NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough, State Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, and State Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City, secured $3,494,150 to support East Tennessee State University and two local organizations.
East Tennessee State University will receive $3.2 million recurring to support the operations and inflationary expenses for Gatton College of Pharmacy. Families Free, Inc. was awarded$250,000 to provide regional recovery court programs and services. Good Samaritan Ministries will receive $44,150 for the replacement of outdated medical equipment for free eye exams.
“These investments will make a meaningful difference for families in Northeast Tennessee,” Reps. Alexander and Hicks said in a joint statement. “From supporting ETSU to strengthening recovery programs and expanding access to care, this funding helps meet important needs in our communities. We’re grateful to Finance Chairman Gary Hicks for his partnership in these efforts and our colleagues in the General Assembly for their support.”
The appropriated funds are part of a $58.3 billion balanced budget passed by the General Assembly on April 15.
“Securing these funds for East Tennessee is about investing in the health, education, and well-being of our communities,” said Crowe. “From supporting the Gatton College of Pharmacy at ETSU to expanding recovery services and improving access to care for those in need, this funding will have a direct and lasting impact on families across our region. This budget reflects our continued commitment to fiscal responsibility while making targeted investments where they matter most.”
The General Assembly also created a $42 million nonrecurring grant pool to support critical emergency and community services. Demand for these grants consistently exceeds available funding, with allocations including $20 million for volunteer fire departments and $5 million each for emergency medical services, rescue squads and senior centers. Applications will open in the coming months with funds distributed over the next year.
This year’s budget reflects Republicans’ continued commitment to fiscal responsibility while keeping taxes low and prioritizing the needs of Tennesseans by strengthening public schools, streamlining transportation projects, improving public health and safety, and making the Volunteer State a beacon for families.
Rebecca Alexander represents District 7 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes part of Washington County.
Tim Hicks represents District 6 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes part of Washington County.
Rusty Crowe represents District 3 in the Tennessee Senate which includes Carter, Johnson and Washington counties.
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