Governor Asks Business Leaders to Keep Lawmakers “Focused”

As bills that outlaw sagging pants or guide the teaching of evolution await the governor’s signature, Bill Haslam says lawmakers should be spending time – in his words – on “things that really matter to a state.”

On Wednesday, Haslam asked for a hand from one of the most influential lobbying groups at the capitol – the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce.

“There are a lot of people wanting the ears of our legislators and those of us in the executive branch, and what you can do is help us keep our focus.”

Foremost, Haslam says efforts should be directed at making government run more efficiently, as well as improving education and creating a business-friendly environment.

The chamber of commerce has already come to Haslam’s aid this year, sending a letter in opposition to a bill that would allow people to keep weapons in their vehicles at work.