The phrase “Make America Tennessee” is gaining momentum as our state continues to experience significant victories. If more of the country followed our lead, we would be freer, safer, stronger and more united.
We have led the nation in fighting for common sense, freedom and parental rights. It should come as no surprise that the Volunteer State continues to attract tens of thousands of new residents each year. U-Haul’s growth index places Tennessee ahead of 45 other states in welcoming new residents, a testament to our friendly people, booming industries and steady conservative leadership.
Republican lawmakers this year continued to build on our state’s success by investing in strong communities, improving academic outcomes, enhancing public safety and prioritizing our transportation system. I can confidently say that this legislative session was one of the most effective I have taken part in.
One of the measures I sponsored will protect children from harmful hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including THC gummies.
Many of these items are marketed like candy, which the medical director of the Tennessee Poison Center says leads to a majority of the organization’s THC-related calls. More than 250 children were treated for cannabis poisoning at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital between July 2023 and June 2024, a heartbreaking number that emphasizes the severity of the issue.
The new law creates a mandatory minimum sentence of 48 hours in jail and a $500 fine for people convicted of distribution to people under 21. It also prohibits retailers from knowingly allowing underage employees to sell or handle the products.
This is a growing problem in our nation, but the General Assembly’s bold action this year will help keep children safe across the Volunteer State.
Lawmakers also prioritized education reforms this year, building on Republican efforts to empower students over the past decade. I’m pleased to report that recently released Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) results reflect student improvements in all subject areas. While this significant progress is worth celebrating, I join my colleagues in continuing to find effective ways to boost academic achievement.
We made strides this session to decrease classroom distractions, invest in teachers and students and promote a more balanced and productive school day.
I’ve met with several local educators and district superintendents who have conveyed serious concerns about students using cell phones during class. Not only do devices affect their ability to focus, but more than half of public school leaders say it also negatively impacts student success.
Meigs, Polk and Bradley counties have exceptional public schools, which is all the more reason we must ensure children pay attention in class. In March, the General Assembly unanimously approved legislation to limit classroom distractions by requiring all Tennessee school districts to implement policies prohibiting the use of electronic devices during instruction time.
Schools that have already implemented similar policies have reported exceptional results, and I’m eager to see the impact of this consequential new law.
There are few policies people care more about than roads - and for good reason. Quality roadways make Tennessee families safer, strengthen our economy and enhance quality of life.
Tennessee has historically relied on gas tax revenue to pay for roads and bridges, which are funded with cash on hand, not borrowed money. The rise in fuel-efficient and electric vehicles has made this model unsustainable.
Lawmakers unanimously approved a new law this session to significantly increase funding for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) through a portion of sales tax revenue from new and used tires. The measure will add roughly $80 million more to TDOT’s highway fund annually, a number that is expected to increase in subsequent years. This recurring funding will play a significant role in improving Tennessee’s roads and ensuring we remain a nationwide hub of logistics.
Our state is a special place, and it is an honor to represent the values of Meigs, Polk and Bradley counties in the state legislature. With your help, I remain committed to finding innovative ways to promote continued prosperity in our community and across Tennessee.
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State Representative Dan Howell
Rep. Howell represents District 22 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes Meigs, Polk and part of Bradley counties. He is chairman of the House Transportation Committee.