Tennessee Enacts Universal School Choice Program, Expanding Private School Vouchers

Tennessee lawmakers approved the Education Freedom Act, allowing families to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition, in a legislative session that saw the House vote 54-44 and the Senate 20-13. This new universal school choice initiative, championed by Governor Bill Lee, positions Tennessee as the 13th state to adopt such measures, empowering parents to choose educational options beyond public schools. The program will allocate approximately $7,200 in education vouchers for up to 20,000 students, with half designated for low-income families and students with disabilities. Critics, including some Democrats, argue this will financially burden public schools and primarily benefit wealthier families, while proponents contend it enhances parental choice regardless of income. Governor Lee has emphasized that education freedom is essential for student success, despite the lack of guaranteed academic improvements linked to vouchers. The bill is set to be signed into law by Governor Lee imminently.