Proposal eliminates education saving account vouchers
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough, on Tuesday highlighted strategic investments that continue House Republicans’ commitment to education. Hill, who serves as chairman of the House Finance, Ways and Means Appropriations Subcommittee, announced a revised education budget for 2020-21, which would include $68.4 million in new recurring state dollars for K-12 education.
The budget eliminates $25 million in recurring funds from the education savings account pilot program which would have allowed Memphis and Nashville families to apply for education savings accounts for private schools, Hill said.
“We have had to make some very tough decisions this year due to COVID-19. Tennessee families have had to tighten their belts and we have had to do the same thing as a state,” Hill said. “I believe our schools are going to need more, not fewer resources.”
The House Finance Subcommittee on Monday night approved $50.3 million to fully fund the state’s Basic Education Program (BEP) which will cover growth and inflation in the funding formula.
The proposed budget includes $10.6 million for health insurance and retirement for teachers and principals.
The budget also includes $7.5 million for early intervention programs. In recent years, Republicans have invested $1.6 billion in new education dollars in Tennessee schools.
Because of the investment House Republicans have made, Tennessee students remain the fastest improving in the nation in math, reading and science.
“I’m pleased we were able to increase school resources that support our educators and create new educational opportunities,” Hill said.
State Rep. Matthew Hill lives in Jonesborough and represents House District 7. He is Chairman of the House Finance, Ways, & Means Appropriations Subcommittee and the Chairman of the Select Committee on Rules. He is also a member of the Calendar & Rules, Finance, Ways, & Means, Health and Insurance Committees, and the Facilities, Licensure, & Regulations, Finance, Ways, & Means, and Public Health Subcommittees. He can be reached by email at: [email protected] or by calling 615-741-2251