Lawmakers announce $3.5M in state funding for ETSU, nonprofits

Lawmakers representing Washington County said in a press release they secured nearly $3.5 million in state funding for East Tennessee State University and two local organizations through Tennessee's recently approved budget. State Reps. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough, and Tim Hicks, R-Gray, along with state Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City, announced the funding in a joint press release, stating a total of $3,494,150 was allocated. East Tennessee State University will receive $3.2 million recurring to support the operations and inflationary expenses for Gatton College of Pharmacy. Families Free, Inc. was awarded $250,000 to provide regional recovery court programs and services. Good Samaritan Ministries will receive $44,150 for the replacement of outdated medical equipment for free eye exams, according to the release. Crowe said in the release the funding is intended to support health, education and community services in the region. "Securing these funds for East Tennessee is about investing in the health, education and well-being of our communities," said Crowe. "From supporting the Gatton College of Pharmacy at ETSU to expanding recovery services and improving access to care for those in need, this funding will have a direct and lasting impact on families across our region. This budget reflects our continued commitment to fiscal responsibility while making targeted investments where they matter most." The funding is part of a $58.3 billion balanced budget passed by the Tennessee General Assembly on April 15, according to the release. The release also states the General Assembly created a $42 million nonrecurring grant pool for emergency and community services, including funding for volunteer fire departments, emergency medical services, rescue squads and senior centers, with applications expected to open in the coming months. "These investments will make a meaningful difference for families in Northeast Tennessee," Reps. Alexander and Hicks said in a joint statement. "From supporting ETSU to strengthening recovery programs and expanding access to care, this funding helps meet important needs in our communities. We're grateful to Finance Chairman Gary Hicks for his partnership in these efforts and our colleagues in the General Assembly for their support."