House approves appropriations measure that funds voucher program, teacher bonuses and disaster relief

After passing the Education Freedom Act, the Tennessee House considered an appropriations act (Senate Bill 5 on the desk) to fund the scholarship program, teacher bonuses and disaster relief. Representative Hicks, reporting for the committee, described the bill as the funding vehicle for measures considered in the special session, including disaster grants, $17 million for high‑performing schools, and the education funding items debated earlier.

Appropriations debate focused on how the state would pay for the package. Supporters said the plan relies on prior set‑aside funds and expected reversions—money the state had not yet spent—while highlighting a specific $144 million set aside for the scholarship program, plus subsequent appropriations for teacher bonuses and facility funding. Opponents cautioned that recurring components (notably bonuses and ongoing scholarship commitments) create long‑term budget exposure and called for more analysis from fiscal staff.

The appropriations measure passed by a recorded roll call (81 yeas, 14 nays). Members who opposed the underlying Education Freedom Act sometimes supported the appropriations vote to ensure immediate disaster relief money was available to counties hit by recent storms, reflecting the bill’s mixed contents.

Lawmakers said a reconciliation and additional appropriations adjustments will be considered in the next regular session to align the ongoing fiscal plan with the enacted policies.