Washington, Mar 7, 2008 -

Congressman John Carter (TX-31) made the following statement today after the Associated Press reported that a state appellate court in California ruled that parents who home school their children must have teaching credentials.

“Although this ruling was only in the state of California, I am concerned it will eventually affect home schooled families in Texas,” Congressman Carter said.  “Moms and Dads, not the government, should be the authority when it comes to educating their children.”

According to the Associated Press, the immediate impact of the ruling was not clear; however, Attorneys from the California Department of Education are reviewing the ruling, and home schooling organizations are preparing to line up against the ruling.