Overview:
Despite Illinois being one of the bluest of the blue states, the Land of Lincoln has a long history of being one of the most homeschool friendly states in the nation. Homeschools in Illinois do not have to register with public schools, nor do they have to provide paperwork to the state verifying their children completed the requisite number of state mandated education days. Home school families in Illinois have a great deal of freedom and autonomy.
This is not to say there are not efforts to undermine these freedoms. State Senator Darren Bailey has been on the forefront in opposing legislation aimed at requiring state officials to inspect the records of homeschool families. So far, these efforts have not been successful but far left legislators aligned with the Illinois Education Association continue to push legislation to undermine the rights of homeschool families, which makes having a home-school family friendly governor essential.
Darren Bailey and his wife, Cindy, also founded Full Armor Christian Academy in Louisville and Olney to provide a Christ-centered education for families in East Central Illinois.
Legislative Efforts:
Darren Bailey led the charge in opposition to HB 2789. This legislation passed the House but died in the Senate. Under this proposal, the IDPH would establish requirements for providing in-person instruction at nonpublic schools and public schools that include, but not limited to, personal protective equipment, cleaning and hygiene, social distancing, occupancy limits, symptom screening, onsite isolation protocols.
In Illinois, a home school is a private school. A private school is a non-public school. HB 2789 would give IDPH new powers over both non-public and public schools during a health emergency. This legislation was a way for the teacher unions to shut down their competition in the private and parochial schools and stifle the increasingly popular home school options. Darren Bailey led the charge to DEFEAT it. (https://tinyurl.com/3sms6rc2)
Darren Bailey helped stop dangerous legislation (HB 3560) in 2019 requiring that “[A]fter a home-schooling registration form is submitted; the State Board of Education must request a Child Protective Service Unit of the Department of Children and Family Services to investigate the home in which the home schooling will occur to ensure there is no suspected child abuse or neglect in the home.” Darren Bailey was instrumental in stopping this bad legislation.
(https://tinyurl.com/5u6nkcp7)
Conclusion:
Darren Bailey has been a pioneer in Christian education long before he became a lawmaker. He has consistently supported the rights of home school families as a Senator, and he will not waver in his support as Governor. Home School families can trust Darren Bailey to advocate for them.
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