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In Education Matters, a controversial school voucher bill is moving forward in the Tennessee General Assembly.

Yesterday, the House Finance Committee approved the “Tennessee Choice and Opportunity Scholarship Act”, clearing the way for a full house vote.

The bill would provide taxpayer-funded scholarships to low-income students in the state’s lowest-performing schools so they can attend private schools.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Brian Kelsey of Germantown, issued this statement, saying “there is still a large hurdle ahead,” talking about the full house vote.

But he did say “this step is hopeful news for the low-income children trapped in failing schools in our state.”

Not everyone shares that sentiment.

The Shelby County School Board is against a school voucher program.

Teresa Jones is the Board chairman.