SE Illinois News

State Representative Patrick Windhorst participated in a rally at the State Capitol, joined by over 2,000 individuals including children, parents, and members of homeschool families. The gathering was in opposition to a proposed bill aimed at increasing regulations on homeschooling in Illinois.

Windhorst expressed gratitude towards those who traveled to Springfield to advocate for the rights of homeschool families. “I want to thank the thousands of people who traveled to Springfield today to lobby their legislators in support of homeschool families’ freedom to educate their children according to their values,” he stated. He criticized the pending legislation, arguing that it exceeds reasonable limits and threatens family freedoms.

The bill in question, HB 2827, intends to impose additional paperwork and regulatory measures on homeschooling. Windhorst views this as a threat to fundamental freedoms cherished by the homeschool community. “I am a product of public schools, and my children attend public schools. This effort is about standing up for basic freedom, and the right of parents to determine the educational future of their children,” he remarked. Windhorst confirmed his opposition by stating, “I will strongly oppose this most recent attack on homeschool families. I’m voting NO on HB 2827.”

To further his cause, Windhorst has initiated a petition on his official state website urging support against HB 2827. He encourages supporters of homeschooling freedom to sign it: “I encourage everyone who stands for the freedom of homeschool families to educate their children according to their family values to sign my petition to express their opposition to HB 2827!”