Rep. Coffey Supports Homeschool Families
“Homeschool Act” Passes Committee Among Overwhelming Opposition
Springfield, IL…. State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) supports 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 who prefer 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 requires homeschools to submit 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.
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.
“The Homeschool Act is yet another unfunded mandate that takes more power away from homeschool families and students and gives it to the state,” said Coffey. “I stand with the thousands of Illinois families who agree that these burdensome regulations seek to solve a problem that does not exist.”
Coffey continued, “Illinois legislators should empower parents to choose the best educational options for their children, and I oppose constraining mandates on responsible parents.”
HB 2827 was heard in the Education Policy Committee this morning. Despite 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 contact Rep. Coffey’s office at 217-782-0053 or coffey@ilhousegop.org.
Representative Mike Coffey serves the constituents of Illinois’ 95th House District that includes parts of Sangamon County, including portions of the City of Springfield and Villages of Chatham and Rochester as well as parts of Macon and Christian Counties.
###