Tennessee Passes Historic Expansion of School Choice
Today the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate passed Governor Bill Lee’s Education Savings Account (ESA) proposal, sending the legislation Gov. Lee’s desk.
Statement from Lee Barfield, Board Member of the American Federation for Children:
“This is a great day for kids and families in our state. After years of hard work, community engagement, listening to families, and working with courageous legislators, Tennessee will be empowering thousands of lower income and working class families with the freedom to choose and customize the education that fits their children’s needs. Thank you to the legislative leadership and Governor Bill Lee for prioritizing the needs of our students above all else.”
Statement from Shaka Mitchell, Tennessee State Director of the American Federation for Children:
“Today’s vote marks a historic victory for students in Tennessee. Members of the House and Senate voted to open doors for children who have been trapped in failing schools for far too long. They voted to rightly give families choice when it comes to their child’s education. They voted to set children on a path to success.
“This victory would not have been possible without the leadership and vision of Governor Lee, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, and House Speaker Glen Casada. These leaders championed a bold proposal that will help thousands of students find the education that is right for them and improve the state’s education system as a whole. We commend them, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, Speaker Glen Casada, House Majority Leader William Lamberth, Chairman Dolores Gresham, Chairman Mark White, Representative Bill Dunn, and many other legislators for their steadfast commitment and for standing resolutely on the side of Tennessee’s students and families.”