Chairman opposes rejecting federal education funds but suggests exploring waivers on federal school requirements
The Tennessee Senate’s Education Committee chairman, Senator Jon Lundberg, has expressed opposition to the idea of turning down at least $1.3 billion in federal education funds. However, he suggests that the state could seek waivers on federal school requirements as a potential alternative. The committee has spent a week conducting hearings to study the issue and gather input from various stakeholders. While the state received $1.8 billion in federal funds this year, a significant portion of that funding is expected to disappear now that COVID-19 pandemic funding has ended. This article explores the committee’s discussions, the possibility of seeking waivers, and the potential impact on Tennessee’s education system.
Block grants and waivers:
Senator Lundberg suggests that the state could consider using federal education funds in the form of a block grant, similar to how Medicaid funds are utilized. This approach would allow the state to have more control over how the funds are allocated and spent while still benefiting from federal support. One area that could potentially be addressed through waivers is the federal requirement for a testing program, currently administered as the Tennessee Comprehensive Achievement Program. However, it is still unclear what specific waivers the state might request.
The push to reject federal funds:
The idea of rejecting federal funds was initially proposed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who argued that the state should replace those funds with its own money to avoid federal mandates. While Sexton did not specify which federal regulations he believed the state should avoid, other Republican leaders cautioned that rejecting the funds would result in Tennessee taxpayer dollars going to other states. Federal funds primarily support low-income students, English language learners, disabled children, rural education, and charter school technology.
The committee’s fact-finding mission:
According to Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, the committee’s main objective was to gather facts and information regarding the interaction between federal dollars and Tennessee’s education system. The hearings provided an opportunity for education stakeholders and experts to present their perspectives and insights. The committee was initially expected to present a report on January 9, but Senator Lundberg suggests that it may take longer to compile the findings and recommendations.
Criticism and concerns:
Critics of the committee argue that it did not provide an opportunity for parent groups to speak during the hearings. However, two conservative groups, the Center for Practical Federalism and The James Madison Institute, were invited to present on the final day. Some critics view the hearings as an attempt to find inefficiencies in order to justify rejecting the federal funds. However, the Department of Education testified that only 8% of federal funding goes toward administrative costs. Advocacy groups emphasize the importance of protecting children and express concern that removing federal funds could have negative consequences, particularly in relation to recent directives from the Biden Administration regarding LGBTQ students.
Opposition to rejecting federal funds:
Senate Democratic Chairman Raumesh Akbari and Democratic Representative Ronnie Glynn, who missed all sessions due to prior commitments, strongly oppose rejecting federal funds and replacing them with state dollars. School directors from rural Hawkins County and Memphis-Shelby County highlighted the desperate need for funding in their districts, with one director even having to request a tax increase to replace school roofs. Glynn argues that instead of replacing federal dollars, the state should invest in teachers, students, and school infrastructure using the funds it already has.
Conclusion:
As the Tennessee Senate’s Education Committee continues its discussions on federal education funds, Senator Jon Lundberg’s suggestion of seeking waivers on federal school requirements offers a potential compromise. While rejecting federal funds could have implications for Tennessee’s education system, exploring waivers could allow the state to maintain some level of control while still benefiting from federal support. The committee’s fact-finding mission has provided valuable insights from various stakeholders, highlighting the importance of considering the needs of low-income students, English language learners, disabled children, rural schools, and charter school technology. Ultimately, the committee’s report will shape the future of federal education funding in Tennessee and determine the state’s approach to meeting the needs of its students.
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