Inside Politics: Governor Bill Lee

We are honored to have Governor Bill Lee as our guest on INSIDE POLITICS this week. We spend a good bit of time during our interview discussing his controversial proposals before the Legislature to increase parental choice in public education. That would be by increasing the number of charter schools and by creating a $7,300 annual education savings account (ESA) or vouchers for students in school districts which have at least three schools judged as failing by the state. Those bills are advancing in committees in both houses but not without lots of questions and opposition, including from Republicans. In his comments to me, Governor Lee appears to be open to changes in his plans, including removing home schooled children from the program and perhaps a modification of what some see as generous income guidelines to participate (a family of four can earn over $90,000 a year). We also discuss the controversial anti-abortion bills that are making their way through the General Assembly with even pro-life supporters split on the proposals. The Governor’s criminal justice reform measures are making head way as well on the Hill and he talks about why this issue has become so important in Tennessee and across the country. There’s more, so tune in!