Tennessee Contemplates Eliminating Federal Education Funding

Tennessee legislators are considering rejecting federal funding for public education and replacing it with state funding, which would make it the first state to do so.

The state’s Republican leadership announced the creation of a panel to examine the impact of federal education funding in Tennessee and any associated conditions.

“Any time the federal government provides funding, there are always strings attached and a possibility of additional regulations or restrictions. This working group will help us understand how much autonomy Tennessee truly has in educating our students,” said Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton.

In recent years, Tennessee has established itself as one of the more conservative states. For example, the state has taken measures to protect children from explicit shows, ban sex changes for minors, and reject red flag laws.

Sexton announced on Monday the creation of a 10-member Joint Working Group, consisting of members from both the state House and Senate, to examine whether the state can fund education without federal funding. The panel will have eight Republicans and two Democrats.

Sexton had previously discussed the idea of rejecting $1.8 billion in federal education funding during the previous legislative session, but the proposal did not move forward.

“As a state, we can once again lead the nation in telling the federal government to keep their money and do things the Tennessee way. And it should start with the Department of Education,” Sexton said at the time.

“The education of our youth is one of the essential responsibilities of our government. Federal dollars and the various mandates and restrictions that come with them affect the way Tennessee’s children are educated. Due to our state’s strong financial position, it is worth examining and studying this issue,” said Lt. Gov. Randy McNally.

However, Democrats oppose the idea. State Senator Raumesh Akbari claimed that rejecting federal funding would have “harsh consequences” and stated that “federal funds are crucial in supporting students with special needs, English language learners, and those from low-income families. Through this committee, I will advocate for Tennessee to continue accepting these necessary funds.”