Tennessee revives school voucher debate

Flashback: Lee's plan faltered last year after widespread criticism and gridlock between Republicans in the House and Senate. But money for an eventual expansion was included in the budget.

State of play: The new legislation, HB1/SB1, dropped Wednesday.

• House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) are the sponsors.

What they're saying: "This bill empowers parents — not the government — to make decisions about the unique needs and diverse interests of their children," Lamberth said in a statement, per the Tennessean.

The other side: State Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) said the plan would divert "public dollars away from underfunded public schools to private institutions."