Read Gov. Bill Lee’s State of the State address
Here is Gov. Bill Lee’s State of the State address as prepared for delivery on Monday evening:
Continue readingThank you very much. Lieutenant Governor McNally, Speaker Sexton, Speaker Pro Tem Haile, Speaker Pro Tem Marsh, Members of the 112th General Assembly, Justices, Constitutional Officers.
I first want to acknowledge someone who for the last three years has been a steadfast partner to me in this journey.
She has also been a faithful friend to Tennesseans in distressed counties through her Tennessee Serves initiative.
I’m so proud of the work she has done to provide underserved Tennesseans hundreds of thousands of meals, thousands of backpacks, and thousands of shoes for school children.
Tennesseans are proud of you, and I’m proud of you, Maria, our First Lady.
A spirit of humble service matters in times of trial, and it matters in times of prosperity. So I also want to thank members of my Cabinet and staff who are here tonight who have served Tennesseans tirelessly over the last year. I’m thankful for each one of you. Thank you.
To everyone here and to everyone listening across this state, it is the highest honor I have to serve as your governor. I am grateful that you have allowed me to serve in this position.
We stand here today in a different place than we were a year ago, but our gratitude to Tennesseans is unchanged. You have kept this state moving forward.
Tennesseans like the members of the National Guard who have met the worst of circumstances with grit, and yet also provided comfort. Nurses and other health care workers who have cared for the sick. Teachers and administrators who have taught our children. Troopers and police officers and sheriffs deputies who patrol the roads and keep our neighborhoods safe.
Small businesses who have kept their doors open and workers who have worked extra hours to keep our economy moving. You are what makes Tennessee exceptional.
Last June, we commenced Untold Tennessee, a celebration of how the ordinary makes us extraordinary, to commemorate 225 years of statehood. Folks along the way this year have shared with me the deep connection they feel to Tennessee.
Folks like my friend Wally Childress, whose family owns a century farm, Childress Farms, in West Tennessee, and has grown thousands of acres of crops since 1906. Wally and Tracy are with us here tonight. We thank you for representing generations of families that have helped make Tennessee what it is. Please stand up, Wally and Tracy Childress.
For 225 years, Tennessee has been a beacon to those who wanted something more and needed a frontier to build their American dream. In 1965, the General Assembly recognized this and passed a resolution to adopt the state slogan: “Tennessee – America at Its Best”.
Over the years, leaders have reminded Tennesseans that America at Its Best is more than our slogan – it’s our north star. However, America at Its Best means something different today than it did in 1965 or even in the last decade.
Lee gives preview of State of the State address, Dems deliver prebuttal
Republican Gov. Bill Lee is giving a preview of his fourth State of the State address on Monday evening. Democrats, meanwhile, are giving a prebuttal to the governor’s priories for the year.
Here’s the release from the governor’s office:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following speech excerpts ahead of his fourth State of the State Address that will be delivered tonight at 6 p.m. CT in the House Chamber of the Tennessee State Capitol.
The 2022 address will pay homage to 225 years of statehood by building on the state slogan “Tennessee – America at Its Best”.
Defining “America at Its Best”
Today, our country faces challenges of a different kind, but I believe now more than ever, Tennessee embodies America at Its Best. And in order to ensure that, I am proposing a budget and America at Its Best policies that reinforce freedom, innovation, exceptionalism and optimism.
Guarding Freedom
In recent history, big government has attempted to take over society instead of contributing to it. That’s no way to live, and Tennessee has pushed back on that big government. In fact, Tennessee has recently been ranked as one of the top five freest states in the country.
Protecting Life, Supporting Families
My office has proposed and supported some of the soundest pro-life legislation in the country. Thanks to our partners in the legislature, we passed thoughtful laws that protected the unborn and supported expecting mothers. If the federal courts return full authority to the states, Tennessee’s laws will automatically provide the maximum possible protection and offer a glimmer of redemption as America reconciles our troubled past. I believe Tennessee can be a major part of that reconciliation by offering both hope and resources to families in crisis.
