NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Gary Hicks, R-Rogersville, this week signed the 2025-26 budget bill as chair of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee for the 114th Tennessee General Assembly. In his role as chair, Hicks will guide the passage of a balanced state budget that builds on strategic investments and priorities. Tennessee continues […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Gary Hicks, R-Rogersville, this week signed the 2025-26 budget bill as chair of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee for the 114th Tennessee General Assembly.
In his role as chair, Hicks will guide the 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 one of the lowest tax burdens per capita.
“Tennessee’s continued population growth is the result of Americans recognizing good governance and prosperity,” Hicks said. “One of the most important drivers of the Volunteer State’s success is our dedication to fiscal responsibility and conservatism. I look forward to building on our state’s financial strength this year while making key investments in areas that will help all Tennesseans thrive.”
Gov. Bill Lee on Feb. 10 presented his $59.5 billion budget proposals to members of the General Assembly in his seventh State of the State address at the state Capitol in Nashville.
Key highlights of Lee’s budget include a $1 billion investment to build and maintain roads and bridges across Tennessee to help cope with population growth. Among other initiatives, Lee announced significant investments in public education, legislative priorities to strengthen Tennessee’s skilled workforce and increasing access to child care for working families.
Hicks, along with other Republican leaders of the General Assembly, will review Lee’s budget proposal and make their own budget recommendations in the coming weeks.
Hicks is serving his first term as chairman of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee. He previously served three terms as chairman of the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee, where he helped guide passage of several multi-billion-dollar state budgets that strengthened Tennessee’s economy.
Tennessee Republicans remain committed to keeping taxes low. Tennessee holds the highest bond rating issued by all three of the nation’s credit rating agencies, which reflects extreme confidence in the Volunteer State’s preparedness in meeting financial commitments in tough economic times.
State Rep. Gary Hicks represents House District 9, which includes Hancock and part of Claiborne and Hawkins counties.