The Tennessee legislature approved Thursday a slate of bills meant to improve literacy among students, as well as hold schools harmless during the pandemic. One of the measures headed to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk allows schools to hold back third graders if they don’t read at grade level. In Tennessee, about 64% of third graders […]
Tennessee General Assembly To Become First State To Accept Medicaid Block Grant, Despite Unclear Future
The Tennessee General Assembly has approved the so-called Medicaid block grant. Lawmakers spent just two days rushing it through. The House passed the agreement on Friday morning, while the Senate did so on Thursday.
Tennessee Legislature Re-Appoints Hargett As Secretary Of State Despite Opposition From Democrats
The Tennessee General Assembly has re-appointed Tre Hargett as secretary of state, though some Democratic members of the state House and Senate are saying they have lost faith in him.
Tennessee Lawmakers Pass New Anti-Abortion Bill In Last-Minute Vote
In a late-night, last-minute vote, the Tennessee Senate passed what would become one of the most restrictive anti-abortion bills in the country. The measure (SB2196/HB2263) had been championed by Gov. Bill Lee, although he said it was not a priority once the coronavirus pandemic struck in the state.
Tennessee Senate Approves A Revised Budget, House Could Finalize It Next Week
The Tennessee Senate passed a new $39.4 billion budget Thursday that includes more than $300 million in cuts due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The House is expected to vote on it next week.
Tennessee General Assembly Approves Emergency Budget, Adjourns Until June
Tennessee’s legislature approved a fast-tracked budget of about $39.8 billion late Thursday night after a marathon day of activity and as the state responds to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. The amount is about $900 million less than what was initially proposed by Gov. Bill Lee’s administration.
Tennessee Democrats Call On Gov. Lee To Pour $1.5B More Into Public Schools
Democrats in the Tennessee General Assembly are calling on Gov. Bill Lee to increase the state’s spending on public schools. They claim an increase in the school funding formula is the first step to improving literacy rates.
GOP Aims To Curb Nashville Police Oversight Board’s Powers — And Its Diversity Rules
Listen / State lawmakers took the first step Monday toward eliminating the subpoena powers of police oversight boards like the one recently formed in Nashville. The proposal also restricts another key aspect of the group: its diversity requirement.
Tennessee Democrats Elect Nashville Senator As Minority Leader
Nashville Democrat Jeff Yarbro has been elected to be the new Senate minority leader. At the Senate Democratic Caucus leadership elections Tuesday afternoon, Yarbro said that, although the caucus is made up of only five people, they represent about 40 percent of the state’s residents.
Lawmakers Have Two Words For Retiring Doug Henry: Gentleman, Statesman
Lawmakers wiped away tears Thursday as they honored retiring state Senator Doug Henry – the longest-serving legislator in Tennessee history.
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