State Representative Bryan Terry

Rep. Bryan Terry Pushing For Rutherford Co. DMV Solutions

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Folks, I wanted to give the community an update on what has been going on with the DMV and ask for community input as we move into next year’s session.  As I have been investigating the issues, a couple of stories have come about that highlight some of the issues at our driver’s service centers across the state.

HOW BAD ARE TENNESSEE DMV WAIT TIMES? 

AUDIT: NON-RESIDENTS GETTING TENNESSEE DRIVERS’ LICENSES 

As many know, we have a driver’s service center(DMV) located off Middle Tennessee Blvd.  They provide driving permits, driver’s licenses, road testing, renewals, handgun permits, and now they have Real ID.  We, also, have three renewal kiosks located in Rutherford County.

Nobody enjoys going to the DMV.  Nobody wants to wait. Nobody who values their health points to the DMV and demands a DMV style government run health care system.  It is an essential government service that everyone points to as a prime example of government inefficiency. Despite upgrades or changes, it always seems as if the system is still behind.  

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been investigating some issues that have cropped up.  Ironically, the economy is booming and our labor market has gotten tight. For employees, it is great in that wages have risen, and employees are in high demand in the workplace.  For those hiring, including the government, it means one has to look for solutions in order to offer a productive and efficient service.

Between emails, phones calls and meetings with the Department of Safety, Governor Lee’s office, our Speaker and Finance chair, and leadership, I have been looking for some solutions that could benefit our citizens.  As I’ve described my four step process on issues before, I wanted to explain my process on this issue.

PREMISE OR PROBLEM

Our DMV has been experiencing extended delays for services, including in the office and road test services.  While this premise or problem seems to be the standard operating procedure for a DMV, we have seen a recent worsening of this problem.  

A few years ago, I looked into the issue.  What I discovered was that the state average wait for a road test was 12 days while Rutherford County was around 18 days.  Some options were floated, but the direction the Department of Safety wanted to take was to offload services from the DMV site either via kiosks or having counties oversee some of the services.  

Rutherford County did not participate in absorbing some of these services.  With a tight county budget and personnel restrictions, I certainly understand the decision.  (As an aside, Lisa Duke Crowell is doing an admirable job and is willing to work for solutions.  She has the interest of our constituents and taxpayers in mind.). 

In the end, the Department of Safety placed three kiosks in Rutherford County.  These kiosks help with renewals and are located at Middle Tennessee State University, the Murfreesboro Driver Services Center, and Rutherford County Clerk (Smyrna).  

Currently, there are three acute problems occurring at our DMV.  First, is personnel. We are supposed to have 8.5 full time equivalent employees at the center.  Unfortunately, we are down 3 employees due to vacancies. The Dept. Of Safety has increased their salaries and has hired 3 people to fill the vacancies, but they haven’t started yet.  Additionally, I have been told that our DMV recently had a person on vacation, one out for surgery, and one sick. They were down to 2.5 employees which backed things up considerably.

In today’s job market, it is difficult to attract employees to work in a DMV.  It is a thankless job that has high turnover. Ironically, as I discuss turnover and vacancy issues, one of the individuals with the department that supplied me with information is no longer there.

Secondly, with Real ID coming into fruition, we have had an influx of people needing new IDs at the DMV.  There are kiosks in the county to offload renewals, but that doesn’t help with new or real ID’s. Thirdly, gun permits have increased, as well.  

We aren’t the only center having issues.  There are 43 other centers in Tennessee like our center in Murfreesboro.  Statewide, there are 29 vacancies. In addition, statewide there is a road testing average wait time of 11 days.  Unfortunately, Rutherford County seems to be hit exceedingly hard. We have 10% of the vacancies and our road testing wait time is 28 days.  Only the East Shelby County Driver’s Center has a longer wait at 29 days.

GOALS

Obviously, the goal should be to provide an efficient public service to the community in a cost efficient manner.   

OPTIONS

Self-governance is the cornerstone of our republic.  So, I am more than open to listening to any options that may be presented.  Please, contact my office if you have any. That being said, I’ve been having discussions on three basic options.  Understand that the Department of Safety has given raises to employees, but that still hasn’t resolved the issue.

