Crowe Announces State Appropriations
Washington County to receive an estimated $232 million

Nashville, Tenn.  – Sen. Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) is proud to announce that during the fiscal year 2007-08 Washington County will benefit from approximately $232 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 Washington County fared 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 Crowe.

The Washington County School System will receive an estimated $29.8 million. Other educational appropriations specific to Washington County include $23.3 million for the Johnson City School System, $61.1 million for East Tennessee State University, and $27.1 million for the East Tennessee State University College of Medicine.

“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 Crowe. “The BEP was redesigned to better address funding for at-risk students, enrollment growth, teacher salaries and state contribution levels.”

“The plan will also revamp the way Tennessee allocates money to local school systems by replacing the current formula with a new calculation that is simple, fair and transparent,” continued Crowe.  “This year Washington County schools will receive an estimated $28.9 million and Johnson City schools an estimated $22.2 million from the BEP.”

Other Washington County appropriations include $12.1 million in state shared tax collections, $54 million for health and social services, $8.5 million for justice and public safety, $3.4 million for recreation and resource development and $1.6 million for state highway projects.

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