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. |
75 years on, a stronger PLA Navy to contribute more to world peaceStuart Skinner gets 1st postseason shutout as Oilers beat Kings 1China strives to secure water supply in droughtChina's Li wins two golds at IWF World CupHow Columbia University's complex history with the student protest movement echoes into todayChina, US need to keep faith with winTeens plotted to buy guns and attack Jewish people after Sydney bishop was stabbed, police allegeTemples witness a transformationA vibrant city on ancient Silk RoadHorses show off in Versailles, keeping alive royal tradition on soon