First, the Department of Safety is continuing to look at offloading services from the main office.  They are partnering with County Clerk Office’s to have county government provide some of the services.  Many counties have joined in the partnership. Rutherford County has not, as of yet. Secondly, adding more kiosks may allow for decreasing demand at the service center.

Third, with high turnover and need to cover vacancies, vacations, and sick leave, starting a float pool to either work in the office or provide road testing is an option that I have discussed with the Department of Safety and the Lee Administration.

FEASIBILITY 

Without significant financial outlay from the state to Rutherford County, it will be difficult for our county to participate in a partnership.  With a tight county budget, personnel restrictions, and on the heels of a county tax increase, asking the county to foot the bill doesn’t seem feasible.  

With a greater than 600 million dollar surplus, Tennessee should have significant non-recurring and recurring funds.  Non-recurring funds could help with setting up more kiosks. Recurring funds could help with setting up and running a float pool.

CONCLUSION 

The Department of Safety will be presenting their budget requests to the Governor soon.  For our citizens, these services are a priority, and I’m pushing for them to address the concerns of our growing county.

As always, I’m honored that you allow me to serve.

With Liberty,

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD

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Speaker Sexton Reappoints Rep. Bryan Terry As House Health Committee Chairman

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(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) reappointed State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) to chair the House Health Committee during the General Assembly Special Session conducted August 23.

The committee is responsible for all legislation dealing with healthcare including private and public hospitals, health offices and their administrations, as well as institutions and services.  As full committee chairman, Terry will continue to oversee three health subcommittees: Public Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and Facilities, Licensure, and Regulations.

“Dr. Terry is committed to improving the health and well-being of all Tennesseans, and he is the right person to continue leading our House Health Committee,” said Speaker Sexton. “I appreciate his willingness to serve in this important leadership position, and I know he and his colleagues will enhance healthcare in our state.”

During the 2019 legislative session, Dr. Terry was one of the co-architects of the historic and innovative CARE Plan, which was unveiled during the 2019 legislative session by House Republicans. This plan is designed to transform healthcare in Tennessee by creating a patient-centered approach to improve access and the quality of care available to our citizens through Consumerism, increasing Access, improving Rural health systems, and Empowering patients. This will ensure individuals and families can make medical decisions with limited interference from insurance companies or the government.

“Tennesseans need a system of health care that focuses on patients, improves access and the quality of care available, and lowers overall costs,” said Dr. Terry. “As Chairman of the House Health Committee and an author of the CARE Plan, I remain committed to achieving these outcomes, and I am eager to build upon our recent efforts to make Tennessee a national leader on this important issue.”   

Bryan Terry, MD represents Tennessee House District 48, which includes a portion of Rutherford County. Terry lives in Murfreesboro and can be reached by email at: Rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-2180.

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Representative Bryan Terry Fights To Support Tennessee’s Strong Economy

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(Nashville, Tenn.) — Throughout his time serving in the Tennessee General Assembly, State Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) has fought to make Tennessee an attractive destination for businesses and for families.

By supporting legislation that strengthens our business-friendly environments, cutting taxes, and eliminating burdensome, job-killing regulations, Terry and his Republican colleagues have ensured Tennessee’s unemployment rate remains near historic low levels — just 3.4 percent as of June 2019.

U.S. News recently ranked Tennessee No.1 in their report for Best States for Fiscal Stability while Business Facilities Magazine recognized Tennessee as having the best business climate.  

“Our conservative, job friendly policies are helping Tennessee attract and grow businesses.  We’re seeing businesses move to Tennessee from other states while also seeing Tennesseans open new businesses,” stated Terry.  “Business leaders are showing confidence in Tennessee and it is reflected in our strong economy.”

With low unemployment rates and a strong business climate, Tennessee’s average median household income is growing at the second fastest rate in the entire southeast.  The average private business hourly wage has grown in Tennessee and is hovering around $24 per hour without the regulatory endangerment of a $15 an hour minimum wage mandate. 

