Tennessee Governor Bill Lee recently shared his support for President-elect Trump’s potential plan to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Governor Lee believes that dismantling the federal Department of Education would allow states to have more control over education policies, emphasizing that states are in the best position to understand the needs of their children.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Governor Lee discussed his new school choice proposal, the Education Freedom Act of 2025, which aims to provide scholarships for up to 20,000 students in Tennessee. These scholarships would offer financial assistance for tuition, tutoring, technology, and other educational expenses. The governor highlighted that the bill prioritizes low-income students, ensuring that they have access to alternative educational opportunities beyond traditional public schools.
Governor Lee emphasized the importance of empowering parents to make educational choices for their children, regardless of their socio-economic status. He argued that school choice initiatives do not harm public schools but rather encourage innovation and improvement in the education system. The governor also mentioned that the proposed legislation includes provisions for teacher pay raises and additional funding for public schools.
Reflecting on his own education in Tennessee before the establishment of the U.S. Department of Education, Governor Lee expressed confidence in the state’s ability to effectively fund education and address the diverse needs of students. He welcomed the idea of collaborating with President Trump to enhance education policies at the state level, emphasizing the importance of parental rights and the future of children’s education.
In addition to the school choice bill, Governor Lee discussed plans to allocate state funds from sports gambling revenue for public school facilities’ construction and maintenance. The proposed legislation also includes one-time bonuses for teachers and supplemental funding for school districts facing enrollment challenges.
As Governor Lee continues to advocate for education reform in Tennessee, he remains hopeful that the state can achieve excellence in public education while providing freedom and choice to parents and students. The governor’s vision for the future of education in Tennessee aligns with President Trump’s commitment to school choice and empowering local communities to shape education policies according to their needs and priorities.
