In late September, Hurricane Helene severely impacted Eastern Tennessee, causing loss of life and billions in damages. Many residents are facing significant uninsured losses and urgently still need assistance. Local organizations and churches stepped up to provide essential support to affected individuals, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in times of crisis. However, it is still not enough.
The natural disaster means that in 2025, the Tennessee General Assembly must change its focus and priorities; infrastructure, the state budget, and education reform will garner attention. Tennessee's lawmakers are facing challenges as they prioritize the next state budget.
Our current budget is around $53 billion, and it has grown significantly in the last six years under the Lee Administration with stagnant revenue growth. With $144 million previously allocated for a failed universal school voucher proposal, there is hesitance to tap into the state’s $2.15 billion rainy day fund due to potential risks to the state’s bond rating. Tennessee fell $333 million short of tax projections in Fiscal Year 2023, and Lee's budget anticipates collecting about $719 million less in revenue than initially planned for Fiscal Year 2024.
On one hand, Governor Lee is beholden to a special interest lobby advocating for universal vouchers; on the other hand, Tennesseans have never been obligated to pay for the education of 100,000 students already attending private schools. This could ultimately cost taxpayers an additional $700 million annually. The era of big government is alive and well in Tennessee.
The introduction of the Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program, which offers loans for disaster recovery instead of direct aid, has raised concerns among affected residents and advocates who call for immediate financial support rather than loans. Will the funds be returned to TennCare, where the state is taking them from?
Public infrastructure needs present an opportunity for significant improvement as we address the existing backlog, estimated at $68 billion. This situation underscores the necessity for focused recovery efforts across the state, paving the way for a more effective disaster response and a building on infrastructure needs for the future.
The contrast between the funding for universal vouchers and the urgent need for disaster recovery and public education underscores a disconnect in legislative priorities. Lawmakers must balance the immediate needs of storm-impacted communities with the broader budget implications. It is anticipated that Governor Lee may call a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly to advocate for universal vouchers, raising concerns about prioritizing educational reforms over disaster recovery.
The decline in SNAP funding for low-income households and a decrease in economically disadvantaged students qualifying for meal programs reflect deeper systemic issues that threaten educational resources and community stability. Policymakers and media should check with local school districts to determine if schools face any problems with economically disadvantaged students qualifying for meal programs and, if so, what the potential fiscal impact is.
The push for universal vouchers needs critical examination due to potential negative impacts on public education, including widening academic gaps, increased segregation, and diverting funds from public schools. The primary issue will be accountability. If universal vouchers are implemented, private schools accepting them must adhere to the same standards as public schools to ensure educational quality and prevent discrimination against marginalized groups. This should also include open meetings and greater transparency.
Education reform initiatives like the Achievement School District have faced justified criticism for failing to deliver promised improvements. There is a pressing need for practical, personalized intervention strategies in education. In the past six years, "disruptors" have emerged in the education reform movement in Tennessee, emphasizing testing, competition, and accountability. This contrasts with traditional reformers who focus on funding, teacher training, and smaller class sizes. Eventually, we must focus on building a system that works as the Tennessee Constitution mandates funding a system of public schools.
As state leaders navigate these complex issues, they must prioritize transparency and community engagement while addressing the urgent needs of all Tennesseans, particularly in education and disaster recovery. The growing demand for government accountability reflects citizens' expectations for a responsive administration prioritizing comprehensive needs, including our focus on education, infrastructure, and disaster recovery.
Stakeholders must advocate for a balanced approach that serves the community's best interests and fosters solutions for all Tennesseans. As lawmakers navigate these complex issues, they must listen to their constituents and address the urgent needs of their communities, especially in education.
JC Bowman
Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee