NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A House committee has approved a measure linking welfare benefits to student performance a day after Gov. Haslam expressed serious reservations about the measure.
The House Health Committee Wednesday voted to advance the bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Vance Dennis of Savannah.
The measure would cut a family’s welfare benefits if a child fails to "maintain satisfactory academic progress."
Supporters note the cuts can be avoided if parents attend conferences with teachers, take parenting classes or enroll their children in tutoring programs or summer school.
Governor Haslam said he doesn't see a connection between welfare benefits and students' grades and is threatening to consider a veto if the bill passes both chambers.