JACKSON, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – The new year brings new opportunities and newpriorities for Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee.
Thursday, in the Governor’s first 2020 visit to West Tennessee, helaid out his goals for his second year on the job.
The issues Gov. Lee highlighted Thursday afternoon as his mostprioritized this year – everything from criminal justice reform to publicschool vouchers – were also the same topics which drew both celebration andcriticism here in Memphis last year.
Gov. Lee kicked off a new year of events in Jackson, where hetouted new grant money for vocational education, a top priority for him in 2020and beyond.
“We are making a big push there,” Gov. Lee said.
The Governor said this year, he’s also optimistic the first ShelbyCounty students in low-achieving public schools will be eligible for aneducation savings account to cover tuition for private school. SCS leadersopposed vouchers, and the legislation narrowly passed last year.
“Those children who are zoned for those non-performingschools will have an opportunity to have a high-quality education, hopefullystarting this fall if that process is rolled out in the way that we hope itwill be,” Gov. Lee said.
Gov. Lee said he also wants more done for criminal justice reformin 2020. Last June in Frayser, Gov. Lee highlighted the state’s elimination ofa $350 fee to expunge charges from someone’s permanent record.
“I think we need to be tough on crime but smart on how were-enter and who we incarcerate,” Gov. Lee said
The Governor also stands by his ongoing effort to transferTennCare Medicaid coverage to a federal block grant. More than one in five ofall TennCare recipients statewide live in Shelby County.
“No one will lose coverage, no one will be taken off the rolls,in fact they will be strengthened, the services that we provide,” Gov. Leesaid.
Gov. Lee is expected to provide more details on his budgetpriorities during his State of the State address in March.