Texas Border Business
DALLAS, Texas– The American Federation for Children celebrates the successful advocacy of school choice champions upon the signing of Tennessee’s Education Freedom Act (EFA) Wednesday.
“Education changes the trajectory of a child’s life forever, and today, we put in place a piece of legislation that will change the future of Tennessee forever because it changes the trajectory of the next generation of Tennesseans,” said Governor Bill Lee as he signed the bill into law.
The EFA, passed during a special legislative session convened by Gov. Bill Lee, establishes education savings accounts that will empower Tennessee families across the state to choose the educational setting that best fits their children’s abilities, interests, and needs.
Participants from anywhere in the state may now apply for more than $7,000 to fund private school tuition, transportation, tutoring, and other approved educational expenses. The program prioritizes low-income families and contains avenues for expansion based on demand, coupled with legislative action.
Tennessee families appreciate the tireless dedication of school choice heroes including Governor Bill Lee, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Speaker Cameron Sexton, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, House Majority Leader William Lamberth, and the countless students, parents, and advocates who ensured this bill crossed the finish line.
Statement from Ryan Cantrell, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Federation for Children
“Big challenges require bold leadership. Game-changing initiatives like this do not occur in a vacuum. It takes teamwork. Governor Lee, leaders in Tennessee’s General Assembly, and others working behind the scenes pulled together to secure a resounding victory for thousands of families.
“Thanks to their hard work, Tennessee has now joined the ranks of dozens of states taking decisive action to address the gaping holes in our public education system. Parents across the country gave elected leaders a mandate to expand education freedom, and Tennessee has delivered it.
“AFC is committed to advancing education freedom for all Tennessee families, particularly lower-income families. We look forward to the day school choice is a reality for every American family nationwide.”
