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Wednesday, Gov. Bill Lee signed the Education Freedom Act, landmark legislation that establishes Tennessee’s first-ever universal school choice program. The governor was joined by members of the Tennessee General Assembly and stakeholders, including dozens of Tennessee families, students, and educators, to celebrate the Education Freedom Act’s passage into law with his signature.

“This is a momentous day as we make universal school choice a reality for all Tennessee families, and I’m grateful to the parents and students who have advocated at the Capitol and across the state,” said Gov. Lee. “Tennesseans care deeply about their kids’ future, and I’m grateful that families will now have greater opportunity with the freedom to choose their child’s education. I thank the General Assembly for their partnership in advancing the cause of education in Tennessee.”

“Thanks to the commitment of Gov. Lee and the General Assembly, Tennessee has now removed barriers for all families across the state to be able to choose the school that best meets the needs of their children,” said Department of Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds. “The department stands ready to implement this program with fidelity in support of all Tennessee families.”

Additionally, the legislation delivers on Gov. Lee’s commitment to further investment in Tennessee’s public schools by delivering teacher bonuses, increasing K-12 facilities funding, and ensuring state funding to school districts will never decrease due to disenrollment.

The bill was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland).