New School Choice Bill Proposes Vouchers for 20,000 Tennessee Students

Issue #269

12 Nov

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia Weather - Sunny with a high of 66

📰 New School Choice Bill Proposes Vouchers for 20,000 Tennessee Students

🎥 TV Show Filming at Hidden Gem Farmers Market This Saturday

👀 Caution: Deer Related Crashes are Most Likely During November-December

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

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Tuesday, November 12th

Wednesday, November 13th

Thursday, November 14th

Friday, November 15th

Saturday, November 16th

Sunday, November 17th

New School Choice Bill Proposes Vouchers for 20,000 Tennessee Students

Designer sketching Wireframes

Tennessee Republican leaders are reintroducing a school voucher initiative with the Education Freedom Act of 2025, aiming to provide vouchers for up to 20,000 students to attend private schools statewide. This proposal, filed on Wednesday, would grant each eligible student a voucher worth approximately $7,000 in taxpayer funds. In addition, the legislation includes provisions for teacher bonuses, school construction funding, and measures to compensate public school districts for any financial gaps from decreased enrollment.

The program is set to take effect immediately if approved, utilizing $144 million allocated in the state budget specifically for a school choice program. The proposal's core components closely resemble versions introduced last year but failed to gain approval.

The Education Freedom Act has the support of Tennessee’s top Republican lawmakers, signaling alignment between the governor and the legislature on school choice. Identical bills were filed in both the House and Senate early Wednesday by House Majority Leader William Lamberth and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, shortly after the recent election polls closed.

While proponents argue the bill empowers parents to choose the best educational path for their children, Democratic lawmakers have voiced strong opposition. Citing concerns about the impact on public schools and referring to the proposal as a “scam,” House Democrats are expected to oppose the new legislation, as they did with last year’s proposal. Critics, including House Minority Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons, argue that tying school construction funds and teacher bonuses to this bill falls short of offering comprehensive support for teachers and schools.

With the legislature expected to debate the Education Freedom Act soon, Tennessee’s ongoing school choice debate continues to highlight a sharp divide in perspectives on funding public versus private education.

TV Show Filming at Hidden Gem Farmers Market This Saturday

From Bill Allen’s post in the Hidden Gem Farmers Market Facebook group…

TV SHOW FILMING will be taking place at the Hidden Gem Farmers Market this coming Saturday. 

We are currently filming a TV show called Kids Who Flip (TM) and our camera crew will be at the market this Saturday morning capturing shoppers and vendors for the show. 

This sign will be displayed as you drive onto the property so you may be on TV! I tell you that so you are all aware ahead of time and hopefully get excited to see what we have going on. 

The kids will all be at the market with me so if you see them please say hi and feel free to have your kids get some early autographs! 

We have a cast of 6 kids that are flipping 3 different houses around the country! The kids ages range from 12 to 17 and they have already finished flipping their houses! 

They won’t give you their results but we hope you watch the show when it comes out in a few months!! 

This is the reason we had to move the market time (new time for this Saturday only is 8am to 11am) 

See you Saturday morning!!!!!

863 Old Military Rd., Spring Hill, TN

Caution: Deer Related Crashes are Most Likely During November-December

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) cautions motorists to watch out for deer on or near the roadways. An increase in deer related crashes is more likely during November-December due to deer mating and hunting season.

“Deer related crashes can be a very serious and dangerous incident,” THP Colonel Tracy Trott said. “Deer pose a danger to motorists throughout the year, especially in the fall. Stats show November is typically the worst month for deer-related crashes. It is important for motorists to exercise caution, slow down and remain alert in areas where deer are present.”

October through December is prime mating months for deer. This causes deer to be less aware causing motorists to pay extra attention to deer darting directly in front of traffic. In 2023, there were over 4,000 wrecks involving deer in Tennessee. Three of them were fatal and more than 300 people were injured.

Tips to help prevent deer related crashes during peak mating and hunting seasons particularly at dawn and dusk:

  • When you see deer cross the road, expect more to follow.  Many times, the second or third deer crossing becomes the one that motorists hit;

  • Be attentive and drive defensively constantly scanning the roadside, especially at dawn and dusk;

  • Do not swerve to avoid contact with deer. This could cause the vehicle to flip or veer into oncoming traffic causing a serious crash. Swerving can also confuse the deer as to where to run;

  • When you spot a deer, slow down immediately. Proceed slowly when passing;
    If you do collide with a deer, never approach the animal. They are powerful and can cause bodily harm to a human. Report any deer collision, even if the damage is minor.

In the event of a deer crash, move the vehicle as far off the road as possible and dial THP (847). The call will be connected to the nearest THP communications center, and a state trooper will be dispatched to the location.

Tennessee law allows deer killed in a collision to be taken and used as food, as long as you contact the nearest Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regional office and report the accident within 48 hours. For a list of TWRA regional offices, visit the website at www.tnwildlife.org.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, November 12th

Jay Hoppus, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Wednesday, November 13th

Justen Harden, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, November 14th

Kyle Matthew, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
The Alderson Jazz Collective, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Wendy Moten, Cherry Street Theater at Columbia State, 7 PM

Friday, November 15th

Nicholas Graham Hall, August Sage, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Nick Bentley, Meat Social, 6-8 PM
Kiana Renae, Grinder's Switch, 7-9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Golden Soul Revue, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Smokin' Peas, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, November 16th

Rick Armentrout "The Unforgettables", Puckett's, 10 AM-2 PM
TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Stevierock, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The Turntables, The Rebel, 7-10 PM
Karli & James, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
The Wentzel Brothers Band, Ember’s, 8-11 PM
Bald Kernal, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, November 17th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Kenny Durham, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Nicholas Duhe, The Rebel, 4 PM

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