Census Bureau estimates show Tennessee lagged the U.S. on income, poverty, education, and health insurance coverage in 2020.
Continue readingHow Tennessee Judges Look at Defendants’ Ability to Pay Fees and Fines
There is little consistency to how Tennessee’s criminal courts weigh your ability to pay fees, fines, and other legal financial obligations.
Continue reading6 Facts About State and Local Education Funding in Tennessee
How do Tennessee’s state and local governments split the cost of K-12 education? It depends on the school district.
Continue readingMental Health, Substance Abuse, and COVID-19 in Tennessee
The pandemic exacerbated behavioral health needs while limiting access to care at at time when many metrics were already headed in the wrong direction.
Continue readingTennessee May Have an Extra $3 Billion to Budget Next Year
Even after the Ford deal, Gov. Lee and Tennessee lawmakers may still have at least $3 billion in unallocated funds to appropriate next year.
Continue readingA Short History of K-12 Education Funding in Tennessee
K-12 education is the largest state revenue expense in Tennessee’s budget. Here’s how funding has changed since the current formula took effect in 1992.
Continue readingTennessee Tax Revenue Tracker for FY 2021
Tennessee collected 21% more tax revenue in FY 2021 than lawmakers initially budgeted, giving the state a $2.1 billion unbudgeted surplus.
Continue readingHow Criminal Fees and Fines Fund State and County Government in Tennessee
Tennessee’s criminal justice system collects over $200 million in fees & fines each year, yet they play a small and shrinking role in the state and most county budgets.
Continue readingHow Medical Debt Affects Health
Research shows medical debt can affect health outcomes, exacerbate already poor outcomes, and worsen existing health disparities.
Continue readingSummary of Gov. Lee’s FY 2022 Amended Budget
The governor amended his FY 2022 budget proposal with $73 million in net new spending and $325 million in off-budget allocations.
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