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Tennessee House passes Education Freedom Act after daylong debate; 20,000 scholarships approved
Summary
The House approved the Education Freedom Act (House Bill 4) in a closely watched vote after hours of amendment debate, approving a 20,000-scholarship program funded by state revenues and sports-wagering allocations and a one-time $2,000 teacher payment. Lawmakers on both sides clashed over funding, accountability and effects on public schools.
The Tennessee House of Representatives passed the Education Freedom Act (House Bill 4) after an extended floor debate over school choice, funding and oversight. Representative Lou Lambert (Leader) moved passage of the bill on third and final consideration; the measure passed 54-44 with one present-not-voting.
The bill creates a 20,000-student scholarship program intended to be funded from the general fund and a portion of sports‑wagering revenues, and includes a one-time $2,000 payment for teachers. Representative Lou Lambert (Leader) said, “There will be 20,000 scholarships, and that is all,” and described the funding package the majority has assembled.
Why it matters: The measure enacts a statewide program to let eligible…
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