The Tennessee General Assembly is facing one of its biggest budgetary challenges ever. Sales tax revenue is down dramatically meaning more reductions to the state’s spending plan. WPLN’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán has been talking to lawmakers to get a better sense of what’s likely to be cut.
The Tri-Star State: Despite Back And Forth Between Tennessee House And Senate Speakers, Post-Break Session Will Carry On
After two months of recess, the Tennessee General Assembly is getting back to business this week. And there’s already disagreements and controversy. WPLN News political reporter Sergio Martínez-Beltrán is also going back to the Capitol. But, even in quarantine, he’s been keeping up with the latest legislative developments.
The Tri-Star State: Unpacking Last Week’s Flurry Of Business At The Tennessee Legislature
Nashville is on lockdown because of the coronavirus, but a week ago, state lawmakers were still trying to decide whether to continue this year’s legislative session. The decision to call a recess set off a flurry of last-minute debates.
The Tri-Star State: Why Gov. Lee Changed His Mind On How To Proceed With Paid Family Leave
The three-month paid family leave for state employees promised by Governor Bill Lee appears to be in limbo. Now it’s up to the Tennessee General Assembly to decide whether to move forward with it. And WPLN’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán says they’re not as excited about offering generous paid leave as the governor’s office is.
The Tri-Star State: Democrats Are Resisting Gov. Lee’s Education And Criminal Justice Reform Proposals
Democrats in the Tennessee legislature are a superminority. This means that most of their proposals will not become law. But that hasn’t stopped them from pushing Gov. Bill Lee on certain issues such as education.
The Tri-Star State: The Bipartisan Movement To Relocate The State Capitol Bust Of Nathan Bedford Forrest
The capitol bust of Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest is, once again, at the center of controversy but the battle lines are a little different. This time, some Republicans are asking for it to be removed. WPLN’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán has been talking to lawmakers about their change of heart.
The Tri-Star State: House Speaker Cameron Sexton Talks Priorities And Issues That Put Him At Odds With Gov. Lee
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton has made clear what his priorities are for the current legislative session. Healthcare, education, and criminal justice reform are on top of that list.
The Tri-Star State: Understanding Tennessee’s Controversial New Adoption Rule
A soon-to-be signed adoption law in Tennessee is stirring fears of an economic backlash. Companies and conventions have threatened to stop doing business with the state because of legislation that allows faith-based adoption agencies to refuse placements based on their religious beliefs.
The Tri-Star State: New Legislative Session Will Bring Debates On Criminal Justice And School Vouchers
It’s time to start all over again. After a couple of months recess the Tennessee General Assembly will reconvene this week. But WPLN’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán says lawmakers have been busy in the “offseason” and have already filed about 100 bills.
The Tri-Star State: Bill Lee Looks Back At His First 11 Months As Governor Of Tennessee
Criminal justice reform, school vouchers and refugee resettlement. Those are some of the issues Republican Governor Bill Lee has pushed for during his first 11 months in office. Lee recently sat down with WPLN’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán to talk about his first year. Here’s their conversation.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM