Tennessee school voucher plan, school gun violence debates dominate Statehouse special session

Tennessee’s Republican-dominated Statehouse opened its special session this week with a focus on Governor Bill Lee’s proposal to expand school voucher programs and address ongoing debates over gun control. The overall $917 million plan includes various initiatives, with the voucher expansion and gun control discussions taking center stage. With tensions high over both issues, the session has become a critical point of discussion in the state.
Gov. Lee’s $424 million voucher plan
One of the most significant proposals on the table is Lee’s plan to expand the state’s school voucher program, which would cost approximately $424 million. The program is designed to provide 20,000 scholarships, giving students the opportunity to attend private schools. Half of these scholarships would be available to low-income, disabled, and other eligible students, while the remaining 10,000 would be open to any student in the state. As reported by the Associated Press, Lee has long advocated for school choice, aiming to give families more control over their children’s education. However, the proposal has drawn significant opposition from those who argue it diverts funds away from public schools and lacks sufficient oversight.
Gun control debates persist amid protests
While the voucher plan remains a focal point, the issue of gun control is also taking center stage. In the wake of a recent school shooting at Antioch High in Nashville, where a 17-year-old student killed a 16-year-old girl before taking his own life, protests for stricter gun laws have escalated. Students from Antioch High, including senior Mballow Danjo, joined protests at the Statehouse, demanding action on gun reform. As quoted by the Associated Press, Danjo expressed frustration, stating, “Here we are begging once again for stricter gun laws, begging for gun reform.”
The shooting, which followed the 2023 tragedy at The Covenant School, has reignited calls for changes to Tennessee’s gun laws. However, as of now, Republican lawmakers are unlikely to consider any significant gun control measures during this session. With limited support for such proposals, the focus of the session remains on education and other state priorities.