An effort to create a school voucher program scraped through the House Finance Committee on Tuesday after a bitter debate, giving the years-long quest to use taxpayer dollars to send students to private schools its best chance ever of becoming reality.
Finance Committee members voted 11-10 for House Bill 1049 with four Republicans from Southeast Tennessee helping push the measure over the finish line.
It’s the furthest a voucher bill has ever gotten in the GOP-run House, although the measure has repeatedly passed the Republican-controlled Senate, including last year when Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga, passed the companion bill.
The House bill now goes to the Calendar and Rules Committee, which is considered less of a lift for proponents.
If it clears that panel, as many expect, the bill, which has already passed the Senate, would go to the House floor for a final vote.
And then what?
“That’s going to be a war,” predicted one Republican, noting a number of GOP lawmakers from rural and suburban areas remain uncomfortable with aspects of the legislation.
The measure’s sponsor, Rep. Bill Dunn, R-Knoxville, acknowledged there will be a fierce and lengthy floor battle.
“Pack your lunch,” Dunn wryly observed later when asked about the “war” assessment. “Pack your supper.”
Committee members spent more than 2 1/2 hours listening to debate over the bill, as well as quarreling among themselves.
Supporters say the Tennessee Choice and Opportunity Scholarship Act will throw poorer students at failing public schools a lifeline to a better future.
Opponents argue (continue reading)