🚨 Warning: AB 84 Threatens Educational Freedom in California! 🚨
What is AB 84?
AB 84 is a proposed California bill that could hurt nonclassroom-based (NCB) charter schools, which include many homeschool programs, schools for at-risk youth, special needs students, and rural families. The bill ties school funding to how much time students spend in physical classrooms, punishing schools that offer flexible learning options like homeschooling or hybrid models.
• If students learn from home or in hybrid settings more than 25% of the time, their school could lose up to 30% of its funding.
• This means less money for teachers, programs, and resources that families rely on.
Why is this bad?
AB 84 isn’t about improving education—it’s about controlling how kids learn. Here’s what’s at stake:
• It hurts families who need flexibility. Some kids can’t attend school in person due to medical issues, emotional needs, or family situations. This bill penalizes them.
• It attacks parental choice. Parents who want homeschooling or hybrid learning will have fewer options.
• It harms small education businesses. Programs like nature classes, STEM labs, art studios, and co-ops that partner with charters could lose funding and shut down.
• It discriminates against non-traditional learning. The bill suggests that learning at home or in flexible settings is less valuable.
• It could set a bad precedent. If this passes, it might lead to restrictions on private homeschooling or other independent education options in the future.
Who’s affected?
• Homeschooling families
• Students with special needs
• At-risk youth
• Rural families far from traditional schools
• Teachers and small businesses that support charter schools
What’s happening now?
The Assembly Education Committee will review AB 84 on April 30, 2025, at 1021 O Street, Room 1100, Sacramento. This is the first step in deciding if the bill moves forward. The committee, led by Chair Al Muratsuchi (Democrat, District 66) and Vice Chair Josh Hoover (Republican, District 7), needs to hear from you before the April 23, 2025, deadline for submitting letters.
🛑 What Can You Do to Stop AB 84? 🛑
You have until April 23, 2025, to make your voice heard. Here’s how to take action:
1. Write a Letter to the Education Committee
• Tell them why AB 84 would hurt your family, school, or community.
• Submit your letter by 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2025, through the committee’s website: https://aedn.assembly.ca.gov/
• Tip: Keep it personal. Explain how flexible learning helps your kids or why funding cuts would harm your school.
• Note: Letters are public and may be read during the hearing or published.
2. Contact Your State Legislators
• Find your Assembly Member and Senator here: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/
• Call or email them to say you oppose AB 84. Share your story about why educational choice matters to you.
• If you live in the district of an Education Committee member (listed below), ask for a meeting with them or their staff this week to discuss AB 84.
3. Reach Out to the Education Committee Members
• Call, email, or leave voicemails for each member. Tell them how AB 84 would affect you financially, emotionally, or educationally.
• If one of these members represents your district, set up a meeting ASAP.
• Here’s who to contact (all phone numbers are for their Capitol offices):
• Al Muratsuchi (Chair), Democrat, District 66: (916) 319-2066
• Josh Hoover (Vice Chair), Republican, District 7: (916) 319-2007
• Dawn Addis, Democrat, District 30: (916) 319-2030
• David A. Alvarez, Democrat, District 80: (916) 319-2080
• Mia Bonta, Democrat, District 18: (916) 319-2018
• Leticia Castillo, Republican, District 58: (916) 319-2058
• Robert Garcia, Democrat, District 50: (916) 319-2050
• Josh Lowenthal, Democrat, District 69: (916) 319-2069
• Dr. Darshana R. Patel, Democrat, District 76: (916) 319-2076�Note: These members also have local district offices, which you can find through the committee’s website: https://aedn.assembly.ca.gov/members
4. Team Up with Others
• Organize a group of parents, teachers, or community members to oppose AB 84 together.
• Share this alert with friends, homeschool groups, or local education communities. The more voices, the better!
• If you want help coordinating a group effort, reply to this message, and I can suggest ways to connect with others.
Why Your Voice Matters
AB 84 could take away the educational options that thousands of California families depend on. By speaking out, you’re protecting:
• Your right to choose the best education for your kids
• Funding for schools that serve diverse learners
• The future of flexible, innovative education in California
The Education Committee needs to know that Californians value educational freedom. Your letter, call, or meeting could make the difference in stopping this bill.
Quick Facts About the Assembly Education Committee
• What they do: They oversee policies on TK-12 education, adult education, charter schools, teacher salaries, school facilities, and more.
• Where they’re located: Legislative Office Building, 1020 N Street, Room 159, Sacramento, CA 95814
• Contact: (916) 319-2087
• Hearing details: The April 30, 2025, hearing is in person at 1021 O Street, Room 1100. Remote testimony isn’t allowed, but you can submit written comments online.
• Submitting letters: Use the Advocacy Quick Reference Guide on the committee’s website (https://aedn.assembly.ca.gov/ for instructions.
Next Steps
• By April 23: Submit your opposition letter at https://aedn.assembly.ca.gov/
• This week: Call or email the committee members and your legislators.
• ASAP: If you’re in a committee member’s district, schedule a meeting.
• Spread the word: Share this with anyone who cares about educational choice.
If you have questions or need help crafting a letter, let me know, and I can guide you through it. Let’s stop AB 84 together!