Tennessee legislative staff questions budget cutting teacher increases, keeps governor's

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Legislative staff which has analyzed Tennessee Governor Bill Lee's budget recommendations is calling out the state's revised budget for keeping the salary increases of some officials while cutting teacher increases.

According to Governor Bill Lee's new budget overview, the revised budget gives the governor a $4,600 raise which reflects a 2% increase. Others, such as the Attorney General, judges, district attorneys, and more will also receive raises which are mandated by statute.

However, the legislative staff notes the 2% salary increase for K-12 teachers, higher education employees, and state workers is eliminated in the new budget.

The Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration released a statement on the budget, the agency's Commissioner Butch Eley stating they are "planning for the worst and hoping for the best." “We will balance our budget each year while providing important services to our citizens,” Eley said. “We’re adjusting to the immediate impact of the pandemic on state revenues of up to $1.5 billion through the end of the next fiscal year, planning for the worst and hoping for the best."

The agency outlined the budget, which it states provides full funding for the Basic Education Program, contributions to the state employee pension fund, payments for employee health insurance and debt service requirements.

FOX 17 News reached out to Gov. Lee's office on the salary increase which provided the following statement:

“The FY21 budget proposal removes all non-statutorily required salary increases. The governor’s and other salaries cited are tied under statue to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The governor plans to donate the $4,600 he would receive under the statutorily-required increase.”