Sen. Charlane Oliver Takes on Bill Lee’s Oligarchy

Should the gov’s rich friends profit at the expense of TN’s public schools?

State Sen. Charlane Oliver of Nashville pulled no punches in calling out Gov. Bill Lee’s school voucher scam.

Tennessee’s public education system is under siege by wealthy conservative oligarchs, including former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who are bankrolling Republican leaders to push school vouchers. Ultra-wealthy conservatives have made dismantling public education their mission, even descending upon Washington ready to disband the U.S. Department of Education.

Gov. Bill Lee promoting school privatization

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Free Pre-K for All Kids?

It’s possible, but will Bill Lee and the GOP get behind it?

Nashville legislators Sen. Charlane Oliver and Rep. Aftyn Behn want every 4-year-old in Tennessee to have the option to attend a free Pre-K program.

The two have filed legislation to expand the state’s current Pre-K program so that all families can benefit.

“Working families are the backbone of Tennessee, but far too many struggle to afford high-quality preschool for their children,” said Rep. Behn. “This legislation cuts costs, gives families a raise, and ensures every child gets a strong start in life. The research is clear: when families have access to free pre-K, parents can work more, earn more, and build a more secure future for their children. It’s a win for families, businesses, and the state economy.”

Rep. Aftyn Behn of Nashville

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Pre-K for All

Behn, Oliver push expansion of state’s Pre-K program

Tennessee’s voluntary Pre-K program is great, but what if it were available to every family who wanted to participate?

The dream of providing high-quality early education for Tennessee families began with Gov. Phil Bredesen in 2007. The state provided money allowing every school district to offer at least one 20-seat Pre-K classroom for families meeting income eligibility criteria.

The program is voluntary.

Now, Rep. Aftyn Behn and Sen. Charlane Oliver are dreaming bigger – a Pre-K program for ALL.

Rep. Aftyn Behn and Sen. Charlane Oliver, both of Nashville, propose a significant expansion of the state’s voluntary Pre-K program for four-year-olds. The plan requires every school district in the state to establish a Pre-K program for all four-year-olds whose families wish to participate.

All districts in the state currently offer some Pre-K, but this bill would make the program universally available. Funding for the program would come from the state.

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