Thankful for you

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

THANKFUL FOR YOU

On this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for all of you who continue to step up for our neighbors in need. When the SNAP payments stopped during the shutdown, many of our most vulnerable neighbors were left with little to feed themselves and their families. Despite our repeated calls for a special session, our governor refused to step up. Thankfully, all of you got involved and donated your time, food and money to our local food banks, filling a void created by a broken government. Our elected officials in Washington can break our federal government, but they'll never break the generous will and Volunteer spirit of Tennesseans. As the need continues through the holidays, let's all continue to do our part.

Thank you to everyone who attended our State Government 101 event last week in Antioch at the Southeast Library and Community Center. The event featured reps from multiple state departments, and it is currently available for viewing on Facebook for those who were unable to attend in person.

I am also incredibly thankful for all of you who continue to support our efforts in the state legislature. My service would not be possible without each of you. Please be sure and join us for our upcoming fundraising event on Dec. 4th at Cyanide Cider in Woodbine. More information below.

Melissa Thomas, ED & CEO, The Branch of Nashville

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS

I was taught growing up that you have to listen to learn. With this in mind, in addition to meeting with local schools, business owners, neighborhood groups and residents across District 55, I spent several weeks hosting town halls in rural communities across our state. My friend Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris joined me for "Tennessee Voices: A Rural Listening Tour" in 11 towns. We invited everyone of all political stripes to join us with the goal of hearing directly from Tennesseans about the issues impacting their families the most. As someone who constantly searches for middle ground on important issues, it was an enlightening experience through which I gained valuable perspective that will guide my policy-making and conversations across the aisle. I would like to personally thank all those who took the time to join us and share in the following towns and surrounding areas: Brownsville, Dyersburg, Bolivar, Jackson, Lebanon, Dickson, Winchester, Lewisburg, Alcoa, Cleveland and Elizabethton.

PICTURES FROM THE ROAD