Tennessee

General State Information

Researching emerging topics, developing 50-state comparisons, identifying innovative approaches among states to complex problems, and, when the facts are clear, advocating for nonpartisan, pragmatic solutions—these are the signature efforts of the Pew Center on the States.

On this state page, through the links on the left, you can view:

• Research reports, issue briefs and other publications mentioning Tennessee.
• Rankings which measure how well Tennessee is responding to key challenges or weathering major trends.
• News that highlights key issues, actors and solutions.

Reports

Leadership Matters
Leadership Matters FY2011

The quality of state-funded pre-kindergarten programs can differ greatly from state to state. How will Tennessee fund pre-k in FY2011? Learn more about the report or view Tennessee's proposal. 

Prison Count 2010
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For the first time in nearly 40 years, the number of state prisoners across the U.S. has declined. Despite an overall drop, there was great variation among states–shining a bright light on the role that state policy plays in determining the size and cost of the prison system.  Read the full report.

The Cost of Delay: State Dental Policies Fail One in Five Children
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Tennessee earned a "C" and is off track when it comes to addressing the dental health needs of its children. Read about Tennessee's successes and challenges (Adobe PDF), view all 50-state grades or read the full report.

The Trillion Dollar Gap
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After years of shortchanging their pension plans, states now face a $1 trillion funding gap for employees' retirement benefits.  The shortfall amounts to more than $8,800 for every household in the U.S. and could result in higher taxes or cuts in essential public services. While there are no quick fixes, some states are already on the road to reform.  Download Tennessee's factsheet (Adobe PDF) or learn more about the full report.

State of the States 2010
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The recession punished states with revenue slides and budget gaps of historic scope. Now policy makers and voters in 2010 are on the verge of what could be equally historic changes in the shape and direction of state government. State of the States 2010 examines what could be the recession's lasting effects on policy and politics in the 50 states. Download the full report. (Adobe PDF) 

 

States & Broadband

States increasingly see high-speed broadband as a powerful tool to promote economic growth and deliver services to residents and businesses more efficiently and effectively.

Pew's new report highlights innovative state approaches and the many challenges states face in getting up to speed.