Homeschool Families Pack Illinois Capitol to Defend Education Freedom
Thousands of homeschooling families packed the Illinois State Capitol last week to protest House Bill 2827, which advanced out of the Education Policy Committee on an 8-4 vote with all House Republicans voting against it. Democrats advanced the bill despite a record-breaking 51,000 witness slips filed against it.
Known as the “Homeschool Act,” HB 2827 would impose new regulations on homeschooling families, including mandatory forms, educational portfolios, and potential criminal penalties for non-compliance.
The bill has sparked widespread concern among parents who view it as a direct attack on their rights to educate their children without government interference. Homeschool families argue that it would undermine parental control and open the door for further restrictions on homeschooling.
There is a large, thriving homeschool community in the 45th District, and I want to thank them for engaging on this issue and letting lawmakers know they do not want or need government interference with their choices regarding their kids’ educations. I will never support legislation that restricts parents’ ability to make autonomous educational decisions on behalf of their children.
Chesney Pushes Back Against Proposed Bag Tax
Illinois Democrats are at it again—pushing another costly mandate that will drive up grocery bills for families across Illinois. Senate Bill 1872 would ban plastic shopping bags and forces families to pay at least 10 cents per paper bag, making everyday essentials even more expensive at a time when inflation is already squeezing household budgets.
Families are already struggling with rising food, gas, and utility costs—now Springfield wants to make it even harder to put food on the table.
Instead of helping families, this bill punishes them with unnecessary fees and government overreach. Enough is enough.
Join me in the fight against SB 1872. Sign my petition today and make your voice heard!
Right to Life March Scheduled for March 25 in Springfield
Just a reminder that this year’s Right to Life March and rally are scheduled this week for Tuesday, March 25. A large turnout from the pro-life community will have an impact. This year’s rally will take place at 1:00 PM outside of the Illinois State Capitol, 401 S. Second Street, Springfield. The rally will be followed by a march around the Capitol and auxiliary buildings. Following the march, those in town for the rally and march can visit with lawmakers and urge them to protect unborn life. If you can join this year’s Right to Life March, please register to attend by clicking here.
Republicans Push for Fairness in High School Sports with New Letter to IHSA
Biological males have undeniable physical advantages over women, including higher muscle mass. This gives them an inherent edge over females in sports that rely on strength, endurance, and speed. Allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports creates an uneven playing field and limits opportunities for women to excel in their chosen sport.
Last week I joined my Senate and House Republican colleagues in sending a letter to the Executive Director of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), seeking information about how the IHSA plans to comply with President Trump’s executive order prohibiting biological males from participating in women’s high school sports.
Specifically, Republican lawmakers are seeking confirmation that IHSA will be enacting policies that align with recent federal directives ensuring fairness in high school athletics, specifically protecting single-sex sports for female athletes. The letter highlights the need for Illinois’ policies to comply with federal guidelines that prohibit students from participating in single-sex sports based on gender identity if it does not align with their birth sex.
President Trump’s executive order of February 5, 2025, states, “…it is the policy of the United States to rescind all funds from educational programs that deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities, which results in the endangerment, humiliation, and silencing of women and girls and deprives them of privacy. It shall also be the policy of the United States to oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports more broadly, as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.”
I am reminded of Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer who won the NCAA Division I national championship in the women’s 500-yard freestyle, sparking a debate about the inclusion of biological males in women’s sports at the highest levels of competition. We can’t say we are providing women with equal opportunities when we allow men to dominate in women’s sports.
I look forward to the IHSA’s response on this important issue. Click here to read the letter.