Fiscal Stewardship
We pay a staggering $900 million dollars per day in national debt interest payments. This is a bipartisan problem working within a broken system, but states with balanced budgets offer a guide to what could be if Washington would just act. While Washington saddles our kids with trillions of dollars of debt, Tennessee’s strong fiscal position allows us to instead invest on their behalf.
Powering the Economy
Make no mistake – Tennessee is “Working People USA” and we will do whatever it takes to train and retrain Tennesseans so that both our businesses and our families can thrive.
And here is the video response from House Democratic Caucus Chair Vincent Dixie of Nashville:
New TNJ alert: 5th District update, logistics of Robinson proceedings, final state House maps
The latest print edition of The Tennessee Journal is out. Here’s what’s in it:
— Morgan who? Trump makes surprise 5th District endorsement.
— Ouster watch: Senate to weigh whether to expel Robinson after Wednesday debate.
— Redistricting roundup: 2 steps forward, 1 step back: House GOP undoes some incumbent pairings.
Also: Advocates of right-to-work amendment get favorable internal poll results, Janice Bowling gets COVID-19, and Terri Lynn Weaver gets biblical about Nashville’s raucous tourist district.
As always, access the your copy of the TNJ here.
Or subscribe here.
Lee raises more than $3M for re-election bid
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will report raising more than $3 million in the period covering the second half of 2021, The Tennessee Journal has learned. The Republican had about $5 million on hand as he began his re-election year.
Lee partially self-funded his 2018 gubernatorial bid. He’s not expected to report any loans to his re-election campaign.
Lee has yet to attract an opponent for the GOP nomination. Several Democrats have announced plans to run against him, including Nashville physician Jason Martin and Memphis City Council member JB Smiley Jr.
Lee last summer reported raising $3.6 million since being elected governor in 2018 and spending $1.85 million over the same period. Lee’s biggest donor since his defeat of Democrat Karl Dean was the Pharma Tennessee PAC, which had given $47,600 through July. Next were $24,600 each from St. Louis-based managed care company Centene and the PACs of H.G. Hill Realty and the David Volkert & Associates construction engineering firm.
The Butler Snow law firm’s PAC has ponied up $20,900, while Amazon and the HDR architecture and construction services company of Brentwood kicked in another $20,000.
The deadline to submit the most recent campaign finance reports is Monday, which is the same day the governor is scheduled to deliver the final State of the State address of his first term in office.
Trump makes endorsement in GOP primary for 5th District
Former President Donald Trump is endorsing Morgan Ortagus, a former spokeswoman to then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, for the Republican nomination in the new-look 5th Congressional District. Provided, of course, that she becomes a candidate for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Nashville).
Ortagus is a former commentator on Fox News who joined Nashville-based Rubicon Founders, a health care investment firm launched by ex-Landmark Health CEO Adam Boehler, after leaving the Trump administration.
“I am told the very strong and impressive Morgan Ortagus is exploring a run for Congress in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District,” Trump said in a statement issued through his Save America PAC. “I couldn’t be happier because she’s an absolute warrior for America First and MAGA!
“Morgan was fantastic in her role working with Secretary Mike Pompeo at the U.S. State Department and understands the threats posed by China, Russia, Iran and others, and will be tough, not just roll over like the Democrats and RINOs,” he said. “She serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves and will fight for our Military. She won’t bow to the Woke Mob or the Leftist LameStream Media. Morgan Ortagus will have my Complete and Total Endorsement if she decides to run!”
The only officially announced GOP candidate so far is video producer Robbie Starbuck, who has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). Others considering bids include former state House Speaker Beth Harwell, attorney and retired National Guard general Kurt Winstead, entrepreneur Baxter Lee, and Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles.
Jim Cooper to retire from Congress after 5th District redistricting
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper says he won’t run for another term after Republicans split Nashville into three congressional districts.
