(AP/tn.gov)
During his third annual State of the State address on Monday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee unveiled his $41.8 billion budget which includes $931 million for Capital Maintenance and Improvements. The Associated Press reports this is the largest capital spending budget in state history.
Governor Lee is also proposing $120 million for Teacher Pay Raises, $200 million for Broadband Expansion, $200 million Local Infrastructure Grants, $150 million for COVID Relief & Support, $71 million BEP Funding, $50 million Rainy Day Fund, $30 million for State Parks, $21 million for Rural Opportunity Site Grants, and $8 million for Tourism.
Governor Lee wants $6.5 million dollars to extend postpartum coverage to all women receiving TennCare benefits from 60 days to 12 months to increase access to care for new moms.
The governor said the state is also making a $2 million dollar investment into the Health Care Safety Net so that those without health insurance have a place to go when they need it.
Governor Lee’s budget proposal needs ultimate approval from the Republican-dominant General Assembly.