District 48

Rep. Terry Continues to Fight for Students with Academic Freedom Act

March 1, 2020 By Admin

Informally known as the “Academic Freedom Act”, HB 2438, proposed by State Rep. Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro), seeks to provide students with an avenue to address grievances related to free speech violations in the classroom. Even with the Campus Free Speech Protection Act, co-sponsored by Terry in 2017, students still feel as though their free speech is restricted, fearing that their grades or treatment in the classroom by professors may be impacted if they voice their true opinion. The bill aims to resolve these concerns.

Known as a champion for students, Terry has taken up the issue on behalf of both high school
and college students through previous pieces of legislation and initiatives. In the past, Terry has
sponsored the Right to Try Act for Central Magnet School students and the Racial Profiling Prevention Act on behalf of MTSU students. And when the voting rights of Tennessee college students were being stripped, Terry was the legislator who answered the call. When students shared concerns over repercussions they experienced when voicing their opinion in class or on an assignment Terry stepped up for students.

“One of the main reasons I ran for office is to make a positive difference in our state for the future of my children and their generation. When these issues arise, I look to help them take a stand,” Terry said. “With the cost of college and the other stressors in life, our students shouldn’t have to be on guard and feel intimidated in a classroom about their political beliefs.”

A 2018 survey published on behalf of Yale University’s William F. Buckley, Jr. Program found that 53 percent of students felt intimidated to share their ideas, opinions, or beliefs in class if they were different than those expressed by their professors. Additionally, the survey found that 52 percent of students felt their professors used class time to express their own political or social views not related to course content.

“When I talk to Tennessee students, they echo the same concerns found in the Yale survey. It can be difficult to speak up in class or even find the right words when writing a paper,” Terry said. “But when one has to be concerned about offending their professor and risk getting alower grade, that is an unhealthy learning environment,” explained Terry. “In the end, if a student receives a lower grade based on their expressed beliefs, that is discrimination.”

Though Tennessee enacted the Campus Free Speech Protection Act in 2017, that act did not put forth any specific enforcement in the event that a student faced discrimination in their coursework for expressing a political view. The “Academic Freedom Act” amends current statute to allow students a remedy if they face discrimination for their views in the form of a cause of action against the offending institution.

“Proving discrimination occurred against a student who expressed a political opinion is a high bar to attain. But if the discrimination occurs and negatively impacts a student and their life trajectory, the institution should be held accountable. This bill does just that,” concluded Terry. HB 2438 has been placed on notice in the Higher Education Subcommittee. Rep. Bryan Terry, MD represents District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County. His office can be contacted at 615-741-2180 or Rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.Tn.Gov

Rep. Bryan Terry Rated Among Most Conservative In Tennessee

January 27, 2020 By Admin

Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) earned the Award for Conservative Excellence, the top designation from the American Conservative Union(ACU) which was
published this past week. He has been invited to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) annual meeting to be held in National Harbor, Maryland to accept the award.

“Whether it is standing for the sanctity of life, our Second Amendment rights, our liberties, or sound fiscally conservative policy that enhances our economy, I’m honored to be recognized for
taking the concerns of District 48 to Nashville and producing positive results,” stated Rep. Terry.

The honor from the ACU follows previous recognition Rep. Terry received for his legislative
efforts by Club for Growth and the TN Legislative Report Card. With Club for Growth, Rep.
Terry’s score ranked second amongst all legislators including both House and Senate members.
Whereas, with TN Legislative Report Card, Rep. Terry was named a “model public servant”.

“I appreciate the awareness these various groups bring forth by recognizing the efforts, work,
and results many legislators put forward. Helping citizens be informed is of vital importance, but
in the end, what really matters is the opinion of the constituency,” explained Rep. Terry. “I’ll
continue to value the faith that our community places in me and I’ll keep working for the
betterment of our district and the state of Tennessee.”

Rep. Terry represents District 48 which is the eastern half of Rutherford County. He serves as
the Chairman of the House Health Committee and serves on the Insurance and Calendar and
Rules committees. He, also, serves on the TennCare, Mental Health and Substance Abuse,
Public Health, and Facilities, Licensure, and Regulations subcommittees.

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

November 16, 2017 By Admin

(MURFREESBORO), November 9, 2017 — State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) and administrative and operating room leaders from Ascension Health System hosted Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) for a tour of Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital yesterday.

The tour coincided with an announcement made by the Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency which paves the way for a $47 million investment related to expansion of the facility, as well as construction of a new surgical treatment center to be located on New Salem Highway.

