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. |
Shanghai retains highest monthly minimum wage across ChinaIndian artist teaches painting in TianjinChinese dancer pursues dream on wheelsChina may overtake Japan in patent filings at EPOAll missing found in boat accident that kills 12GLOBALinkScenery of UNESCO World Heritage sites in AlbaniaChina may overtake Japan in patent filings at EPORevenue of China's stateRoundup: Chinese FM Expounds on China