“Tennessee is rising to the task of better jobs and wages without resorting to added regulatory burdens and legislative mandates that are counterproductive. However, this is just one piece of the puzzle to improve the quality of life for Tennesseans,” stated Terry. “Families and businesses prioritize various attributes of a community or state when looking to grow a business or raise a family.  I am working diligently with my colleagues to address these other elements like health, safety, and quality education.”

While not often cited as the main deciding factor for family and business location, access to recreation and leisure activities often plays a pivotal role.  Industries such as leisure, hospitality, and tourism, tend to thrive in healthy economic areas like Tennessee. The tourism industry — which currently employs 189,757 citizens and accounts for 6 percent of all jobs — generated over $1.8 billion in state and local revenue alone last year. That is a $50 million increase for the state over the previous year.

“Our economy is firing on all cylinders right now, and new companies are relocating to Tennessee every day. Clearly, Tennessee tourism and the hospitality industry are key components to our overall success, and my colleagues and I will continue to support those employed through these and all of our industries. Under Republican leadership, Tennessee will remain the best place in the entire nation to live, work, raise a family, and retire,” Terry concluded.

Bryan Terry, MD serves as Chairman of the House Health Committee. He is also a member of the House Insurance and the House Calendar & Rules Committees, as well as the Facilities, Licensure & Regulations, Mental Health, Public Health, and TennCare Subcommittees. Terry lives in Murfreesboro and represents Tennessee House District 48, which includes a portion of Rutherford County. He can be reached by email at: Rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-2180.

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Rep. Bryan Terry Touts House GOP Election of Speaker-Select Sexton

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On Wednesday, Representative Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) was elected by the Tennessee House Republican Caucus as Speaker-Select to replace Glen Casada (R-Franklin) who is set to resign his position as Speaker next month.  Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) lauded the choice of Sexton and touted his selection as being a positive for Tennessee and Rutherford County.

“Cameron Sexton and I have been side by side fighting for Tennesseans on many issues including the House Republican CARE Plan and opioid-related bills.  Working closely with him as committee chairmen and on the House floor gives me a unique perspective that not all have seen,” explained Terry. “When looking for a Speaker that can help Tennessee, Rutherford County, and District 48, while helping our caucus move forward, one needs a person that can check all those boxes.  I believe we are getting that in Speaker-Select Sexton.”  

Sexton and Terry previously served together as Health Committee Chairman and Subcommittee Chairman respectively under former Speaker Beth Harwell.  Together, they formed a formidable team known around the Capitol as patient advocates and for their relentless efforts in addressing the opioid crisis.  They were two of the key members in formulating the CARE Plan, which has laid the foundation for injecting consumerism and empowering patients into the Tennessee health care system.

Sexton, who currently serves as the Republican Caucus Chairman, was chosen amongst six Republican candidates during a caucus election held Wednesday in the Old Supreme Court Chamber at the Capitol.  He ran on a platform of effective leadership through leading by example and empowering legislators via legislative, messaging, and fundraising support.  

“Having served as Majority Whip, Caucus Chairman, and Chairman of Health has provided me with the experience needed to be an effective Speaker,” stated Sexton.  “Ultimately, it is about the House members and the constituents of Tennessee.  Helping legislators with their constituents like I can do with Dr. Terry each day is what we need as the House moves forward.  I appreciate the faith our caucus has instilled in me, and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead, and to continue working with great legislators like Dr. Terry.”

As Republicans hold a supermajority in the House, Sexton is expected to be overwhelming chosen as the next Speaker of the House when the Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes for a Special Session on August 23.  

“If my time and experience working with Sexton is any indication of things to come, then his election will be a positive for Tennesseans, Rutherford County, and patients.  Our caucus is ready to move forward and continue to do great work for Tennessee with him as our Speaker,” concluded Terry.

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Rep. Bryan Terry Works To Improve Healthcare

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Rep. Bryan Terry Hosts Speaker Beth Harwell For Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital Tour

NASHVILLE, JULY 8, 2019– Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) recently sent letters to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on behalf of District 48 and the Tennessee House Health Committee for support of a new proposed federal rule that would help improve the financial situation of Tennessee hospitals.  The rule would adjust the formula for calculating the Medicare Area Wage Index (AWI) which would improve payments to Tennessee hospitals and help stabilize the health care market.

