Governor Lee’s major piece of legislation for this year was rolled out this week. Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) is the new blueprint on the state’s funding of K-12 education.
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Governor Lee’s major piece of legislation for this year was rolled out this week. Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) is the new blueprint on the state’s funding of K-12 education. The proposal prioritizes the individual needs of students rather than relying on ratios and district averages. It also helps address students with disabilities, students in rural and urban areas, and low-income families.
Currently set to start with the ‘23-’24 school year, the TISA would invest an estimated $9 billion in education. It includes $1 billion in new recurring dollars and $750 million in one-time funds this year. State and local governments will split the costs of the base and weights of the formula. The state will pay 70% and locals will pay 30%.
How $9 billion breaks down in the budget:
According to the legislation, no districts will receive less funding than they would have under the BEP. All of our school systems should receive an increase in funding and be able to move our students closer to the top in education in the U.S. The TISA also addresses teacher pay raises. When the General Assembly allocates money for teacher raises, those dollars will be added to the base funding and will be restricted for existing educators.
We will have several weeks of committee discussions on this proposal and hopefully can pass a bill that really helps us all. For more about the TISA, visit: www. FundingforStudentSuccess. org
We are also in the process of passing HB 2019 to establish the University of Tennessee Southern in Pulaski. The college is a four-year liberal arts university originally formed as Martin Methodist College in 1870. The boards of both schools approved the merger last year. The Pulaski campus becomes the fifth site under the University of Tennessee System. The original college was named after Thomas Martin who provided $30,000 in his will for the establishment of a school for girls in Giles County.
The House recently passed legislation further protecting Tennesseans’ First Amendment right to hold religious services during a state of emergency, major disaster or natural disaster. HB 1694 prohibits the state, a government entity, or a public official from restricting worship services or activities during a state of emergency such as a pandemic or natural disaster. The First Amendment guarantees the right of all citizens to freely practice their religion and to peacefully assemble at their chosen house of worship and this bill ensures the government will not infringe on those rights.
On Tuesday, Kevin Posey from Fayetteville, stopped by representing the automatic merchandising industry. They had a couple of bills that they thought might hurt their industry and asked that I help them in the committee system. I was also able to meet with Pastor Loyd Warren. He stopped by with about 25 students from Victory Baptist Academy. They all somehow fit in my small office and we talked about the process of legislation — from how we get it started to what happens until it gets to the governor to sign the bill into law. They are a wonderful bunch of eager learners and I am really glad they came up for a visit.
We had Tennessee State Troopers Day on the Hill on Wednesday and the halls were full of troopers coming around talking to all of us about their jobs and many interesting facts. They are in the process of hiring an additional 100 troopers and we are working on legislation to make their retirement package better. Did you know that commissioned troopers are forced to retire at age 60 as a road trooper or 62 if the trooper only works in administrative capacity?
Also on Wednesday, Cindy Solis of Shelbyville was here shadowing the Tennessee Bankers Association’s lobbyists and learning how the legislative process works. She’s enrolled at UT Martin and I think she has a bright future ahead of her.
I found out this week while listening to the Department of Health’s budget presentation by Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey that our state has approved spending up to $450,000 to upgrade and renew all of our county health departments. This will really help them to continue to provide great services to our citizens.
On Thursday morning at 7 a.m., we were treated to a fine breakfast meeting with the FFA students from around the state. I got to sit and eat with the FFA chapter from Cascade High School. I also got to meet Nic Bradley from the Lincoln County Chapter. Nic is currently this year’s state secretary. I learned Tennessee has 220 FFA chapters with over 28,000 students participating. Tennessee has the fourth largest program in the U.S. The FFA is continuing to teach valuable life skills to all the young folks and I’m sure many of them will be our state’s and counties’ future leaders.
As you can see, I enjoy getting to meet with people from the district when they are in Nashville. You are welcome to visit me in Suite 610 of the Cordell Hull Building or give me a call at 615-741-6824 or email at rep.pat.marsh@ capitol.tn.gov if you ever need assistance. I’m honored to serve as your state representative and want to continue to do my best to serve you well.
