NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s GOP-controlled General Assembly on Thursday adjourned for the year, concluding months of tense political infighting that doomed Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s universal school voucher push. But a bill allowing some teachers to carry firearms in public schools and one adding a nearly $2 billion tax cut and refund for businesses received last-minute approval. For months, Lee declared enacting universal school vouchers his top priority for the legislative session. At the same time, he warned that lawmakers must pass the major tax cut and refund for businesses to prevent a potential lawsuit as critics alleged the state violated the U.S. Constitution. The ambitious pitches were made to a legislative body still harboring deep resentments from the past year, where inaction on gun control and safety measures had left deep divides between the Senate and House. Meanwhile, the explosive attention from the expulsions of two young Black Democratic lawmakers resulted in retaliatory restrictions on how long certain House members could speak during legislative debates and limitations on seating inside the public galleries. |
Longtime AP journalist, newspaper publisher John Brewer dies at age 76Wesley Bryan birdies final hole for a 1Venezuela's opposition backs unknown former diplomat in latest gambit to unseat MaduroMorgan Wallen says he's 'not proud' of behavior after arrestBlinken to visit China amid claims about Russia support — Radio Free AsiaThe monkey gangs turning this Thai city into a realLongtime AP journalist, newspaper publisher John Brewer dies at age 76Burnley routs Sheffield United to boost survival chances. Luton sunk by BrentfordSotutu powers Blues to 46Blinken will be the latest top US official to visit China in a bid to keep ties on an even keel