(The Center Square) — More than 33,000 Tennessee families applied for the first-ever Education Freedom Scholarships on Thursday, Gov. Bill Lee said.
The Tennessee General Assembly approved…
(The Center Square) — More than 33,000 Tennessee families applied for the first-ever Education Freedom Scholarships on Thursday, Gov. Bill Lee said.
The Tennessee General Assembly approved 20,000 scholarships of $7,295 for the 2025-2026 school year, with the first 10,000 based on income and the second 10,000 open to all families. Lawmakers allocated $146 million in the first year and $188 million in future years for the program.
“This remarkable response demonstrates what we have known all along: Tennessee parents want choices when it comes to their child’s education,” Lee said. “I’m grateful to the General Assembly for their partnership in delivering universal school choice to families across our state, and I thank the Department of Education for their dedication to a smooth implementation.”
Families can still apply, the governor said. Once applications are approved, a waitlist would be established for those not accepted, he said.
Democrats have continued to bash the program. House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons said Thursday the $7,295 scholarships are “welfare for the wealthy.”
“Most private schools’ tuition rates far exceed this amount, and most rural counties do not have a private school,” Clemmons said. “Therefore, most private schools gates will remain closed to middle class and lower income families. It is conservatively estimated that at least three out of every four vouchers will be nothing more than a discount coupon for wealthy families who already send their children to private schools.
“Meanwhile, the students and teachers remaining in every public school in every county across this state will lose hundreds of millions in vital funds and resources as a result.”
