The legislature will reconvene on June 1, 2020. Although it is yet to be seen whether members will take up new business when they reconvene, limit new business to a supplemental spending bill, or simply adjourn “sine die,” the UT Government Relations and Advocacy team will continue to engage on these issues to protect UT’s best interests.

Administration & Governance

Tuition Discounts and Waivers—The Reality

Sen. Mark Green (R-Clarksville) will be presenting legislation before the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday regarding another higher education tuition discount. Green’s legislation seeks to expand the current 25 percent discount for “children of full-time certified teachers…or full-time technology coordinators in any LEA in TN,” to include children of “anyone employed full-time by any LEA … Continued

Higher Education Funding

The Truth About Tuition Discounts

Three bills granting tuition discounts and waivers for various groups passed in the House Education Committee this morning.  Most of these bills will now go for hearings in the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. While well intentioned, tuition discounts and waivers have the effect of unfunded mandates on public colleges and universities.  Since no … Continued

State Issues