Nearly three-quarters of the about 3,700 students participating in Tennessee's original voucher program did not previously attend public school, according to a new state study. And of the ones that did, most did not go to the worst performing ones before making the switch.

A Tennessean review finds most vouchers go to religious schools in wealthy, populous counties, with tuition far exceeding the state subsidy.

Officials admit the state skipped basic reporting questions, leaving no way to know if public funds support new students or subsidize existing private schoolers.

Records show high-income areas claimed far more vouchers than high-poverty regions, revealing a system that directs taxpayer money away from rural and struggling communities.

Lawmakers warn the governor is expanding a costly program without outcome data, transparency, or evidence it helps Tennessee students.