol today to express their opposition and speak to lawmakers about their positive experience with homeschooling.
“I totally oppose forcing additional mandates on responsible parents,” Meier continued. “I support families making decisions that are best for their children, and I strongly oppose this bill.”
HB 2827 was heard in the Education Policy Committee. Despite all Republicans voting in opposition, it passed committee, and can now proceed to the House Floor for a vote. Residents who agree HB 2827 should be stopped can sign House Republicans’ petition and file a witness slip at ilga.gov.
For more information on the Homeschool Act and how to fight, please visit The Caucus Blog.