Tennessee WIC Program Launches Electronic Benefit Transfer Card System
The Tennessee Women, Infants and Children or WIC Program has transitioned to an electronic benefit transfer system from a paper-based method of issuing benefits. Tennessee families participating in WIC now use their TNWIC cards instead of paper vouchers to purchase WIC-approved foods. TNWIC is now available in all 95 counties of Tennessee. “We are so […]
Gov. Bill Lee Lauds General Assembly in Working Together to Pass Conservative Reforms
Thursday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee marked the close of the 2019 legislative session, a session which included the unanimous passage of his budget as well as the passage of his full agenda as outlined during his State of the State address in March. “In March, I presented our budget and a series of priorities which […]
AG Slatery Joins 17 State Coalition Supporting EPA Plan to Ease Burden on Farmers, Landowners
Nashville- Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III joined a 17-state coalition this week to support farmers and landowners by urging the Trump administration to adopt its proposed replacement of the Obama-era, Waters of the United States rule. The coalition, in comments filed late Monday, argued the Trump administration’s proposal would restore reasonable, predictable lines between […]
Comptroller’s Office Studies Teacher Salaries In Tennessee
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has released a report examining how money intended to boost teacher salaries has been used by local school districts. More than $300 million in new, recurring state dollars was appropriated by the General Assembly though the state’s Basic Education Program (BEP) between fiscal years 2015 and 2018. The legislative intent for […]
Representative Andrew E. Farmer Leads Successful Negotiations With Governor To Protect District 17 From ESA Legislation
Recently, there has been much discussion related to House Bill 939, a proposal creating an Education Savings Account (ESA) pilot program in Tennessee. Because this initiative has generated concerns from our teachers, superintendents, school board members, and parents, I knew we needed to have a seat at the table during negotiations with Governor Lee and […]
Republican-Led Bill Promoting Civics Education Passes House
Republican lawmakers passed House Bill 944 recognizing Tennessee’s public schools and school districts that implement high-quality civic education because it is essential to preserving our constitutional democracy. In partnership with the Secretary of State’s office, this initiative seeks to promote efforts to increase access to quality civics education, while also recognizing our schools for their […]
Feds Grant Governor’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration For Flood Relief In 56 Tennessee Counties
The federal government has approved the Governor’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration to make federal recovery assistance available to 56 county jurisdictions impacted by February’s flooding and severe storms. The following counties are included in this declaration: Bedford, Bledsoe, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Cheatham, Claiborne, Clay, Cocke, Coffee, Decatur, Dekalb, Dickson, Dyer, Fentress, Gibson, Giles, […]
Rural Republican Lawmakers Negotiate With Governor To Protect Against Possible Negative ESA Impact
As momentum builds in the House builds for the Governor’s proposed Education Savings Account legislation, rural Republican leaders are taking steps to safeguard their communities from unintended financial consequences related to House Bill 939. During discussions and negotiations with the Governor, these members were able to include an amendment to House Bill 939 that guarantees […]
Governor Lee Signs Legislation Tossing Gym Tax
This week, the Governor signed legislation that tosses the amusement tax on small gyms. House Bill 1138 eliminates the amusement tax on small gyms, fitness studios, and similar entities across Tennessee. It levels the playing field for these facilities so they can compete against their larger counterparts, which obtained an exemption from this burdensome regulation […]
House Republicans Continue To Lead On Criminal Justice Reform
Earlier this week, Republican lawmakers advanced House Bill 839 to ensure accountability and also support rehabilitation efforts for those with a strong desire to work towards prosperity. This measure creates a statewide payment plan for individuals who submit proof of their inability to pay fines, taxes, or court costs on citations and have had their […]
Republican Lawmakers Create Balance Within Community Oversight Boards
This week, House Republicans strengthened House Bill 658 by adopting a recent Conference Committee amendment that gives community oversight boards subpoena power through their local legislative body. As amended, the local legislative body must vote in support of a community oversight board’s subpoena request. Additionally, the subpoena may not be issued in the form of […]
Republican Lawmakers Pass Legislation To Protect Tennessee’s Elections From Fraud
Legislation to protect Tennessee’s elections from fraud and abuse passed the House of Representatives with strong support this week. House Bill 1079 requires a person or organization that plans to conduct a registration drive attempting to collect 100 or more voter registration forms and pays individuals to collect the voter registration forms to register with […]
House Supports Resolution Calling For New Ad Hoc Task Force On Education
This week, House lawmakers supported a Joint Resolution that creates a new Ad Hoc Task Force on Education. This House-led initiative — in partnership with the Governor and the Senate Speaker — will focus on untying the hands of our educators, students, and schools in efforts to solidify Tennessee’s future. Under House Joint Resolution 394, […]
House Republicans Successfully Guide Charter School Commission Bill Through House
This week, House Republicans passed House Bill 940 in the Tennessee House of Representatives. This initiative – which is part of the Governor’s legislative agenda this year – establishes a 9-member independent charter commission to ensure that all Tennessee charter schools can best serve the state’s student population that relies on these institutions to achieve […]
Tennessee’s Historic Low Unemployment Holds Steady In March
Tennessee’s statewide unemployment rate for March 2019 remains at the historic low of 3.2 percent according to the latest statistics released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). March is the second consecutive month the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate sits at the all-time low. When compared to March 2018, unemployment in […]
State Representative Andrew Farmer Successfully Guides Governor’s Fentanyl Bill Through House
State Representative Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) has successfully guided House Bill 942 through the Tennessee House of Representatives. The measure — which is part of the Governor’s legislative package this year — builds upon Tennessee’s efforts to address the opioid crisis by increasing penalties against fentanyl dealers and those who traffic any derivative or analogue of this deadly, synthetic […]
