Maryville, TN – Tennessee lawmakers convened on Monday evening for a special session focused on three key issues: Governor Bill Lee’s Education Freedom Scholarship Act, relief for victims of Hurricane Helene, and the state’s approach to illegal immigration.
The first major topic on the agenda is Lee’s Education Freedom Scholarship Act, which aims to provide public funding for private school tuition for up to 20,000 students in its first year. While proponents argue the initiative offers parents more educational options, it has sparked strong opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans. Rep. Sam McKenzie, a Democrat from Knox County, condemned the bill, arguing that it would “create two separate school systems” and ultimately defund public education. “This is just a bad bill for Tennesseans,” McKenzie said. “It does not help students in failing schools unless they can play football or tumble.”
Supporters, however, insist the proposal is a necessary step toward giving families more educational choice. Rep. Jason Zachary, a Republican from Knox County, defended the bill, distinguishing it from previous school voucher programs. “These are more scholarships than vouchers,” Zachary explained, adding that no public education funds would be used. He emphasized that the scholarships are designed to offer parents alternatives for better educational outcomes.
The second issue before the state legislature is providing financial assistance to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Lawmakers across party lines expressed a unified commitment to helping victims, with discussions focused on removing bureaucratic obstacles to expedite aid. With little disagreement on this front, it is expected to be the least contentious aspect of the special session.
The final topic up for debate is the state’s approach to illegal immigration. Republican lawmakers are pushing for the establishment of a new division within the Department of Homeland Security, the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division, which would work with federal authorities to expedite the removal of illegal immigrants with criminal records. Rep. Zachary explained that this division would assist in the swift deportation of individuals who have committed crimes while in the U.S.
However, Democrats are pushing back, arguing that immigration is a federal issue that should not be handled by the state. “To have this mass deportation, it can’t happen without having some sort of federal help,” Rep. McKenzie stated. “This is a federal issue.”
As lawmakers continue to hash out the details of these proposals, they are expected to return to the Capitol Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. ET to continue deliberating on these crucial matters.
