SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) 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 home and private school families. 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.
“Illinois lawmakers should be empowering parents to make the best educational decisions for their children, not adding more hurdles and regulation,” said Rep. Haas. “With a laundry list a mile long of issues we are facing in Illinois, home and private schooling is not one of them. This is an unfortunate example of the majority party creating an issue out of nothing instead of focusing on real solutions to benefit all Illinoisans.”
The public has been vocal about their opposition to this overreach. Over 48,000 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 am also incredibly concerned with the way the voices of Illinoisans were silenced,” Haas continued. “Not only were the over 48,000 slips in opposition ignored, but they only allowed four opponents to testify at this hearing. I condemn this attempt to restrict and silence parents and remain dedicated to fighting for all parents to make the best choice for their children in Illinois.”
For more information on the Homeschool Act and how to fight, please visit The Caucus Blog.
For more information about Representative Haas, visit RepHaas.com.
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