Tennessee Lawmakers Approve Expansion of School Vouchers, Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk
Source: chalkbeat.org Legislative Approval for Voucher Expansion The Tennessee LawmakersAssembly has passed the much-debated expansion of school vouchers, a move that has been a significant topic of discussion in the state for years. The legislation, known as the “Tennessee Education Freedom Act of 2025,” was approved by both the Senate and House of Representatives after a fast-paced four-day special session focused on issues including school vouchers, disaster relief, and immigration enforcement. Governor Bill Lee’s proposed bill has gained approval despite heated debates, with both chambers witnessing divisions within the Republican ranks. The House voted 54-45, with one abstention, while the Senate passed the bill with a 20-13 vote. The legislation allocates approximately $7,000 in taxpayer-funded “scholarships” to enable parents in Tennessee to send their children to private schools. This marks the culmination of years of efforts to expand the voucher program, which initially began...