Tennessee Lawmakers Pass Gov. Bill Lee’s Education Freedom Act, Giving School Choice Victory to President Trump

House floor session

The Tennessee State House of Representatives and the State Senate on Thursday passed the Education Freedom Act, the plan by Governor Bill Lee and Republican legislative leaders to create 20,000 scholarships, each worth about $7,000, to help Tennessee families who choose send their children to private schools.

Called to consider the legislation by Governor Bill Lee during a special legislative session, lawmakers in the State House passed the Education Freedom Act, or HB 6004 by House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland), with a 54-44 majority just before 2 pm. An hour later, the State Senate passed the bill by a 20 to 13 margin. The bill now goes to Gov. Lee for signature.

The school choice legislation passed with the four-vote majority despite a marginal number of republicans joining Democrats in their opposition to the bill.

Of the 20,000 scholarships created by the school choice plan, 10,000 will be reserved for students from income restricted families, or those with disabilities, while the other 10,000 scholarships will be available to any family with a child who is eligible to attend school in Tennessee.

The legislation also contains provisions to ensure public school systems will continue to receive the same level of funding if a student withdraws from the school system after receiving a scholarship, to redirect money made from online sports betting to maintenance of public schools, and will authorize a one-time, $2,000 bonus to every public school teacher in the Volunteer state.

Just two days prior to the vote, the Education Freedom Act received the support of President Donald Trump, who applauded Tennessee legislators for “working hard to pass School Choice this week, which I totally support.

The school choice plan also received the support of the Job Creators Network, which in December stated, “The Education Freedom Act lets YOU decide the best school for your child—no matter your zip code or income.

TennesseeCAN posted a statement of gratitude to lawmakers shortly after the bill’s passage. “TennesseeCAN Praises Legislature for Passing Gov. Bill Lee’s Education Freedom Act Statewide School Choice Program Empowers Students and Families,” the group said.

The grassroots group Latinos for Tennessee also lauded the bill’s passage. “A big thank you to @GovBillLee@CSexton25@WilliamLamberth@ltgovmcnally@SenJohnson, and the majority of our legislature for passing universal school choice for Tennessee’s kids!” the group said on X. “Money should follow each child to whatever school they attend. Thank you for funding students!”

“Today marks a historic moment for Tennessee. The passage of the Education Freedom Act is a transformative step for education in Tennessee, empowering families and giving them the freedom to choose the best learning environment for their children, no matter their background or ZIP code,”  Beacon Impact CEO Justin Owen said in a statement sent to media following the final vote on the bill. ” This achievement would not have been possible without their commitment to improving outcomes and opportunities for all students. Their partnership – and that of every legislator who stood up and voted to empower parents today – was crucial in bringing this historic legislation to life, and now Tennessee families will benefit for generations to come,” the organization said.

The passing of the legislation marks a victory for Lee, as lawmakers achieve his the governor’s goals for the special session, including passing legislation to prepare Tennessee to work with the Trump administration’s immigration agenda, provide disaster relief to those affected by Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee, and the Education Freedom Act to achieve universal school choice in the state.

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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].

 

 

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5 Thoughts to “Tennessee Lawmakers Pass Gov. Bill Lee’s Education Freedom Act, Giving School Choice Victory to President Trump”

  1. Cannoneertwo

    “Tennessee Lawmakers Pass Gov. Bill Lee’s Education Freedom Act, Giving School Choice Victory to President Trump”
    Silly me… I though the General Assembly worked for the citizens of the state of Tennessee….

  2. What? No mention of the ACLU suing to keep Tennessee students in public school rot?

  3. Joe Blow

    Randy is exactly right!
    What has been done is the funding of a parallel school system without using funds from the failed public schools. In fact, the public-school teachers (certified employees?) are getting a $2,000 bonus for failing. A great example of a participation trophy for sure. I have heard cost estimates from $200 million to $400 million for this very limited foray into another form of welfare. Just think what the cost when it is expanded. And it will be expanded. Shame of Lee and his RINO cronies.

  4. John Hames

    Such good news‼️

  5. Randy

    Getting children out of failed public schools would be accomplished if we simply stop funding failed public schools. More government is not the answer here folks.

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