“Because Medicare payments are predicated on the Area Wage Index and the AWI for Tennessee is low, our hospitals, especially our rural hospitals and those located in East Tennessee, are placed at a significant financial disadvantage compared to other states,” explained Terry.  “While medical equipment, supplies, and medications have continued to climb, Tennessee’s AWI has not. Hopefully, CMS will fix this disparity.”

Currently, every county in the State of Tennessee falls below the area wage index. This places Tennessee at a rank that is near the bottom of the reimbursement ranks in the country and has created a financial problem for hospitals in Tennessee.  The relief CMS has proposed in this rule will help keep more Tennessee hospitals from shutting down, and it will help keep healthcare access open for our citizens.

As Chairman of the Health Committee, Terry worked with the Tennessee Hospital Association, members of his committee, and other groups to address this problem.  In his letters, he pointed out that the structural make-up of AWI created a cycle that has led to the downfall of Tennessee’s reimbursement rate over the last 15 years. He emphasized that the proposed rule by CMS, CMS- 1716-P, would allow a beneficial plan to resolve the wage index disparities for hospitals with a wage index value below the 25th percentile, and would check the abuses of the “rural floor” calculation seen in other states.

“Medicare often doesn’t even pay enough to cover the costs to provide a service.  TennCare often pays significantly less than Medicare. This problem has to be addressed if we want to recruit doctors and services that will keep our hospitals afloat,” stated Terry.  “While this rule change won’t solve every problem in health care, it is a necessary step.”

In addition to addressing the AWI, Terry has been actively working on legislation within the House Republican CARE Plan which is aimed at decreasing costs and improving consumer driven care.  He has, also, been working to increase efficiency with TennCare while looking to help Tennessee take advantage of the State Relief and Empowerment Waivers offered by the Trump Administration.

Follow Dr. Terry on Facebook and Twitter.

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Tennessee General Assembly Legislative Wrap For 2019

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Many high priority topics were heard in the first year of the 111th General Assembly. I was privileged to take part in sponsoring and supporting several initiatives that will make Tennessee even better.

Healthcare –

  • Katie Beckett Waivers (HB 498) – This allows children with severe medical needs to receive in home care and services that they need, even if their parents’ annual income exceeds the income cap.  Some families have had to divorce in order for one of the parents to qualify for TennCare in order to get help for their child. As part of the TennCare committee, I helped to form and sponsor this legislation.
  • Pharmacy Benefits Managers (HB 786) – PBMs, the middlemen often responsible for increased drug pricing and unfair practices against pharmacies, will now have guardrails around their actions due to the regulations passed in House Bill 786, which I co-sponsored.  Additionally, I passed a budget appropriations amendment that will allow the state to implement best practice guidelines for PBMs.
  • Opioids (HB 705, HB 942) – Illicit fentanyl and carfentanil are opioids that are more potent than heroin, but carried lesser penalties.  I co-sponsored both of these bills that increased penalties for the trafficking of these opioids.
  • Insurance (HB 1126 & HB 419) – I supported insurance legislation that will allow for health care policies amongst a collaboration of small businesses.  In addition, I supported the Right to Shop Act which will require health insurance carriers to create incentive programs for policy holders who have met their deductible to look for healthcare providers that provide quality healthcare services at a cost lower than the average price.

Local –

  • Firefighters (HB 316 & HB 123) – We were able to provide better care and service to our Tennessee firefighters with a bill which will provide healthcare compensation to firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of their work in the line of duty.  Secondly, my Arson Investigator bill will extend police powers and the ability to make arrests related to arson investigation to county fire investigators. This will allow the Rutherford County Fire Department to perform their investigative duties in a much more efficient and effective manner.  
  • Sheriffs’ Departments (HB 643) – Thanks to overwhelming support for the mental health transportation bill, Sheriffs’ departments across the state will have an alternative for transportation of mental health patients. This initiative will protect our officers and our patients.
  • Voter Convenience (HB 1077) – I previously passed a voter convenience pilot program for a Rutherford County.  The program was an overwhelming success, and House Bill 1077 makes sure Rutherford County will be able to continue with convenient voting centers for our elections.
  • MTSU Funding – I was glad to support Governor Lee’s 2019 budget, which included nearly $35 million in funding for the MTSU Concrete Industry Management program.

