House Speaker Sexton Proposes Panel To Consider Rejection Of Federal Education Funding

Image Credit: Speaker Cameron Sexton / Facebook

The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

House Speaker Cameron Sexton is looking into the creation of a task force to determine whether it would be feasible for Tennessee to reject federal education funding in an attempt to eliminate federal regulation of state public schools.

House Bill 1249, sponsored by Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville-District 25) and Senate Bill 1507, sponsored by Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge-District 5) were both filed on Monday to create an 11-person panel that would be chaired by the state’s education commissioner, a role currently filled by Penny Schwinn. The task force would also include six legislators, two school superintendents, and two teachers, all appointed by Sexton and Lt. Governor Randy McNally.

If approved, the bill would have the group meet monthly beginning on August 1 and would require them to submit a proposal for how to to lawmakers and Governor Bill Lee by December 1.

According to the legislation, “the task force shall develop a strategic action plan to guide the administration and general assembly on whether it is feasible for this state and the political subdivisions of this state to reject federal funding for educational programs or purposes.”

Sexton’s proposal details how he would recommend pursuing the idea he first mentioned at last month’s Tennessee Farm Bureau reception in Nashville.

Sexton has stated his desire for lawmakers to “do things the Tennessee way.” He says the first step to that is that the state should stop accepting federal education dollars totaling nearly $1.8 billion. He believes that the state can make up the difference with its own funding and that they could still provide all of the same advantages that people currently receive from the federal government.

Sexton is also asking the panel to identify processes for rejecting federal funding, as well as for eliminating restrictions related to U.S. education dollars. 

If the final legislation passes, Tennessee would be the first state to ever reject federal funding for schools. Both Lee and McNally have noted that they are willing to consider the possibility.

The bill to create the panel is scheduled for both the House and Senate Education Committees on March 22nd.