Tennessee House Criminal Justice Chairman Eric Watson presided over budget hearings Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Nashville. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, District Public Defenders Conference and the Office of Post-Conviction Defender appeared before the House committee to discuss their respective budgets.
Rep. Watson said the presentations are intended to give members of the Tennessee insight in the effectiveness of recent legislation and the needs of the agencies. Leaders from the departments were also asked specific questions about the various programs that are funded with public money.
“Financial oversight is an important part of our job as legislators. We have dedicated public employees but it’s important to closely watch taxpayer’s dollars in these tough budget times,” Rep. Watson said.
The House Criminal Justice Committee will continue its financial oversight responsibilities next week when the District Attorney General Conference appears before the committee. The budget hearing are intended to allow State House Members gain a better understanding of the most effective way to spend tax dollars. Eric Watson is in his fourth year of serving as a Committee Chairman.
Rep. Watson said he believes the entire state budget will be voted upon in April.