Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced a special session of the state’s General Assembly, set for January 27, to address key issues including public safety measures related to immigration, school choice initiatives, and disaster relief funding.
Alignment with Federal Immigration Policies
In anticipation of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, Governor Lee emphasized the need for Tennessee to align with forthcoming federal immigration policies. The special session aims to ensure the state is prepared to support federal efforts in enforcing immigration laws and securing communities. Specific legislative measures have not been detailed, but the governor’s office has indicated that preparations are underway to collaborate with federal authorities effectively.
Education Freedom Scholarship Act
The session will also consider the “Education Freedom Scholarship Act,” a proposal to create 20,000 scholarships of approximately $7,000 each. These scholarships would enable families to choose private schooling options, reflecting Governor Lee’s ongoing commitment to expanding school choice within the state.
Disaster Relief Funding
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Governor Lee is seeking legislative approval for substantial disaster relief funding, including:
- $240 million for the state’s Disaster Relief Grant fund.
- $110 million for a Hurricane Helene Interest fund.
- $100 million for the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund.
- $20 million dedicated to rebuilding efforts in Tennessee communities affected by the hurricane.
Legislative Support
The special session has garnered support from key legislative leaders, including Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, and House Majority Leader William Lamberth. In a joint statement, they emphasized the importance of equipping Tennessee with the necessary resources to support the incoming federal administration’s initiatives.
As the special session approaches, further details on the proposed measures are expected to be released, outlining how Tennessee plans to coordinate with federal, state, and local law enforcement to implement the Trump administration’s immigration policies and address other critical state matters.