“I am a proud Democrat who refuses to demagogue, and who chooses to be on the right side of history in order to give all our kids a better future,” Cooper said in a statement. “My votes certainly fueled our Republican legislature’s revenge.”
Here is the full release from Cooper’s office:
NASHVILLE – Today Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) released the following statement:
“Today I am announcing that I will not run for re-election to Congress. After 32 years in office, I will be leaving Congress next year.
“I cannot thank the people of Nashville enough. You backed me more than almost anyone in Tennessee history, making me the state’s 3rd longest-serving member of Congress. You allowed me to help millions of people while representing our state capital, as well as 30 of our state’s 95 counties.
“Despite my strength at the polls, I could not stop the General Assembly from dismembering Nashville. No one tried harder to keep our city whole. I explored every possible way, including lawsuits, to stop the gerrymandering and to win one of the three new congressional districts that now divide Nashville. There’s no way, at least for me in this election cycle, but there may be a path for other worthy candidates.
“I am announcing my decision promptly so that others have more time to campaign. I will return the individual contributions that I have received for this race so that donors can redirect them as they choose.
“I plan on finishing out my term by maintaining a high level of service to all the 760,000+ people in the 5th congressional district. A member of Congress is only as good as his staff, and I’ve had the very best talent for almost 40 years. They are a joy and a blessing. Many have gone on to great careers inside and outside of government. My 600+ interns over the years are our future leaders.
“I’ve given out my personal cell phone number (615-714-1719) to everyone, unlike almost anyone else in Congress, so that I am accessible, even during Covid. And you have called! It’s been a privilege to hear your thoughts, help cut red tape, and to assist in emergencies.
“Another way I’ve been helping is channeling $9.5 billion in federal funds to the Nashville district in just the last 20 months, far more federal money than ever.
“Anyone who would like a detailed breakdown of this recent federal aid should contact Cara Ince in my office. And the $9.5 billion does not count the billions of dollars of federal aid that our General Assembly has rejected, or the additional funds from the Infrastructure Act (that no Tennessee GOP federal representative supported).
“Most of my work in the House — the real work of Congress gets no publicity — has been on the Intelligence, Armed Services, Budget and Oversight Committees. I serve on more committees than anyone else while maintaining a nationally-recognized level of civility and bipartisanship, even in these divisive times.
“No one is perfect, and I know I’ve made mistakes. I appreciate those who have educated me and helped me improve. But I am a proud Democrat who refuses to demagogue, and who chooses to be on the right side of history in order to give all our kids a better future. My votes certainly fueled our Republican legislature’s revenge.
“I love the intimacy of solving others’ problems. I am prejudiced, but Tennesseans are the finest people in the world. We include recent arrivals, particularly immigrants, who often have hard lives. I hate the thought that no congressional office may be willing to help them after I leave. One of my remarkable staffers, John Wood, has been a one-man Statue of Liberty for decades.
“I don’t know what the future holds but I am ready to get another job next year and make up for lost time with family and friends. I could not be more excited. Having started as the youngest congressman in America, even after my record tenure I am still only 67 years old.
“For everything there is a season, a time and place under the sun. My time in Congress is ending, but I can’t wait to start the next adventure.”
Senate to take up Robinson ethics case, potential ouster on Feb. 2
Senate Speaker Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) says the full chamber will take up the ethics case against Sen. Katrina Robinson on Feb. 2. The Senate Ethics Committee last week recommended the Memphis Democrat’s expulsion over federal fraud charges related to her nursing school.
Robinson is awaiting sentencing after a jury found her guilty of two charges of misspending federal grant money intended for the school. She has also agreed to pre-trial diversion on separate case in which the government alleged she and two codefendants conspired to cheat a man out of $14,470 by falsely claiming the money was needed to cover tuition for a student at her school.
McNally has called on Robinson to resign before the matter comes before the full Senate. Democrats called the move premature because Robinson hasn’t been sentenced yet.
