Hello, this is Paul Bailey bringing you this week’s capitol update. Today I’m spotlighting Fall Creek Falls State Park. Fall Creek Falls is Tennessee’s largest and most visited State Park. It’s more than 26,000 acres and is laced with waterfalls, streams, gorges and a golf course. Please take time to visit this beautiful state park in the coming days.
The primary purpose that the legislature meets every year is to pass the state’s budget. Our state’s constitution requires that we pass a balanced budget unlike Washington DC. Once the budget passes, we will begin to officially wind down the 110th General Assembly.
There are several bills left be considered. One bill is Tennessee together a plan to curb opioid abuse. Another is welfare reform which requires TennCare enrollees that are able to work to do so or returned back to school. When Tennessee has a 3% unemployment rate, we need every citizen working.
This week I passed legislation aimed at helping our hometown banks as well as local government agencies. Under current law, banks are required to hold collateral equal to the amount of deposits government agencies deposit into their banks.
Many times, hometown bank struggle to find appropriate collateral to pledge against these public deposits. By expanding their eligibility to include out of state bonds, banks can more easily and efficiently accept public deposits.
One of the most talked about pieces of legislation was a proposal to allow the use of medical cannabis if recommended by a healthcare professional. The Senate sponsor withdrew the bill because there was not enough support to advance the legislation. I’m sure that we have not heard the last of this legislation.
If you want to learn more about me or my activities is your state senator, please go to my Facebook page, Paul Bailey for Senate and sign up for our newsletter. On the bottom left hand side of the page, click join my list and fill out the information to receive the newsletter.
As always, feel free to contact my office if I can be of any assistance. And until next time, this is Paul Bailey thanking you for allowing me to serve as your state senator.