MURFREESBORO, Tenn., April 24, 2015– The 2015 legislative session has concluded. As a freshman legislator, it has been an educational and very successful session for District 48. From an educational standpoint, understanding the process while navigating the politics of 132 members of the General Assembly, the Executive Branch, and most importantly constituents has been an invaluable learning experience.
My constituents should know that I navigated those waters to the best of my abilities and I shared in many of their frustrations and disappointments with some of the legislation and politics that took place.
With that being said, I believe the 2015 legislative session was an overall success for District 48 and Tennessee. On the campaign trail, I promoted my agenda of CODE BLUE 2. Without a doubt, I was able to uphold the tenets of my agenda. Below are but some of the highlights of my fight to uphold CODE BLUE 2.
CITIZEN EMPOWERMENT: I introduced a bill and worked successfully with a constituent to have the Tennessee Department of Education and the Textbook Commission adopt citizen friendly changes to their rules. I worked with high school and MTSU students to sponsor and pass two bills. Also, I worked with citizens to pass several House Joint Resolutions. I also started SHARE Rutherford to highlight citizens that bring Safety, Health, Affordability, Recreation, and Education to Rutherford County.
OBAMACARE: I opposed Insure Tennessee, as it fast tracked Obamacare, risked our current TennCare patients and system, and violated the Oath of Office.
SUPPORTING HEALTHCARE: I supported positive health care changes for patients including being the lead sponsor for “Mission Tennessee for Veterans Program” and a healthcare provider credentialing bill to improve patient access while decreasing costs. I co-sponsored and supported the “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act”, the “Right to Try Act”, and the “Ensuring Patient Access to Pharmacy Drug Disposal Programs Act of 2015” among other pro-patient legislation.
DEBT: I voted for a balanced budget, while fighting to decrease wasteful spending, cut taxes, and improve transparency. I also fought against the unnecessary spending of 120 Million in the budget and instead applying the funds towards TDOT and the underfunded “Rainy Day Fund”. I was one of only two House members to sponsor HB418 to increase transparency in Tennessee tax collections which has been signed into law.
ECONOMY: I co-sponsored HB76 for economic and community development. I advocated for HB813 which would phase out the Hall Income Tax and bring back over 3.5 Million dollars a year to Rutherford County and Murfreesboro. I also co-sponsored HB467 which would bring airplane maintenance jobs to Tennessee by removing barriers and creating job incentives for the airline industry. I also co-sponsored legislation to enact a sponsorship program to raise money for highways while promoting tourism.
BACKGROUND: I have a diverse background much like District 48. As such, I supported and voted for a variety of bills that reflected and promoted District 48 including HB716 and HB718 which support our farming, HB757 which supports local small businesses, HB70 which protects workers, and HB20 which added protections for our firemen and first responders.
LIBERTY AND VALUES: I co-sponsored the Racial Profiling Prevention Act, the Tennessee Animal Abuser Registration Act and the Criminal Justice Veterans Compensation Act. I advocated for liberty by co-sponsoring bills that put restrictions on drones, unconstitutional unmanned traffic cameras, and illegal civil forfeiture. I also co-sponsored anti-terrorism and anti-sex trafficking legislation, as well.
STANDING FOR THE UNBORN: I was a sponsor on HB948 and HB977 which restored protections to women and the unborn after Amendment 1 passed last November. I was also the leading medical voice for women and the unborn at the Capitol and spoke on behalf of both on the House floor during the debate. I sponsored HR 57 to recognize the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, as well as, the various departments for their service to the unborn for intrauterine surgery for Spina Bifida.
EDUCATION: I successfully fought to repeal Common Core by adding amendments to HB1035 and voted to replace Common Core with Tennessee specific standards. I also supported pay raises for teachers and advocated for our teachers’ point of view. I also supported HB429, HB670, and HB1089 which protects teachers, parents and most importantly students.
SECOND AMENDMENT: I sponsored and voted for a multitude of pro-2nd Amendment legislation including HB682, HB683, HB684, HB1255, and HB1341.
As always, I am humbled and honored to be your state representative.
With Liberty,
Dr. Bryan Terry