Lawmakers Pass Newly Amended Budget; Set to Reconvene in June
Tennessee lawmakers passed Governor Bill Lee’s amended budget for fiscal year 2020-21 late Thursday night following a robust debate amongst members. Several proposed amendments to the newly proposed budget were tabled after a lengthy discussion. In light of the severe tornado damage to Middle Tennessee communities and significant estimated economic impact of the novel … Continued
Administration Releases Amended Budget Proposal Amid Coronavirus Concerns, Severe Tornado Damage
Governor Bill Lee unveiled his amended proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-21 on Wednesday, March 18. Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Stuart McWhorter presented the newly revised budget to both Senate and House Finance, Ways, and Means Committees on Wednesday. In light of the severe tornado damage to Middle Tennessee communities and significant … Continued
Governor, Legislature Announce Next Steps Amid Coronavirus Concerns
During a press conference Monday afternoon, Governor Lee announced he will release an amended budget on Wednesday for the upcoming fiscal year, working with both Speakers in an effort to pass the Constitutionally-required measure before members go into recess at the end of the week. The announcement came following the release of a statement … Continued
Cordell Hull Closes to Public In Light of Coronavirus Concerns
On Friday afternoon, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lt. Governor Randy McNally announced the closure of Cordell Hull Legislative Office Building due to public health concerns surrounding the coronavirus. The announcement indicated the only persons with access to the building will now be members of the General Assembly, their staff, and members of the … Continued
Dueling Amendments Adopted to UT FOCUS Act; Conversations to Continue Next Week
The UT FOCUS Act, which would reconstitute and restructure the UT Board of Trustees, was heard this week in both the Senate and House Government Operations Committees, where two different amendments have now been adopted by the respective committees. The Haslam Administration has proposed the measure in an effort to help the UT Board of Trustees operate … Continued