Abortion –

  • Heartbeat Bill (HB 77) – I stood for Pro-Life legislation when the House of Representatives passed the Heartbeat Bill which would prohibit abortions after a fetal heartbeat was detected, unless there were concerns for the health of the mother.  Unfortunately, the Senate deferred action until 2020.
  • Complications of Abortion Reporting Bill (HB 711) – With the passing of my Complications Reporting Bill, Planned Parenthood will be exposed and held accountable for the complications encountered during abortion procedures that Tennessee tax dollars have to pay to fix.

Illegal Immigration –

  • State Dollars – I stood with the other conservative members in the fight against illegal immigration. I helped to ensure that illegal immigrants would not be able receive state benefits,
  • E-Verify (HB 1239) – I also supported a bill that requires that employers with 25 or more employees enroll in an electronic verification program to confirm the work authorization status of their employees.  In the previous session, I helped reduce the requirement from 100 to 50 employees.  This bill will reduce that number further. Unfortunately, the Senate deferred action until 2020.

Education –

  • Budget Funding – The General Assembly secured $168 million in new funding for Tennessee Public Education, including increased teacher pay, more school resource officers, expanded vocational education, and increased BEP funding.
  • MTSU Scholarships – The 2019 budget also included $750,000 in financial aid for scholarships for students in the joint MTSU/Meharry medical program.
  • Teacher Reward Bill (HB 632) – I sponsored and passed a bill that provides a reward of five additional professional development points (PDP) to teachers working in Priority or Focus list schools.  Teachers are required to earn 60 PDP’s for their license every 6 years.  The bill will help those teachers who work in difficult educational environments.
  • Teacher Evaluations (HB 928) – I stood with Governor Lee in his initiative to update the Tennessee teacher evaluation process.  While I recognize that further protections are necessary, the bill is a step in the right direction. I will continue to fight to protect our teachers in the future.

Taxes & Employment –

  • The General Assembly unanimously passed a $38.5 billion budget. The budget included an addition of $225 million to the state’s rainy day fund, while eliminating the professional privilege tax for 15 professions, the amusement tax on gyms and fitness centers, and the tax on ammunition.
  • Tennessee’s economy is prospering. Tennessee has record low unemployment at 3.2%, businesses are moving to Tennessee every day, and the General Assembly secured $222 million to continue to bring high paying jobs to Tennessee.

Follow Dr. Terry on Facebook and Twitter.

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Terry Introduces March Madness & Fantasy Football Freedom Act

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Terry Introduces March Madness & Fantasy Football Freedom Act
Terry Introduces March Madness & Fantasy Football Freedom Act

NASHVILLE, February 28, 2019 — The NCAA College Basketball Tournament is just around the corner.
Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) has filed HB 1033, which has been dubbed the “March
Madness and Fantasy Football Freedom Act”, and is aimed at decriminalizing the yearly tradition of
thousands of Tennesseans participating in low level sports entertainment office pools.

The bill would allow an individual participant to place a maximum of twenty-five dollars into a low level
sports entertainment pool that is run solely by an individual, but not a as business for profits. The
maximum size of the pool would be one thousand dollars. Most March Madness pools involve
participants filling out one or two brackets of sixty-three games with an entry fee of five or ten dollars
per bracket. Fantasy football often involves either a flat entry fee or an entry fee of around ten dollars
with one dollar added per roster transaction. The bill is limited in its scope to only low level sports
entertainment pools.

“Whether for camaraderie or for a sense of entertainment, thousands of Tennesseans participate in
these entertainment pools at work or with their friends. They put five or ten bucks in a pot and fill out a
bracket or draft a team,” explained Terry. “The activity is more about entertainment and not gambling.
Let’s be honest, one or two movie tickets often cost more than an entry into a pool, and you gamble
more on whether or not the movie is actually going to be entertaining.”

