Bryan Terry

Representative Bryan Terry Fights To Support Tennessee’s Strong Economy

August 13, 2019 By Admin

(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.

Rep. Bryan Terry Works To Improve Healthcare

July 8, 2019 By Admin

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.

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Tennessee General Assembly Legislative Wrap For 2019

May 29, 2019 By Admin

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.

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New Year, New Session, New Hopes

January 8, 2019 By Admin

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

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Rep. Bryan Terry Tackles Transparency and Drug Pricing

April 30, 2018 By Admin

MURFREESBORO, April 30, 2018- Rep. Terry Tackles Transparency and Drug Pricing

With prescription drug prices and health care costs on the rise, Rep. Bryan Terry, MD(R-Murfreesboro) tackled the problem head on during the 110th General Assembly with various measures aimed at transparency and pro-rating copayments. As part of his agenda, President Donald Trump has focused on prescription drug prices, and Rep. Terry led Tennessee in taking several steps to help cut costs for patients.

The lack of transparency and competition in prescription drug pricing have contributed to an environment where costs of medications have skyrocketed. President Trump mentioned the problems in his State of the Union address and his Council of Economic Advisors(CEA) found that the lack of transparency is hurting the consumer. At the center of this issue is a controversial contractual measure applied by Pharmacy Benefit Managers(PBM) to prohibit pharmacists from telling patients that their medication may be cheaper if they pay cash. The “Pharmacy Gag Clause”, as it is known in the industry, has often led to patients and their employers paying a significant greater amount for their prescriptions while the PBM’s receive a cut from the overpayment known as a clawback.

“Patients and employers should be irate that this practice even existed,” explained Rep. Terry. “I co-sponsored and amended a bill(HB 2219) that removed the gag clause to ensure that patients will have the right to know that they can pay a cheaper price.”

Rep. Terry didn’t stop there, though. At the center of Governor Haslam’s TN Together opioid legislation is a concept called partial filling of prescriptions or as Dr. Terry calls it “Patient Tailored Dispensing”. Rep. Terry was the architect behind amending the TN Together Plan to ensure patients weren’t going to over pay for prescriptions.

“The original bill placed multiple hardships on patients and providers including multiple copayments and trips to the doctor just to have pain treated which, to me, was unacceptable,” described Terry. “With the support of Speaker Harwell, I worked with the Governor and his staff, as well as Senator Haile, on language that decreases the burden and costs for patients while ensuring that we, also, decrease unnecessary opioids in medical cabinets and on the street.”

On the last day of session, Terry amended his own legislation, HB 2440, to ensure patients would only pay a prorated amount of their copayments and cost sharing for their prescriptions on controlled substances. Though TN Together authorized patient tailored dispensing, it was Terry’s legislation that protected patients from the extra burden of multiple full payments.

“I’m proud to have led in this fight in standing up for patients to improve transparency and cut prescription costs, but there is still more that needs to be done,” concluded Terry. “I look forward to continuing to address these issues to improve patient care.”

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD is the Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee and, also, serves on the full Health and Civil Justice Committees. He can be reached at rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.TN.Gov or at 615-741-2180.

Rep. Bryan Terry and Sen. Mark Green Aim to Block In-State Tuition for Illegal Aliens

March 19, 2018 By Admin

NASHVILLE, March 19, 2018– While others are looking to pass in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) and Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) are fighting against it with their own bill, HB 2101/SB 2031, which is set to be heard this week in the House and Senate Education Committees.

Current federal law defines post secondary education assistance from state funds as a state benefit. Illegal immigrants are prohibited from receiving a state benefit unless a state explicitly defines an exclusion. Current state law references the federal code, but does not codify post secondary assistance as a state benefit. Senator Green and Representative Terry are looking to clearly define that in-state tuition is a “state or local benefit” which will reaffirm that illegal immigrants are not eligible for in-state tuition in Tennessee.

“Tennesseans have made it abundantly clear that they do not want their tax dollars to subsidize college tuition for those who are in our country illegally,” Green stated. “Families across our state are struggling with the ever-rising costs of tuition, and the last thing they want to see is their tax dollars being used to pay tuition for illegal aliens.”

“In-state tuition only covers between 25-75 percent of the cost to provide the college education. Taxpayer funds support the rest. That is clearly a state benefit,” explained Terry. “Any attempt to exclude post secondary assistance in the definition of a state benefit is contrary to the facts and our bill will ensure taxpayers are protected.”

Though not specifically mentioned, Representative Terry’s comments allude to the current effort by other lawmakers to provide in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. That bill, HB 2429/ SB 2263, attempts to subvert federal and state law by exempting post secondary assistance from the definition of a state benefit.

