NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Republican Gov. Bill Lee is doubling down on his efforts to enact universal school vouchers throughout Tennessee. Lee has ordered the GOP-dominant Statehouse to pause their regular legislative duties and focus on passing a bill allowing families to use public dollars for private school tuition. Wednesday’s announcement comes at a peculiar time. Tennessee’s lawmakers kicked off their regular monthslong legislative session this week and are easing in with administrative tasks. Lee is calling for a so-called special session rather than going through the typical process of passing legislation. Doing so restricts lawmakers to topics as outlined by the governor.
