Sen. Becky Massey’s Challenging Morning at the Legislative Forum
State Senator Becky Massey, a Knoxville Republican, faced a difficult morning at a legislative forum hosted by the League of Women Voters and the East Tennessee chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists in early February. Massey, who represents a significant portion of Knox County, is known for her ability to navigate controversial topics by shifting the conversation to discussions of legislative processes. However, this strategy was put to the test during the forum, particularly when the moderator, Scott Barker of Compass, a Knoxville local news site, asked each of the five attending legislators to explain their vote on the voucher bill.
While House Democrats Sam McKenzie and Gloria Johnson strongly criticized the voucher plan, pointing out its flaws and the fact that it primarily benefits families already enrolled in private schools, Senate Republican Richard Briggs reaffirmed his opposition. House Republican Dave Wright, on the other hand, briefly expressed his support for the bill. Massey, however, took a different approach. Instead of directly addressing her stance on the voucher bill, she focused on the overall increase in state education spending, changes in funding formulas, and the "hold harmless" provision of the legislation. She emphasized her extensive engagement with constituents, including door-to-door conversations, polls, and emails, and claimed to have thoroughly reviewed the details of the bill.
The Voucher Bill Debate: Funding Concerns and the "Hold Harmless" Provision
Massey’s defense of her vote on the voucher bill was met with skepticism, particularly as it relates to the "hold harmless" provision. This provision aims to ensure that public schools do not lose funding due to the implementation of the voucher program. However, Democratic Rep. Gloria Johnson argued that the fiscal note for the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act (TISA) reveals a $45 million shortfall in funding for the upcoming school year, which the $3.3 million allocated in the "hold harmless" fund cannot adequately address. Johnson questioned the mathematics behind this provision, suggesting that the funding gap would only worsen as the voucher program expands. Massey did not provide a clear explanation of how this shortfall would be resolved, leaving concerns that public schools could suffer as a result.
The debate over vouchers is further complicated by the varying levels of public support, which often depend on how the issue is framed. A recent informal poll conducted by Knoxville television station WBIR found that 89% of respondents opposed vouchers, highlighting the divisiveness of the issue. Despite this, Massey maintained that her decision to support the bill was based on thorough research and constituent feedback.
Immigration and the Politics of Fentanyl
The discussion at the forum also turned to a recently passed immigration bill promoted by Gov. Bill Lee. Massey’s comments on the topic raised eyebrows, particularly when she mentioned "the original people registered at Ellis Island," seemingly ignoring the diverse and often involuntary pathways through which many people, including enslaved Africans and other marginalized groups, arrived in the United States. McKenzie, who is Black, refrained from interrupting to point out the historical inaccuracy of her statement. Massey went on to link immigration to the issue of fentanyl overdoses in Tennessee, implying that migrants from Mexico and Latin America were responsible for bringing the drug into the state. This assertion was later corrected during the question-and-answer session, as the majority of fentanyl seizures occur at ports of entry and are often tied to the actions of U.S. citizens rather than migrants.
A Mixed Assessment of Massey’s Engagement
While Massey’s performance at the forum was criticized for her evasive responses and questionable statements, it is worth noting that she and the other four legislators in attendance deserve some credit for showing up. Several of their Republican colleagues, including House Republicans Michele Carringer, Elaine Davis, Justin Lafferty, and Jason Zachary, as well as Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, declined to participate in the forum. Massey also demonstrated a willingness to engage with constituents by promptly responding to an email seeking clarification on a point raised during the forum. In her response, she reiterated her commitment to evaluating each piece of legislation on its own merits and explained that her decision to support the voucher bill was based on extensive research and constituent input.
The Political Implications of Massey’s Voucher Vote
Despite her efforts to justify her vote, the decision to support the voucher bill has drawn criticism, particularly given her opposition to a similar proposal in 2019. As the consequences of the voucher program become more apparent, Massey will likely face increasing scrutiny for her change in stance. Her political background, which includes ties to her brother and father, who collectively represented Knox County in Congress for 54 years, suggests that she is adept at navigating the complexities of politics. However, as the data on the voucher program’s impact begins to emerge, Massey will need to provide more substantive explanations for her decision-making process. Relying on procedural arguments and vague references to constituent engagement will no longer suffice.
In conclusion, Sen. Becky Massey’s performance at the legislative forum highlighted both her political savvy and the challenges she faces in addressing controversial issues. While her engagement with constituents and willingness to participate in public forums are commendable, her handling of the voucher bill and immigration discussions underscore the need for clearer and more transparent communication. As the debate over vouchers and their impact on Tennessee’s schools continues to unfold, Massey and other legislators will be held accountable for the consequences of their decisions.
