Below is a statement from Beacon Impact CEO Justin Owen on the educational choice bill failing to move forward the year.
“We are deeply disappointed that at a time when school choice legislation is being passed across the country and support among voters is at an all-time high, the Tennessee legislature could not create a path forward on the ESA bill. While opponents of education freedom continue to focus on adults, tens of thousands of children will suffer as a result. These families deserve options, and they deserve them now, not next year or the one after that. That said, this fight is not over, and the legislators who opposed educational options for children across the state are mistaken if they think they’ve won. We will continue to stand with families all across Tennessee – and stand with those legislators who championed it – until the General Assembly finally does what’s right by passing a universal school choice program.”
Stories in this Week's Focus
- The Knoxville Focus for May 18, 2026
- Publisher’s Positions
- Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum Honors the Howell Legacy
- Governor James D. Porter of Tennessee
- West wins first boys’ lacrosse state title
- Bearden finishes strong for Region 1-AA crown
- The Knoxville Focus for May 11, 2026
- Publisher’s Positions
- What is Quilts of Valor?
- John Houston Savage of Tennessee