Hello, this is State Senator Paul Bailey coming to you from the Capitol in Nashville for the first time in 2009. The organizational session for the 111th General Assembly is complete. And on Saturday, we inaugurated Bill Lee as the 50th Governor of Tennessee.

Governor Lee is a good man who will serve Tennessee well. I was excited that his first executive order issue this week is to help our rural distress counties reach the success that other counties and our State have achieved.

Our committees will begin to conduct business next week where we will start to tackle many of the issues facing Tennessee.

This year I have a new role in the senate as chairman of the Commerce and Labor Committee. As a business owner, I’m honored to take on this new responsibility. It is important that Tennessee continue its pro business record that has resulted in a strong economy and thousands of jobs for our state and district. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to pass good legislation that benefits businesses and the labor market in Tennessee.

Finally, each year, senators invite students from their district to participate as senate pages. I want to extend that invitation to all students in grades six through 12 to join me on the Senate floor during the 111th General Assembly. Please contact my office if you take advantage of this opportunity. Until next week, this is Paul Bailey with your capitol update.