Agudath Israel of America applauds Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-27) and Representative William Lamberth (R-44) for sponsoring legislation to expand the current Education Savings Account (ESA) program. ESAs empower parents to make educational decisions that are in the best interest of their child regardless of their family’s finances, by providing families with funds that can be spent on on a wide range of educational expenses, including private school tuition. These bills would increase ESA eligibility in 2025 and make ESA eligibility universal by 2026.
As universal school choice is adopted by increasingly more states, Agudath Israel was encouraged to hear Governor Bill Lee announced in his State of the State address that, “2024 is the year to make school choice a reality for every Tennessee family.”
Agudath Israel of America urges Tennessee lawmakers to fulfill the governor’s vision and allow every student in Tennessee to attend the school that is best for them.
“Allowing parents to choose the school that is best for their child should be a top priority for every state. Agudath Israel is very pleased that the Tennessee Legislature recognizes the importance of granting Tennessee families the ability to direct their children’s education,” said Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld, associate national director of state relations for Agudah Israel of America. “We look forward to working with the lawmakers over the coming months.”