Governor Bill Lee presents budget, funding for District 12

By State Senator Ken Yager

February 14, 2025

NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- The second week of the 114th General Assembly began with Governor Lee’s annual State of the State speech.  The Governor is proposing a $59.9 billion dollar budget, which is slightly less than last year.  The budget makes record appropriations for things that matter to Tennesseans, like K-12 and Higher Education.  He also is recommending several strategic investments that will secure a prosperous future for Tennessee.   I plan to devote a separate column to Gov. Lee’s economic proposals. 

I am particularly pleased that he is recommending over $90 million for nuclear energy projects in Tennessee.   Most of the recommended funding will find its way into the 12th Senatorial District, particularly Oak Ridge, which is the home of the National Laboratory.  Tennessee is becoming a home to many nuclear energy industries.  Having served as a member of the Governor’s Nuclear Energy Council, I am pleased many of its recommendations are being implemented.

The Governor’s budget proposal will be reviewed by the nine standing committees of the Senate with the final recommendation coming from the Finance Committee of which I am a member.  The final budget vote should occur in late April or early May.

Working with the Governor, the General Assembly has maintained a conservative fiscal posture which is one reason we have a Triple A credit rating, no debt, low taxes, and a sound pension system for our teachers and state employees.    In fact, the Tennessee Constitution requires the legislature to pass a balanced budget.  We have and will continue to honor this requirement. 

The Senate standing committees are up and running.  Since the bill filing deadline has passed, we will see the committee calendars increase as bills are referred to their respective committees.  I have filed 27 bills and expect to present some of the Governor’s bills, too. You can read all my bills on our website.

No bill may be considered by the full Senate until it has been vetted by the appropriate committee. Most committees are expected to close in early April, with Finance being the last committee to close.   All of our committees are open to the public.  I invite you to attend.

I am finishing on a somber note.  An F-2 tornado ripped through Morgan County on February 6th, destroying many homes and barns.   Tragically two people were killed and many injured.   Let us keep these folks and their families in our prayers.

I look forward to getting back to work for the 12th District next week. Feel free to reach out to my office at 615-741-1449 or sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-02/18/2025-6AM)

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