As part of the project, St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital will add 72 new hospital beds — bringing its total to 385. Additionally, a new Clinical Decision Unit is planned near the current emergency room. When completed, it will provide an additional 25 beds for patients who require hospital stays of less than 24 hours. Construction has already begun and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2018.

“With the continued growth we are experiencing in Rutherford County and the increase in services provided by the hospital, I am pleased to see these critical upgrades made to our current health system,” said Representative Terry. “Additionally, I am grateful to Speaker Harwell for visiting with us and listening to the concerns and experiences of our physicians, nurses, and staff.”

The tour began with a visit to the perioperative area which includes a holding area, recovery room, as well as the main operating suite which houses 12 operating rooms. It included a stop in the emergency department, as well as the neonatal intensive care unit where Speaker Harwell listened intently to physicians and others about their experiences. Representative Terry — an anesthesiologist at the hospital and the Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee — believes the timing of the tour was excellent.

“Together, Speaker Harwell and I were able to better understand some of the challenges facing our thriving community which will enable us to potentially create new solutions to address some of these issues during the upcoming legislative session,” stated Terry.

“I would like to thank Representative Terry and the staff at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital for providing an opportunity for me to see some of the remarkable progress this facility has made to accommodate the community’s astounding growth,” said Speaker Harwell. “It was also very powerful to hear firsthand experience from physicians, nurses, and staff related to the treatment of patients in acute or perioperative pain, as well as those facing opioid addiction.”

In recent years, Tennessee has experienced a startling increase in instances of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) related to the state’s continuing opioid crisis. NAS occurs when a baby is exposed to drugs in the womb before birth and can cause serious health issues. Approximately 90 percent of NAS pregnancies tend to be unplanned, and babies who are born with NAS usually require longer hospital stays at a cost of almost $48,000 in TennCare expenses in the first year of life.

“Since Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome is a major concern across our state, I appreciate the doctors, nurses, and staff who shared their valuable insight and experiences with me related to this troubling issue affecting some of our youngest citizens,” said Speaker Harwell. “Their powerful words and testimony will help all of us work to address a critical aspect of Tennessee’s opioid crisis.”

“The opioid issue is a concern in the medical community and at the Capitol. Being an anesthesiologist and a legislator, I am seeing its impact in both areas; finding solutions that protect legitimate patients while preventing the harm caused by abuses will require us to examine all options and work together as a legislative body in 2018 and in future years,” concluded Terry.

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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Rep. Bryan Terry, MD To Serve On New Wellness Caucus

November 16, 2017 By Admin

(NASHVILLE) November 16, 2017 — State Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) today announced that he will serve on a new Wellness Caucus created by members of the Tennessee General Assembly and in collaboration with the Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness.

The caucus is chaired by State Representative Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville) and Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson). It consists of 37 members — including 28 Republicans — from both the House and Senate who will study and propose new solutions to important health and wellness issues in communities across the state.

While Nashville is considered a health care hub for our entire nation, Tennessee still remains one of the least healthy states in the country. Approximately one in four adults smokes, and one in five high school students uses tobacco. Additionally, 33 percent of the state’s population is classified as obese, and type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure are at near-epidemic levels in all regions of the state.

Caucus members will help shape future public policy so that Tennesseans impacted by some of these adverse health conditions are able to make lifestyle changes that will improve their health and overall quality of life.

“I am honored to be asked to serve on this new Wellness Caucus,” stated Representative Terry, who is also Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee. “Many of the health problems we face in our district including the opioid epidemic, diabetes, and hypertension impact all regions of Tennessee. This caucus provides an opportunity for all members of the General Assembly — including those who do not currently serve on our health committees — to establish goals and shape the future landscape of health and well-being in our state.”

For more information about the Governor’s Foundation for Health & Wellness, please visit: http://healthierTN.com.

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Rep. Bryan Terry Named “Champion of Prosperity”

November 6, 2017 By Admin

MURFREESBORO, Nov. 6, 2017– Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) was presented with the Champion of Prosperity award from Americans for Prosperity-Tennessee recently at the GOP headquarters in downtown Murfreesboro. The award was earned by Rep. Terry and other Tennessee legislators who displayed a track record of defending taxpayers while promoting individual and business prosperity during the 2017 session.

“Americans for Prosperity-Tennessee is recognizing legislators across the state who stood up for Tennessee taxpayers in 2017,” stated James Amundsen, Deputy State Director Of AFP-TN. “Representative Terry has a long track record of being the taxpayer’s friend while advocating for income mobility, jobs, and less government. We are honored to present him with a ‘Champion of Prosperity’ award for 2017.”

