Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton shared his thoughts about a voucher program Governor Bill Lee is looking to extend.

Speaker Sexton said he hopes the voucher programs gives parents the best chance of doing what best for their child's education.

Speaker Sexton said there are good public schools out there, but they might not be meeting the needs of students.

On the flip side, the Speaker said there are kids in failing schools who need other options.

“How do we allow those parents who don't have the means, who don't have the tools or don't have financial resources to take a mortgage on their house? How do we allow to them to have the same opportunity can afford it; you have some people hear who say they should never have the opportunity. If you don't give people the opportunity, the easiest way out of poverty and crime is a quality education. K-12. So when they graduate they have the capability of finding a good paying job,” Sexton said.

If approved, the program would allow public and private school students to use the voucher.

Some critics say the program rewards families who already send their children to private schools, but Sexton said they deserve the extra help too.

“If you are currently in a private school, we shouldn't limit your ability of your parents to help you fulfill that and continue to do that. We are assuming that everyone is wealthy and a lot of parents of private schools are making sacrifices for them, so they should be awarded this scholarship as well,” Sexton said.

Sexton claims the program will not take money away from public schools, if a student transfers.

“Because it is not a part the TISA (Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement) funding, not through the K-12 funding so there is no direct money following this kid and this scholarship,” Sexton said.

The program has raised concerns that people are going to leave rural counties because of it.

“You are assuming that they are not currently doing that and they are leaving rural communities and suburban areas. When you talk to real estate agents, the number one question they ask are how good of the schools here. So, it is on their mind when they are coming in, so you already have that,” Sexton said.

Local 3 reached out to Hamilton County Schools about the program and received the following statement:

"We are aware of the governor's proposal, but it would be premature for us to discuss any potential impact for Hamilton County Schools. We will study the proposal, have conversations with our legislative delegation, and follow the forthcoming bill throughout the general assembly next year."

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