The 109th general assembly adjourned late Wednesday evening.
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey said it "completed its work deliberately and efficiently."
He stated, “I have said it before and I will say it again: it matters who governs. The Tennessee way of governance stands in stark contrast to the runaway spending spree in Washington. Time and again our members refuse to reach into the back pocket of Tennessee taxpayers to balance the budget. We have continued to be the responsible fiscal stewards voters asked us to be. Less spending, lower taxes and smaller government remain our top priorities.
“We proved this year we will not move backwards on education. We took steps to rip out Common Core root and vine and replace it with strong Tennessee standards based on Tennessee values. Tennessee is the most improved state in the nation in education. The jobs coming to Tennessee due to our pro-business climate will go to Tennesseans educated in Tennessee schools.
“An efficient and focused General Assembly can finish the people’s business and save taxpayer dollars in the process. We have proved it before and today we proved it again. The days of legislative sessions lingering into May and June are in the past.”
The General Assembly passed a $33.79 billion balanced budget that invests primarily in education and economic development. Other noteworthy budget items include $34 million for property tax relief for the elderly and veterans, $41.3 million to complete the phase out of Tennessee’s inheritance tax and $97.6 million for pay increases for teachers.
Among the many highlights of the session was the repeal of Common Core, passage of restrictions on abortion, continued reduction of the Hall Tax and several anti-crime and pro-victim's rights measures.
Lt. Gov. Ramsey said, "Tennessee is currently ranked among the lowest states in the nation in per capita in debt and per capita tax burden. The General Assembly’s pro-jobs, fiscally responsible, small government agenda has resulted in a triple-A rated bond rating for the state."
Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Ryan Haynes said, “We’ve just witnessed a session of success. Whether it is the conservative fiscal stewardship of our state, educational reforms that keep us on the path of achievement, or a number of bills to enhance the freedom Tennesseans expect—our state is moving ahead. Governor Haslam continues to show why he’s garnered the reputation of a dynamic reformer-in-chief and together, with Lieutenant Governor Ramsey and Speaker Harwell, the leadership of our state has never been stronger.
“I am proud of the work our leaders and my colleagues put in on behalf of all Tennesseans. We’ve proven, once again, our state is a model for how to govern in a responsible, conservative fashion while answering the needs of our citizens.”
He listed these accomplishments:
- The Republican-led General Assembly passed a fiscally responsible balanced budget that cut taxes, placed over $70 million into the Rainy Day fund, all while funding continued improvements for education and Tennessee’s business-friendly environment.
- Working with parents, teachers, and administrators, the GOP started the effort to put in place Tennessee-specific education standards.
- Tennessee Reconnect was created, a visionary program set forth by Governor Haslam, to help adults enter higher education so they may gain new skills, advance in their careers, and complete a degree or credential.
- Additionally, while making targeted investments, Republican leaders were able to cut the Hall Income Tax for seniors 65 and older.
Senate Minority Leader Lee Harris released the following statement on the end of the 2015 legislative session:
"As a new caucus, one of our goals was to make sure we established creditability this session. The best way to do that is to speak from your heart and speak to your audience, and I think we did that throughout this session.
"The reality is, we have small numbers, but we played big. With a small staff and a small number of members, we set out to try to review each one of the 1,400 bills that were filed and to try to influence as many of them as possible. It was a heavy work load, but I’m really proud of where we are as a caucus."