Tennessee GOP Considers Rejecting Millions in Federal Funding Over LGBTQ+, Abortion Policies

State may forgo nearly $1.8 billion meant for low-income students and special education services due to disagreements with federal policies on LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access.

• Tennessee is among the 10 states that have constantly refused to expand Medicaid coverage to thousands of low-income residents who cannot afford health insurance.
• Despite significant backlash, some GOP lawmakers argue that Tennessee is in a strong financial position and can compensate for the loss of federal funding due to increased state revenue from sales taxes.
• Federal education funds currently make up about 20% of Tennessee's $8.3 billion education budget; however, it's unclear whether Tennessee will reject these funds given the potential implications for special education, students with disabilities, and English learners.
• Tennessee has enacted some of the most anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the US, many of which target schools and set limits on what can be taught, potentially putting educational funding at risk.
• The state bypassed federal requirements earlier this year by refusing nearly $9 million in federal HIV prevention funding, opting instead to fund the program with state dollars and thereby excluding Planned Parenthood from funding due to its support for abortion and LGBTQ+ services.

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