Bradley County commissioners recommend letter opposing Education Freedom Act of 2025

The Bradley County Board of Commissioners voted to recommend sending a letter opposing the Education Freedom Act of 2025 to the county’s legislative delegation, Commissioner Slater said at the board’s meeting.

The education committee brought the recommendation forward and Commissioner Slater moved to submit the letter; Commissioner Goins seconded the motion. Commissioners voted 12 in favor, 0 opposed and 2 passed, and the motion carried.

The committee’s recommendation asked that the draft letter omit the word “unanimously” should the motion be approved with any opposition. Commissioner Slater presented the recommendation “in the form of a motion.” Commissioner Thompson asked whether drafts of the bills had been released; Slater said the bills had not yet been released but were expected the week of Jan. 27.

Commissioner Collins, later in the meeting during audience communications, noted the measure is scheduled for a governor-called special session next week and identified the bills by their bill numbers, saying the voucher proposals appear in HB 1 and SB 1. “The governor has called a special session. That session will begin next Monday,” Collins said, urging residents to review the bills and contact state lawmakers. He said the session was likely to be expedited and pressured toward quick passage.

The board’s vote records show 12 yes votes and two commissioners recorded as passing on the motion; the clerk announced the final tally as 12 in favor, none opposed and two pass.

Next steps: the board’s approved recommendation will be transmitted as a formal letter to the Bradley County legislative delegation.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Recommend submitting a letter opposing the Education Freedom Act of 2025 to the Bradley County legislative delegation. Moved by Commissioner Slater; seconded by Commissioner Goins. Tally: 12 yes, 0 no, 2 pass. Outcome: approved.