Listen After weeks of negotiations, the Tennessee General Assembly passed Gov. Bill Lee’s biggest education initiative Wednesday. But the final version has a higher price tag than originally estimated.
Despite Misgivings, Gov. Bill Lee Plans To Allow Sports Gambling In Tennessee
Tennessee likely will soon join the list of states that have legalized online sports gambling. The measure passed the state legislature Tuesday and is headed to the desk of Gov. Bill Lee, whose office says will let it become law despite his personal opposition to gambling.
Tennessee School Vouchers Clear Senate, But Conflicts With House Must Be Resolved
Gov. Bill Lee’s school voucher initiative cleared the Tennessee Senate Thursday after a lengthy debate among lawmakers. The measure is expected to be negotiated between Senate and House lawmakers, since each version is completely different from the other.
Tennessee House And Senate Disagree On Funding Medicaid For Children With Severe Disabilities
The Tennessee House has voted to use additional tax revenue from online shopping to expand Medicaid for a small but desperate group of patients. But the idea still faces some hurdles, including questions from the state Senate. The House approved a state budget Wednesday that includes $27 million so children with severe disabilities can be […]
The Tri-Star State: Which Of Gov. Bill Lee’s Legislative Proposals Are Faring Better Than Others?
Listen Many of Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s initiatives are making their way through the state legislature, and some are faring better than others. In his first year, the governor’s proposals range from increasing vocational education to faith-based initiatives to implementing a pilot program for school vouchers.
Knoxville Rep. Rick Staples Violated Legislature’s Harassment Policy, Committee Finds
Listen A Democratic state representative has been found in violation of the legislature’s sexual harassment policy, but colleagues have stopped short of recommending his removal or any disciplinary action.
Knoxville Democrat Says Allegations Of Sexual Misconduct Are A ‘Political Character Assassination’
Listen A Knoxville Democrat has been accued of sexual misconduct, but it’s unclear what penalties or scrutiny he faces. State Rep. Rick Staples says the allegations from an unnamed woman involved in Democratic politics are “politically motivated.” The woman claims Staples held onto her waist during a meeting in his office, after making inappropriate comments […]
The Tri-Star State: ‘Let’s Make A Deal’ Time In The Legislative Session
Listen The Tennessee General Assembly is getting to the do-or-die point for new legislation. The end of committee meetings means lawmakers have to make important decisions regarding bills that could determine whether they’ll pass or they’ll fail. This also means, in some cases, it’s time for compromise.
Embattled Middle Tennessee Representative Removed From Chairmanship
Listen A Middle Tennessee lawmaker accused of sexual misconduct in the 1980s has been removed from his chairmanship. State Rep. David Byrd, R-Waynesboro, is stepping down as the leader of the House Education Administration Subcommittee, a post he was given earlier this year despite allegations that he engaged in intimate contact with three girls that […]
The Tri-Star State: How The GOP Got Behind Expanding Medicaid For One Small But Desperate Group
There’s a very real possibility that the Tennessee legislature will vote to expand Medicaid this year, though not to cover the working poor. Rather, this expansion is meant to rescue middle-class and upper-income families from financial ruin, as they care for children with severe disabilities.
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