Former NBA player and U.S. Senator Bill Bradley passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection
Act (PASPA) in 1992 which limited any form of gambling on sports, including low level office pools, to
only four states: Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and New Jersey. As such, the State of Tennessee has kept
statutes on the books prohibiting activities such as March Madness and Fantasy Football pools.

The legislation was filed in light of the decision reached last May by the U.S. Supreme Court in Murphy v
NCAA; a case which overturned PASPA. By dissolving the legal bounds set by PASPA, the Supreme Court
extended the right to participate in low level pools to all 50 states. “Ideally it would a simple fix to just
repeal current statutes, but that would open the door to widespread sports gambling. I’m not going
down that road. I’m just focused on ensuring office workers and friends can enjoy activities that they
have always done without risk of criminalization,” said Terry.

In 2018 it is estimated that over 70 million March Madness tournament brackets were completed
nationwide with upwards of $10 billion in various pools. Likewise, the Fantasy Sports Trade Association
estimates that thirty-three million people participate in fantasy football, with more than $1.18 B
changing hands through pools each year. Despite their widespread popularity and recent federal “green
light”, these low level sports entertainment pools, in any capacity, are still considered illegal in
Tennessee as a Class C Misdemeanor. Technically, one could be charged, convicted, and sentenced to 30
days of jail time and ordered to pay a $50 fine for participating in fantasy football or March Madness
pools. If two people were to promote the creation of an office pool, they could be charged with
Aggravated Gambling Promotion under § 39-17-503, which is a Class E Felony carrying anywhere
between one to six years in prison and a fine up to $3,000.

“The General Assembly used to utilize the Office of the Repealer to remove anachronistic or
unnecessary laws from our code. We need to go that route with March Madness misdemeanors and
Fantasy Football felonies,” exclaimed Terry. “This statute, to my knowledge, has never been enforced
and needs to be repealed.”

If the Tennessee General Assembly passes HB 1033, it will be joining 27 other states who are looking to
address this issue in some capacity. Though Terry is taking a unique approach for thousands of
Tennesseans who annually participate in low level sports entertainment pools, he hopes he can provide
security for all those who fill out brackets. “Due to PASPA, the Feds basically created a system of black
market bracketology, and it’s time that this statute goes bust like most brackets,” concluded Terry.
For more information regarding this bill please contact the office of Representative Bryan Terry at the
information below.

Office: (615) 741-2180
Email: rep.bryan.terry@capitol.tn.gov
Link to bill: http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1033

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Rep. Terry: Week one of the 111th General Assembly

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This week I filed my first two bills.  The first bill is HB 120 and will increase the penalties related to illicit fentanyl, sufentanil, and carfentanil manufacturing, possession, distribution, and trafficking.  Though more powerful, cheaper, and easier to traffic than heroin, they carry less of a penalty which incentivizes drug traffickers to poison our communities. I have spoken extensively with Governor Lee and his staff on this issue, and I believe he is looking into making some changes to our laws. However, I must ensure this issue is getting addressed, thus filed the bill.  Senator Dickerson, who carried it last year, has agreed to carry it again.

I have, also, filed HB 123 which will allow county fire departments to appoint arson investigators and provide them with policing powers to secure the scenes of suspected arson.  Municipalities currently have this authority, but this bill will extend it to the counties. Though the bill applies statewide, this is really a local issue as we are losing our arson investigator to retirement.  Fire Chief Larry Farley brought this issue to my attention. The mayor, sheriff, and county commission are supportive and the state fire marshal office does not oppose.

Without an arson investigator to secure a scene, Rutherford County firefighters would be forced to keep a truck and firefighters at the scene until an investigator that covers seven counties arrives.  Our fire department could then be without the use of a truck and manpower for several hours until the scene is secured. In a county that is growing like ours, this is unacceptable. Senator Shane Reeves will be carrying this bill in the Senate.

