Bedford County receives $67.8 million in state appropriated expenditures says Sen. Tracy

NASHVILLE—Local State Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) announced that during the current 2009-2010 fiscal year approximately $67.8 million in state appropriated expenditures will find its way into Bedford County through various state agencies and programs.  Bedford County will also receive a portion of the $12.1 billion in federal funds that are included in Tennessee's $29.4 billion budget as adopted by the 106th General Assembly.
            The lawmaker listed budget appropriations for Bedford County in the following general categories:  

• $5.1 million in State-Shared Tax Collections;

• $33.5 million for Education (kindergarten through 12th grade);

• $17.1 million for Health and Social Services;

• $ 3.7 million for Law, Safety and Correction;

• $1.1 million for Recreation and Resources Development;

• $2.7 million for Economic Development and Higher Education; and

• $4.39 million for State Highway projects. 

 “This budget was developed as we were encountering an unprecedented downturn in the economy,” said Sen. Tracy.  “As a result, this budget, as well as the upcoming budget will be reflective of a shrinking government as we work to balance a budget that has lost over $1.2 in state tax revenue.”

Tracy pointed out that it is important to note that this budget was balanced by:

1. Making over $750 million in reductions

2. Using a significant amount of one-time funding

3. NOT raising taxes

4. NOT taking money away from the Highway Fund

5. NOT taking State-shared taxes away from local governments

"As we struggle to maintain a balanced budget in the upcoming fiscal year, we will continue to work to maintain many vital state funded programs and services now present in Bedford County,” Tracy concluded.

###