(Des Moines, IA) U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a strong voice for conservative values and leading opponent of the Obama administration’s Affordable Care Act and other policies, will be the featured speaker at the Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators’ seventh annual “Homeschool Day at the Capitol” on Tuesday, March 18.
Cruz, who is known as a passionate fighter for limited government, economic growth and the Constitution, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012 in his first bid for public office. The Washington Post characterized his election as “the biggest upset of 2012″ and “a true grassroots victory against very long odds.”
In private practice in Houston, Cruz was a partner in one of the country’s largest law firms. He has written more than 80 U.S. Supreme Court briefs and argued 43 oral arguments, including nine before the high court. As Texas Solicitor General, he achieved an unprecedented series of landmark national victories that included the successful defense of U.S. sovereignty against the United Nations and World Court; the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms; the constitutionality of the Texas Ten Commandments Monument; and the constitutionality of the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.
“We are absolutely delighted that Ted Cruz has accepted our invitation to be the featured speaker at this year’s Day at the Capitol. His courage to speak out in defense of the principles that made our country great is an inspiration to so many people not just in the homeschool community but throughout the United States,” said NICHE President Justin LaVan. “Each year, the NICHE Day at the Capitol has gained greater momentum as we work to show our legislators and fellow Iowans the real face of homeschooling. Senator Cruz’s appearance certainly adds to the excitement and impact of this year’s event.”
The NICHE Homeschool Day at the Capitol attracts roughly 1,000 home educating parents and students.
The morning session at the Statehouse will include informal training for personal visits with legislators, student achievement displays, Capitol Building tours, and recognition of homeschoolers from the House and Senate floors.
This year’s afternoon session, which will take place at the Marriott Hotel, 701 Grand Ave., will include presentations by U.S. Rep. Steve King, nationally syndicated radio talk show personality Steve Deace, FAMiLY LEADER president and CEO Bob Vander Plaats, historical character dramatist Brian Bopp and others.
Online registration will be available for Capitol Day 2014 and homeschool families are encouraged to visit www.homeschooliowa.org for additional details.
Formed in 1992, NICHE is Iowa’s only statewide homeschooling organization providing support and information to home educating families through a variety of events and resources, including an annual conference, a formal graduation service, a monthly newsletter, legislative services and multi-faceted assistance to local homeschooling groups and individual families.