Representative Barrett Urges Tennessee Governor To Opt-In To National School Choice Tax Credit Program

Image Credit: jodybarrettfortennessee.com

The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –

If Tennessee Governor Bill Lee takes advice from Representative Jody Barrett (R-Dickson), students in Tennessee will have one more opportunity to attend private school at no cost to the taxpayers of the state.

The National School Choice Tax Credit serves as a tax credit for those who donate to the fund through a non-profit organization. Barrett’s news release stated in part as follows.

“• Starting in 2027, individuals can donate up to $1,700 to certified scholarship organizations and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit.

• Those funds go directly to Tennessee students—covering private school tuition, books, technology, and potentially homeschool support or supplemental education.

• There is no cost to the state, no new bureaucracy, and no mandates on local schools.

• Participation is voluntary. If Tennessee opts in, families benefit. If we opt out, they get left behind.”

“Unlike the state’s voucher program, this is not a new entitlement. This is a conservative, donor-driven solution to empower parents without growing government. It aligns directly with our principles: limited government, maximum freedom, and local control.” – said Jody Barrett

Each participating non-profit will be able to set scholarship amounts and administer the program within federal guidelines.

Barrett is the recipient of his second perfect conservative score for the 2025-2026 legislative session by The Tennessee Legislative Scorecard.

A full copy of Barrett’s Media Release is featured below.

About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.