Here is the Senate Ethics Committee’s report to the chamber:
The Senate Ethics Committee held a public meeting on January 20, 2021 after the Committee voted 4-0 in a private hearing on January 10, 2021 that probable cause existed that Senator Katrina Robinson violated the law or the Senate Code of Ethics. The committee made this determination based on Senator Robinson’s actions that resulted in a jury conviction in federal court on September 30, 2021 for wire fraud (counts 11 and 12 of her indictment) and for actions which led to a pretrial diversion agreement with the United States that was filed with the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee on December 17, 2021.
Complaint 1: A jury conviction in federal court on September 30, 2021 for wire fraud (counts 11 and 12 of her indictment); and
Complaint 2: A pretrial diversion agreement with the United States that was filed with the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee on December 17,2021.
The following public court documents were submitted to the committee as exhibits and are attached to this report:
Exhibit 1: The Superseding Indictment from January 14, 2021 in United States of America v. Katrina Robinson, Criminal No. 2:20-cr-20148-SHL
Exhibit 2: The Jury Instructions in United States of America v. Katrina Robinson, Cr. No. 20-20148- SHL
Exhibit 3: The Jury’s Verdict in United States of America v. Katrina Robinson, Cr. No. 20-20148- SHL
Exhibit 4: Order Denying Defendant’s Motion for Judgment of Acquittal as to Counts 11 and 12; Granting Defendant’s Motion for Judgment of Acquittal as to Counts 19 and 20; and Denying Defendant’s Motion for New Trial in United States of America v. Katrina Robinson, No. 2:20-cr-20148-SHL
Exhibit 5: Criminal Complaint in United States of America v. Katrina Robinson, Katie Ayers, Brooke Boudreaux Case No. 21-cr-20003-MSN/tmp
Exhibit 6: Motion to Dismiss Indictment without Prejudice and the Pretrial Diversion Agreement in United States of America v. Katrina Robinson, Katie Ayers, Brooke Boudreaux Crim. No. 2:21-cr-20003-SHL
Chairman Ferrell Haile explained the complaints and submitted the court documents that support the information in the complaints. The committee had some discussion and some questions from Senator Robinson.
Senator Jack Johnson made a motion that Sen. Robinson’s actions in the two matters that were articulated by Chairman Haile do constitute a violation of the Code of Ethics of the Senate. The committee voted 4-1 in support of the motion.
A second motion was made by Senator Jack Johnson that should the senate find that the actions that have been laid forth do constitute a violation of the Senate Code of Ethics that this committee in compliance with Article 11, Section 12 of the Constitution of Tennessee recommend that Sen. Robinson be expelled from the body. The committee voted 4-1 in support of the motion.
Therefore, the Senate ethics committee finds that Senator Robinson’s actions in the two complaints do constitute a violation of the Code of Ethics of the Senate and that if the Senate makes that same finding, further recommends the Senate, in compliance with Article II, Section 12 of the Constitution of the state of Tennessee, expel Senator Robinson from the body.
/signed/
Chairman Ferrell Haile
Sen. Jack Johnson
Sen. Steve Southerland
Sen. John Stevens
Lee administration approves $28M in block grants
Gov. Bill Lee’s administration has approved $28.5 million in block grants for 62 community projects. Here’s the release from the Department of Economic and Community Development:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe recently approved $28.5 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), which will assist communities with infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitations and health and safety initiatives.
“Investing in local infrastructure is one of our top priorities, and these funds will play a vital role as communities work to update their assets and keep their communities safe,” said Lee. “These recipients are proactively preparing their communities for future economic opportunities and continued growth.”
“Community Development Block Grants are an enormous asset to communities across Tennessee,” Rolfe said. “The 62 communities receiving CDBG funding will be better equipped for future economic opportunities, which in turn, will help our state continue to grow and succeed. I congratulate these recipients and look forward to seeing the successes in each community in the years to come.”
