Last week was an extremely busy week in Springfield. Here’s a rundown:
THE HOMESCHOOL ACT
I continue 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 last week 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 truancy, which could lead to fines and even imprisonment. It further requires administrators to submit personal information about themselves and their students to state and local authorities.
Illinois should empower parents to place their children in education environments that help them learn and succeed. Bureaucrats in Springfield have bigger problems to solve than tracking parents’ schooling decisions. This bill attempts to solve a problem that does not exist.
The public has been vocal about their opposition to this state overreach. Over 50,000 motivated residents filed witness slips in opposition to HB 2827. Thousands of Illinoisans took to the State Capitol to express their opposition and speak to lawmakers about their positive experience with homeschooling.
Placing children in public schools does not guarantee results or safety. I oppose forcing additional mandates on responsible parents.
HB 2827 was heard in the Education Policy Committee where I am House Republican Spokesman. 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, please visit The Caucus Blog.
I joined Leader McCombie and Rep. Wilhour and talked to the press following the committee hearing. Watch our remarks here.
Although this bill passed through committee, it is long from over. I’ll keep you updated with the next steps as this bill continues through the legislative process. I urge you to continue reaching out to Senators and Representatives and make your voice heard.
REDISTRICTING
Reformers: Democrats Recruit ‘Prince of Darkness’ to Defend Illegal Maps. Illinois House Republican leaders provided the latest update this week regarding their ongoing lawsuit on redistricting filed with the Illinois Supreme Court. The lawsuit alleges that the Illinois Democratic majority has rigged legislative elections by gerrymandering electoral districts to their benefit, and at the expense of a fair process for all Illinois voters.
House Republican Leader Tony McCombie was joined by Deputy Leader Ryan Spain and Assistant Leader Dan Ugaste at a press conference in Springfield to provide the latest details.
“In response to the Illinois Supreme Court’s order to address the issue of timeliness, the Illinois Attorney General has declined to take a position on behalf of the State Board of Elections,” explained Assistant Leader Ugaste. “This is contrary to what has happened in these situations in the past. Speaker Welch and Senate President Harmon have intervened, and their lawyers are now relying on a legal technicality to deny an untold number of voters their constitutional rights concerning their vote.”
This legal technicality is called ‘laches,’ a seldom-used defense mechanism that asserts the plaintiff has unreasonably delayed its legal claim and therefore is no longer subject to the relief it seeks. As Ugaste explained, the defense, which in this case is the State Board of Elections, is now attempting to prove the plaintiffs, which are Leader McCombie and five registered voters, were not diligent in pursuing this lawsuit. The defense is also attempting to prove prejudice, which in a legal sense, is their ability to defend their case.
House Republicans are optimistic and eager for the legal process to continue moving forward. It’s also worth noting that Welch and Harmon are calling upon prominent election lawyer Mike Kasper to defend the case. In the past, Kasper has been called ‘Vader,’ the ‘prince of darkness’ and Democrats’ ‘chief weapon against redistricting reform.’ He was also a top lawyer for disgraced and convicted ex-speaker Mike Madigan.
“Speaker Welch has come forward and hired Mike Madigan’s favorite henchman, Mike Kasper, to defend his overtly partisan gerrymandered legislative maps,” stated Deputy Leader Spain. “It is time to end Democrat insiders conspiring with one another to disenfranchise the people of Illinois!”
“The Illinois Supreme Court has a crucial opportunity to declare these maps unconstitutional and end political gerrymandering in our state,” stated Leader McCombie. “House Republicans recognize the gravity of this moment and are committed to supporting a fair and transparent process for Illinois. Meanwhile, Speaker Welch continues to recklessly defend extreme partisan tactics that undermine our democracy.”
For all the latest news in the case, please visit redoremap.com.
PHOTOS FROM THE WEEK
Local Police Chiefs came to Springfield to discuss their legislative priorities.
Madison County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
COMING UP
My office is hosting Mobile Office Hours at the Wood River City Hall on Monday, April 14. Please stop by if you have an issue with a state agency and my staff will help.
Thank you for taking time to read my capitol update. As always, if you’re having an issue with a state agency, please reach out to my office. We are here to help! Have a great week, and happy spring!