Why Should You Care About What is Happening in California? (guest Nathan Pierce)

The episode features Andrea Schwartz interviewing Nathan Pierce of Family Protection Ministries (FPM) about California legislation FPM tracks to defend families, especially homeschoolers. Pierce explains that charter schools—originally conceived as locally controlled alternatives—have been steadily constrained; AB-84 is the latest step, tightening oversight of funds and effectively requiring charter-paid instructors to be certified teachers, which he argues serves teachers’ unions by weakening non-union, lower-cost vendors and nudging families back toward traditional public schools. He and Schwartz frame this within broader concerns about the state’s education system, its ideological direction, and the practical trade-offs for Christian families between public funding (with religious restrictions) and private options (with greater autonomy and data privacy). They then discuss AB-495, which expands who can self-authorize guardianship-like powers over a child via a simple form—potentially including distant relatives or non-relatives in undefined “mentorship” roles—raising fears about enrollment, medical decisions, and parental rights. After a large protest, the bill moved to a “suspense file” pending appropriations decisions; Pierce expects court challenges if it passes, citing likely constitutional issues. He urges parents to stay engaged, contact senators, track bills (via the state site and FPM’s bill tracker), and avoid dependency on public-money “carrots” that constrain Christian education. Pierce also outlines FPM’s youth training, internships, and government class aimed at cultivating long-term advocates.