Black Announces State Appropriations
Robertson County to receive an estimated $88.5 million

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sen. Diane Black (R-Gallatin) is proud to announce that during the fiscal year 2007-08 Robertson County will benefit from approximately $88.5 million in state appropriations, in addition to a portion of the $9.5 billion from federal funds included in Tennessee’s $27.8 billion budget.

“I think Robertson County did very well in this budget considering the available resources. The figures represent the best estimates at this time and will materialize if state revenues are collected as estimated,” said Black.

Specific Robertson County appropriations include $43.8 million for the local school system, $7.8 million in state shared tax collections, $24.8 million for health and social services, $6.2 million for justice and public safety, $2.6 million
for recreation and resource development and $1.4 million for state highway projects.

“An important issue for the legislature this past year was the overhaul of the state’s K-12 education funding formula known as the Basic Education Program (BEP),” commented Black. “The BEP was redesigned to better address funding
for at-risk students, enrollment growth, English language learners (ELL), teacher salaries and state contribution levels.”

“The plan will also revamp the way Tennessee allocates money to local school systems by replacing by replacing the current formula with a new calculation that is simple, fair and transparent,” continued Black. “This year Robertson
County’s share of the BEP is estimated to be $42.3 million.”

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