MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Tennessee House Minority Leader Karen Camper expressed concerns about the special legislative session Governor Bill Lee called for January 27. In an interview with Action News 5, she explained that the session’s broad focus, covering school vouchers, immigration, and hurricane relief, was disappointing. Camper emphasized that the session should have concentrated solely on the Education Freedom Act, the governor’s school voucher plan.
“It’s going to require a comprehensive review, discussion, and many questions,” said Camper. “So, combining it with hurricane relief and the polarizing issue of immigration makes it clear why I question the governor’s decision.”
Governor Lee announced the special session alongside top lawmakers, including Lt. Governor Randy McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, and House Majority Leader William Lamberth.
Rep. G.A. Hardaway, representing Memphis, believes that Republican leaders will use hurricane relief funding to garner support for the school voucher plan.
“I think there will be pressure on legislators from East Tennessee to back the voucher plan to ensure they receive sufficient funding,” Hardaway said.
However, State Senator Brent Taylor disagreed, arguing that the special session was necessary to prevent the voucher issue from being used as leverage later in the legislative session.
“If we don’t address it now, it’s more likely to be used as leverage for other issues later,” Taylor explained. “That’s why the governor wants to tackle it immediately in a special session—we can’t address other business while in session.”
Democrats continue to oppose the school voucher plan, which would provide families with $7,000 to send their children to private schools. They argue that the plan diverts crucial funds from public education.
As both sides prepare for a contentious session, Rep. Camper acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the outcome. “I think both sides are still unprepared,” she said. “There’s work to be done, and it’s going to be a challenging process.”
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