NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, members of House and Senate leadership including House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) applauded Governor Bill Lee’s School Choice Agenda and comprehensive education plan as key initiatives advanced through House and Senate committees.
These initiatives are designed to create new education opportunities through Education Savings Accounts and successful Charter Schools. They are part of a comprehensive plan to support the academic goals and dreams of our current and future leaders. As part of this plan, House Republicans will also increase school resources to support our educators, expand access to vocational and technical training, and make investments to secure our schools. Additionally, the proposed 2019-2020 Fiscal Year budget calls for over $175 million in new funding to directly benefit Tennessee education.
“With the legislature’s hard work, school choice has momentum and we are working together to put students first and strengthen our public education system,” said Lee. “Low-income students deserve the same opportunities and we have a bold plan that levels the playing field while also focusing improvement on the lowest-performing school districts.”
Parents, legislators, educators and advocates from across the state praised Gov. Lee’s efforts to focus on students and expand educational opportunity.
“I fully support the governor’s initiatives on expanding educational opportunities for children and look forward to our continued collaboration,” said Leader Lamberth.
“I am grateful for Gov. Lee’s efforts to provide alternatives for students who might otherwise be denied an opportunity for a great education,” said Leader Johnson. “As Senate Majority Leader, I am the proud and enthusiastic sponsor of this important legislation.”
“Having been on the education committee for seven years, I appreciate that Gov. Lee is focused on ensuring Tennessee’s education system is serving every student in our state,” said State Representative Mark White (R-Memphis). “His bold agenda supporting students, teachers, families, and education leaders will help Tennessee lead the nation with a strong educated workforce and a stronger economy.”
“I’m excited that the opportunity for families to have a choice in securing the best education for their child is moving forward,” said State Representative Bill Dunn (R-Knoxville).