Legislature fought hard for good
In the Senate and the House, we made tough decisions, but we were mindful of this: We must put Tennesseans back to work. Our families depend on it. Our communities depend on it. Our future depends on it.
It was a struggle against politics and short-sighted priorities. But we managed to protect struggling families and our hometown economies on several fronts:
- Secured the West Tennessee industrial “megasite” that will attract major employers like Volkswagen and Hemlock Semiconductor.
- Cleared the way for Volkswagen, Hemlock and Wacker Chemical deals to go forward — and bring thousands of jobs to the state.
- Beat back efforts to kill bridge projects — which will put hundreds of Tennesseans to work and revive economic activity in the towns where workers live.
- Helped the unemployed by expanding benefits and making them available longer until those unfortunate Tennesseans get back on their feet and back to work.
- Made it easier to prosecute “foreclosure rescue” scam artists who prey on Tennesseans facing the loss of their homes.
- Stopped efforts to cancel construction projects at public universities, which will mean jobs in several college communities and investments in our children’s future.
- Rescued our nationally recognized pre-kindergarten program — the only chance that many of our children have to get off on the right foot in school.
- Got the ball rolling on a partnership between our high schools and Tennessee Technology Centers that will teach students skills they’ll need to find 21st century jobs.
- Resolved to use Tennessee’s federal stimulus dollars to put American workers back on the job and to bolster American businesses.
- Kept a plan on track for fair, honest elections next year, requiring voting machines with a verifiable paper trail.
- Paved the way for families with loved ones suffering long illnesses or critical injuries to get them proper care in home-like settings.
But political rhetoric won out over the needs and priorities of Tennesseans too many times during this legislative session. A couple of examples:
- Ethics laws took a back seat as our independent Ethics Commission was merged with the office of the Registry of Election Finance.
- Senate Democrats wanted to turn leftover lottery money into help for young HOPE scholars who can’t afford to stay in school. The idea was voted down.
Make no mistake: We knew we could not meet every need with the revenues available. But as tight as state finances are, we worked with Gov. Phil Bredesen to find a way to pay for things that could ease some of the pain being felt by Tennesseans.
We can look at the victories that we did win for Tennesseans and see hope, though. As we attract more industry to Tennessee, we will see more good-paying jobs.
With paychecks in their pockets, workers will spend money in our local economies. And as business grows, so do our state revenues.
As your public servants, we, like you, look toward better times when we can better serve your needs and help secure a stable future for your families.
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Sen. Eric Stewart represents Bledsoe, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy, Sequatchie, Van Buren and Warren counties. Contact his office at sen.eric.stewart@capitol.tn.gov or 615-741-6694 or 310A War Memorial Building, Nashville, TN 37243.