Republican leaders in Tennessee are optimistic about passing an expanded school voucher program, despite facing three different proposals in the legislature. All three proposals aim to start a statewide voucher program with 20,000 students and allow taxpayer funding for private school attendance. However, they differ in scope and approach, with varying costs and testing requirements.
Governor Bill Lee’s proposal would cost an estimated $144 million in the first year, while the Senate’s version is $333 million and the House’s version is $425 million. The House proposal includes incentives for public schools, such as increased state contributions towards health insurance for teachers and reduced testing time for students.
Although there are hurdles to clear before pivotal votes, Republican leaders are optimistic about reaching a resolution through a conference committee. The next votes are expected on March 6 in the House and Senate education committees.
Critics, including the state’s largest teacher organization, have raised concerns about the financial impact of the voucher program and the potential for using teacher raise money to fund other aspects of the program. Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds noted that over half of the students enrolled in Tennessee’s current voucher pilot program had never previously attended public schools.
Overall, the legislation is still in the early stages of debate, with various stakeholders voicing their opinions and concerns. Stay updated on Tennessee’s education policy and legislative developments by signing up for Chalkbeat Tennessee’s free daily newsletter.
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