NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Governor Bill Lee announced he will convene a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly on January 27, 2025, to address a range of pressing issues, including expanding the state’s school voucher program, providing disaster relief for Hurricane Helene victims, and tackling illegal immigration.
In a statement on social media, Lee outlined that the primary goal of the special session is to pass the “Education Freedom Act of 2025,” which would significantly expand the state’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program. This proposal, aimed at extending school vouchers beyond the current limits of Davidson, Shelby, and Hamilton counties, has faced resistance in past legislative sessions. Last year, an effort to broaden the program statewide failed, but Lee and his supporters are determined to make this issue a top priority for the new year.
Alongside the education initiative, Lee is also focused on providing much-needed relief to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, which struck the state in November 2024. The governor has proposed a $450 million disaster relief package to assist survivors of the devastating storm. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree that disaster relief should be prioritized, though the timing of its inclusion in the special session has raised concerns.
In addition to education and disaster relief, Lee’s agenda also includes addressing illegal immigration. He stated that Tennessee must be prepared to support the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including deporting individuals with criminal records. Lee previously joined other Republican governors in committing to assist with federal immigration enforcement, and some state lawmakers are advocating for more aggressive action.
While the governor framed these issues as urgent matters that need swift attention, his decision to tie them together in the same special session has sparked fierce debate. Democratic leaders have criticized the move, accusing Lee of politicizing disaster relief in order to push controversial policies. Senate Democratic Chairwoman London Lamar (D-Memphis) called it a “disservice” to Tennessee families, arguing that combining the voucher program and immigration measures with hurricane recovery efforts undermines the immediate needs of disaster victims.
“This is a great disservice to Tennessee families,” Lamar said in a statement. “Communities devastated by Hurricane Helene three months ago are counting on us to provide swift and focused relief—not political gamesmanship.”
House Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) echoed those sentiments, calling the governor’s approach an “affront” to the families still recovering from the storm. Clemmons criticized the governor for waiting months to provide relief, accusing Lee of using the disaster recovery process as leverage to secure votes for the voucher program.
“This is an unconscionable attempt to keep the general public in the dark and prevent sunlight from shining on our legislative process,” Clemmons said.
Republican leaders, however, have defended the special session and insisted that the disaster relief and other proposed measures will be handled separately. House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) emphasized that each issue will be addressed independently, despite being considered during the same session.
“We just happen to be doing them at the same time,” Lamberth explained in an interview with local news.
As the session approaches, tensions remain high over the blending of education policy, disaster relief, and immigration enforcement. With the general assembly having only just started its two-year legislative term, lawmakers are expected to debate the priorities and timing of these contentious issues in the coming weeks.
Tennessee’s special session promises to be a crucial test for the state’s political leadership, as the governor and legislature navigate competing interests and contentious policies while responding to the needs of both storm survivors and a divided electorate.