The Action Picks Up
Legislators returned to Nashville this week and session reconvened. A special joint session occurred Monday night in which Governor Haslam gave his seventh State of the State address where he laid out his budget proposal for fiscal year 2017-2018.
Highlights of his proposal include:
- New recurring revenue of $957 million, nearly double that of previous years
- $180 million for funding the Basic Education Plan (BEP), raises for teachers and educational services to English Language Learners (ELL)
- $130 million for non-discretionary increases to the TennCare program largely associated with increasing prescription costs
- Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES to add an additional 700 recipients to the program
- Increase the gas tax 7 cents to address needed transportation improvements across the state
- Increases to broadband internet services across the state through grants and tax credits
- Free public community college for adults as an expansion of the Tennessee Promise
To watch a recorded video of his address or to read budget documents you can visit: https://www.tn.gov/governor/topic/state-of-the-state.
Now that the Governor has presented his proposed budget the legislative process begins. Budget documentation is referred to the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee of the Tennessee General Assembly where members will review and discuss. Ultimately, the Senate and House of Representatives must pass the same version for the budget to be approved for the upcoming fiscal year.
Disability Day on the Hill
We hope to see Policy Watchers at Disability Day on the Hill next Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Legislative Plaza.
This is an annual one-day event where self-advocates, families and disability professionals gather at Legislative Plaza to help our state legislators understand the impact of disability on the lives of Tennesseans. Events include an exhibit hall to connect with disability agencies and a Welcome Session featuring self-advocates, parents and representatives of State agencies sharing their celebration of successes and briefing on critical issues. Attendees schedule meetings with their legislators throughout the day. This is a great opportunity to become involved in public policy among disability advocates. More information from the Tennessee Disability Coalition HERE.
Happy Watching!
Kelsey Loschke
Community Engagement Coordinator
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