Tennessee's Republican-controlled Statehouse gathered for a special session on Monday, January 27, 2025, with Governor Bill Lee's agenda focused on expanding school vouchers and implementing President Donald Trump's tough immigration policies. However, the session was overshadowed by renewed public demands for stricter gun control measures following a school shooting in Nashville.
Tennessee's Republican-dominated Statehouse convened its special session on Monday, January 27, 2025, with Governor Bill Lee's ambitious agenda encompassing significant expansions of school voucher programs and a focus on implementing President Donald Trump 's stringent immigration policies.
However, amidst these legislative priorities, the session was punctuated by renewed calls from the public for comprehensive gun control measures, resonating in the wake of yet another school shooting that tragically claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl at Antioch High School just days prior.The 17-year-old perpetrator, also a student at Antioch High, fatally shot himself after the incident. Governor Lee's proposed initiatives are projected to incur substantial costs, reaching an estimated $917 million. This includes a $424 million allocation for a voucher plan that integrates other education funding streams and a $470 million commitment for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in northeastern Tennessee. The financial implications of the immigration proposal remain unclear.'These are all three things that the vast majority of Tennesseans have said they want us to do,' Governor Lee stated in a social media video posted on Monday. 'All of this to make Tennessee a beacon of opportunity, security, and freedom.' A key component of Governor Lee's immigration proposals involves the establishment of a state immigration division, with its newly appointed director tasked with securing an agreement for the state under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's 287(g) program. This federal program empowers local law enforcement officials to assume responsibilities typically carried out by ICE agents.On the inaugural day of the session, the Republican supermajority encountered a contingent of advocates and students, including some from Antioch High, who aimed to sway lawmakers towards considering gun control measures. They engaged in vocal demonstrations and displayed placards both inside and around the Capitol. Mballow Danjo, a senior at Antioch High, addressed the crowd, sharing her personal experiences and pleas for stricter gun laws.'Once again on January 22, 2025, an unruly gunman entered another school with an illegal firearm. Not only was it just another school, it was my school. My safe space,' Danjo declared. 'Here we are begging once again for stricter gun laws, begging for gun reform.' Nearly two years have elapsed since the devastating shooting at Covenant School, a private elementary school in Nashville, in March 2023, where six individuals, including three children, lost their lives. The tragedy prompted relentless appeals and protests urging lawmakers to enact gun control measures. However, GOP lawmakers in the Republican-dominated state remained resolute in their opposition. It is highly unlikely that they will entertain the issue during this special session, which is primarily focused on school vouchers and immigration.Specifically, Governor Lee's voucher plan proposes to make 20,000 education scholarships worth approximately $7,000 available next year. Half of these scholarships will be allocated to students from lower-income backgrounds, students with disabilities, or students otherwise eligible for the existing program. The remaining 10,000 scholarships will be accessible to any student who is entitled to attend a public school. This policy initiative stems from a growing trend in which a dozen states have implemented programs permitting families, regardless of their income level, to utilize public tax dollars to fund educational alternatives to public schools, including private institutions. Some of these programs are yet to be implemented.Governor Lee's longstanding campaign to expand school vouchers has encountered limited success. He narrowly secured support for a school voucher program for low-income families in three counties. However, a year later, he failed to garner sufficient backing for a statewide school voucher program that would no longer rely on income-based criteria. External groups have exerted significant influence, investing substantial resources to sway lawmakers' votes on this deeply divided issue. The president of the conservative Club for Growth, which is running pro-voucher television advertisements, issued a warning to lawmakers who oppose the legislation — 'expect to lose an expensive primary funded by Club for Growth Action,' David McIntosh wrote in a guest column published Sunday in The Tennessean.Last year, only a handful of Republican candidates endorsed by Governor Lee and pro-voucher outside groups ultimately won legislative seats. However, some incumbent lawmakers who supported vouchers were defeated, indicating that the proposal's passage is far from guaranteed. Notably, lawmakers will also consider the creation of a state immigration division, where a newly appointed division director will seek an agreement for the state under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's 287(g) program. This federal program involves deputizing local law enforcement for duties typically performed by ICE agents.Other proposed policies encompass adding felony penalties if local officials vote for or implement a 'sanctuary policy,' such as local government restrictions on aiding in the detention of immigrants for ICE. Additionally, lawmakers will explore new grants to train local law enforcement officers in immigration enforcement and incentives for local officials to enter into immigration agreements with federal authorities
SCHOOL VOUCHERS IMMIGRATION GUN CONTROL TENNESSEE LEGISLATURE GOVERNOR BILL LEE DONALD TRUMP
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Florida Lawmakers to Convene Special Session on Illegal ImmigrationFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis has called for a special session of the state legislature to address illegal immigration. The session will begin the week of January 27th, ahead of the regular 60-day session in March. While DeSantis aims to prepare Florida for potential immigration reforms from the Trump administration, the state legislature has expressed reservations about the timing of the special session.
Read more »
Alaska Lawmakers Convene for 34th Legislature, Prioritizing Education, Energy, and EconomyAs the 34th Legislature commenced in Anchorage, Alaska, lawmakers focused on key priorities including education, energy, and the economy. Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom emphasized the importance of collaboration and respectful discourse among lawmakers. Senate President Gary Stevens highlighted the responsibility of representing all Alaskans and the need to work together despite differing viewpoints. Both the House and Senate majority and minority caucuses outlined their legislative goals, emphasizing the need for a balanced budget, addressing the natural gas shortage, and ensuring affordability for Alaskans.
Read more »
Weston scores 21, Tennessee State downs Tennessee Tech 89-77Led by Brandon Weston's 21 points, the Tennessee State Tigers defeated the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 89-77 on Thursday night. The Tigers are now 9-12 with the victory and the Golden Eagles dropped to 9-11.
Read more »
Tennessee Governor Lee Calls Special Session to Address School Choice, Disaster Relief, and ImmigrationGovernor Bill Lee of Tennessee has announced a special legislative session on January 27th to tackle key issues, including his proposed Education Freedom Act for school choice, disaster relief measures for Hurricane Helene, and public safety initiatives related to immigration.
Read more »
US Capitol flags lowered for Jimmy Carter’s death to be raised for Trump’s inaugurationAlabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued similar orders.
Read more »
Sen. Lee: Lawmakers ready to undo 'devastating harm' to energy sector by Biden administrationSen. Mike Lee said on Wednesday the Biden administration's actions on energy have made life more expensive for Americans.
Read more »