KnoxNews in Knoxville, Tennessee, tells MHProNews.com the Partnership Initiatives Fund, a branch of the Knoxville Chamber of Congress, is promoting a TV ad campaign supporting the addition of $35 million to the mayor’s education budget. The schools had asked for the funding to improve the schools, but Knox County Mayor Tom Burchett does not include it in his budget proposal. Clayton Homes CEO Kevin Clayton is one of five local businessmen donating an initial $42,000 for the promotion as the government begins setting the budget. Noting the importance of education in economic development, Clayton says, “Not investing more in schools guarantees no growth and higher tax rates.” Clayton Homes is headquartered in nearby Maryville, TN.

(Photo credit: WBIR-TV/Clayton i-Home)