(NASHVILLE) — House Republicans — including State Representative Sabi Kumar, MD (R-Springfield) — have passed a fiscally conservative $37 billion balanced budget that cuts taxes, puts $132 million in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, fully funds Tennessee’s educational system, and focuses in on job recruitment and infrastructure investments.
For a second year in a row, and the second year in Tennessee recorded history, the proposed state budget does not take on any new debt. The 2017-2018 Fiscal Year Budget includes funding for several important initiatives in House District 66; highlights include:
- $591,428 from the distribution of State and Highway funds for Robertson County road projects.
- Funding for increased salary and benefits for the hardworking teachers of Robertson County and Springfield.
- $9.5 million combined to expand substance abuse and crisis intervention treatment services and support across the state.
- $900,000 in capital improvements for the Springfield Readiness Center.
- Funding for increased salary and benefits for state employees in Robertson County and Springfield.
- $2 million for prevention, education, treatment, and recovery services with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
The 2017-2018 Fiscal Year Budget also includes $8 million in salary increases for Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) employees. In a year of record surplus, Representative Kumar remains committed to finding creative solutions to return more hard-earned money to Robertson County taxpayers.
“This budget takes into consideration the needs of the hardworking families in District 66, and I am pleased that it reflects their values and priorities,” said Representative Kumar. “Throughout the 110th General Assembly, I have listened to their concerns and fought to address the needs of my constituents. I look forward to continuing the progress we have made in 2017 as a Republican supermajority when we reconvene next January.”
Representative Kumar has been at the forefront of the fight against the opioid epidemic in Tennessee during the first half of the 110th General Assembly. He sponsored and helped pass legislation designed to educate physicians and prescribers about the dangers of overprescribing opioids to patients. Kumar has also worked to improve the overall safety of Tennesseans, carrying legislation that develops guidelines for best practices for Tennessee motorists and law enforcement members during traffic stops.
Sabi Kumar, MD serves as a member of the House Education Instruction and Programs Committee, as well as the House Health Committee & Subcommittee. He lives in Springfield and represents House District 66, which includes Robertson County. Kumar can be contacted by email at: Rep.Sabi.Kumar@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-2860.
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