School voucher ideas expose deep GOP divisions in Tennessee Legislature

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — With a supermajority grip over the Tennessee Statehouse, there are very few things Republicans can’t push through even with the harshest of criticism and public opposition.

Yet, after weeks of working behind closed doors on a sweeping school voucher plan that would give coveted public dollars to many more families to spend on private schools, deep divisions remain among GOP members on the best path forward.

Different proposals are floating between the House and Senate chambers, and Republican members are grumbling publicly about not having enough time to study the details. Tensions are flaring over accountability measures, and hundreds of educators across the state are pleading with lawmakers to spike the idea completely.

“This legislation before us is an opportunity for us to rethink education in our state,” said Rep. Mark White, chair of the House Education Committee and key sponsor of the House voucher bill. “We’re revolutionizing education.”

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Educator groups and Democrats