Senate approves $58 billion FY27 budget; raises starting teacher pay to $50,000

The Tennessee Senate voted to approve the fiscal year 2027 budget on final consideration after committee and floor debate.

Leader Johnson described the proposed budget as ‘‘just over $58 billion’’ and highlighted priorities including raising the teacher starting salary to $50,000, additional investments in K–12 education, funding for public safety, and a $400 million one-time contribution for road and bridge work. "That is a significant increase over the last eight years," Leader Johnson said in opening remarks.

Chairman Watson and appropriation sponsors outlined committee amendments and a legislative amendment package that reflected administrative and legislative priorities. Chairman Stevens detailed health and infrastructure allocations added in the legislative amendment and cautioned that some investments relied on one-time or reallocated sources.

Opponents pressed on revenue assumptions and the speed of discretionary program expansions. Sen. Yarbrough urged caution about optimistic revenue projections, while others argued the package sustains priorities such as hospital funding and public-safety initiatives.

After motions to adopt committee and legislative amendments and a final roll-call, the Senate declared the budget passed; the clerk recorded 26 ayes and 5 nays on final consideration. The budget proceeds to any remaining enrollment and to the governor for signature.