Free College Bill Moving Forward

Gov. Bill Haslam’s signature higher-education proposal this year appears on track to pass as lawmakers enter the waning days of the legislative session.
The program called “Tennessee Promise” would cover a full ride at two-year colleges for any high school graduate. The plan is expected to cost about $34 million a year.
Leaders of four-year schools and some lawmakers are worried about how to pay for the program long-term.
The Republican governor plans to fund the program by using $300 million in excess lottery reserve funds along with a $47 million endowment.