In the words of Leslie Jordan, “Hello out there, all my fellow hunker-downers.” I remain at home with Tamara and the boys. Like many of you in Metro Nashville, we are doing our best to follow medical experts’ and Metro’s advice to limit any activity outside of our home while we facilitate some level of distance learning and attempt to successfully work. Every day is a new challenge and adventure as the kids (and their dad) grow more restless.
THANK YOU
My family and neighbors would like to thank all of the health care workers, grocery store employees, and many others whose jobs are “essential.” We are so incredibly grateful for you and sincerely appreciate your efforts and sacrifices during this state of emergency. For all of you who find yourselves newly unemployed or furloughed or your small businesses and livelihoods in jeopardy, please know that you and your challenging circumstances are the forefront of our minds and the focus of every single policy discussion that my legislative colleagues and I have. The same goes for those who are suffering from this novel virus or any other illness and especially those who remain without health care coverage. While I am sure it is of little comfort to anyone who is struggling or suffering to hear another elected official communicating concerns rather than actions and results, it is important to me that you know that someone is advocating and working on your behalf.
COVID-19 COUNT
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, the COVID-19 case count for Tennessee is now 9,667 as of April 26, 2020, including 181 deaths, 828 hospitalizations, and 4,527 recovered.
According the Mayor, we have 2,370 confirmed cases in Davidson County, as of today. This is an increase of 157 in the last 24 hours (as of 10am). More info available here.
UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS
I continue to field lots of emails from individuals across the state regarding their unemployment-related claims, and I am more than happy to help. If you or someone you know continues to have difficulty processing a claim, getting questions answered, or checking on the status of a claim, please direct them to me.
All claimants requesting assistance should email me with the following information: 1) full legal name; 2) phone number; 3) email address; 4) last four digits of SSN; and 5) any specific inquiry/issue.
Please be advised that I still do not have access to my legislative office, so phone calls to that office number will not be received as quickly as an email.
The State finally began mailing out unemployment checks under the PUA and FPUC programs at the end of last week, so I encourage those who were able to apply online to check your bank accounts for any pending deposits. Again, if you have any questions or require any assistance, never hesitate to reach out.
STATE NEWS
Legislative Activity
The state legislature temporarily adjourned on March 19, 2020. We will re-convene on June 1, 2020. Currently, all decisions being made at the state level are being unilaterally decided and enacted by the governor, most of which are being done in accordance within the emergency powers of TCA 58-2-101 et seq. However, I am currently working with my colleagues to put together a package of proposals and budget amendments to address many of the ongoing and new challenges facing our state.
Executive Activity
On Friday morning, Gov. Bill Lee and his Economic Recovery Group released his “Tennessee Pledge,” a document providing guidance and best practices for Tennessee businesses in 89 of the 95 counties. Guidance provided therein currently includes the restaurant and retail industries. Gov. Lee and the Economic Recovery Group will provide specific guidance for additional Tennessee industries in the coming weeks.
Gov. Lee also issued Executive Order 29, which amends Executive Order 17, to reopen dining in restaurants beginning at 12:01 CDT Monday, April 27. Subject to the expectation that restaurants will operate within ERG Guidelines, on-site dining at restaurants will no longer be prohibited in Tennessee, unless a locally run county health department in Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby, or Sullivan Counties independently prohibits or otherwise regulates the opening, closing, or operation of restaurants within its respective county.
Bars, nightclubs, and limited service restaurants shall continue to be closed to persons for the purposes of eating or drinking on-site. Take-out and delivery alcohol sales by restaurants remain permitted.
All of Gov. Lee’s Executive Orders are available here.
Labor Market
The weekly “new unemployment claims” filed in Tennessee in April thus far are as follows:
Week ending April 4, 2020: 116,141
Week ending April 11, 2020: 74,772
Week ending April 18, 2020: 68,968
TDOT Grants to WeGo Transit
WeGo Transit is being awarded two TDOT IMPROVE Act Transit Capital Grants.
