My family and I wish you a happy Independence Day. Please be safe and enjoy your upcoming holiday.
New Laws
New laws go into effect on July 1st. This document contains a complete list of all new laws.
Unemployment
Gov. Bill Lee unilaterally decided to end all federal unemployment assistance programs in our state on July 3rd. As a direct result, Tennessee workers who continue to struggle will lose the $300 supplement and extended federal payments, as well as the opportunity to participate in federal programs that have allowed those who don't usually qualify for benefits, such as the self-employed, to receive them.
Lee attempted to defend his callous indifference to the serious challenges still facing many families, specifically those in rural Tennessee, by tweeting on May 12th, “Work is good for the soul, good for families and good for Tennessee. We shouldn't be incentivizing people not to do it.” In so doing, he insulted Tennessee’s workers by implying that they are lazy and simply choosing not to work. To paraphrase the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Lee is “entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” The data simply doesn’t support Lee’s justification for his decision or what he seemed to be implying. 67 of 95 Tennessee counties recorded unemployment rates below 5.0% in May, with two counties enjoying unemployment rates as low as 2.7%. The statewide average prior to the pandemic in January 2020 was 3.3%.
Additionally, the state unemployment trust fund balance as of May 2021 was $1,159,263,853. The pre-pandemic balance, as of January 2020, was $1,273,044,800. I note this because the governor and supermajority argued that the fiscal integrity of the trust fund was in jeopardy when they passed legislation cutting state unemployment benefits by more than half.
Should anyone have any doubts about Tennesseans’ continued need for these vital benefits, I would invite you to have a conversation with the Tennesseans who continue to reach out to me for assistance.
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Grants
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has provided the following links regarding potential funding and grant opportunities.
This link is the TDMHSAS website where departmental funding opportunities are posted as they are announced.
This link lists potential sources for grant opportunities from the federal government, private entities, and other organizations.
The information on these links is updated regularly, so please check back often.
Vaccination
Capitol Tours
Our State Capitol is now open to visitors for guided and self-guided tours. More information is available here. If you would like for me to personally lead your tour, I am happy to do so as my schedule allows. Please email my office with any such requests.
Campaign 2022
Stay tuned for upcoming information about our 2022 campaign events and fundraisers. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you around District 55!
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