The Budget in Brief: Summary of Gov. Lee’s FY 2020 Recommended Budget
The governor's recommended Budget for FY 2020 totals $38.6 billion, an increase of 1.1% over estimates for the current fiscal year.
Public Policy Research and Analysis
Below you’ll find The Sycamore Institute’s research, analysis, issue briefs, legislative summaries, commentary, news, and other resources to help you navigate the complex public policy issues that affect and connect Tennesseans’ health and well-being, prosperity, and the state budget.
ALL PUBLICATIONS
Sycamore Expands Staff and Board of Directors
Seb Rougemont, Judge Sheila Calloway, and Pamela Carter join the Sycamore family.
Community Supervision, Prison Releases, and Recidivism in Tennessee
The cycle of supervision, release, and recidivism is a significant driver of Tennessee's state prisoner population.
Pre-Trial Detention in Tennessee
Half of Tennessee’s local jail inmates in 2018 were people awaiting trial, conviction, or acquittal for felony or misdemeanor charges – up from 30% in 1990.
Incarceration in Tennessee: Who, Where, Why, and How Long?
Current and historical incarceration trends for Tennessee's state prisoner population provide context for discussions about criminal justice reform.
Budgeting for Incarceration in Tennessee
Facts and trends on how Tennessee budgets for incarceration of state prisoners, which is consistently among the largest state revenue expenses.
The Economic Cost of ACEs in Tennessee
Medical Costs and Worker Absenteeism from Health Issues Attributed to Adverse Childhood Experiences
The economic cost of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among Tennessee adults was $5.2 billion in direct medical costs and lost productivity in 2017.
Tennessee’s Budget May Not Be Ready for the Next Recession
Tennessee's budget may not have enough rainy day reserves to withstand the next recession without tax hikes or spending cuts.
Income, Poverty, Education & Insurance Coverage in Tennessee
95 Counties Show Large Rural-Urban Differences
Census data show large differences in household income, poverty, education, and health insurance status between Tennessee’s rural and urban counties.
Where You Live Affects How Long You Live
Our neighborhoods can affect our access to factors that influence health. Use the map to explore how life expectancy varies across Tennessee communities.
