A rundown of the proposed budget for tennessee
Nonprofits shouldn't miss the state's proposed budget unveiling. Why? It's a roadmap to their future. Funding streams can dry up or new opportunities bloom depending on where the money flows. It's policy in action, revealing priorities that might impact their work. Budgets whisper hidden grant possibilities, waiting to be discovered. Cuts elsewhere could even spark collaborations, filling service gaps together. By understanding the budget, nonprofits gain the power to adapt, advocate, and secure resources, ultimately fortifying their mission's impact on the community. It's about being informed, not ignored.
Governor Bill Lee's 2024 Tennessee budget proposal outlines strategic investments in education, healthcare, public safety, and the environment. A key highlight is $20 million allocated to the Rainy Day Fund, bringing the state's reserves to an all-time high of $2 billion. Watch the Governor’s 2024 State of the State here. Read the text of the speech here.
On the education front, the proposal includes $261 million to strengthen education through the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula growth, and $30 million for summer learning programs. $3.2 million is dedicated to AP Access for All, and $2.5 million to improve students' reading and phonics skills. $15 million is allocated to fund charter school facility improvements, and $141.5 million to establish Education Freedom Scholarships.
For healthcare, the proposal includes $208 million over five years from TennCare shared savings to strengthen rural health, and $100 million over five years to strengthen mental health care. $26.7 million is invested in services for Tennesseans with disabilities.
Regarding public safety, the proposal includes $17 million to fund 60 additional State Troopers, and $8 million to expand the school-based behavioral health liaison program. $750,000 is allocated to fund Houses of Worship Security Grants.
The environment receives a boost with $63 million to create four new state parks, $20 million to expand blueway trail access, and $20 million to improve water quality. $25 million is established for the Farmland Conservation Fund, and $5 million to protect scenic beauty along major highways. $3 million is allocated for Access 2030 to make Tennessee State Parks accessible to Tennesseans with disabilities.
These are just some of the highlights of Governor Bill Lee's 2024 Tennessee budget proposal. The full proposal can be found on the state's website here.