Governor Bill Lee’s latest proposal to increase the amount of public dollars that can pay for private tuition and other expenses will cost Tennessee taxpayers more than $335 million over the next five years.
Lee’s bill was originally estimated to cost $125 million to fund the so-called education savings account bill. However, after various amendments and changes, the latest fiscal analysis has the bill’s funding total much higher.
The first year would cost the state $771,000, but then quickly escalate over the next five years with year four costing the state $110.6 million and then another $147.5 million by the fifth year.
Under the proposal, families who meet income requirements in certain schools districts could receive up to $7,300 in state funds to spend on private tuition.
(AP)
