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Gov. Bill Lee Delivers His Final State of the State Address
Governor Lee seeks to double Education Freedom Scholarships, currently funding 20,000 scholarships with $144 million, amid calls for improved utility response after Winter Storm Fern.
- On Feb. 2, 2026, Governor Bill Lee asked lawmakers to expand the Education Freedom Scholarship program from 20,000 to 40,000 slots this year and included funding for scholarships over $7,000.
- Framing the rationale, Lee said, `Last year, we gave families school choice with the Education Freedom Scholarship program, because parents know best,` and highlighted that 34,000 students are still waiting.
- Outside the chamber, protesters demonstrated as Gov. Bill Lee said `They had to twist a lot of arms to get the voucher bill that he did get passed.... There was a lot of unhappiness about that behind the scenes. So I think he's going to have a harder sell this time,'` criticizing transparency concerns over the $144 million budget funding 20-thousand scholarships, with critics including State Democrats.
- Announced during the address, Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee, linked the expansion request to the budget process, but informed observers say doubling the program will face a tougher sell in the Tennessee Legislature after voting last month to accept funds with policy 'strings attached'.
- Positioning the request within statewide priorities, Lee links the expansion to over $11 billion in economic development investments and more than $1 billion in rural health care grants, while State Democrats and other critics warn transparency gaps could raise oversight debates.
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Tennessee LookoutReposted by 
Elizabethton Star
Elizabethton StarIn final State of the State, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee pushes to double private-school vouchers
Gov. Bill Lee hugs a supporter at his final State of the State address on Monday, Lee proposed an expansion of his private school voucher program. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)Despite planning to cut the state budget, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is proposing a 100% increase in private-school vouchers, even as lawmakers say the state is building an unsustainable entitlement program. During his final State of the State address Monday headi…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 20%
C 60%
R 20%
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