SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Jed Davis (R-Yorkville) 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.
“I am incredibly disheartened by the passage of the ‘Homeschool Act’, an example of extreme government overreach, infringing on the rights of Illinois parents,” said Rep. Davis. “While Illinoisans struggle to stay afloat with the rising cost of living, skyrocketing property taxes, a public safety crisis, and more, this is the issue that we are taking up? What a ridiculous example of misplaced priorities.”
The public has been vocal about their opposition to this bill. Over 48,000 motivated residents filed witness slips in opposition to HB 2827. Rep. Davis’ petition to support homeschool freedom has over 2,887 signatures.
Davis continued, “Yet what I find most concerning is the fact that Illinois Democrats completely ignored the will of the people. Illinoisans could not have been clearer: they do not want the state to interfere with a parent’s right to choose the best education for their children. Despite this, they silenced their opposition and only allowed four opponents to speak out against this bill.
“Every single day after we gavel into session, multiple members of the majority party stand up and fearmonger about how the Trump administration is a threat to our democracy. They seem to have missed the irony here because the only threat to democracy I see is their attempt to suppress the will and voice of the people.”
For more information about Representative Davis, visit RepJedDavis.com.
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