The Tennessee State House of Representatives and the State Senate on Thursday passed the Education Freedom Act, the plan by Governor Bill Lee and Republican legislative leaders to create 20,000 scholarships, each worth about $7,000, to help Tennessee families who choose send their children to private schools.
Called to consider the legislation by Governor Bill Lee during a special legislative session, lawmakers in the State House passed the Education Freedom Act, or HB 6004 by House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland), with a 54-44 majority just before 2 pm. An hour later, the State Senate passed the bill by a 20 to 13 margin. The bill now goes to Gov. Lee for signature.
The school choice legislation passed with the four-vote majority despite a marginal number of republicans joining Democrats in their opposition to the bill. The Tennessee State Senate, which is expected to pass the legislation, will vote on the bill Thursday afternoon.