“We Stand Adjourned…”
The first half of the 106th General Assembly has come to a close, and we have returned to our homes and families.
Reflecting upon 23 weeks of legislative work – the longest session since we defeated the income tax in 2002 - leads to one conclusion: after 146 years of control by the Democratic opposition, the new Republican majority has begun, in earnest, the restoration of Tennesseans’ rightful voice in state government.
We opened up the process for choosing Tennessee’s Constitutional Officers and, as a result, seated the first Republicans in state history to serve as Treasurer, Comptroller and Secretary of State.
We reformed the State Election Commission to bring it into compliance with state law by adding two new Republicans, and we elected the first woman in state history to serve as a state election commissioner.
We reduced the size of government. While cutting the state budget over $1 billion to its lowest level since 2007, we simultaneously reinvested in jobs, education and infrastructure. We authorized over $572 million to rebuild roads and bridges and $673 million to improve education. We expanded Charter Schools and, despite the economic downturn, did not reduce funding for K-12 programs.
After nearly eight years of siphoning state fuel tax revenues for social programs rather than the needs for which they were intended, we passed legislation prohibiting further diversions by the governor thereby rebuilding reserves and confidence in Tennessee’s transportation fund.
We strengthened law enforcement by imposing tougher sentences for sex offenders and crimes committed with illegal weapons thereby extending the sweeping criminal sentencing reforms initiated last year.
We replaced the Judicial Selection Commission with a new, Nominating Commission comprised of fewer special interest groups and requiring a more open process for the selection of judicial candidates.
We passed legislation improving access to affordable health care by simplifying insurance regulations and limiting liability of health care providers who volunteer their services to those in need.
We strengthened Tennessee's bio-tech and life science industries, expanded job tax credits for economic development, and reformed workers’ compensation laws to promote business growth throughout the state.
These are but a few examples of our efforts this year to restore state government to the purposes set forth in our Constitution– to provide for the peace, safety and happiness of its citizens. There is more to report, and there is much more to be done, but we are well on our way to a better day thanks to your efforts in support of those of us who truly care about Tennessee’s future.
Mark Norris
Senate Majority Leader
Tennessee Flag Display
for Organ Donation Awareness
