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On Thursday, January 30th, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee marked the end of the special legislative session and the successful passage of his full agenda. During the special session, lawmakers approved Governor Lee’s Education Freedom Act of 2025, which expands Tennessee’s school choice program statewide. The vote was 54-44, with some Republicans breaking with the supermajority on this subject. It passed the Senate 20-13, with some Republicans voting against it along with their House colleagues. These votes included District 70 State Representative Clay Doggett and District 71 State Representative Kip Capley who both voted to pass the bill. District 26 Senator Page Walley voted against the ‘voucher bill’ for the wishes of the district. This important legislation assures that families across the state can select the educational path that best meets their child’s requirements. It creates a scholarship initiative that allows parents to allocate their tax funds towards private school tuition while still supporting public schools and instructors. The Education Freedom Act establishes Education Freedom Scholarships, Tennessee’s first-ever universal school choice program, and contributes even more in public schools by providing teacher bonuses to recognize their constant dedication to student success. Increasing K-12 facility funding, and guaranteeing that state support to school districts will never be reduced due to disenrollment are also included in the Act. Funding $145.9 million for Education Freedom Scholarships (the General Assembly previously allocated $144.2 million in the 2024 legislative session), $198.4 million for teacher bonuses, $77.2 million for K-12 facilities funded by existing sports wagering earnings, and $2.7 million for administrative expenses. Throughout the normal legislative session, Governor Lee and the General Assembly will renew their dedication to public education by contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula and increasing commencing salaries for educators.
Written by: Hope Calahan
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