Working on Issues Important to Tennesseans

This week I continued to gather information and work on issues that are important to the District and to Tennessee.  I was able to formally sit down with the new TennCare Director, Gabe Roberts and listen to his vision for TennCare. I discussed my concerns with the program, as well as offered input on how we can better serve Tennesseans.  I was, also, able to meet with the Chairmen of the new TennCare and Health Insurance Committees to discuss some of our challenges ahead.

In addition to those meetings, I met with all the Health Subcommittee Chairmen and vice-chair to discuss logistics and major health issues that will be coming through our committees.  I expect unborn protections, opioids, mental health treatments, certificate of need legislation and medical cannabis to be some of the issues we will discuss.

One of the major headlines this week revolved around New York’s new abortion law that, in my opinion, is not only anti-life, but dangerous to women.  Allowing non-physicians to perform abortions while, also, presenting a false sense of security for women with a true medical emergency is malpractice by a state.  One can rest assured that as Chairman of Health, I will work against any such legislation. In fact, I’m already working with others to further protect the unborn and women.

One should, also, know that I have held many discussions with legislators, the administration, and others on the issue cannabis based medicines.  I’ve had two working drafts of legislation, but after many discussions, I have decided one pathway is clearly a better and more feasible option. As many may know, I require legislators to fill out my four step process form when they file a bill.  I do the same for my legislation. The steps include: premise or problem to solve, goal or goals, options, and feasibility of those options. Understanding that my premise is that the chemicals in cannabis have medicinal properties and my goal is to get cannabis based medicines to Tennesseans in a safe and cost efficient manner, I know that there are many options to take.  In fact, 33 states have taken various options. But in Tennessee, the feasibility of various options is narrow. I’m working hard to ensure we can accomplish our goals this session.

111th General Assembly Honors Martin Luther King, Pledges To Fight Racism

This week in Nashville, House Republicans formally honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life with a resolution noting all he did to bring us together. The measure also pledges to fight racism of all types in Tennessee. 

Members of the House leadership team introduced the measure during Wednesday morning’s session in the House chamber. It was later passed unanimously by the entire Tennessee General Assembly, sending a message that racism and hatred will not be tolerated in our state. 

Dr. King was a prominent civil rights leader who emphasized peaceful demonstration and inspired young men and women across the country to draw attention to the injustices done solely because of race.

House Republicans are committed to honoring his incredible legacy and making King’s dream come to fruition by ensuring Tennessee is a place where equality, justice, freedom, and peace continue to grow and flourish.

Tennessee Unemployment Holds Steady During December 

Statewide Unemployment Rate Remains at 3.6 percent for Second Consecutive Month 

New data released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development shows Tennessee’s statewide unemployment rates remain near record low levels.

The seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate for December 2018 was 3.6 percent, which mirrored the rate from November.

Since 2011, House Republicans have supported a business-friendly environment that has led to the creation of more than 400,000 new private sector jobs. Additionally, Tennessee’s median household income is growing at the second fastest rate in the entire southeast.

Republican leaders will continue to focus on backing commonsense initiatives and eliminating burdensome regulations that hinder job growth. This will guarantee our state remains open for business.  

Governor Lee Issues First Executive Order to Address Accelerated Transformation of Rural Areas

All executive departments required to assess rural impact and provide recommendations

This week, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued his first executive order, requiring all state executive departments to issue a statement of rural impact and provide recommendations for better serving rural Tennessee. 

This executive order is the first step by the administration to accelerate plans to address 15 distressed counties in Tennessee — all rural. The order requires each executive department to submit a statement of rural impact explaining how the department serves rural Tennesseans no later than May 31, 2019 and recommendations for improving that service by June 30, 2019.

 There are 22 executive departments that will engage in this review and recommendation process. Distressed counties rank among the 10 percent most economically distressed counties in the nation. Each year, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) prepares an index of county economic status for every county in the United States.

Lake, Lauderdale, Hardeman, McNairy, Perry, Jackson, Clay, Grundy, Van Buren, Bledsoe, Fentress, Morgan, Scott, Hancock, and Cocke Counties are categorized as distressed counties.

