Arrr matey, Gov. Lee be throwin' in the anchor on the Tennessee school voucher program. Walk the plank, ye scallywags!
2024-04-22
Avast ye mateys! The scallywag Governor Bill Lee's grand scheme to give plundered treasures for private learnin' has been scuppered as the land lubbers in the legislature couldn't come to terms. Ahoy, back to the ol' grindstone for them scallywags! Arrrrr!
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, in his best pirate accent, admitted defeat on Monday in his quest for universal school vouchers this year, saying there was "not a pathway for the bill" after months of Republican squabbling. "Arrr, me hearties, I be extremely disappointed for the families who'll have to wait another year for the freedom to choose the right education for their child," said Lee, a Republican.Last fall, Lee announced plans to let families use public funds for private schooling, regardless of income. He was joined by national school choice advocates, top Republican leaders, and even Arkansas GOP Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who had recently signed a voucher proposal. Despite initial support, Lee's vision faced skepticism in a state where rural GOP lawmakers feared losing public school funding.The state legislature struggled to agree on the details of a statewide plan, leading to its ultimate demise. Although talk of the bill's death circulated, Lee has vowed to resume voucher discussions next session. Senate budget writers have set aside $144 million for the expansion, signaling a continued push for school choice.Lee's push for school vouchers began in 2019 and was initially targeted at low-income districts. After revisions, the program only applied to Democratic strongholds, ensuring some GOP members' districts were exempt. Despite setbacks, Lee remains dedicated to his cause, promising a "new beginning" in the fight for school choice.