Connecticut just made history — becoming the first state in over 70 years to make homeschooling harder, despite 98.5% of public testimony opposing the bill. In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, host Robert Bortins talks with Timothy Knotts, director of Classical Conversations’ Challenge Development Program, homeschool dad of four, lawyer, and longtime Windsor, CT resident, about what actually happened with that law — and why he decided to do something about it.
Tim shares why he’s now running for Connecticut’s 2nd Senate District on a platform of local control, affordability, parental rights in education, and government transparency. He digs into the culture of waste and corruption in Hartford (including a former state budget official who fled to Greece after a bribery conviction), Connecticut’s sky-high tax burden, and why he became the first Republican in over 20 years to qualify for the state’s Citizen Election Program in his district. He also gets honest about running as an underdog in one of the bluest districts in the country — and why he’s doing it anyway.
Whether you’re a homeschool family watching your own state’s legislature, or just want to see what it looks like when someone decides to stop complaining and actually run, this conversation is a reminder that showing up for what’s right matters — win or lose. Tune in, and if you’re in Connecticut, find out how you can help.
Tim Knotts for Senate website: https://timknotsforsenate.com/
This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by Classical Conversations Plus Online Learning Seminars
“CC Dads” is a 6-week online seminar exploring how fathers can take an active role, whether or not they are the main homeschool teacher in their home. Facilitated by Joseph Tokar, a homeschool dad who encourages fathers to be present as leaders, supporters, and encouragers in their God-given role, this seminar walks through six sessions grounded in Scripture on encouraging mothers, teaching sons and daughters, and finding a father’s place in the classical education his family is already living out.
To learn more about the CC Plus Online Learning Seminars or to begin your journey of pursuing your next season of learning, go to https://ccnetwork.app/OnlineLearningSeminars and register today.
Courses begin October 1, 2026.