Voucher Bills Sail Through Tennessee Committees

A pair of voucher bills sailed through Tennessee and Senate committees this week, creating momentum in the school choice movement. House Bill 1049 cleared the Education Administration and Planning Subcommittee on Tuesday on a 7-1 vote and now moves to the Education Administration and Planning Committee. The highlight of the hearing was a passionate, personal plea in support of vouchers (click on video link and go to 1:20:30) by State Representative John DeBerry (D-Memphis). Senate Bill 999 passed the Senate Education Committee 8-0-1 on Wednesday and was referred to the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee. A similar bill, sponsored by Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) passed the Senate last session, but was  held up in the House. This year, House leaders are more optimistic that a voucher bill may finally become law.