(d) The exemption from paying the out-of-state tuition in this section affirmatively satisfies the express eligibility requirement of 8 U.S.C. § 1621(d).

“There are U.S. citizens who live out of state, but pay business or property taxes in Tennessee. They still must pay out of state tuition,” continued Terry. “We shouldn’t be incentivizing illegal immigrants to take advantage of Tennessee taxpayers when we don’t even provide a courtesy to Americans who are investing in our state.”

“It’s particularly outrageous for illegal aliens to receive in-state tuition while the child of an American veteran who lives in another state has to pay the full cost of tuition to attend our colleges and universities. As President Trump has made clear, it’s time to put America first,” concluded Green.

The bill is set to be heard on Tuesday in the House and Wednesday in the Senate. You can contact your representative or senator with the information on the Tennessee General Assembly’s website and ask for them to co-sponsor HB 2101/ SB 2031. http://www.capitol.tn.gov

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Rep. Bryan Terry Introduces Measures To Tackle TN Opioid Crisis

January 22, 2018 By Admin

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

NASHVILLE, January 22, 2018– Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro), chairman of the Tennessee House Health Subcommittee, has filed legislation and has other legislation ready to be filed to address the opioid crisis facing Tennessee. With the issue being multifaceted in nature, Rep. Terry is looking to touch various aspects of the problem with his legislation, as well as advocate for other aspects not necessarily requiring legislation.

While many look at prescribing habits leading to excess opioids in circulation as a leading cause of the problem, Rep. Terry explained that the problem runs much deeper. “There are various cogs in the wheel driving the opioid crisis. Failure to properly address legal and illicit access to opioids, addiction, treatment, lack of education, and government meddling has created a perfect storm leading to this problem. While looking to address each aspect of the problem, we must ensure that we protect legitimate patients and legitimate providers.”

The first bill filed by Rep. Terry aims to provide a deterrent to the illegal manufacturing, sales, and distribution of potent opioids like fentanyl and sufentanil which are used in chronic pain and the perioperative period, and carfentanil which was developed as a large animal tranquilizer. These drugs are often cited as being 100 to 10,000 times as potent as morphine. “Potency and route of administration increase the speed of addiction. Some of this is coming in from China via Mexico and finding its way to our streets. While we have had some arrests in Tennessee, New York and Florida have had some high profile cases involving up to 32 million lethal doses,” explained Terry. The bill increase the penalty for possession, sales, distribution, or manufacturing of these drugs to an A or B Class felony depending on the amount of lethal doses involved in the arrest.

On the prevention side, Rep Terry explained that as with many issues, the root of the problem is often found on the supply and demand curve. “While looking to cut down on the illicit supply, we must look to address various aspects of demand. Proper education on the risks, as well as decreasing barriers to alternative health care modalities that treat pain without opioids are vital to decreasing this problem.”

“Neuropathic pain, chronic pain syndromes, and even perioperative pain can be treated with nerve blocks or pain injections. Our current system, especially within TennCare, is set up to incentivize the use of opioids over other modalities. Incentivizing the use of cheap opioids over viable alternatives increases the risk of addiction and demand. I will be offering a bill to change that,” explained Rep. Terry.

Another possibility that could decrease the use of narcotics is the medicinal uses of cannabinoids which are in cannabis. “Crohn’s Disease, spasticity involved in MS, and other painful conditions can see benefit from cannabinoids which can potentially cut down narcotic usage without the recreational high often produced by smoking or ingesting. It’s hypocritical that the federal government makes all cannabinoids Schedule 1 drugs, yet Marinol, which is synthetic THC is legal in all states including Tennessee. Ignorance and fear is no way to govern, and that form of governance is hurting patients.” Rep. Terry says he is supportive of research and medicinal uses of cannabinoids under the care of medical providers.

Diversion is the process of taking opioids from a legal prescription and diverting the drugs to be used recreationally. “Overprescribing and doctor shopping are two aspects that increase the risk of diversion. I have legislation that will attack that on two fronts. Currently, one can hold on to an opioid prescription for up to six months before it is filed in the system and filled by a pharmacist. My bill will require a prescription to be on file with a pharmacy within seven days and filled within 60 days. Secondly, some individuals do not want the entire prescription at one time. The bill will allow for partial filling of an opioid prescription to cut down on the amount someone may want at their home.” Rep. Terry says that he is working with the Tennessee Medical Association and Tennessee Pharmacist Association on the legislation.

