Tennessee Senate Advances Governor’s $450 Million Universal School Voucher Program

Tennessee lawmakers have moved forward with Governor Bill Lee’s universal school voucher proposal after a key vote in the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday. The proposal, which would allocate up to $7,000 per student for private school tuition, passed 8-1 and is expected to face final votes later this week.

The plan would provide 20,000 scholarships in its first year, with half reserved for low-income families. The state would spend an estimated $350 million in the first fiscal year, funded by the General Fund, and the program aims to expand by 5,000 scholarships annually.

Governor Lee’s proposal also includes a $2,000 bonus for teachers and a provision to use sports betting and lottery revenue to support public school infrastructure.

While supporters, including Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, argue that the program will give families more educational choices, critics, including Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, warn that it could harm public schools. A financial analysis suggests K-12 schools will lose $45 million in funding.

Opponents, including Matt Hixson, director of Hawkins County Schools, raised concerns that rural districts with limited private school options will be disproportionately affected. Some also criticized the program’s “hold harmless” provision, which aims to reimburse public schools for lost funding, questioning its long-term effectiveness.

Democratic lawmakers, including those from East Tennessee, have voiced strong opposition, arguing that the program would divert funds from already underfunded public schools.

The voucher bill is set for further discussion in the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday before moving toward a full vote in the Senate.