Hello, this is State Senator Paul Bailey with this week’s capitol update. Several key bills have been acted upon this session ranging from attacking Tennessee’s deadliest illegal drug to providing students more work based and apprenticeship opportunities, giving them a jumpstart on a high demand career.

But before discussing legislation, I want to tell you about a short visit I made this past weekend to Poland to visit our Tennessee National Guard’s 278 Armored Cavalry Regiment. This photo was taken with these National Guard troops at their base. The troops were in high spirits and seem truly happy for a visit from friendly faces back home.

The regiments deployment supports NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence or EFP and Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland. The 278 is the largest unit in Tennessee and one of only five Armored Brigade Combat Teams in the National Guard. They were identified as the unit best suited to contribute to the EFP battlegroup in Poland.

While in Poland, I had the opportunity to meet with these brave Tennesseans and learn about their mission, the important role of NATO in securing Europe, as well as the culture and daily lives of the Polish people. They love Americans and the security we provide to their country. It was a true honor to see this unit in action. Tennessee is truly a blessed state to have so many men and women serve this nation and our allies with a high level of skill and dedication.

Back in Nashville, we recently approved legislation to address the state’s drug epidemic but strengthening penalties for those who manufacture deliver or sell the dangerous and deadly drug fentanyl. The drug is so potent that an amount the size of three grains of sugar can be lethal to an adult. We need to do all that we can to get this drug off the streets in order to save the lives of Tennesseans.

The Tennessee senate also approved Governor Lee’s GIVE Act which stands for the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education. This legislation is a two pronged approach that utilizes public private partnerships to develop work based learning and apprenticeship opportunities.

The GIVE Act also doubles the number of dual enrollment courses that a high school student can take from two to four.

As session continues, please feel free to contact me regarding any issues before us. I look forward to hearing from you, and, until next time, this is Paul Bailey with your capitol update.