What's New on the Hill - May 19, 2023
Congratulations to our superstar intern, McCasland Podlesney, for graduating from Lipscomb University with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science! We are incredibly impressed by Mac's academic achievements, particularly his membership in Pi Sigma Alpha - the National Political Science Honor Society with Summa Cum Laude distinction. Mac's hard work and dedication have paid off, and we have no doubt that he will continue to excel in future endeavors. Congratulations once again, Mac!
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee successfully concluded the 2023 legislative session and signed multiple historic bills this wee, including the passage of his $56.2 billion budget and comprehensive legislative agenda.
Key initiatives included transportation modernization, tax relief, investments in education and workforce development, enhanced school safety measures, and support for strong families and communities.
The session saw landmark legislation, such as the Transportation Modernization Act, significant tax cuts, increased teacher salaries, improved school safety measures, and investments in healthcare and child welfare. Governor Lee commended the General Assembly for their partnership in advancing these conservative measures and ensuring the state's continued growth and prosperity.
Tennessee General Assembly Passes Tennessee Works Tax Act
Tennessee’s budget features the largest tax cuts in state history at $404M! That includes a three-month sales tax holiday on food beginning in August along with $124 MILLION in tax cuts for businesses to keep our economy thriving.
Gov. Lee Signs Historic Bill to Raise Teacher Pay, Protect Taxpayer Dollars
This week, Governor Lee signed The Teacher Paycheck Protection Act, a measure to enhance teacher pay in Tennessee. The passing of this legislation ranks Tennessee as a top-10 destination for teachers by increasing salaries and setting a minimum salary of $50,000 by 2026, while also safeguarding teachers and taxpayers by preventing automatic deduction of union membership dues from their paychecks.
Gov. Lee Signs Strong School Safety Measures Into Law
Enhanced School Safety Legislation includes measures such as ensuring locked exterior doors during school hours, providing active shooter training for private security guards, establishing threat assessment teams in every school district, and requiring safety plans and drills. It also includes a significant financial investment of $230 million, including funding for Homeland Security agents, armed School Resource Officers (SROs) for public schools, security upgrades for both public and private schools, and additional School-Based Behavioral Health Liaisons.
The Department of Revenue has posted several important notices related to the Tennessee Works Tax Act. Read the guidance by clicking the button below.
In the News
Medical professionals targeted with phone extortion scam, TN AG says
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Medical professionals should be on the lookout of a new scam going around, according to the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
The AG’s Division of Consumer Affairs issued a warning regarding a widespread fraud scheme that targets health and medical professionals. According to the Division, scammers impersonating agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are attempting to extort money or steal personal identifiable information. On the calls, scammers often claim the provider’s National Provider Information (NPI) has been compromised and is being used for illicit purposes. [...]
wkrn.com - May 19, 2023
Gov. Lee Announces Special Session on Public Safety to Begin August 21
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that he will call for the Tennessee General Assembly to convene a special legislative session on August 21, 2023, to strengthen public safety and preserve constitutional rights. [...]
PDF - May 8, 2023
HCA Healthcare announces more than $300 million in clinical education and training investments for nurses
Today, we are proud to announce more than $300 million in investments to support the education and training of nurses. This includes more than $200 million towards the expansion of Galen College of Nursing and approximately $136 million towards the opening of new HCA Healthcare Centers for Clinical Advancement. [...]
Hcahealthcaretoday.com - May 8, 2023
Provider Rate Improvement for the TDMHSAS Budget
This budget amendment aims to provide a rate increase for nonprofit providers serving the behavioral health needs of uninsured, underinsured, and TennCare populations. The request is to allocate an additional $9 million to complete the rate increase, recognizing the enhanced needs of individuals and the increased cost to healthcare provider agencies. Investing in mental health is crucial due to the high demand for quality treatment. Tennessee relies on nonprofit providers to serve the most vulnerable citizens but struggles with low wages and a shortage of mental health professionals. [...]
PDF - May 5, 2023
Gov. Lee Appoints Stacey Edmonson as 21st Judicial District Attorney General
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appointed Stacey Edmonson as District Attorney General for the 21st Judicial District to fill a vacancy created by the death of General Kim Helper, effective immediately.
“Stacey is a dedicated public servant and highly-qualified attorney, and I value the significant experience she will continue to bring to the 21st Judicial District,” said Gov. Lee. “I am confident she will lead with integrity, and I appreciate her service to Tennesseans.” [...]
Tn.gov - May 19, 2023