Finance, Ways, and Means Committee [Source] Translate

The Finance Ways and Means Committee held budget hearings with 22 members present. The State Board of Education, led by Executive Director Sarah Morrison, presented their budget, which includes payroll and benefits of $2,906,500 and an operational budget of $569,800, reflecting a reduction of $34,300 from the previous year. The board reported a significant increase in educator misconduct cases, rising from 407 in 2020 to over 1,000 in 2025, and discussed the challenges of managing these cases with limited resources. The committee inquired about accountability measures for low-performing schools and the board's capacity to enforce corrective actions. Concerns were raised about the high caseloads for attorneys handling misconduct cases, suggesting that additional staffing could enhance efficiency. The board also addressed the K-12 education standards review process, emphasizing the need for funding to support this initiative amid budget constraints. The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission presented its budget request, highlighting the need for funding to support new and expanding schools. They discussed the distribution of a $20 million charter school facilities grant and acknowledged the challenges in securing financing for facilities. Representative Love raised concerns about the saturation of charter schools in urban areas and the importance of considering community demand in evaluations. Commissioner Mark Ezell from the Department of Tourist Development discussed the economic impact of tourism, requesting $21 million for marketing and grants. He highlighted the need for modernization of welcome centers and addressed security concerns. The meeting also covered the growth of Tennessee's airports and the marketing of new direct flights. The District Attorneys' Conference reported managing 717,800 cases statewide, with a focus on staffing needs and the integration of technology to improve efficiency. The need for additional assistant DAs was emphasized, particularly in growing areas. The public defenders' office highlighted the challenges of high caseloads and the need for more lawyers. The Department of Military presented its budget, including a request for $80 million for infrastructure needs and $100 million for disaster recovery efforts. Discussions included the importance of the Seward Air Force Base and coordination with faith-based institutions for disaster relief. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts discussed its budget request for FY27, focusing on the need for a unified court technology solution. The meeting concluded with discussions on affordable housing, including a proposed $30 million revolving loan fund for starter homes, with concerns about regulatory challenges and potential exploitation of the program. Overall, the meeting addressed various budgetary needs and operational challenges across education, tourism, public safety, and housing, emphasizing the importance of adequate funding and resources to support these sectors.