Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee touts "school choice" as a "civil rights issue" in RNC speech

Gov. Bill Lee used his speech this week at the Republican National Convention to double down on his signature issue: school vouchers .

Why it matters: Lee remains dedicated to expanding vouchers in Tennessee despite a bruising defeat in the legislature this year. Top Republican lawmakers have pledged to revisit the matter in 2025.

What he's saying: "Republican governors fought back for a parent's right to choose their own child's education," Lee said during his brief remarks Tuesday. "President Trump was right when he said school choice is the civil rights issue of our time."

State of play: Families in Davidson, Shelby and Hamilton counties can already use state-funded school vouchers to pay private school tuition. Lee touted the effort as an embrace of "school choice" for parents.

The other side: In a statement, the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus called Lee's remarks "deeply offensive," adding that vouchers "divert crucial funding away from public schools."

Flashback: Lee wanted to expand vouchers statewide this year. But his plan faced heavy pushback from local school officials across Tennessee.

• The plan stalled after the state House and Senate couldn't agree and advanced dueling versions of the plan.
• The Senate plan was more stripped down and focused on voucher expansion, while the House's version added funding for other school priorities.

What we're watching: The upcoming state primaries next month could change the landscape in the General Assembly. Several Republicans are facing primary challenges, while others have retired.

• Lee has endorsed pro-voucher candidates . The Tennessean reports a political action committee is spending big to support pro-voucher candidates and to oust lawmakers who opposed them.