Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced a special legislative session to address key priorities, including a new school choice initiative, disaster relief following Hurricane Helene, and immigration policy in alignment with the Trump administration. The special session is scheduled to begin on January 27th.
Governor Lee's primary focus is the Education Freedom Act, a revamped school choice bill. This legislation aims to provide 20,000 scholarships, approximately $7,000 each, to Tennessee students for educational expenses like tuition, tutoring, and technology. Half of these scholarships will be earmarked for low-income families. The bill also includes provisions for teacher bonuses, increased K-12 facilities funding, and ensures stable school district funding regardless of enrollment changes.
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the Governor is proposing a comprehensive disaster relief package exceeding $450 million. This package includes a Disaster Relief Grants Fund to lessen the financial burden on affected communities, a Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund to assist local governments with loan interest payments for recovery costs, and a Governor's Response and Recovery Fund to provide flexible resources for future emergencies. Additionally, funds are allocated for the reconstruction of Hampton High School, which was destroyed by the hurricane.
The special session will also address public safety measures related to immigration, coordinating with the incoming Trump administration's enforcement plans. Governor Lee has emphasized the state's readiness to collaborate with federal and local law enforcement agencies on this front.
This special session comes after Governor Lee's initial school choice proposal failed last year. The Governor believes the political landscape has shifted, citing the election of pro-school choice candidates and President Trump's victory. He has expressed support for President Trump's intention to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, advocating for greater state control over education and increased parental influence.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee speaks at the Republican National Convention on July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Gov. Bill Lee at a press conference on border concerns on Feb. 4, 2024 in Eagle Pass, Texas. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Swannanoa, North Carolina, on Oct. 5, 2024. (Steve Exum/Getty Images)
