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WednesdayFebruary 15, 2023

Sitting down with Tennessee’s freshman lawmakers

Tennessee senate chamber
Julia RitcheyWPLN News
The Tennessee House and Senate are butting heads on how much the state should give back to businesses that have been paying franchise taxes under the current, property-based model.
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This year’s General Assembly is well underway. Sen. Charlane Oliver of Nashville and Rep. Justin J. Pearson of Memphis are two of Tennessee’s younger lawmakers, both with backgrounds in activism. Now, they are in office representing two of Tennessee’s largest cities and are tasked with creating change within the system.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk to these lawmakers about their approach to policy, the relationship between the state and the cities they represent, and the future of Tennessee politics.

But first, we’re saying goodbye to WPLN’s senior healthcare reporter, and a true fixture of Nashville’s radio waves, Blake Farmer.

Guests:

  • Sen. Charlane Oliver, D-Nashville
  • Rep. Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis

Related reading: 

  • There are more women serving in state legislatures than ever before, but Tennessee is going in the opposite direction
  • A new Tennessee lawmaker walks into the capitol wearing a dashiki. House GOP suggests he explore other careers.

 

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