State Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, R-Signal Mountain, last week signed the 2024-25 budget bill as chair of the House Finance Ways and Means Committee for the 113th Tennessee General Assembly.
In her role as chair, Rep. Hazlewood will guide passage of a balanced state budget that builds on strategic investments and priorities. Tennessee continues to be among the most fiscally stable states in the nation with zero debt and one of the lowest tax burdens on individuals, said officials.
“I am proud of Tennessee’s long history of conservative, fiscally responsible budgeting,” Rep. Hazlewood said. “These sound policies have allowed us to continue making strategic investments in key areas throughout our state. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to ensure Tennessee and its economy remain prosperous in the years ahead.”
Governor Bill Lee on Feb. 5 presented his $52.6 billion budget proposal to members of the General Assembly during his sixth State of the State address.
Key highlights of Governor Lee’s budget include more than $261 million in new funding for K-12 public schools and teacher pay raises along with beginning to provide school choice for families statewide. Other initiatives include a $410 million franchise tax cut to support the state’s economy, more than $200 million to expand state parks and natural areas, and other major investments in areas like public safety and rural health care.
Rep. Hazlewood, along with other Republican leaders of the General Assembly, will review Governor Lee’s budget proposal and make their own recommendations in the coming weeks.