Legislation to Watch
I am incredibly excited to announce that I have been added as a Co-Prime Sponsor to HB2529 by Representative Ron Travis (R). When I first heard that a Republican had filed a bill to expand Medicaid in Tennessee, I couldn't believe it! This is a wonderful example of bipartisanship and putting the needs of Tennesseans before politics that I addressed in last week's newsletter. Tennessee needs a bolder vision, and this is it. Currently, by not expanding Medicaid, the State is leaving $1.4 billion federal dollars on the table that the State could use to help ensure more than 300,000 Tennesseans.
A Week Full of Meetings
Wow! What a hectic week! This week marked a significant departure from the first month of Session. Now that bill filing is over I can now turn my full attention to meeting with various interest groups on different community and health related issues, and passing bills.
One such issue, is that of Alzheimer's Awareness. On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of setting down with a few representatives from the Alzheimer's Association and talk about ways to help those afflicted with Alzheimer's.
I was also able to speak to the President of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, during their day on the hill, on a number of election related bills. One bill we spoke about and that I am sponsoring is HB2094. HB2094 would imposes a public notice and public input requirements on a redistricting committee and upon consideration of a final redistricting plan. The propose of this bill is to create a more fair and transparent redistricting process.
Community Spotlight
This week we had some fantastic guests come to the hill to visit. I was pleased to see that the Chattanooga Mayor's Youth Council participated in Student Storm the Hill. I am grateful to represent such an amazing and bright group of students. On Tuesday, I met with Dr. Kelly Arnold, who was featured as the Tennessee Medical Association's Doctor of the Day. I am grateful for her many contributions to the Chattanooga community as well as abroad. She is also the inspiration behind Clinica Medicos. Finally, I had Chancellor Steve Engels, of the University Of Tennessee Chattanooga visit me at the hill. Chancellor Engels has done a fantastic job, and continue to be a leader for our great university. I believe that he will continue to better UTC so that many of our excellent students can carry the great legacy of this city.