What's New On The Hill - November 22, 2023
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving 🍁
Thanksgiving is a time to share our gratitude, and we couldn't be more thankful for your continued trust and valued partnership with Harris Frazier Government Relations.
From Estie, Meagan, Merle, and Mac, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments!
Team Harris Frazier Across Tennessee
Here's a glimpse of what we've been up to recently:
We're thankful for the visit with Senator Haile, as we continue to champion mental health care in TN. Thanks for taking the time to learn about the crucial work of Volunteer Behavioral Health Center, making a positive impact on behavioral health care across our state. 🌟
📣 Follow Our New Facebook Page! 📣
As we're gearing up to head into a new year, elevated business Facebook page getting ready to make its debut! This will be a tool to help us spread the word about legislative updates, client wins, and share the great work accomplished in state.
Please like our new and improved Facebook page to help us build our audience ahead of the official launch!
LIKE OUR PAGE!
Tennessee Beef Cattle Operations Host Mexican Buyers
Tennessee's beef cattle industry recently welcomed seven buyers from Mexico in a trade mission to boost international relations. Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher highlighted how this effort supports the state's thriving agricultural sector. During the mission, Mexican buyers visited various farms, including Burns Farms, Deer Valley Farms, Shady Brook Angus Farms, Chapman Land and Cattle, Walker Hereford, Robert Elliot and Sons Angus, and Woolfolk Hereford. Tennessee's expertise in livestock and genetics sales was on full display, fostering valuable connections and understanding of the Mexican cattle market. This collaboration has the potential to benefit both Tennessee's cattle producers and international trade relations.
Digital Version of the 2023-2024 Fact Book
The digital version of the 2023-2024 Fact Book is now available on the Office of Legislative Budget Analysis’ webpage.
The Fact Book provides an overview of the FY23-24 budget and contains a broad range of departmental information.
Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee Launch Holiday Celebrations
Tennessee's holiday festivities: Christmas at the Capitol and "Heaven and Nature Sing" tours of the Tennessee Residence.
The annual Christmas at the Capitol event will occur on November 27 at 5:30 p.m. CT. It's open to the public and includes a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, performances by the Choir Room Choir and the 129th Army Band, and even a visit from Santa Claus.
The Christmas tree, a 35-foot Norway spruce, is generously donated by Ms. Dexie Goff, a retired Army veteran from Springfield.
As part of the First Lady’s Tennessee Serves giving initiative, attendees are encouraged to bring donations of canned fruits and vegetables, baby diapers, and wipes to contribute to Sevier County Food Ministries.
Additionally, the Tennessee Residence will be open for Christmas tours from December 1-3 and December 7-10, under the theme "Heaven and Nature Sing." These self-guided tours are free but require a reservation.
During these tours, guests are invited to support five featured Tennessee nonprofits by donating requested items, details of which can be found here.
Lawmakers conclude meetings on rejecting federal education funds - A joint task force called by Republican state leaders to consider rejecting more than $1 billion in annual federal education funding wrapped its final scheduled meeting Wednesday afternoon.
Budget hearings roundup: State revenues flattening; sexual assault kit turnaround times dwindling - The governor is in the midst of holding his annual budget hearings. It’s not the most appealing topic but with some budget cuts expected, it’s the last chance for departments to make their plea for more funding.
Food insecurity is rising in Tennessee - Food insecurity is on the upswing in Tennessee and slightly above the national average, according to the latest federal data.
Tennessee elections: Add these important dates on your 2024 calendar - Voters across the country are headed into the polls today for Election Day. Well, except in Tennessee, where only a handful of elections are happening.
Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Roger Page to retire in 2024 - Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Roger Page will retire next year, giving Gov. Bill Lee the opportunity to appoint the third jurist of his administration.
New Nashville mayor charts course with big transit decision looming - Weighty decisions are on the horizon for Nashville's new Mayor Freddie O'Connell.
Women make up just a third of political donations in Tennessee - Women are not only underrepresented as political candidates in Tennessee and across the country, but they're also underrepresented as donors.
How much would it cost TN to eliminate the grocery sales tax? What could it save you? - Tennessee Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) made a renewed push to eliminate the grocery sales tax in Tennessee, but Republicans didn’t immediately jump on board.
Tennessee’s budget sees the impact of tax cuts and no new untapped revenue sources - Two things have driven Tennessee’s massive rise in state revenues over the past five years: the ability to collect taxes on internet sales and an enormous growth in franchise and excise tax collections.
Agricultural Exemption Holders Must Verify to Renew - The Department of Revenue reminds agricultural exemption holders that they must verify their exemption with department by December 31, 2023, to keep buying certain agricultural items tax-free.
Governor Lee Announces Appointments to Key Boards & Commissions - Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced appointees to a series of key state boards and commissions.
Gov. Bill Lee, First Lady Maria Lee Celebrate Holiday Season - Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee announced the state’s official Christmas celebrations: Christmas at the Capitol and “Heaven and Nature Sing” tours of the Tennessee Residence.