House majority leader believes Tenn. voucher plan has a shot
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – State House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick says he believes a proposal to create a school voucher program in Tennessee may pass this legislative session.
The Chattanooga Republican spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday, a day after legislation that gives parents the option to move a child from a failing public school to a private school passed the Senate Education Committee on a 5-1 vote.
The measure is similar to one proposed last year by Gov. Bill Haslam that passed the Senate, but failed in the House after attempts to expand its eligibility.
McCormick says he’s not sure how the bill will ultimately look, but he believes it has a chance this year because of continued conversations about “school choice.”
Critics of vouchers say more funds should be given to public school systems to educate students rather than private schools.