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Rep. Bryan Terry Named Health Committee Chairman

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NASHVILLE– The 111th Tennessee General Assembly has just gotten underway, and Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro), a Rutherford County anesthesiologist, has been named chairman of the Tennessee House of Representatives Health Committee.  The assignment places him in a position to make a significant impact on the health care of Tennesseans.

“It’s truly an honor to serve District 48 and all of Tennessee in such a vital capacity,” stated Terry.  “I appreciate the faith Speaker Glen Casada has placed in me by placing me in such an important role, and I look forward to the challenges ahead for the betterment of Tennesseans. I’m looking forward to working with Vice-Chairwoman Esther Helton on this important committee.”

Rep. Terry previously served as the House Health Subcommittee Chairman during the 110th General Assembly, and through his efforts, earned the promotion to full chairmanship.  During his tenure as Health Subcommittee chair, he played a pivotal role in addressing the opioid crisis, crafting pro-life legislation, and working to decrease health care and prescription costs.  

“The opioid crisis has been one of the biggest issues to face Tennessee,” explained Speaker Casada.  “Chairman Terry showed extreme diligence and determination in helping bring solutions to the crisis. He has a track record of bringing a conservative and thoughtful businesslike approach to his committee and with the issues facing Tennessee, I’m confident that he will serve our state well.”

As full committee chairman, Terry will, also, oversee three subcommittees: Public Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and Facilities, Licenses and Regulations.  “The subcommittee structure will help our committee structure be more focused and efficient in order to better serve our constituents,” explained Terry.

In addition to Health, Chairman Terry has been assigned to serve on the standing Insurance committee and on the new TennCare oversight subcommittee which function under Insurance.  “Many people are unaware that TennCare is under the Executive Administration’s purview. The new TennCare committee will bring more power and influence to the people. I’m excited about the opportunity to serve on these committees and help make positive changes for Tennesseans,” concluded Terry.

Representative Bryan Terry, MD serves District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County.  His office can be reached at Rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.TN.Gov or via phone at 615-741-2180.

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New Year, New Session, New Hopes

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The results of the most recent election cycle are set to take effect this month as the latest round of federal elected officials were sworn in at our nation’s Capitol last week and our state officials will be sworn in today in Nashville.  With significant change at the state and federal levels including a new Governor and General Assembly, renewed hope springs for citizens across the state and across the nation. While I have serious doubts and reservations for progress at the federal level with Pelosi as the Speaker of the House, Tennessee is in position to further improve our standing as a leader in our nation.  I’m looking forward to the opportunity and the challenge.

Throughout my time in service to our community, our shared values have been consistent and I expect this session to have a strong focus on many of our concerns.  Below is a primer for this session with some topics I expect to be discussed.

Safety:  School safety and judicial reform will be on the agenda.

Health:  TennCare oversight and review may lead to some significant improvements in the system.  Health insurance and prescription costs will be discussed. Mental health, opioids, and medical cannabis will, also, be on our agenda.

Affordability:  Keeping Tennessee a low tax state will be a priority.

Recreation and Tourism:  A sports gambling bill has been offered and will be discussed.

Education:  Testing, funding, teacher recruitment, school choice, and higher education costs are expected to be discussed.

Voice:  Transparency, accountability, and open government will garner more attention, as citizen groups continue to bring awareness to these issues.

Agriculture:  With hemp legalization at the federal level and agricultural medicine becoming a booming market, I expect there to be discussions on the impact on Tennessee and how we can help our rural communities compete.

Liberties:  I expect free speech, second amendment, and personal liberties to experience legislation on various fronts.  A “red flag” bill has already been proposed.

Unborn:  More pro-life legislation is expected to be filed this session.  One can look at recent successful measures from other states to ascertain what to expect.  

Economy:  Removing barriers to employment and entrepreneurship will be amongst the priorities of the General Assembly.  

Security:  Democrats may attempt to attract illegal immigration to Tennessee, but don’t look for those bills to gain much traction.

More than likely, there will be over 1000 bills filed.  As we get into session, look for my weekly update on Facebook.

With Liberty,

Dr. Bryan Terry

Follow Dr. Terry on Facebook and Twitter.

 

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