NASHVILLE — Tennessee would see an estimated $3.8 billion in 2009 and 2010 under a proposed federal fiscal stimulus package headed to the U.S. House floor Wednesday for a vote, according to an analysis.
The Federal Funds Information for States, a project of the National Governors Association and National Conference of State Legislatures, estimates Tennessee would see $613.2 million in highway construction funds as well as about $701 million in new federal funding for Medicaid over the two-year period.
The funding for Medicaid, known as TennCare in Tennessee, would amount to $338.1 million in 2009 and $363.4 million in 2010, according to the analysis.
The stimulus package also includes an estimated $244.2 million for K-12 construction aimed at rehabilitating school infrastructure. Other elements include $88.2 million for drinking water improvements, $120.8 million for weatherization programs and $64.78 million for state energy programs, according to the analysis.
Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen and state lawmakers are hoping the total $825 billion stimulus package will help Tennessee, which along with other states is struggling in the midst of the worst recession in years.
Gov. Bredesen has said the budget he presents Feb. 9 will not count on the stimulus money because it is unclear just when Congress will take final action on President Barack Obama’s proposal, which also could undergo substantial change in the coming days and weeks.
The governor has said the state needs to slash $900 million in spending for the new 2009-2010 budget. The budget will provide for two phases of cuts — a 9 percent cut and an additional 6 percent cut if the stimulus package does not pass.
For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.
Andy Sher is a Nashville-based staff writer covering Tennessee state government and politics for the Times Free Press. A Washington correspondent from 1999-2005 for the Times Free Press, Andy previously headed up state Capitol coverage for The Chattanooga Times, worked as a state Capitol reporter for The Nashville Banner and was a contributor to The Tennessee Journal, among other publications. Andy worked for 17 years at The Chattanooga Times covering police, health care, county government, ...
I understand the 244.2 million for K-12 school infrastucture but with all the postions being cut it seems like puting the money to keeping teachers might be a better choice for the money.
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