The allocation of CDBG funds is based on priorities set through the public meeting process at the local community level. The CDBG program is funded through HUD and administered in Tennessee by the Department of Economic and Community Development. Funds are available for water and sewer improvements and new extensions, housing rehabilitation and health and safety projects.
Here are the 62 Community Development Block Grants:
| Community | Project | Amount |
| Altamont | Water System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Bethel Springs | Water System Improvements | $313,049 |
| Bolivar | Sewer System Improvements | $361,000 |
| Brighton | Drainage Improvements | $326,679 |
| Brownsville | Sewer System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Bruceton | Sewer System Improvements | $511,750 |
| Carroll County | Fire Protection | $371,700 |
| Carthage | Fire Protection | $296,024 |
| Celina | Sewer System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Claiborne County | Water Line Extension | $630,000 |
| Clay County | EMS Improvements | $206,706 |
| Cookeville | Sewer System Improvements | $580,675 |
| Decatur | Water System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Decherd | Emergency Warning System | $130,500 |
| Ducktown | Water System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Englewood | Sewer System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Enville | Housing Rehabilitation | $525,000 |
| Grand Junction | Sewer System Improvements | $209,760 |
| Graysville | Fire Protection | $420,000 |
| Grundy County | Sewer System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Hardin County | Fire Protection | $290,112 |
| Harriman | Water System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Harrogate | Sewer Line Extension | $474,030 |
| Henderson County | Fire Protection | $288,176 |
| Huntsville | Sewer System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Jacksboro | Sewer System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Jamestown | Sewer System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Jefferson City | Sewer System Improvements | $629,993 |
| Jefferson County | EMS Improvements | $420,000 |
| Johnson County | EMS Improvements | $293,582 |
| Lauderdale County | Water System Improvements | $547,662 |
| Lawrence County | Water Line Extension | $630,000 |
| Lawrenceburg | Street Light Improvements | $268,180 |
| Lewisburg | Sewer System Improvements | $450,000 |
| Loudon | Sewer System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Luttrell | Sewer System Improvements | $524,342 |
| Mason | Water Line Extension | $431,935 |
| Meigs County | Water System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Monroe County | Water Line Extension | $630,000 |
| Mount Carmel | Water System Improvements | $476,182 |
| Oakdale | EMS Improvements | $290,535 |
| Obion County | Sewer System Improvements | $564,000 |
| Oneida | Water System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Overton County | Fire Protection | $420,000 |
| Pulaski | Sewer System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Putnam County | Fire Protection | $318,750 |
| Rutherford | Water System Improvements | $276,854 |
| Saltillo | Emergency Warning System | $112,601 |
| Savannah | Sewer System Improvements | $600,000 |
| Sevier County | Water System Improvements | $215,426 |
| Smith County | Emergency Rescue Improvements | $285,600 |
| South Carthage | Housing Rehabilitation | $298,100 |
| Spring City | Sewer System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Springfield | Sewer System Improvements | $630,000 |
| Stanton | Sewer System Improvements | $513,188 |
| Surgoinsville | Water System Improvements | $468,700 |
| Tipton County | Emergency Rescue Improvements | $355,833 |
| Tusculum | Fire Protection | $298,075 |
| Unicoi County | Sewer Line Extension | $377,311 |
| Van Buren County | EMS Improvements | $341,088 |
| Vanleer | Water System Improvements | $458,000 |
| Warren County | Fire Protection | $370,829 |
Casada blasts Registry as ‘biased,’ Ogles threatens legislative action to halt subpoenas
Former House Speaker Glen Casada (R-Franklin) on Friday called the members of the Registry of Election Finance “biased” for subpoenaing information from him about a political action committee allegedly created at the behest of his onetime chief of staff, Cade Cothren.
Speaking at a Williamson Inc. forum, Rep. Brandon Ogles (R-Franklin) also blasted the move, saying the House plans to take a “deep dive” into the powers of the campaign finance board’s powers. Ogles is close friends with Cothren and was a prominent Casada loyalist before his speakership collapsed in 2019.
