People cannot get out of Illinois fast enough. Seriously!
Only two other states lost more residents between 2023–24, and the state has actually lost population for each year of 10 years in a row.
This from frontpagemag.com.
The property tax burden, inclement weather, heavy regulation, and crime levels all contribute to its residents seeking an exit. So, taking this mass exodus into account, a sane person would think the state would try to appeal to the families that remain. Well, think again. The Bears will return to the Super Bowl before Illinois considers the plight of the family.
Now, in an alarming move that should concern every freedom-loving American, Illinois lawmakers are advancing House Bill 2827, known as the “Homeschool Act.”
It is an ill-conceived piece of legislation that should be renamed ‘The Illinois Family Exit Act’ because, no doubt, many families will be looking for an exit if this monstrosity is signed into law.
And seemingly, Illinois officials are feeling the pressure, as they have turned out amendments over the last 48 hours in an attempt to make this bill appear more palatable. So, please keep up the pressure and add your name to this petition: Stop Indoctrinating Our Kids. This bill is riddled with so many issues that it must be defeated.
Here is what We the People know at this point:
– This legislation directly threatens the rights of parents to educate their children, particularly those who choose homeschooling for religious or moral reasons. When the bill was introduced, it garnered a massive negative response among Illinois citizens. Homeschool families valuing their educational freedom signed witness slips in opposition to the tune of over 50,000 in 24 hours;
– Advancing out of committee in an 8-4 vote, with one voting present, this bill is deceptively framed as a measure to ensure ‘safety’ and ‘accountability’ and would require all homeschooling families in Illinois to register with the State Board of Education or face an automatic criminal penalty;
– Because the bill also contains a provision for ‘school inspections,’ it opens the door to unprecedented state intrusion into the private decisions of families—most of whom are providing their children with a quality, values-based education out of deep and sincere convictions. Imagine surprise home inspections conducted against homeschool families at the whim of the state; and
– There is no credible evidence of widespread issues in the homeschooling community that would justify such sweeping government intervention. Yet that hasn’t stopped this legislation from moving forward. In fact, in big-government fashion, the bill’s sponsor, State House Representative Terra Costa Howard (IL-48), and other supporters are more concerned with government regulation than religious and educational freedom, justifying this overreach for Illinois by saying, ’38 other states also have regulations.’
Regulation is one thing; onerous burdens intended to drive out conservative homeschool families or imprison them—jail time for those who do not timely comply—is quite another.
According to Focus on the Family’s Daily Citizen:
While 38 other states do require parents to sign a declaration to educate in their homes, none of them have criminalized those who do not. Illinois would be the first.
Legal experts and education advocates are raising concerns that this legislation creates a direct pipeline from the home to the criminal justice system. Families who fail to comply—whether intentionally or simply due to bureaucratic confusion—could face investigations, fines, or worse. This is not about improving education; it is about treating parents like criminals.
Rather than comporting with public school regulations, parents choosing to homeschool their children would be subjected to unimaginable government intrusion. And Section 60 outlines a process for triggering investigations and enforcement actions when a parent fails to file the required form.
Page 40 of Amendment 002 contains an extremely problematic addition that would require a state official to interview a child suspected of being truant.
The response from the public has been swift and unmistakable. Thousands of concerned citizens rallied at the Illinois Capitol in protest on the day of the committee hearing. Families, educators, and advocates stood together to defend their rights and their children’s futures—sending a loud and clear message: We will not be silent while the government attempts to take control of our homes. Many were turned away by law enforcement as there was no room left inside the Capitol.
This bill is not about safety. It’s about power – undermining parental authority and stripping away religious liberty under the cover of regulation. The Constitution is on the side of the parents. Parental rights are not negotiable. Religious liberty is not optional.
For more information, go to:
Stop Sexualizing and Indoctrinating Our Kids.
