1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

As a constituent and a retired TN teacher with 25 years of service in our TN public schools, I am writing to express my dismay and opposition to the hard push for vouchers (ie “Education Freedom Act”) by Governor Lee. Of all the issues that REALLY need to be addressed in our state, vouchers continue to be his focus. The child poverty rate in our state is 18%, higher than the national average of 16%. Childcare for TN families costs more than instate college tuition rates! It is also insulting to our teachers to be offered a one time payment of $2000 through this legislation when our state ranks 44th in the nation for average teacher pay. Tennesseans all know and recognize that if passed, the EFA will benefit those who can already afford private education. Please, please find a better way to use our TN tax dollars to help the majority of our kids and families live better lives.