Speaker Pro Tempore 18th District
Sumner, Trousdale & Part of Davidson Counties
What's Happening at the Capitol?
As the month of April began, the Tennessee General Assembly worked diligently to hear more bills on the floor. The Senate met for Floor Sessions on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and all but the Finance, Ways, and Means and Judiciary Committees have completed their business for the session. The Senate is beginning to draw toward a close, leaving only judicial confirmations, bills with fiscal impact, and the budget to be heard in committees. During the week, I spent time meeting with organizations and leaders in preparation for budget discussions as well as continuing to learn about the fiscal impact that the proposed K-12 education funding formula will have on our state.
Noah's Law is Signed into Law!
On Wednesday, I joined Representatives Garrett and Lamberth for the Governor's signing of Noah's Law, a bill which was highlighted in a previous newsletter. The Governor graciously hosted us in and the family for an official signing of the bill.
Following the signing of this bill, families like Noah's no longer have to worry about an Amber Alert being delayed due to the missing child being with a parent, if the parent does not have custody.
Constituent Visit: Alzheimer's Association
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Alzheimer's Association during their Day on the Hill. I am proud to support this organization and others like it who advocate for those who struggle with the mental diseases that affect so many families. It was a pleasure to sit down with the representatives and hear the stories of how Alzheimer's has impacted their lives.
Education Funding Formula in Committee
On the 5th of the month, in Finance, Ways and Means Committee, we reviewed the new TISA formula from a fiscal perspective. During this review, the Commissioner of Education, Penny Schwinn, and her team were present to answer any questions the members had while in committee. The Finance Committee meeting video and the TISA website are linked below.
Constituent Spotlight!
This week, we have a young citizen that just earned his Eagle Scout rank: Mr. Nathan Gafney. Nathan is a member of Troop 413 in Hendersonville, and he completed his project by refurbishing the patio at Matthew 25, a nonprofit that aims to support veterans in need! Thank you for your service to the community, Nathan! There have been many respectable young people in District 18 and across the State to earn their Eagle Scout rank in recent weeks. I have had the opportunity to learn about many of their Eagle projects, and I have been impressed and inspired by their service to our State. In the coming weeks, we will continue to highlight some of the newly ranked Eagle Scouts in our community.
425 5th Avenue North, Suite 708
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-1999