Support Stephanie Trussell’s Run for State Rep.

Written by Paul Hurst and David E. Smith

Illinois Family Action is excited to share some good news for a change! Stephanie Trussell recently announced her run against Terra Costa Howard for Illinois State Representative in the 42nd District, which includes the suburbs of Glen Ellyn, Lisle, and Lombard.

Trussell has pointed out in recent media interviews that the Illinois House of Representatives currently has a super-majority of Democrats (78) to a super-minority of Republicans (40). She correctly identifies this as an “improper fraction” that must be resolved. She is hoping to be one of 20 Republicans to flip seats red in Springfield.

Terra Costa Howard, the three-term incumbent, made news earlier this year by sponsoring the egregious Homeschool Registration Act (HB 2827). In this bill, the “nanny state” wanted to extend government overreach and subject homeschooling parents to big government bureaucratic solutions from the very people who brought us our failing school system here in Illinois.

Costa Howard only aggravated matters when she took to the House floor to vocally defend this effort to usurp parental rights, while ignoring the plethora of concerns related to government schools across the state.

Illinois Supports Homeschool Freedom

The signers of a record-breaking 136,900 witness slips against Costa Howard’s bill, along with any parents interested in their children’s educational options, will recall the arrogance and elitist snobbery shown by the bill’s proponents in Springfield. We’re confident they’ll welcome the chance to vote her (and others) out of office for it.

Imagine the hypocrisy of an Illinois state official insisting that government bureaucrats and teachers’ unions can be trusted more than parents to make educational choices for their children’s future. This, from the overseers of a failing system, replete with abuse accusations, declining test scores, out-of-control costs, and a myriad of other ills. These include curriculum that pushes political ideologies over academic excellence, intentionally confuses children regarding sex and gender differences, wastes tax dollars putting feminine hygiene products in boys’ bathrooms, and puts girls at risk with boys in their locker rooms and on their sports teams.

In case you missed it, according to the highly respected legal experts at HSLDA, this proposal in its various forms would have criminalized homeschooling parents who do not comply, threatening fines up to $500, jail time, criminal records, and potential DCFS involvement. These were unprecedented moves, not seen in any other state.

Costa Howard’s bill would have created a massive unfunded administrative workload, triggering law enforcement activity on newly created “criminal” actions toward parents who failed to submit forms for bureaucratic approval. Unlimited data collection and regulatory overreach were another key component, empowering the State Board of Education to mandate collecting sensitive personal data (gender identity, birthdates, etc.) by regulation and without legislative oversight. Public schools or regional officials would have been given the authority to demand homeschool portfolios and conduct investigations “at any time and without reason.” Also included were orders to notify education authorities if DCFS ever makes a “contact” with a homeschooled child, regardless of the details surrounding that contact.

The wrong-headedness of the bill in the context of Illinois’ educational and budgetary environment is crystal clear. It would have burdened underfunded schools, DCFS, and regional offices with unfunded mandates, which typically result in increased taxes on already financially stressed families and citizens.

The bill was no friend to vulnerable and minority communities either. Forty percent of homeschoolers are students of color. The enforcement of criminal penalties and increased paperwork burdens and the risks they represent would have disproportionately impacted these communities. Similarly, it was expected to adversely affect special needs students, along with creating new regulations on private and religious schools.

Terra Costa Howard’s attack on homeschooling and parental rights is just another symptom of the deadly political disease that is killing Illinois. Her lack of common sense and the common decency to listen to her constituents and represent their wishes makes it clear that it’s time for a change. A great place to make that change is to vote for Stephanie Trussell as Terra Costa Howard’s replacement.

Stephanie Trussell has earned the people’s respect and trust as a mom, a person of faith, a radio personality, Lt. Governor Candidate, an IFA Board Member, and a small business owner. Her experience, courage, principled stand on the issues, and common sense are sorely needed in Springfield. We are extremely excited and grateful that she is stepping up once again to make Illinois a better place for parents, children, taxpayers, business owners, and all those who call Illinois home.

Walk with Stephanie in the Lisle 4th of July Parade: Enthusiastic volunteers needed! This is a fantastic opportunity to support an amazing candidate and celebrate our nation’s birthday.

When: July 4th, arrive by 9:30 AM
Where: Lisle Jr. High (5207 Center Ave), Parade starts at 10 AM.
RSVP: If you’re able to join, please send Stephanie a quick message through her website to confirm your participation: TrussellforIllinois.com.

You can also financially support her campaign by donating HERE.