What's New On The Hill 2/09/2024
We are thrilled that our very own, Estie Harris, has been named a 2024 Nashville Business Journal Women of Influence Top Executive honoree! This prestigious recognition celebrates Estie's outstanding leadership and contributions to our team and the Nashville community. Her dedication to excellence sets a remarkable example for us all. Congratulations, Estie!
The first client “Day on the Hill” for the 2024 legislative session is in the books! The CEO’s of Tennessee’s 5 commercial airports presented to House Transportation and met with key lawmakers on Tuesday. We are proud to represent Tennessee’s commercial airports that drive economic development and investment in our state! ✈️
The Harris Frazier team had a big day on the hill Wednesday visiting with clients and legislators for Tennessee Physical Therapy Day!
We met with Senator Bo Watson (TN-11), who brings invaluable insights as a physical therapist himself, and discussed the future of healthcare with Senator Rusty State Senator Rusty Crowe, Chair of the Senate Health Committee. Thank you for having us!
Tennessee is leading the nation, and it's not by accident. In his sixth State of the State address, Governor Bill Lee outlined a vision of hope, prosperity, and strength for the Volunteer State. As our team is deeply committed to the progress and well-being of Tennessee, we were pleased to hear Governor Lee's presentation of his budget and legislative priorities for the upcoming year.
In a year that promises opportunities for growth and resilience, it's crucial to recognize the key pillars of this vision. Governor Lee's proposed $53 billion budget is not just a fiscal document; it's a testament to Tennessee's commitment to its people.
Economic Opportunity & Tax Relief
One of the most noteworthy highlights is the significant $20 million investment in Tennessee’s Rainy Day Fund, bringing our state's reserves to over $2 billion, the largest in state history. Another critical proposal is the allocation of $410 million in recurring funding and $1.2 billion in non-recurring funding to simplify the franchise tax in Tennessee, bolstering our business environment and economic foundation.
Education
Education remains a top priority, with more than $261 million earmarked to strengthen education through the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula growth, including teacher pay raises. Additionally, $30 million has been dedicated to summer learning programs, ensuring that learning never stops.
Expanding Choices for Tennessee Parents
Governor Lee has proposed $141.5 million to establish Education Freedom Scholarships, giving parents more control over their children's education.
Strong & Healthy Families
A commitment of $208 million over five years from TennCare shared savings is set to strengthen rural health, investing in apprenticeships, specialty care access, and more. An allocation of $100 million over five years will enhance mental health care, expanding treatment options and support.
Safe Neighborhoods
The safety of Tennesseans is paramount, with $17 million pledged for additional State Troopers and related support staff, improving public safety across the state.
A Brighter Future
Initiatives to enhance our state's natural beauty include a significant investment of $63 million to create four new Tennessee State Parks and expand blueway trail access. Additionally, $20 million will be invested in improving water quality in our rivers, lakes, and streams.
These initiatives reflect Tennessee's commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship, economic growth, and a brighter future for all. As Governor Lee stated, "Our job is to fortify that which has been built over the years and to remember the work it took to get here."
IN THE NEWS
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee proposes $55.6 billion state investment in roads, DCS, Memphis stadium upgrades and more
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee proposed $55.6 billion budget that includes targeted financing for modernizing transportation, ensuring economic and educational opportunity, preserving our natural resources, protecting children, strengthening families, and other initiatives on Monday night by in his annual State of The State address.
ACTIONNEWS5.COM - Feb. 7, 2024
Gov. Lee proposes $141.5M to expand school vouchers in Tennessee
Gov. Bill Lee was met with shouts of opposition from the audience while touting an expansion of school vouchers during his state of the state address Monday.
WKRN.COM - Feb. 6, 2024
Lee proposes $47.3 billion budget, school voucher expansion, business tax cut
Governor Bill Lee proposed a $47.3 billion general fund budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 in his State of the State address. Key aspects include expanding the private school voucher program statewide, major changes to the state's franchise tax for corporations, and allocations for conservation initiatives.
PRO.STATEAFFAIRS.COM - Feb. 6, 2024
Lawmakers seek to block any ERPO legislation in general assembly
Any attempts at passing or enforcing laws that would temporarily remove firearms from Tennesseans deemed a risk to themselves or others may be preempted by other legislation.
WKRN.COM - Feb. 7, 2024
Democratic lawmakers push bill to protect children from gun-related deaths
Disturbing data point to guns as being the leading cause of death for children in Tennessee for the second year in a row. Following the death of an 8-year-old, some democratic lawmakers have been working to get legislation passed to prevent these types of incidents.
WKRN.COM - Feb. 7, 2024
TN bill would require judges to prioritize public safety when setting bonds
Tennessee lawmakers are considering a bill that could make it more difficult for repeat offenders to walk free by requiring magistrate judges to prioritize public safety when determining bond and bond conditions.
WKRN.COM - Feb. 5, 2024
House passes bill to establish fire alarm protocol, awaits Senate approval
The Tennessee House passed a bill Thursday to require schools to have a contingency plan for when a fire alarm goes off.
WKRN.COM - Feb. 8, 2024
‘People want the flower’: Hemp retailers, farmers ask TN Dept. of AG not to restrict THCA
The sale and regulation of one of the most popular hemp products for sale in Tennessee could be changing, and cannabis business owners are worried the rules might “gut” their businesses.
WATE.COM - Feb. 7, 2024
Lee administration proposal could make Tennessee tourism department records secret
A newly proposed bill is seeking to allow records from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to be exempt from public records laws if the tourism commissioner and attorney general deem them “sensitive.”
TENNESSEAN.COM - Feb. 9, 2024
Lawmaker Brings Back ‘nullification’ Bill In Tennessee General Assembly
One lawmaker is hoping to bring back a bill that would grant the state the authority to reject certain federal rules, statues, executive orders or court decisions.
WKRN.COM - Feb. 8, 2024
Tennessee lawmaker to file legislation to add appointed members to Memphis school board
A Tennessee lawmaker said he plans to introduce legislation giving Gov. Bill Lee’s administration the power to appoint up to six new members to the board of Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
CHALKBEAT.ORG - Feb. 7, 2024
Tennessee House advances bill addressing fire alarms in response to school shooting
Legislation requiring that schools determine the cause of a fire alarm being triggered before instructing children leave a classroom was advanced unanimously by the Tennessee House on Thursday.
FOX17.COM - Feb. 8, 2024
The week in politics: GOP leaders defend enforcement of unwritten rules on Capitol access
As members of the public prepare to attend the governor's State of the State address on Monday, they'll have to call their state representatives to find out how the new House Gallery ticketing system works.
TENNESSEAN.COM - Feb. 2, 2024
The week in politics: House again passes post-Covenant fire alarm safety bill
The House on Thursday passed legislation that would require all schools, public or private, to develop emergency procedures to determine the cause of an activated fire alarm. Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, filed the bill in response to the Covenant School shooting, and the House first passed a version during the August special session.
TENNESSEAN.COM - Feb. 9, 2024
Tennessee Declines To Name 80 Companies That Prompted The $1.6b Franchise Tax Change
State officials aren’t willing to publicly share the basis for a $1.6 billion tax cut and refund for businesses included in Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee's budget this year, citing laws protecting taxpayer confidentiality and attorney-client privilege.
TENNESSEANS.COM - Feb. 7 2024