On Thursday, January 30th, Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee celebrated the conclusion of a special legislative session, during which he successfully advanced his comprehensive agenda. A significant achievement of this session was the approval of the Education Freedom Act of 2025, a landmark initiative that broadens the scope of the state’s school choice program to encompass all of Tennessee. The legislation was passed with a vote tally of 54-44 in the House, although it saw some Republican lawmakers diverging from the party line. In the Senate, the bill secured a 20-13 vote, with a few Republicans also opposing it, mirroring the dissent seen in the House.
Among those who supported the bill were District 70 State Representative Clay Doggett and District 71 State Representative Kip Capley, both of whom voted in favor. Conversely, District 26 Senator Page Walley opposed the so-called ‘voucher bill,’ reflecting the sentiments of his constituents. This pivotal legislation empowers families throughout the state to choose educational options that align with their children’s unique needs. It introduces a scholarship program that enables parents to use their tax dollars for private school tuition while simultaneously ensuring continued support for public schools and their educators.
The Education Freedom Act establishes the first-ever universal school choice initiative in Tennessee, known as Education Freedom Scholarships. In addition to expanding school choice, the Act also enhances public education by providing bonuses for teachers, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to fostering student achievement. Furthermore, the legislation includes provisions for increased funding for K-12 facilities and guarantees that state financial support for school districts will remain stable, regardless of student enrollment changes.
The funding allocated under this new Act amounts to $145.9 million for Education Freedom Scholarships, building on the $144.2 million previously designated during the 2024 legislative session. Additionally, it sets aside $198.4 million for teacher bonuses, $77.2 million for K-12 facilities funded through existing sports wagering revenues, and $2.7 million for administrative costs. Looking ahead to the regular legislative session, Governor Lee and the General Assembly are poised to reaffirm their commitment to public education by investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula and raising starting salaries for educators.