~from Tennessee Federation for Children 

Governor Bill Lee’s Education Savings Account proposal cleared its final House committee vote (last night), passing the full House Finance Committee. The proposal will now head to the full House floor for consideration.

“With tonight’s vote, we’re a step closer to giving parents and students the freedom in education they deserve,” said Tennessee State Director Shaka Mitchell. “We thank Chairwoman Lynn and the many others on the committee for their leadership and for standing with Tennessee families. We look forward to this bill’s swift adoption by the full House.”

As momentum continues to build for Gov. Lee’s proposal, here’s what elected officials and school leaders are saying:

Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson: “I’m proud to support @GovBillLee’s bold plan to help our most vulnerable students stuck in a failing school and invest in those schools across our state that need the most help.” (Twitter, 04.15.19)

Senator Delores Gresham: “There’s no reason we can’t give parents a choice in their children’s education.” (Senate Education Committee, 04.10.19)

Representative Andy Holt: “Here’s the question: do nothing and continue to allow a significant portion of our state’s students to continue going into failing schools, or in my opinion, create a competitive environment…“ (Grand Divisions, 04.16.19)

Harrison Stuart, Episcopal School of Nashville: “Our school was not founded to be exclusive, it was not founded to be an opt out, it was founded to create more availability, more access in an area that has very limited access.” (Senate Education Committee, 04.10.19)

Parker Page, New Hope Academy of Franklin: “The more I study this potential ESA program, the more excited I get about what it could mean for our school specifically as well as for families across our community and state.” (Tennessean, 04.17.19)