Tennessee Lawmakers Approve Statewide School Voucher Program

Tennessee lawmakers recently passed the Education Freedom Act, allowing more families to access taxpayer-funded vouchers for private schools, regardless of income. The legislation, which provides approximately 20,000 vouchers worth $7,000 each, aims to enhance school choice in the state, with half of the vouchers designated for lower-income or disabled students. Critics argue that such programs could drain resources from public schools and typically benefit wealthier families. Meanwhile, in Texas, a similar proposal is being debated, with opponents warning it could exacerbate existing financial difficulties for public schools, potentially costing up to $6 billion by 2029. The Texas State Teachers Association contends that taxpayers cannot sustain two separate education systems, highlighting concerns that vouchers may favor families already enrolled in private schools. Both states reflect a broader national trend of expanding school choice amidst growing partisan divides over education policy.