Lee Commends Legislators for Passing His Policy Agenda

Lawmakers backed Lee's $56 billion budget and approved key policy goals

Gov. Bill Lee is celebrating the passage of his 2023 legislative agenda, including a $56.2 billion state budget. Lee put forward his key policy initiatives early this year and as the legislature's session concluded, saw passage of each of them - from roads and infrastructure improvement to education.

“To prepare Tennessee for continued growth and prosperity, we’ve made strategic investments to cut taxes, strengthen our workforce, ensure educational opportunity and modernize transportation infrastructure across our state,” said Lee. “I commend the General Assembly for its partnership to pass conservative measures and maintain Tennessee’s reputation for strong fiscal stewardship.”

The top priority on Lee's agenda this year was the Transportation Modernization Act - a $3.3 billion investment in Tennessee roads. The plan includes a public-private partnership where private developers will build or enhance existing highways in exchange for the right to charge a fee to use "choice lanes." These optional pay lanes will both ease congestion and finance road improvement. This model ensures the state will not incur new debt or need to raise taxes to cover highway construction and maintenance costs.

Lee's agenda also included a 3-month holiday during which there will be no sales taxes on groceries. The cost of this plan is projected to be $273 million. The state will use some of this year's $2 billion surplus to cover the cost.

Tennessee has one of the highest grocery taxes in the country and many states have no tax on groceries.

The legislature also improved $125 million to provide raises for Tennessee teachers and invested $350 million into the state's new school funding formula.

Photo byBrandon JeanonUnsplash