Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee voiced support Thursday for a legislative study of the effect of federal education funding in the state’s schools, but he stopped short of endorsing the idea floated by House Speaker Cameron Sexton to reject up to nearly $1.9 billion annually to avoid attached federal rules and regulations.
“I think it is important that Tennesseans understand what those federal dollars are used for and what requirements are attached to those federal dollars,” Lee said Thursday following a speech to the Chattanooga Rotary Club. “I didn’t call this committee together — that was a decision of the General Assembly. But I think anytime we can find out more information, which is the goal of this committee, that’s a good thing. I’m encouraged to see what they come up with.”
But when asked if he wants the state to consider giving up federal financial support for schools, Lee declined to say.
State Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, said she opposes any effort to cut off federal education funding in Tennessee.
“Most of us know how important federal funds are to our state budget, whether for our schools, roads or health care,” Akbari told Chalkbeat. “My goal on this task force is to support the continued use of federal funding for K-12 education.”