Opinion | Next Up for School Choice: Tennessee

Competition was top of mind at a press conference in Tennessee on Tuesday, and appropriately so. Republican Governors are in a healthy race to offer the most school choice. “Nine states have passed us in this effort,” said Gov. Bill Lee as he announced a proposal for universal education savings accounts (ESAs) in his state.

The proposal would provide ESAs worth about $7,000 to 20,000 students next year, and open up to all students in the 2025-26 school year. ESAs in the state are currently available only to special-needs students, or for those with lower income in three metropolitan areas. The new proposal would “make choice a reality for every family and every child in Tennessee,” Mr. Lee said.