What’s New on the Hill - Feb 17, 2023
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
This was a busy week at the Capitol with major legislation moving through the committee system. The House Health Population Subcommittee adopted an amendment for HB883 (Rep. Helton-Haynes; R-East Ridge), which carves out exceptions in which abortions are permissible in life-threatening situations and reduces liability for doctors in those circumstances. The bill, as amended, will be presented in the House Health Committee on February 22nd.
An extended weekend is slated with the General Assembly remaining in recess through Monday in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Originally celebrated as George Washington’s birthday, the third Monday in February was officially designated as a Federal Holiday in 1879.
Tennessee, like most other states, adopted Presidents’ Day as a state holiday, honoring all those who have held the office.
Three Tennesseans have served as President of the United States—Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson.
Welcome Back, Lt. Gov McNally!
We’re glad to have Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally return to the Senate on Thursday after having pacemaker surgery last week. The Lt. Governor maintained that the surgery “went smoothly” and he felt “100% better” following the surgery.
Updates regarding Governor Lee’s major infrastructure package (HB321)
Governor Lee’s transportation modernization initiative is rolled for two weeks. The bill, which includes over $3 billion in additional funding for highways and choice lanes, is expected to be presented in House Transportation Committee on February 28th at 8AM.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Governor Bill Lee is laying the groundwork to modernize Tennessee’s roads and is pouring billions of dollars into the plan.
During Monday’s State of the State address, the governor outlined his Transportation & Infrastructure Modernization Act:
• $3B to the Transportation Modernization Fund to alleviate urban congestion and fund rural road projects across the state ($750M allocated to each of TN’s four TDOT regions)
• $300M to expand the State Aid Program for local road projects
• Proposing new comprehensive legislation centering on Alternative Delivery Models, Public-Private Partnerships, Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Fees
Paying it Forward
We wanted to highlight some of the special opportunities our team had this week “paying it forward” with upcoming entrepreneurs in our field. Meagan shared her nuggets of wisdom, experience, and best practices for becoming and being a lobbyist in a mentoring session with aspiring lobbyist Anika. She was also a guest speaker on a panel of experienced legal lobbyists with the TN Bar Association Leadership Law class. This was Meagan's 10th year speaking at this event!
Estie participated on a panel of lobbyists with the IMPACT Leadership group. An organization that serves to develop & encourage civic mind leaders from underrepresented populations of our society, to help actively serve the betterment of the community & affect positive social change!
As a female-owned and managed firm, investing in the next generation of women entrepreneurs and rising talent is a shared passion amongst our team at Harris Frazier!
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti was on air with Nashville’s Talk Radio 98.3 providing updates around his first six months as AG. You can listen to his update here from time stamps 21:00-40:00min.
In the News
Tennessee state Sen. Jeff Yarbro enters Nashville mayor's race
State Sen. Jeff Yarbro is throwing his hat into the race for Nashville's next mayor.
Mayor John Cooper announced last month that he wouldn't seek a second term, creating a wide-open race for the city's top elected position.
www.tennessean.com- Feb. 17, 2023
TN Lt. Gov. Randy McNally returns to Senate after pacemaker surgery for irregular heartbeat
The Oak Ridge native said tests indicated he may need a pacemaker to help regulate health issues surrounding his heart. Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally checked himself into Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Thursday, after experiencing what he called, "symptoms of an irregular heartbeat." read more..
www.wbir.com - Feb.16, 2023
Tennessee Senators OK School Voucher Expansion Bill
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Senate lawmakers on Thursday approved the expansion of an education voucher program that allows public tax dollars to be given to families to pay for private schooling. The Republican-dominant chamber voted 19-6 to approve the legislation to expand the voucher program to Hamilton County, with only Democrats voting against. Four Republican lawmakers declined to cast a vote. The bill must still clear the House chamber.
www.usnews.com - Feb. 16, 2023
Tennessee Local Governments Give Amazon $166 Million in Tax Breaks
Amazon received $166 million in subsidies, tax breaks, and grants from Tennessee communities for 20 projects. Advocacy group Good Jobs First, which opposes such subsidies, found Tennessee provided the eighth-highest amount of grants and breaks among U.S. states to the nearly $1-trillion company.
www.tennesseestar.com - Feb. 16, 2023
Operating rooms at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt set for major renovation
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is set to begin the first major renovation of its operating rooms since the hospital opened 19 years ago. The first phase of renovations will overhaul 10 of the hospital’s 18 ORs, focusing on two surgical suites at a time. The first two rooms to undergo renovations will be the cardiac room and a multiuse room used primarily for robotic surgery cases. Each room will take about 13 weeks to complete.
www.nashvillemedicalnews.com - Feb.12, 2023
Partner Spotlight: Q & A with American Heart Association Nashville
Annie Thornhill, the Executive Director of American Heart Association, Nashville shares how they’re prioritizing health issues to close the gap in Nashville’s Health Disparities. Read more..
www.nashvillehealth.org - Feb. 15, 2023