The school choice (voucher scam) saga continues with SB 503 making its way to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee this coming week on Tuesday.
Of interest is that fact that amendments to the Governor’s budget DOES NOT include appropriations for all of the omnibus items in House Bill 1183 like funding increases to rural school districts or increases for teachers’ health benefits. This will make it very interesting to see what happens in the House and increases the likelihood that this bill will be headed towards a conference committee as we expect the bills that pass on the House and Senate floors to be very different.
Hear are links to Tennessee Stands commentary on school choice if you would like a refresher course. Please feel free to pass these along.
Commentary: Vouchers: “School Choice” Trap
Commentary: Government expansion is being sold in a sexy packaging called education freedom.
Commentary: The real cost of school choice is beginning to become more evident.
Commentary: We strongly oppose efforts to expand so-called “school choice” in Tennessee. Buyer beware.
Instagram: Details with highlights on what is in House Bill 1183.
Video: Bill Lee’s brand of education freedom will fund private school tuition for illegal immigrants.
Video: Continuing the school choice debate.
Video: The Conversation (Episode 1 – School Choice)
Podcast: School Choice Shenanigans, with Special Guest: J.C. Bowman
Media: Interview on The Chris Hand Show on Supertalk 99.7 WTN
Media: Guest interview on Faith in Action (Bott Radio Network – Memphis)
TAKE ACTION NOW ON THE SCHOOL CHOICE VOUCHER SCAM
| 🚨 Critical — Governor’s school choice plan and education omnibus. in Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee OPPOSE CAPTION BILL – This bill is awaiting the official amendment that will address the Governor’s plan for Education Freedom Scholarships (school choice) along with other education initiatives included in the omnibus bill. |
For four (4) years straight, the General Assembly has failed to address the abuse of executive power that we endured during the 20-month “emergency,” the COVID BIG LIE.
One of the biggest gripes I have with current leadership here in Tennessee, most notably Governor Bill Lee, is the lack of repentance for what citizens endured during COVID. You were locked down in your homes. You were shamed for choosing to breathe freely. You were constantly lied to regarding vaccine efficacy. Your children were emotionally and academically harmed. Your business was closed. And you were called non-essential.
But more even than a lack of repentance or any acknowledgement of wrongdoing is the continued pushback to any measure to legally rectify the laws on the books. In fact, for every bill that has been filed since 2020 that would in any way limit the Governor’s authority during an emergency, his office has either flagged the bill in opposition or has sent representatives from the Governor’s office to directly oppose the bill in committees.
Three weeks ago, HB 1615 which would have required legislative approval for executive orders which carry criminal penalties during an emergency failed for lack of a second motion in the House Public Service Subcommittee, meaning the bill was not even heard or debated. The bill was flagged by the Governor’s office.
And last week, SB 574 failed in the Senate State & Local Government Committee with Chairman Briggs giving testimony that due to possible future riots in the streets or earthquakes in Memphis, that the Governor needs the authority deem certain businesses non-essential and close them down. There was, of course, no discussion nor any testimony given as to whether or not actions like these from the Governor were constitutional.
The lack of concern by General Assembly members over any constitutional crisis when it comes to protecting the individual liberty of Tennesseans is astounding.
SB 574 was probably one of the simplest efforts made yet to begin to claw back the rights that are currently obstructed by the Governor’s emergency powers authority found in Title 58 of our Tennessee Code Annotated. The simple restriction of deeming individuals and businesses to be non-essential seemed to be a no-brainer and an opportunity for Republican leadership to build good will with the conservative base on this issue. Alas, conceding any ground by men and women who refuse to admit their error is just not going to happen under this administration.
Here are the seven Senators who believe that government has the power to deem you as non-essential.