Rep. Terry is, also, set to propose legislation for an opioid hotline within the Tennessee Department of Health which will provide whistleblower protection for those who come forth with information in good faith about potential abuses in the medical system. Recently, 60 Minutes aired an expose on abuses of oversupplies of opioids to pharmacies or medical facilities. In addition, local pill mills, mail order pharmacy facilities, and unscrupulous providers have led to an excess of opioids in the public. The legislation looks to curb those unethical practices.

While prevention of demand and reduction of supply are two of the main components in solving the opioid crisis, treatment for those caught in the crosshairs is an important aspect of tackling the problem. Rep. Terry is carrying a bill that would allow long acting injectable Suboxone be available in Tennessee for opioid addiction treatment. “Folks, often, only have thirty days of inpatient treatment covered by insurance. Unless someone is treated for up to ninety days or longer, the relapse rates are greater than ninety percent. Injectable Suboxone that lasts thirty days will help decrease the rates and costs of relapse, and it will decrease diversion of the current pill form. I know that Governor Haslam is looking at increased funding for treatment, and I have spoken to his administration about this treatment option.”

Representative Bryan Terry represents District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County and can be reached at 615-741-2180 or vie email at Rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.TN.Gov.

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WATCH: Rep. Bryan Terry Interviews With News 5 On Opioid Crisis

August 24, 2017 By Admin

NASHVILLE, Aug. 24, 2017– This week, Tennessee State Rep. Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) and State Sen. Steve Dickerson (R-Nashville) sat down with News Channel 5 for an extensive interview over the opioid crisis Tennessee is facing. Watch the interview below.

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 3

Segment 4

Bryan Terry, MD serves as Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee, as well as a member of the House Health and Civil Justice Committees. He lives in Murfreesboro and represents House District 48, which includes the eastern half of Rutherford County. Terry can be reached by calling (615) 741-2180 or emailing: Rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov.

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State Rep. Bryan Terry Encourages Residents To Utilize Annual Sales Tax Holiday

July 27, 2017 By Admin

(NASHVILLE) July 27, 2017— With the beginning of a new school year right around the corner, State Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro ) is encouraging the families who live in House District 48 to utilize the state’s annual sales tax holiday to save on items such as clothing, school and art supplies, as well as computer purchases.

The state’s annual Tax Free Weekend is set for July 28-July 30. It begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 28 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 30. The holiday was established by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2006 and has been held every year since; Tax-free purchases include clothing valued at $100 or less, school supplies costing $100 or less, and computers priced at $1,500 or less.

“Our annual sales tax holiday is a great way for the families of our community to meet their family’s needs and save more of their hard-earned money,” said Representative Terry. “This event, also, helps provide an opportunity to support our local businesses and grow the economy right here in Rutherford County.”

The sales tax holiday comes at an opportune time, as the gas tax hike just took effect July 1. “Over the last several years, we have worked hard to cut several taxes for Tennesseans. Unfortunately, and even with a 2 billion dollar surplus, we weren’t able to stop the gas tax hike,” explained Terry who fought against the hike. “The cost of school supplies can truly restrict a family’s budget,” Terry continued. “And now, with the gas tax hike impacting budgets even more, it is my hope that this opportunity will give our families a little more financial flexibility.”

For more information about the state’s Tax Free Holiday, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/revenue/article/sales-tax-holiday

Representative Bryan Terry serves as chairman of the House Health Subcommittee, as well as a member of the House Health and Civil Justice Committees. He lives in Murfreesboro and represents House District 48, which includes the eastern half of Rutherford County. He can be reached by calling (615) 741-2180 or emailing Rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov.

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Rep. Bryan Terry: Updates on high-speed internet, tuition for illegals, gas tax and more

April 17, 2017 By Admin

NASHVILLE, April 17, 2017– The week ending April 14th had a lot of action at the Capitol. Issues including broadband, in state tuition for illegal immigrants, education, health care, and transportation were just some of the topics we addressed.

On Monday, HB 529 established a 45 million dollar grant program for expanded broadband into our underserved and rural areas. Broadband access was one of the most important issues to my constituents as I talked to folks throughout the district prior to and during session. The bill was not ideal, as I would have preferred a more free market approach, but it was apparent that other options were not going to be feasible to pass in order to help our underserved areas. I view taxes as government taking property and liberty from individuals in exchange for providing, protecting, or enhancing our liberties. This bill will help provide and enhance liberties to Tennesseans.

