SE Illinois News

State Representative Patrick Windhorst recently participated in a rally at the Illinois State Capitol, joining over 2,000 children and homeschool families to oppose a new bill aimed at regulating homeschooling. The proposed legislation, HB 2827, seeks to impose additional paperwork and regulations on homeschool families.

Windhorst expressed gratitude to those who attended the rally: “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 further criticized the bill, stating it goes beyond reasonable regulation and threatens family values.

“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,” Windhorst said. He pledged his opposition by voting against HB 2827.

A petition opposing the bill is available on Windhorst's official state website. He urged supporters of homeschooling freedom to sign it: “I encourage everyone who stands for the freedom of homeschool families...to express their opposition.”

In related news, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and other representatives are pursuing legal action against what they describe as an unfairly gerrymandered electoral map in Illinois. They argue that this map limits voter choice and fair representation. McCombie stated: “This is about reinstating voters’ constitutional rights that have been violated by an extreme, partisan gerrymandered map.”

The state's budget outlook shows weak private-sector job growth leading to lower tax revenues. Despite this shortfall, Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget includes hidden tax increases and one-time transfers amounting to more than $1.2 billion.

Additionally, State Representative Brandun Schweizer joined other legislators in opposing HB 2827 during a press conference at the Capitol. Schweizer described the bill as "a slippery slope" that could lead to excessive regulation on homeschooling.

Representative Regan Deering emphasized homeschooling's benefits for students with different learning needs: “Homeschooling is an incredible asset...the bill in question today takes away that freedom.”

The debate over Illinois' state flag continues after a vote showed strong preference for retaining the current design despite proposals for change. Secretary Giannoulias commented on public sentiment: “Some may call it an SOB – a seal on a bedsheet – but people overwhelmingly prefer our current state flag.”