Gov. Bill Lee’s Feb. 2 State of the State address outlined his new proposed budget, placing an emphasis on UT medical programs.

The budget included a $311 million government investment in the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building in Memphis, which will be paired with $39 million in university funding. The building is expected to increase medical student enrollment by 29%.

The investment aligns with the current need for health care providers across the state of Tennessee.

“With a projected shortage of 6,000 physicians by 2030 and acute demand for health care providers in rural and underserved communities, this building is a critical investment in the quality of health care provided to Tennesseans,” Boyd said.

The budget also allocated $71.7 million for capital maintenance projects at the state’s higher education institutions, including $27.1 million for UT.

“Gov. Bill Lee’s proposed budget, highlighted at last night’s State of the State address, reaffirmed Tennessee’s strong commitment to higher education and the University of Tennessee System’s critical role in advancing our state’s future,” UT President Randy Boyd said.

$12.3 million is set aside for performance funding for the UT system.

“These proposed investments reflect targeted commitments designed to deliver the greatest impact for Tennesseans and strengthen the UT System’s ability to serve the state at the highest level,” Boyd said.

The address serves as Gov. Lee’s eighth and final address as he carries out the last year of his second term.

“I am grateful to Gov. Lee and our legislative partners for their continued partnership and trust,” Boyd said. “Together we are shaping the greatest decade in UT’s history, one that expands opportunity, advances innovation and leaves a lasting legacy for Tennessee.”