Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee Considers Rejecting Federal Education Funding, Sparks Debate

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is open to rejecting $1.8 billion in federal education funding, citing "excessive overreach" by the federal government. A 10-member working group appointed by Republican leaders in the legislature is reviewing how federal education funding is used and will recommend a strategy for rejecting the funding. The move would require a vote from the legislature and support from the governor, but with a Republican supermajority, it is a real possibility. Democrats argue that rejecting federal funding would require taxpayers to pay twice for Tennessee's public education system. The U.S. Department of Education has criticized the move, warning of potential negative impacts on tutoring, afterschool programs, and mental health support for students.