Casada is retiring from the House and running for Williamson County clerk this year. The Registry in 2020 hit Casada with a $10,500 civil penalty for failing to keep receipts for $99,000 worth of expenditures made by his PAC. He also had his home and office searched by FBI agents early last year.
The Registry last week voted to issue subpoenas after a former girlfriend of Cothren’s testified under oath that she had set up a political action committee called the Faith Family Freedom Fund at his urging, but then had nothing to with it as it bankrolled attacks on the re-election bid of then-Rep. Rick Tillis (R-Lewisburg). Email correspondence between someone purporting to be herself and the Registry did not come from her, she said.
Here is a transcript of the Williamson Inc. meeting on Friday:
Dave Crouch, moderator: The elephant in the room maybe this morning is you’ve been in the paper with some questions been asked about various things here recently. Is there anything you would like to say?
Glen Casada: I feel like a kid sitting on the side of the road, and someone’s just some come and punched me in the nose for no reason. If you didn’t know, the election registry of finance has subpoenaed me to ask me questions on a PAC. And the frustrating thing is, Dave, I have no knowledge of this PAC, I have no association, and there’s no reason to think that I do. And I realize three years ago, I was quite involved politically across the state on elections and getting people elected. But I just feel like the board has a bias, you know? And so, so let me just be very clear. And I was very clear [when I ] contacted them. Guys, not only do I not know, or never heard of this PAC, or no association with it. Why would you even reach out and punch me in the nose like you did? You know, there’s no reason to do that. So, so let me just put that to bed. And thank you for this opportunity to address it.
Crouch: I’m gonna push back a little just for conversation here. Cade Cothren was your chief of staff?
Casada: Yes. Three years ago.
Crouch: When you were speaker of House?
Casada: He was.
Crouch: And apparently he’s the one that had his girlfriend set this PAC up. That’s correct?
Casada: Yes.
Crouch: And why would he have done that?
Casada: You could ask Sam [Whitson], Brandon [Ogles], or Jack [Johnson] that question. I don’t know. I mean, there’s no association. It’s been three years ago when he was employed by me. So again, it’s just a bias on that board’s opinion. And the legislature gave them certain powers to be deliberative, and to be fair, and not biased. And I feel like you’re exhibiting biases by just assuming because he once worked for me three years ago, you know, that somehow I’m involved. And that’s not the way we run public policy.
Crouch: I just, I didn’t want to totally ignore the subject. I want to just air it out some. Brandon, you’ve got a comment?
Brandon Ogles: I’d like to speak to this because there was a conversation yesterday with members of the Judiciary Committee in the House. The fact that some of the things that were said in the press, they were so sloppily said by these committee members. For them to issue a subpoena that’s not signed by a judge, there’s going to be ramifications for that when you start threatening people to subpoena them. Some of these boards that we’ve set up in the state of Tennessee, these pseudo-entities, even entities within the state of Tennessee, that threaten people. And to issue subpoenas that have no weight, or credit, or value – and are not signed by a judge – circumvents every judiciary process we have in this state, both criminally and civilly. So we’re going to deep dive into this, this threat to subpoena people. And if this continues, remember: also the House committees can subpoena as well. So this will be interesting to watch play out. I’m going to enjoy being a member of Judiciary and seeing this come to light.
New TNJ edition alert: Tiptoeing through Tipton, Robinson’s travails, and a Merritt obit
The latest print edition of The Tennessee Journal is out. Here’s what’s in it:
— Senate approves slightly revised maps, House votes next week. Changes include splitting Tipton County between Rep. Cohen’s and Kustoff’s districts.
— Ethics panel calls for Robinson’s Senate expulsion, Democrats protest.
— Obituary: Gil Merritt, Supreme Court finalist who threw out fleeing felon laws.
Also: Another potential GOP candidate in the new-look 5th District, Orgel gets weak-kneed over decrepit buildings in Memphis, and Lundberg gets a new office.
As always, access the your copy of the TNJ here.
Or subscribe here.