Prior to session on Monday, Rep. Judd Matheny and members of the Conservative Majority Caucus held a press conference to express opposition to in state tuition for illegal immigrants. While I was still working at the hospital, I was unable to attend, but was there in spirit as I provided Rep. Matheny with quotes and research for the statement which I support. As I stated previously, the use of taxpayer money should be for protecting, providing, or expanding liberties of Tennesseans. When higher education is subsidized anywhere from 25-75% on the backs of Tennessee taxpayers, it is a state benefit. Taking liberty away from Tennesseans to give to illegal immigrants is a violation of our oath and is wrong, especially when there are cost effective alternatives that these individuals can obtain.

One argument I heard by one of the co-sponsors in favor of in state tuition for illegal immigrants was that, as a state, we have already “invested” in their K-12 education; therefore we should continue to “invest” so these students can be employed. There are two holes in that argument. First, by federal laws, we are required to provide a K-12 education; whereas higher education is a state benefit without those same requirements. Secondly, we have the Tennessee Lawful Employment Act of 2017 which I co-sponsored. https://www.tn.gov/workforce/article/employment-verification. In effect, anyone who hires these students with a taxpayer funded degree would be in violation of the law. So in essence, Tennessee taxpayers would be footing the bill to educate these students so that they could work in another state.

On Tuesday, HB 863, one bill that would have granted in state tuition to illegal immigrants, failed in committee 7-6 against. On Wednesday, a second bill, HB 660 failed 6-6 when one member was not present during the vote. The Education Administration and Planning committee is reconsidering their actions on April 18, but unless one of the 6 voting “no” changes their vote, the bill will once again fail. As I have stated previously, I have met those students and their advocates, and recognize that they are in an unenviable position often through no fault of their own. However, in state tuition at the expense of the taxpayer is not the answer.

The Tennessee Reconnect Act passed during the week, as well. The bill would allow adult learners over 24 to attend college in Tennessee for free in order to obtain a 2 year associates degree. While I am in favor of Tennessee progressing towards a more educated workforce, Tennessee has greater needs at the K-12 level. Currently, we have many unfunded education mandates, as well as education infrastructure needs in rapidly growing counties like Rutherford County. Those dollars could have been dedicated to our K-12 needs to free up county revenues to cover the mandates. Additionally, MTSU, which is the state leader in adult learners, does not produce two year associate degrees. Therefore, the funds would not have gone to MTSU. Understanding the drawbacks for District 48, I could not support the measure.

We adjourned my Health Subcommittee subject to the call of the Chair. One of our final bills, HB 290, reestablishes the Tenncare Advisory Council. Years ago, there was legislative oversight of Tenncare, but that responsibility was ceded to the office of the Governor. In my opinion, the lack of legislative control is a loss of the rights and privileges of the people. This bill is looking to restore those rights.

The IMPROVE Act, erroneously renamed the Tax Cut Act of 2017, passed Calendar and Rules on Thursday and will be heard on the House floor on April 19, ironically one day after your taxes are due. The original version, which was a 395 million dollar tax increase indexed to the Consumer Price Index, was soundly rejected by both the House and Senate. Many of those same folks who were telling us how great the original plan was are trying to sell us on the amended version that involves 347 million dollars in tax hikes with some offsets.

As I have previous explained, some of the taxes are paid by those traveling through our state, so, the net tax increase impact to Tennesseans is only 300 million at the pocketbook level. However, the net tax decrease to the average Tennessean is only 125 million at the pocketbook level.

There are three main tax cuts in the current House version. The Hall Tax Cut was passed last year, and it should be it’s separate, prioritized item in the budget. It is disingenuous to include this cut in the equation when we passed it last year. Therefore, the only two cuts we can honestly discuss are the grocery cut(125 million) and the Franchise & Excise tax cut(113) million. The F&E cut is targeted at manufacturers only with the bulk of the cut going to only 24 companies. Small businesses will pay the fuel tax increase, as well, but they do not receive a tax cut in the plan.

The bottom line is that the current amended version is a 300 million tax increase on the pocketbooks of families, our elderly, farmers, and small businesses, but only offers 125 million in actual offsets in tax decreases to that same population. For the current version to be pocketbook neutral to Tennesseans, the F&E cut must be across the board and there needs to be an additional 0.5% cut in the grocery tax..

As I stated above, when government takes money away from individuals in the form of taxes, government is in essence taking property and liberty. Therefore, the goal should be to provide, protect or enhance our liberty. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the the premise behind the gas tax hike or the proposed solution method, based on my evaluation, the current bill needs to spread the F&E tax cut to all businesses and come up with another 62 million in tax savings for the proposal to approach being pocketbook neutral.

With Liberty,
Dr. Bryan Terry

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