(NASHVILLE) — State Representative Barry Doss (R-Leoma) today introduced legislation designed to increase state funding for cities in House District 70.
House Bill 1903 — supported by more than three dozen House members — refines the state’s funding formula for collected revenues in order to increase funding for vital projects in cities like Ardmore, Elkton, Lawrenceburg, Loretto, and Pulaski by requiring that 5 percent of certain state funding be distributed equally to all of Tennessee’s local municipalities. Under the current formula, monies are distributed to Tennessee’s cities and towns based upon population.
This unfairly penalizes our smaller cities who deserve a seat at the table just like their larger counterparts. In recent years, rural communities across Tennessee have seen a combined decrease of more than $100 million in funding.
Chairman Doss remains committed to fighting for these cities and towns in order to guarantee that they are not ignored at the state level.
“Over the past two decades, we have seen our rural communities lose access to critical resources they need in order to thrive under our current funding formula,” said Chairman Doss. “It is an honor to fight for our residents, as well as rural Tennessee cities and towns across all regions in order to ensure they have the tools needed to prosper.”
For more information about House Bill 1903, please click here.
Barry Doss serves as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee. He lives in Leoma and represents House District 70, which includes all of Giles and the majority of Lawrence Counties. He can be reached by email at Rep.Barry.Doss@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-7476.
