Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced the successful conclusion of a special legislative session in Nashville, where his full agenda was passed. Key achievements from this session include the enactment of the Education Freedom Act, a substantial disaster relief package, and reinforced public safety measures. These initiatives are designed to align with federal policies on immigration and address state-specific concerns.
The Education Freedom Act introduces Education Freedom Scholarships, marking Tennessee’s first universal school choice program. Further investments include teacher bonuses, increased funding for K-12 facilities, and protections against funding decreases for school districts due to disenrollment. The legislature allocated significant funds, including $145.9 million for Education Freedom Scholarships and $198.4 million for teacher bonuses.
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In response to Hurricane Helene, the session established two disaster relief funds to aid recovery and prepare for future emergencies. The Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund and the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund aim to support local governments and provide flexible financial resources for emergencies. The legislature committed $110 million to the Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund and $100 million to the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund.
Public safety measures focus on strengthening immigration enforcement in Tennessee. A new division within the Department of Safety will be created to coordinate with federal immigration policies. Additional measures include stricter state-issued ID requirements and incentives for local governments to participate in federal immigration enforcement programs.
Governor Lee expressed gratitude to legislative leaders and members for their swift action in passing these policies. Key figures such as Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson praised the outcomes of the session, emphasizing the benefits for education, public safety, and disaster relief for Tennessee residents.
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Tennessee Students Excel in National Assessments
The 2024 Nation’s Report Card by the National Center for Education Statistics shows that Tennessee’s 4th and 8th graders are surpassing national averages in reading and math, thanks to significant educational investments. The report highlights increases in proficiency across several categories, although challenges remain for students with disabilities. Assessments were conducted nationwide, and further details can be found on the NCES website and the Nation’s Report Card website.