Dupage Policy Journal

Stephanie Trussell, a candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives District 42, said that lawmakers should prioritize improving public schools instead of targeting homeschool families. She emphasized that every child deserves access to quality education. The statement was made on X.

"Last session the Illinois House once again targeted homeschool families when they should be focusing on improving government schools," said Trussell. "Having access to quality schools should be a right, not a privilege. Look up what each school spends per pupil."

The Homeschool Act (HB2827) was a key measure in the latest session affecting homeschool families in Illinois. According to Capitol News Illinois, it would have required families to notify districts when starting homeschooling, set a minimum credential for parents, and allowed officials to request proof of instruction if concerns arose. The bill drew packed hearings and intense debate over parental rights and oversight. It advanced out of committee after hours of testimony from supporters and opponents but later stalled due to the polarized response.

In 2024, Illinois had 24 public schools where no student tested proficient in reading and 80 schools with zero students proficient in math. These figures were derived from the state’s 2024 Report Card and compiled in an April 28, 2025 analysis by Wirepoints. The review highlighted that nearly 70% of students at these "zero-proficiency" schools still graduated, underscoring gaps between reported graduation and mastery.

Illinois’ statewide literacy performance shows mixed results. According to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), grades 3–8 reached a record 40.9% proficiency in English language arts under the Illinois Assessment of Readiness as reported on October 30, 2024. However, separate reporting noted lower proficiency rates under prior cut scores for English language arts and math in 2024. NAEP found that only 33% of Illinois eighth-graders were at or above "Proficient" in reading in 2024.

Trussell is known as an Illinois conservative media personality and political figure, best recognized for hosting on WLS-AM 890 and serving as the Republican lieutenant-governor running mate to state senator Darren Bailey in 2022. Major Chicago media described her as a "hard-working conservative" radio host who joined the GOP ticket in December 2021. Her campaigning focused on themes such as parental rights, school accountability, and support for school choice.

The Illinois House of Representatives is responsible for crafting K-12 policy and appropriations alongside other legislative duties. According to the Illinois General Assembly and ISBE, it acts within a constitutional framework assigning primary responsibility for financing public education to the state.