Crossville legislator tries to restore Taft Youth Center funding

photo Taft Youth Center

NASHVILLE - Rep. Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, is planning to push a House floor amendment this afternoon intended to restore funding for Taft Youth Center in the state's 2012-2013 budget.

House Republican leaders as well as Gov. Bill Haslam, whose budget calls for closing the Pikeville state facility for hard-case youthful offenders, are opposing the move.

The amendment would continue nearly $12 million for the 96-bed facility. Many Democrats and a number of Republicans are said to be considering supporting the amendment.

Rep. Tommie Brown, D-Chattanooga, said she intends to press ahead with her own $1 million amendment to continue state funding for an ongoing project that seeks to address racial and ethnic disparities in math achievement.

The program conducts research in math instruction to improve instruction in grades K-4.

Meanwhile, House and Senate Republican leaders remain at odds over House Finance Committee action Wednesday that strips out funds for several local projects favored by senators.

If not resolved soon, the dispute could push the Legislature's adjournment into next week, Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, has said.

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