Image: Senate Education Committee Chair, Senator Jon Lundberg Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –
The Senate Education Committee was presented with the Senate version of Governor Lee’s school choice legislation, which, as previously reported, is vastly different from the version presented in the House this week.
The summary on this caption bill reads: “Education – As introduced, extends from October to November, the time within which a public institution of higher education that receives funds from the distribution of credit cards to students or any percentage from the use of cards bearing the college or university name or logo must report the amount of such funds or percentage received as well as how the funds were expended during the previous fiscal year to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives. – Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8 and Title 49.”
The Senate Education Committee decided not to replicate the issues from the previous day in the House meeting, where the discussion of the legislation lasted over two hours. They immediately explained that they would be doing what had been planned for the meeting and spent the first hour working through a budget hearing for several of the state’s colleges and universities.
It was then announced that while they would be taking a “30,000 foot overview” of the proposal, there would not be a vote on the bill that day in order for those who wanted a better chance to review the language the opportunity to do so.
This was an indication that the Senate seems comfortable in what they plan to present, which is basically the proposal sponsored by Governor Lee, with amendments added. The amendments were the only items that did receive a vote.
As previously reported, both the governor and Senate’s voucher proposals would set aside 10,000 vouchers for families anywhere in Tennessee whose income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.
If approved, each tuition voucher for the upcoming 2024-25 school year would be worth around $7,300, estimated to cover 62% of the average cost of attending a private school in Tennessee, according to state documents.
There were many questions from several members regarding accountability for the efficacy of the proposal, which in the Senate version of the bill does require testing that the House version does not require.
Democrat Senator Raumesh Akbari (D-D29-Memphis), raised the question of eligibility based on whether a student was in possession of a social security card, indicating that the student would have US citizenship, or at least be in the country via legal means.
General Assembly attorneys in the hearing, explained that due to Plyler v Doe a Supreme Court precedent from the 1980’s, any child who is eligible for a public education in Tennessee, would therefore be eligible for the scholarships.
In the hearing Chairman Jon Lundburg (R-D4-Bristol) explained his amendment which included the following elements:
• Creates open enrollment for public schools, so families can choose to attend public schools in neighboring districts, as long as there are seats available.
• Would require participants to take annual tests approved by the State Board of Education, require third and eighth graders to take the TCAP, and require eleventh graders to take a postsecondary readiness exam like the ACT or SAT.
SB0503 is scheduled to be discussed and a vote taken next week in the Senate Education Committee on 3/6 and the House version (HB1183) is scheduled be heard before the full House Education Administration Committee on the same day.
About the Author: Kelly Jackson is a recent escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers. She has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member. Outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty. Kelly can be reached at kelly@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
