Tennessee Senate votes to extend Voucher bill to Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee Senate passed a bill that would expand the voucher program to be eligible in Hamilton County.

The bill would allow eligible families to receive up to $8,000 taxpayer dollars to send their kids to private schools.

Lawmakers voted on the bill this Thursday and it passed 19 to 6.

Tennessee State Senator, Todd Gardenhire sponsored the bill and believes it will help countless families in Hamilton County. “Let’s just give the kids and the parents that are trapped in those schools at least the opportunity to go to a better job and education. And that’s what it’s all about. Strictly to give these students and the parents of these students an opportunity to get a better education,” Senator Gardenhire said.

The bill still has to be passed by the House Chamber in order to be passed.

We’ll update you as we find out more.