Several people turned out for to learn more and express their opinions on Governor Bill Lee’s proposed voucher program. The non-partisan group Concerned Citizens of Greene County hosted a “Vote No Vouchers” call-out to the Tennessee Legislature on Thursday.
Citizens who oppose vouchers were invited to bring their cell phones to the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church to call legislators and make their voices heard. Governor Bill Lee’s voucher bill will be brought up in special session set to begin on Monday. The program would offer 20,000 private education vouchers of over $7,000 each. 10,000 vouchers would be for students whose family income is below $173,000 for a family of four. The other half would be available to any student in the state, regardless of their family income. Those restrictions would be lifted during the program’s second year, but past recipients, lower-income families, and students entering kindergarten would get priority. The number of available vouchers would grow by 5,000 each year.
As filed, the bill would also offer every public school teacher in the state a one-time bonus of $2,000, create a dedicated fund for school facilities maintenance and construction, and guarantee continued state funding for school districts at current levels in perpetuity, even if students disenroll to participate in the program.
However, many feel the program will take away funding for local school systems. Gretchen Sherrill was one of those attending and supporting Thursday’s call-out.
The Greene County Commission voted 19-1 this week to voice their opposition to the program, and the Greene County School Board also voted unanimously this week against support. The Greeneville City School Board unanimously opposed the program in December. Carter County, Elizabethton City, Johnson City, Washington County, Johnson County, Kingsport City, and Sullivan County school boards have all opposed the program.
School voucher opponents are asked to call legislators before Monday’s special session. Public office numbers are:
- Rep. David Hawk 615-741-7482 (Greene County)
- Sen. Steve Southerland 615-741-3851 (Greene County)
- Gov. Bill Lee 615-741-2001 (Governor)
- Rep. Tim Hicks 615-741-1717 (Washington County)
