Tennessee Lawmakers Expand School Voucher Program Despite Opposition

Members of the state House of Representatives meet during a special session of the legislature, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee lawmakers have passed legislation that significantly broadens the eligibility criteria for families to use taxpayer funds on private schools, regardless of income. This move, a significant win for Republican Governor Bill Lee, was supported by President Donald Trump to sway GOP holdouts.

The bill, which is expected to be signed by Governor Lee, will make Tennessee the thirteenth state to remove strict income requirements for families seeking to use public funds for alternative education options.

Under the proposed plan, around 20,000 education vouchers valued at approximately $7,000 each will be made available next year. Half of these vouchers will be allocated to lower-income, disabled, or otherwise eligible students, while the remaining 10,000 vouchers will be accessible to any student entitled to attend a public school.

President Trump supports the bill to increase school choice options.

Legislation broadens eligibility for taxpayer-funded private schools in Tennessee.

20,000 education vouchers valued at $7,000 each to be available next year.

Half of vouchers allocated to lower-income or disabled students.

The special legislative session, called by Governor Lee, allowed for a focused discussion on the voucher program. President Trump expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of school choice.

Supporters argue that expanding school choice is crucial for parental rights and providing families with diverse educational options. However, critics, particularly Democrats, have raised concerns about the potential benefits to wealthy families and the impact on public education funding.

Despite opposition, the legislation passed, with Republicans defending the broader income limits as necessary to offer parents more choices.

The voucher program is part of a larger education budget that includes provisions for teacher bonuses and other initiatives. While Republicans highlight increased funding for K-12 education in recent years, Democrats point out that Tennessee ranks low in per-pupil funding compared to other states.

Protests from teachers, students, and school boards opposing the voucher plan have been prominent, with concerns raised about potential discrimination against students with disabilities in private schools.

The legislation is projected to cost nearly $191 million annually in the future, with a significant portion allocated to the voucher program.