Invoking the Old Testament story of Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem, Governor Bill Lee laid out his plan for the next fiscal year and asked all Tennesseans to play a role.
"Tonight, I want to reiterate something. I've got three years left, and yet there is a lot to do," he said. "We're not slowing down – not for a second."
Citing extraordinary economic growth over the past few years that is slowing to a more normal level, he announced investments he wants to and the simplification of the state franchise tax.
"This year, we will bolster our decades-long commitment to fiscal responsibility starting with a $20 million investment in Tennessee's Rainy Day Fund, bringing our state reserves to over $2-billion," Lee said, "the largest in state history."
Calling Tennessee one of the most moved-to states in the country, he predicted continued growth in population and in importance to the nation's fiscal health.
"For the first time in our nation's history, just six states in the Southeast, including Tennessee, are contributing more to America's GDP than the entire Northeast," Lee explained. "That includes New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Tennessee has emerged as an economic powerhouse for this country."
Governor Lee also aims to protect the state's music industry workforce by trying to head off A.I. technologies through legislation.
"I'm proposing legislation to protect Tennessee's rich musical heritage and ensure that no one can steal the voice of Tennessee artists," he said. "We're calling this bill the ELVIS Act to honor our very own King of Rock & Roll, as well as his family who is still working to protect his legacy, today."
He reiterated his desire to make school choice available, across the state.
"Some are concerned that more choices for families could mean fewer resources for public schools, but that is simply not true," the governor said. "He argued increases in education funding and pay raises will ensure school systems remain afloat. "We can give parents choice and support public schools at the same time," he added. "You'll hear me say that over and over again – these two ideas are not in conflict."
Another aid for parents, Lee said, is a measure that would help them protect their children, online.
"I'm bringing a bill that will give parents tools to oversee their child's social media activity," he explained, "and it will require social media companies to get parental consent for minors to create their own accounts in Tennessee."
Savings generated from the one-of-a-kind TennCare will reportedly make another major investment possible, at no cost to taxpayers.
"We will propose the single largest investment in rural healthcare, in state history," Lee said, "nearly $200 million over the next five years."
In this chamber that has recently been the scene of much contention between members and parties, the governor ended with a call for unity. "There will be those who criticize, those who will see Tennessee's success and try to stop it," said Lee.
"And they'll do that by trying to divide us. We shouldn't let that happen. Let's stand together – remember our shared purpose."
