Tennessee Lawmakers Convene Special Session on Vouchers, Hurricane Aid, Immigration

Tennessee lawmakers are convening for a special session called by Governor Bill Lee, primarily focusing on his proposed statewide school voucher program, disaster relief for Hurricane Helene, and preparations for new immigration policies. This session follows a tragic shooting at Antioch High School, prompting calls from some lawmakers to expand its scope to address gun violence. The Education Freedom Act aims to introduce 20,000 scholarships for students starting in the 2025-2026 school year, with additional provisions to protect public school funding. Critics of the voucher program express concerns about its potential impact on public schools, while supporters argue it is a step towards greater parental choice in education. Students have also organized demonstrations advocating for stronger gun safety regulations in light of the recent violence. The discussions in this session reflect the pressing social issues currently facing Tennessee, including education reform and gun control.