BY STATE SENATOR LOWE FINNEY
This week we closed one of the committees I serve on, meaning that we are close to the end of this year’s legislative session. Soon we will be taking up Governor Haslam’s budget, which we successfully modified to reinstate critical funding for mental health, seniors, and mothers that had previously been left out. I am hopeful that the legislature will approve these changes and ensure that these vital services will be available to our families.
I admit that I am disappointed, however, that funds for the West Tennessee Megasite are not included in this year’s budget. The megasite is our greatest opportunity to attract thousands of jobs to our area, as has happened in Clarksville and Chattanooga and other parts of the state. I have introduced an amendment that would provide funding for the next phase of megasite construction, because we can’t wait any longer to continue this vital project.
When it comes to unemployment, I was alarmed to hear that benefits for 28,000 jobless Tennesseans expired last month when the state program expired. Tennessee’s unemployment rate has remained consistent even as the national rate has decreased, and people looking for work need help now more than ever. I have filed a bill with Rep. Craig Fitzhugh to renew the payments, which would cost the state almost nothing compared to the total payments provided by the federal government. These benefits would result in an estimated $100 million boost to the state economy in the coming months. I am hopeful that lawmakers will take the steps necessary to ensure that those who are out of work are not penalized for their efforts to get back on their feet.
Finally, I know that gas prices have been rising sharply lately, and I want you to know that I am working to ensure that companies are treating consumers fairly. I cosponsored legislation this year to fight price-gouging and also sponsored legislation to prohibit increases in lawmaker expense rates and mileage reimbursements. We as legislators should be expected to bear the same burden as our neighbors when it comes to rising gas prices and living costs – no exceptions.
Over the next few weeks, we will be planning listening meetings across the district. I hope to see you there, and as always, please contact me if there’s anything I can do for you.