SUMMARY: A class-action lawsuit accuses Tennessee’s Department of Human Services (DHS) of mishandling Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, violating federal laws. Plaintiffs, facing drastic challenges such as homelessness and malnutrition, claim they were denied benefits despite qualifying, resulting in financial instability. The lawsuit highlights chronic delays in processing applications and appeals, miscalculations of income, and failures in scheduling required interviews. DHS reportedly has thousands of overdue applications and appeals, often taking months to resolve. Plaintiffs seek court-ordered reforms to improve the system, including better communication and timeliness in benefit processing.

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SUMMARY: House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons criticized an upcoming special session in Tennessee focusing on school choice and disaster relief, calling it an “affront to Tennessee families.” Governor Bill Lee’s three-day session includes a $450 million disaster relief package and educational reforms. Clemmons accused Lee of using the disaster relief as leverage for advancing a school voucher program, stating he could have acted sooner. Democrats likened the session to “hostage taking,” arguing that it unfairly forces a choice between aiding disaster victims and undermining public education. Despite opposition, a poll shows 67% of Tennesseans support school choice.

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SUMMARY: Gov. Bill Lee announced a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly starting on Jan. 27 to discuss school vouchers, disaster relief, and other issues. The session will focus on passing the “Education Freedom Act,” expanding school vouchers statewide, and providing additional disaster relief for Hurricane Helene victims. It will also address illegal immigration and public safety measures. Democrats criticized Lee for linking voucher expansion to urgent storm recovery, calling it a political move. They argued that the focus should be on aiding communities affected by the hurricane, rather than advancing controversial policies.

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