1) $2,700,000 to construct a North Nashville Transit Facility with four bus bays, a passenger waiting area, pedestrian accommodations, real‐time transit information, and other transportation services; and,
2) $4,514,400 for WeGo to apply to a competitive federal grant awarded for the purchase of rolling stock such as buses.
TDOT’s IMPROVE Act Transit Capital Grants Program provides capital assistance to support high priority transit agency projects in communities across Tennessee. Projects include station and stop improvements, bus rapid transit, park and ride lots, intelligent transportation systems, maintenance and planning projects. Successful projects should improve ridership and address congestion, improve safety, show economic development benefits, and demonstrate project readiness. IMPROVE Act Transit Capital Grants are State funded at 75%, up to $3,000,000 per project, with a 25% local match requirement.
Stimulus Funding
Tennessee is expected to receive up to $2.4 billion in federal funding through the CARES Act for state and local governments, but we are still awaiting federal guidance as to how these funds can be used. We do know they can only be used for COVID-19 expenditures, not to address revenue shortfalls at state and local levels.
A total of up to $3.6 billion in federal COVID-19 funding is anticipated to be distributed through 17 different state agencies. This funding does not include dollars directly allocated for business-related programs or for our hospitals. Currently, we have received guidance and notice on 22 of the 53 federal awards, and we expect additional guidance in the weeks ahead.
TDEC Permit Hearing
TDEC hosted a virtual public hearing for the REOstone Quarry’s NPDES permit on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. TDEC's Division of Water Resources, Mining Section, held a preliminary technical session and a formal public hearing followed. The purpose of the hearing was to seek input on a draft NPDES permit for an existing 158.1 acres limestone quarry and processing facility in West Nashville that discharges into Richland Creek. An application was submitted to modify and reissue the NPDES permit. The last day to submit written comments for the NPDES Hearing Record is May 1, 2020. If you have questions regarding the proposed NPDES permit, contact Geoff Klein at (865) 594-5527 or [email protected].
Child Care for “Essential” Workers
To help Tennesseans move forward during the COVID-19 emergency, the Tennessee Department of Human Services is increasing access to child care at no cost for Tennessee workers who are providing “essential businesses and services” through June 15, 2020. This child care is available through payment assistance with TN DHS-licensed child care agencies and a partnership with Tennessee YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs. Click here for more info and to sign up.
TDOT Project Updates
TDOT project updates in/around District 55:
1) I-440 - Target completion date is July 24, 2020. Expected to be complete prior to target date. Final total cost: $152,959,352.00.
2) Widening of Charlotte Pike (from Old Hickory to I-40) - Planning report is complete.
3) Widening of Charlotte Pike (from I-40 to American Road) - Planning report is complete.
4) Widening of Charlotte Pike (from American Road to White Bridge) - Planning report is complete.
5) Ramp Improvements to Westbound Exit Ramp at Charlotte Pike - Engineering is underway.
6) Installation of Intelligent Transportation System on I-40 (from I-840 to Exit 196) - Right-of-way and/or utility process is underway.
7) Widening of I-40 (Exit 192 to Exit 196) - Planning document is underway.
8) Misc Safety Improvements to I-65 interchange at Wedgewood Ave, northbound & southbound lanes - Contract is scheduled to be let in 2nd Qtr 2020.
9) Hillwood Bridge over CSX railway - Complete. Final total cost: $2,296,107.30.
METRO NEWS
On April 23rd, Metro Nashville released its “Roadmap for Re-Opening.” This plan is distinguishable from the state’s plan in several ways. For those living and operating a business in Nashville, please review this document for guidance.
IN THE NEWS
The Tennessean (Opinion) - Governor Bill Lee Not Expanding Medicaid During COVID-19 Pandemic Is Costly Move
NewsChannel5 - COVID-19 Crisis Proves Need for New Health Plan
The Tennessean - Democrats Criticize Lee’s Risky Plan to Re-Open Tennessee Businesses
