House Committee Advances Diversity Proposal
HB 2248, sponsored by Rep. Micah VanHuss (R-Jonesborough) and targeting the University of Tennessee- Knoxville’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, was passed out of the House Education Administration and Planning Committee on Tuesday. As amended, the bill would prohibit the University of Tennessee from using state funds to promote the use of gender neutral pronouns, … Continued
Governor’s Budget Contains Significant Higher Education Investments
Governor Bill Haslam delivered his sixth State of the State Address tonight before a joint session of the 109th General Assembly, where he outlined his policy and budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2016-2017. The Governor’s $34.8 billion spending plan contains significant investments in public higher education.
UT President Presents Top Funding Priorities at Governor’s Budget Hearing
In today’s hearing, President DiPietro focused on the significant recent achievements of the UT System, and outlined eight priority budget items to build on those achievements.
The Legislature Has Adjourned: How Did This Session Impact UT?
The Tennessee General Assembly has officially adjourned for the year after considering the final legislative calendars and passing the State’s $33 billion spending plan for FY15-16. A number of higher education issues impacting UT were addressed this session. We’ve been keeping our UT Advocacy Network up-to-date through our weekly legislative report, The Weekly Watch. If … Continued
Legislators Pass State Budget, Includes UT’s Top Capital Priority
State lawmakers passed the State budget today, avoiding legislative attempts in the House to remove and/or reduce state funding for UT’s highest priority capital project, the West Tennessee 4-H Camp and Conference Center. Rep. Tim Wirgau (R-Buchanan) introduced and then withdrew an amendment on the House floor seeking to strip state funding from the project. … Continued