What's New On The Hill 6/13/2024
Support Tennessee Seniors with Tennessee Serves!
Throughout the month of June, Tennessee Serves is dedicated to supporting our state's seniors and encouraging all Tennesseans to do the same. Our elderly population deserves to live joyful and fulfilling lives, yet they sometimes face challenges in health, wellbeing, and opportunities.
We invite you to take a moment from your busy life this June to care for the elderly individuals in your community. Tennessee Serves offers a variety of volunteer resources to help you make a difference in the lives of older Tennesseans. Visit their website to find out more and get involved.
Dept. of Education Releases TCAP Results
The Tennessee Department of Education has released the statewide average results for the ELA portion of the spring 2024 Tennessee Comprehensive Academic Program (TCAP) assessment for 3rd and 4th grades.
While 3rd grade scores remained steady with a slight increase to 40.9% proficiency, 4th grade scores showed a significant improvement, with a 2.9 percentage point increase to 46.4% proficiency.
Statewide Averages of 3rd Grade ELA Performance, 2017-2024
Statewide Averages of 4th Grade ELA Performance, 2017-2024
Governor Bill Lee emphasized the impact of strategic education investments on student reading gains and reiterated the state's commitment to supporting teachers and empowering families, in his latest press release. For more information on Tennessee’s literacy initiatives and student support pathways, click here.
Elon Musk Picks Memphis
Economic Development Update: Elon Musk's xAI Picks Memphis for 'World's Largest' Supercomputer
In a significant boost to local economic development, Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, has selected Memphis as the site for its groundbreaking project to build the world's largest supercomputer. Announced by the Greater Memphis Chamber, this initiative marks the largest capital investment by a new-to-market company in Memphis history.
The project, which still requires approval from the Memphis and Shelby County Economic Development Growth Engine and the Tennessee Valley Authority, is expected to create numerous opportunities for the local workforce upon completion of its first phase.
Elon Musk's xAI, which has been operational since July 2023, aims to "understand the true nature of the universe" and has already developed the AI chatbot Grok for social media platform X. With a recent $6 billion funding, xAI is positioned to introduce multiple technology updates and products.
New TACIR Study on Housing Affordability
The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) has released a comprehensive study titled Reducing the Burden: Increasing Housing Supply to Lower Housing Costs and Improve Affordability. The report identifies inadequate housing supply as a primary factor driving the rising costs of housing across the state.
Reducing the Burden: Increasing Housing Supply to Lower Housing Costs - Commission Report - May 2024
Full Report
Insight
Dashboard - A Closer Look at Housing Affordability in Tennessee
Key findings underscore that zoning and land use policies, which often restrict housing development, contribute significantly to affordability. These policies have constrained the supply of housing units, exacerbating the gap between demand and availability.
IN THE NEWS
Tennessee, other states with abortion bans see drop in doctor residency applicants
Tennessee already faces a doctor shortage and a new study by the Association of American Medical Colleges charted a sharp decline in residency applications.
TENNESSEAN.COM - June 13, 2024
Dimming electric vehicle market may delay start of full production at Ford’s new West Tenn. plant
The state senator representing the community home to the new factory said instead of full production starting in late 2025 it would like start in 2026
TENNESSEELOOKOUT.COM - June 13, 2024
With few wins so far, Covenant parents settle in for long-haul gun reform push
‘Linking Arms for Change’ in Nashville calls for gun reform a year after Covenant School Shooting.
TENNESSEAN.COM - June 4, 2024
Hundreds of Tennessee families saved through free smoke detector program
A smoke detector is a small piece of technology that can save a life, and thanks to the Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office’s grant-funded program, ‘Get Alarmed,’ at least 500 families are alive today.
WKRN.COM - June 12, 2024
TDOE Announces 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year Finalists
The Tennessee Department of Education announced the nine finalists for the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year award.
TN.GOV - June 11, 2024
TN AG Endorses the Child Exploitation and Artificial Intelligence Expert Commission Act of 2024
As part of a bipartisan coalition of 44 state and territory attorneys general, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti joined a letter sent this week by the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) to Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and U.S. House leadership endorsing the Child Exploitation and Artificial Intelligence Expert Commission Act of 2024.
TN.GOV - June 12, 2024
19,000 unaccompanied migrant children have come to Tenn. since 2015; most ended up with family
Almost 19,000 unaccompanied migrant children have crossed the United States border and ended up in Tennessee since 2015.
TENNESSEELOOKOUT.COM - June 11, 2024
Critics say Tennessee’s blended sentencing law needs changes after expedited passage
Davidson County Juvenile Court Judge Sheila Calloway supports the concept of blended sentencing but contends a new law affecting serious juvenile offenders is UNWORKABLE AND POSSIBLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
TENNESSEELOOKOUT.COM - June 5, 2024
New TN law restricts booting and towing vehicles
Gov. Bill Lee recently signed off on a bill that adds protections against unlawful booting and towing in Tennessee
WKRN.COM - June 4, 2024
Gov. Lee gets feedback from educators amid summer school after TCAP retesting period
Governor Bill Lee checked in at multiple schools Thursday as summer programs are in full swing across the state, and many third grade students are enrolled after not meeting expectations on their Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) test required by the controversial third grade retention law.
WKRN.COM - June 7, 2024
The week in politics: Lee endorses candidates at odds with local officials on vouchers
Gov. Bill Lee’s first endorsements in open Republican primaries are for three candidates who support his proposal for a statewide school voucher program.
TENNESSEAN.COM - June 7, 2024
Tennessee Tech celebrates trustee, alumnus return to space with Starliner launch
Tennessee Tech University applauded the return to space of its university trustee and two-time graduate Barry "Butch" Wilmore with the Boeing Starliner's launch on Wednesday.
FOX17.COM - June 6, 2024