Tennessee Legislative Session Begins
Tennessee lawmakers returned to Nashville on Tuesday for the second year of the 112th General Assembly. Most of the attention was focused on the once-a-decade redistricting process, with the House and the Senate releasing their draft redistricting plans this week. The final version will require legislative approval from both chambers and the governor.
Changes to Committee leadership positions were also announced. Notably, Senate Education Committee Vice-Chair Sen. Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol) will serve as the acting Chair. Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) will remain 2nd Vice-Chair. In the House, Rep. Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) was appointed Chair of the Civil Justice Committee, with Rep. Darren Jernigan (D- Old Hickory) as Vice-Chair. Farmer succeeds the late Rep. Mike Carter, who passed away from cancer in May.
In Case You Missed It: UT AgResearch and Education Centers Awarded $50M
The State Financial Stimulus Accountability Group (FSAG) recently awarded $50M in American Rescue Plan funding to support the much-needed modernization of infrastructure and equipment at UT AgResearch and Education Centers (AgRECs) across the state. The historical investment will enhance the University’s capacities to conduct cutting-edge research and educate the future agriculture workforce. It will also support the state’s ability to accelerate economic recovery, increase the resiliency of agriculture and food supply systems, and improve public health.
