NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s Republican-dominant Statehouse approved a $52.8 billion spending plan Thursday for the upcoming fiscal year that includes an eye-popping $1.95 billion tax break and refund for businesses, but little new tax relief for most Tennessee families.
Even with the budget approved in the House and Senate, lawmakers still remained largely divided on whether they’ll advance any proposal to spend vastly more public money to send students to private schools throughout the state. In a budget crafted during slowing state revenues, it sets aside $144 million for a universal school voucher bill that has not passed, in case the deadlock breaks in the final days of the annual session.
Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has made universal school vouchers his top legislative priority. However, even with a GOP supermajority, the massive change faced an uphill battle as many rural lawmakers have remained hesitant about funneling their limited public dollars away from local schools.
Archie Cooley, the college football coach whose innovative offense launched Jerry Rice, has died
China Releases National Standards for Digital Textbooks in Primary, Middle Schools
China Vows to Improve Eye Care Services for Children, Seniors
Children Attend Event as 'Little Architects' Ahead of Int'l Children's Day in Xi'an
Thailand urges Myanmar’s junta to free Aung San Suu Kyi — Radio Free Asia
Cultural and Creative Products Fair Held in Tibet Museum
Panthers have many needs entering NFL draft, but no first
China to Host Global Conference on Sci
Police detective lays bare Hells Angels' twisted links to the MAFIA
China Beats Turkey in Women's Volleyball Nations League