Overview

• Tennessee Republicans advance two distinct versions of a school voucher expansion plan, highlighting a significant divide between the Senate and House proposals.
• The Senate's version focuses on additional accountability measures and open enrollment for public schools, while the House's proposal includes a comprehensive overhaul of education policies.
• Contentious debates and concerns over the impact on public education and accountability standards dominate the legislative process, with both plans facing criticism from various quarters.
• Governor Bill Lee's ambitious school voucher program clears initial legislative hurdles but faces uncertain future due to differences in scope and cost between Senate and House versions.
• The proposed expansions aim to allow more students to use public funds for private schooling, sparking debates over parental choice, public education funding, and the inclusion of additional education reforms.