Update: This article has been updated to reflect the impact of private school vouchers on the state’s financial forecast.

Tennessee Republican lawmakers have downplayed Bill Lee’s private school voucher scheme, saying that a wealthy character from the 1960s represents “Gilligan’s Island.” .

In addition to questions about program equity, state Rep. Jody Barrett, of Dixon, said it would create long-term financial problems for the state.

“There’s a financial cliff that’s going to happen in the future,” Barrett said, and he believes that in 10 years it could cost $1 billion a year, including “scholarships” and related costs. .

“I think it’s a financially dangerous bill for us. It creates a certification program that never goes away,” Barrett added.

In a social media statement posted over the weekend, Barrett said: It seems like a stretch that suggests that this plan will create additional freedom for Thurston & Lovely. Meanwhile, the rest of the castaways pay for it. ”

Lee’s plans, which will be featured in a special session of the legislature this week, offer more than 70-20,000 students statewide, calling for an increase of around 5,000 people a year. Half of first year students may come from families with 300% of federal poverty levels and an estimated $175,000 in a family of four, while the rest have no income limits. From the first year onwards, the program will not be subject to maximum income.

The Tennessee Journal reported Monday that the Financial Review Board report found two-thirds of students receiving the voucher were already enrolled in private schools. They also determined that if students lose to the program, only $3.3 million will be directed at keeping the district “harmless.”

Under the proposed Education Freedom Act, Thurston Howell III is eligible to receive the same $7,000 scholarship as Gilligan. It seems like a stretch that suggests that this plan will create additional freedom for Thurston & Lovely. Meanwhile, the rest of Castaway pays for it. pic.twitter.com/dvotzrphjq

– State Assemblyman Jody Barrett (TN69) (@JodyForStaterep) January 26, 2025

House Speaker Cameron Sexton recently said he believes the House has enough votes to pass the governor’s plan.

But Barrett’s opposition is a sign that rural Republicans can throw stumble blocks when a special session begins. Barrett said his vote was based on the attitudes of his members, but he said he “has made it clear and clear” against the governor’s bill.

In addition to Democrats, rural Republicans are most likely to oppose the governor’s voucher plan because of the economic impact they could have on the district, the largest employer in their district.

In addition to his potential impact on the district, Barrett said one of his biggest concerns was the long-term impact on the state budget. He noted that K-12 funds are expected to rise by 3% each year.

Statewide school boards have passed resolutions against the plan. However, this year’s version says that school district funding will not “decrease from the first year to the next year due to student corruption.” However, if the district loses students, the state will pay additional funds to these districts, covering just one year of relocation.

The bill was a 1982 Supreme Court case, Plylerv. Doe denies “scholarships” to undocumented students, despite prohibiting students from denying free public education based on immigration circumstances.

In addition to the private school voucher bill, lawmakers will take Lee’s immigration enforcement plan. This involves establishing a new department and directors with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, providing relief to flood victims in East Tennessee and establishing transport. Oversees public-private partnerships.

Critics of the voucher plan say the governor is trying to cloud the issue by putting so many important topics into one special session.

House leaders said Congress will continue to invest “heavy” money in education and expand “school choices” for parents.

According to Rep. Jeremy Fayson, chairman of the House Republican Caucus, the bill will be approached separately in House committees and will not be linked.

“The concept of someone in the speaker, governor, or leadership holding East Tennessee and its people hostages is that if they don’t vote for the governor’s voucher bill, they won’t bring relief,” Fezon said. Ta.