I hope this post finds you rested and well after an enjoyable Christmas holiday with family and friends. Tiffany and I had a wonderful time here in Jackson, and we are looking forward to ringing in the New Year.
As we prepare for 2012, I wanted to take a look back at some of our accomplishments from the past year. It is no secret that 2011 was a difficult year for many Tennesseans. We all know someone who has been affected by a job loss or an inability to find work. As we remember our blessings during this time, let’s be sure to remember to keep each other in our thoughts and prayers.
Despite difficulties, however, we were still able to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Tennesseans. Please take a few minutes to see what we were able to do last year, and as always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me about any issue. I want to do everything in my power to put West Tennesseans back to work, and I respectfully ask that you help however you can by donating to our cause. It will take all of us working together to accomplish our goals, and I am thankful for your continued support.
I went with Sen. Beverly Marrero and Rep. Craig Fitzhugh to visit Dan Chadwick of Residue Regency Pad Corp in Martin. Dan’s company aided in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill cleanup in 2010.
Jobs and Economic Development
During the legislative session, we learned that more than 20,000 Tennesseans who were looking for a job stood to lose their unemployment benefits in April. I successfully sponsored legislation to extend those benefits and create an immediate return on our investment. Tennessee’s unemployment rate is still higher than the national rate, which means we have plenty of work to do. Tennesseans haven’t stopped looking for work, so we shouldn’t stop working for them.
In September, I traveled across the state with my colleagues to talk to business owners, workers and educators about what we can do in Nashville to help encourage job growth across Tennessee. I also held town hall meetings in each county in the district, and jobs were the number one topic of discussion.
Finally, I cosponsored legislation to extend the sales tax credit for 2010 flood victims, to help our residents, farmers and small business owners continue to recover from one of the worst natural disasters in our state’s history. After all, helping our neighbors is what we do in West Tennessee.
Education
In April, I held a districtwide education forum with staff from the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, along with area business and education leaders. We discussed how business leaders, teachers and parents can work together to improve the educational opportunities of area students.
Thankfully, one of those successful schools was approved for another year of funding in the Governor’s budget: Carroll Academy, which teaches students who would otherwise enter the state’s juvenile justice system. About 3,000 West Tennessee students have entered the Huntingdon school since it opened in 1994, with most receiving their high school diplomas. Successful students have gone on to college to complete a degree. Schools like Carroll Academy are a model for creative solutions to the education issues that face our state.
Serving our Veterans
For our military members still overseas, I cosponsored a bill to make voting easier by expanding the use of absentee ballots, and making them count as voter registration applications for those voting for the first time. Back at home, I cosponsored legislation to create the Tennessee Distinguished Service Medal to be awarded to members of our Tennessee National Guard and U.S. armed forces killed in the line of duty. This award gives us the opportunity to show that the people of our state recognize, in some small way, the price paid by our fellow Tennesseans.
For those that receive honors, I also cosponsored legislation to require the state treasurer to hold unclaimed military medals until owners or the families of the awarded soldier can be identified for proper return. The bill also allows the treasurer to hand over the medal to a veterans’ organization or other related organizations to take charge of finding the veteran or his or her family in order to return the medals to their rightful owners. Our citizens who have been awarded these medals not only deserve the respect of having them safely returned, but also the right for us to honor their services and bravery with this protective law.
Recognitions and Awards
I was honored to receive several awards from groups I care greatly about, including seniors, county mayors, local government leaders and safety workers. I was also named to the West Tennessee River Basin Authority, as well as a national committee of state legislators for law and criminal justice. These recognitions symbolize the hard work of the staff members, supporters and local leaders alongside whom I have the privilege of serving.
Finally, I want to mention the passing of two great men who touched the lives of thousands of West Tennesseans: The Reverend Ben Elton Cox, and Governor Ned Ray McWherter. Reverend Cox fought for civil rights across the South before coming home to Madison County and teaching our children and encouraging our neighbors to vote. Gov. McWherter was a true legend who set a national standard for rural infrastructure and fiscal responsibility. The legacies of these men will continue for generations to come in our area.
I wish you all a very Happy New Year, and I look forward to continuing to serve you in 2012.
Lowe