Tennessee senators OK school voucher expansion bill

By KIMBERLEE KRUESI
Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee Senate lawmakers have approved the expansion of an education voucher program that allows public tax dollars to be given to families to pay for private schooling.

The Republican-dominant chamber voted 19-6 on Thursday to approve the legislation to expand the voucher program to Hamilton County, with only Democrats voting against.

Four Republican lawmakers declined to cast a vote. The bill must still clear the House chamber.

The GOP-led Statehouse narrowly approved the voucher program in 2019.

Under the law, eligible families are given around $8,100 in public tax dollars to help pay for private school tuition and other preapproved expenses.

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2/16/2023 11:36:55 AM (GMT -5:00)