Gov. Lee's response to $500 million funding owed to TSU
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Tennessee owes Tennessee State University, (TSU), about $250 million, half of the total $500 million, after decades of holding out on the university.
This is hundreds of millions of dollars from federal research money the state never passed along and as part of 2022’s budget, the state invested half of what is owed to the university.
TSU student leaders told FOX 17 News they are disappointed with years of neglect from the state, but Kenneth Rolle II, TSU’s Student Government Association President, (SGA), said students are proud of how their university is forging on.
“How we’ve still been able to function as a university as an organization, [as a ] body is really something that should be applauded,” Kenneth Rolle II, SGA president said.
“So think about where we are now with what we haven't had. So just imagine what we can be,” Rolle said.
FOX 17 News reporter, Payton Muse, asked Governor Bill Lee about his plans to get the university the full amount of the money it is owed.
“Assuming the state’s recent earmarks totaling about $330-million dollars for infrastructure improvements at TSU in a light most favorable to the state, local representatives say the state still owes TSU about $214-milllion dollars to equal the amount of land grant funds that TSU was shorted over a period of decades. What’s your response to that Governor Lee? What are the plans?” Payton Muse asked.
Governor Lee said they plan to fulfill their commitment they’ve made to the university.
“The plan is to fulfill the commitment that we've made to TSU, which is the largest and most historic funding commitment ever, $250 million plus additional funding and we have worked together with TSU leadership to make certain that those funds are spent correctly. That's the plan,” said Gov. Lee.
Following Gov. Lee’s response, Payton Muse asked Lee about his plans to use the more than $4 billion in surplus funds towards what the state owes TSU. he going to include this money in his next budget request or ask the legislature to pay this out of the multibillion dollar rainy day fund?
The plan is to fulfill the commitment that we've made to TSU, which is the largest and most historic funding commitment ever. $250 million plus additional funding for and we have worked together with TSU leadership to make certain that those funds are spent correctly. That's the plan. ”
“Are there plans to include this money in your next budget request or ask the legislature to pay this out of the multibillion-dollar rainy day fund, “Payton Muse asked.
Gov. Lee’s said they’re working with the university.
“We have made a historic investment in Tennessee State University and the leadership there has worked with us and are pleased with that investment. And to date that's all that's been discussed.”
The university said they’re grateful for the $250 million appropriation and investment adding they’re working with state officials to utilize those funds.
“We appreciate the State’s initial $250 million appropriation and investment, as well as Governor Lee’s support of and commitment to TSU. We are working closely with state officials to utilize the $250 million to meet TSU’s most urgent infrastructure related needs. We plan to continue our discussions and communications with Governor Lee’s office, as well as members of the General Assembly and other state officials, as we expend these funds and pursue additional funds to further address TSU’s considerable infrastructure needs.”
“It's a step in the right direction and I think now it's just on their [the state’s] radar now to see where TSU has had some shortcomings,” Rolle said.
Rolle’s message to leaders is he’s grateful for the investment the state has put into the university.
“My message to them is just continue to see what Tennessee State is and just continue to pour back into us,” he said.
The SGA president wants the state to see the importance of TSU.
“For me personally, to the State University is a place of family love and tradition, as well as the place where you get to find yourself and who you are,” Rolle said.
“Just see where Tennessee State University has come from [and] where we're at today and just when you look what we haven't been given, just imagine what we can do with what we should be given,” he said.
Rolle said his university is determined to make Music City and the state of Tennessee proud.
Student leaders said they would like to see upgrades on their current buildings and investments and resources into academic programs.
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