Tennessee governor announces special session for school voucher expansion
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It's official: Gov. Bill Lee is calling a special legislative session focused on his latest effort to pass a statewide school voucher plan.
- Lee said the special session, which starts Jan. 27, will also include Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and "public safety measures related to illegal immigration."
Why it matters: The special session will fast-track debate and voting on Lee's long-sought voucher plan, which would allow families across the state to use taxpayer money to send their kids to private schools.
Between the lines: If there is enough support in the General Assembly, lawmakers could push the plan through in a few days rather than the weeks or months it would take during a regular session. That would help Lee avoid the protracted negotiations that stymied his plan last year.
- Win or lose, this approach ensures that vouchers won't hog the spotlight for the rest of the regular legislative session, which kicks into gear next month.
What they're saying: Lee issued a joint statement with legislative leaders Wednesday announcing the special session.
- Lee, House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) said "the state has a responsibility to act quickly on issues that matter most to Tennesseans."
- The statement said there was "widespread support in the General Assembly and across Tennessee" for a special session on voucher expansion.
The other side: Democrats and public school leaders have been fiercely critical of Lee's plans, saying vouchers would divert millions of dollars away from already underfunded public school systems.
- The latest draft of Lee's plan includes some attempts at blunting that criticism by including bonuses for public school teachers and facility funding for schools.
Zoom in: Lee's Helene relief proposal, which will also be considered in the special session calls for more than $450 million in aid.
State of play: Helene relief was an expected addition to the voucher-focused special session. But the inclusion of illegal immigration was surprising.
- Lee's announcement didn't offer specifics, but said lawmakers would "ensure the state is prepared for federal policy implementation."
Zoom out: President-elect Trump, who takes office next week, made ramping up deportations a centerpiece of his campaign.
- Lee's statement with Sexton and McNally said "the American people elected President Trump with a mandate to enforce immigration laws and protect our communities, and Tennessee must have the resources ready to support the Administration on Day One."