Final work is now underway on the 2025-2026 budget of around $58 billion. Last week, the House and Senate Budget Committees received the Governor’s proposed amendments, and we are currently reviewing them and making adjustments to ensure we produce a strong and balanced budget. There are a lot of great items proposed in the budget such as:
● A $250 million increase in K-12 Education
● A $425 million increase for the Department of Transportation to help build and repair roads
● $146 million for all State Parks
● Funding for 50 additional State Troopers
● This year's budget is approximately 5% smaller than last year’s budget.
This past week, we welcomed the 3rd grade class from Thomas Magnet School for a visit to the Capitol and the Cordell Hull Building. The students enjoyed a Capitol tour and later had lunch from Chick-fil-A in the Comptroller’s Volunteer Conference Room. Jason Boyette organized the visit and brought approximately 60 students along with 25 parents and teachers. I love having these schools come up for a visit!
There are a lot of big projects going on in District 62. The TCAT in Shelbyville is now open and looks fantastic from Highway 231 North. President Jimmy Wright shared that a contract has been signed to enhance the grassy area around the pond, which will further beautify the campus’s appearance.
Across the road, there is a lot of work happening on the MTSU Aviation Academy campus. This project will bring approximately 40 aircraft to the airport and will eventually include classrooms, hangars, a maintenance facility, and dorm rooms.
In Shelbyville, there is a lot happening on the new Tennessee Downs project. Plans include a 200-acre auto club campus featuring a driving track, residential homes and condos, a car builder facility, and a clubhouse. This proposed $350 million investment is expected to create thousands of construction jobs, approximately 170 permanent positions, and attract visitors year-round.
I also had the pleasure of hosting two pages during House Floor Sessions this past week. On Monday, Noah Fletcher from Cascade High School served as a page and observed the legislative process, while his father, Chad Fletcher, watched from the gallery.
On Thursday, Nico Higgs from Shelbyville joined me as a page. Nico was accompanied by his parents and his grandparents. Nico earned this opportunity by winning the Secretary of State’s Civics Essay Contest for 2nd grade. Notably, he placed second in the same contest last year as a 1st grader, so he is already becoming quite familiar with the Capitol!
I’m honored to serve as your state representative! Please call or email me if I can ever help. 615-741-6824, rep.pat.marsh@capitol.tn.gov. You are also welcome to come to the Capitol and stop by my office at 610 in the Cordell Hull building.
