Teacher raises, child care help, new scholarships featured in Gov. Lee’s State of the State address

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The theme for Governor Bill Lee’s State of the State address Monday night was innovation.

More money for education, transportation, and conservation efforts are each a part of Governor Lee’s legislative priorities for 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of what the governor announced:

$1 billion for the Tennessee Department of Transportation to handle road and bridge work.

$60 million for nuclear energy development and the Clinch River reactor in Oak Ridge.

New scholarships to pay all the costs for anyone attending a Tennessee College of Applied Technology program. The goal is to help families and working people.

The proposal also includes an expansion of programs to help working families pay for child care.

“So, this year, we will propose a better approach to the Smart Steps Child Care Program by easing the benefits cliff and covering more middle and low-income working families,” Gov. Lee stated. “And to reduce turnover in the workforce, we will provide more childcare workers with more pay by expanding eligibility in Tennessee’s existing WAGES program, allowing for more daycare spots and greater access for families in need.”

The State of the State address was not without controversy with some Democrats walking out to protest the passage of Gov. Lee’s school voucher bill and immigration bill during the special called session.

Democratic leadership said the governor’s plans aren’t innovative at all.

“This fiscal recklessness is not benefiting Tennesseans. Working Tennesseans, middle class families are not benefiting from the misplaced priorities of this administration after 14-years of total Republic control, Tennessee families are less safe, and their less secure,” said Democratic Representative John Ray Clemmons.

Governor Lee also said he wants $580 million dollars to boost education spending and give teachers a raise.