During his tenure as state representative for District 48, has earned the reputation as a leader for hard working individuals, families and small businesses. During the 2017 session, he was the only legislator to appear on the 99.7 WTN gas tax town hall to argue against the tax hike and vote against the measure. In addition, in proving that he is willing to work for taxpayers, he offered three different amendments to the gas tax hike that would have saved taxpayers money or not cost taxpayers a dime while stabilizing transportation funding.

“Most people may not be aware, but the IMPROVE Act wasn’t just a gas tax hike. It had fourteen new or increased fees, four increased taxes on fuel, and six local tax increase options. While it offered some tax decreases that were positive, it certainly wasn’t pocketbook neutral to Tennessee families,” stated Rep. Terry. “Inflation has risen above expected rates due to the hurricane’s impact on gas prices, and the gas tax didn’t help. Tennessee is fortunate that consumer confidence is rising under President Trump and Tennessee is positioned well economically; thus, mitigating some of the negative effects of the tax hike.”

Rep. Terry says that working in small business and as an anesthesiologist, he has had experience with both lives and livelihoods in his hands. “Growing up and working in a third generation auto salvage family and now being a partner in a medical practice, I certainly know and understand the struggles of small businesses and employees. Whether dealing with the business side personally or listening to constituent concerns, my background in both the blue collar and white collar worlds helps me to be a better advocate for the district.”

Tennessee is ranked number one in small business growth, has the least debt per capita, and has the lowest state taxes. In addition, Tennessee’s unemployment rate is the lowest in recorded history while the average small business wages are $22.84 per hour which is well above the $15 per hour argued for by liberals and socialists.

“It’s truly an honor to receive this award. I’m proud to stand with the people of Tennessee and our business community to ensure we have prosperity for our individuals and hard working families,” said Rep. Terry.

Representative Bryan Terry, MD is the Chairman of the Tennessee House Health Subcommittee and serves on the full House Health and Civil Justice Committees. His office can be reached at 615-741-2180 or rep.Bryan.Terry@capitol.tn.gov.

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Physician Legislators Bryan Terry & Steve Dickerson Take Aim at Tennessee’s Opioid Crisis

August 7, 2017 By Admin

(NASHVILLE) Aug. 7, 2017— With Tennessee and the entire United States in the middle of an opioid crisis, State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) and Senator Steve Dickerson, MD (R-Nashville) are working on new legislation in order to curb unlawful production and distribution of powerful opioids like fentanyl, sufentanil, and carfentanil.

Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine; sufentanil and carfentanil are respectively 1,000 and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. Terry and Dickerson are both anesthesiologists who have extensive experience working with these drugs in their medical practices. They understand the appropriate uses for each, as well as potential side effects and dangerous risks associated with them.

“The budgetary funding proposal brought forth by President Trump and Congress, as well as the Opioid Task Force created by Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) has raised awareness of the severity of opioid abuse and the health risks associated with these drugs for our residents,” said Representative Terry. “As Chairman of the Health Subcommittee and the only member of the House who has extensively used these medicines in treating patients, I am looking at ways to help address this growing epidemic.”

“No one in the Tennessee General Assembly understands these medications better than Dr. Terry and I,” said Senator Dickerson. “When they are used properly, these medications provide tremendous benefits to patients; when they end up on streets in our communities across Tennessee, they become very dangerous. This new legislation enables us to address our state’s opioid crisis from a new angle.”

While fentanyl and sufentanil are readily available in hospitals across Tennessee, they and carfentanil are reportedly being manufactured in other countries and brought into the United States illegally where they are sold to Tennesseans. There are reports of these opioids being used to lace heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. This can increase the risk of addiction, death, and babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Recently, a Tennessee drug bust resulted in the confiscation of over 100,000 pills containing fentanyl.

“Not only do we have an opioid problem from prescription drugs in Tennessee but we have an addiction problem as well,” said Representative Terry. “We need to work on that end of the equation; however, if we don’t also address high-powered narcotics like fentanyl and sufentanil on the streets, then we won’t be working on all sides of this issue.”

Terry stated that the legislation he and Dickerson are working on is currently in draft form, and they are waiting to file it. In the meantime, they will continue to work with the Opioid Task Force, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP), medical organizations, and the governor’s staff in an effort to find comprehensive solutions to address this dangerous epidemic.

“With the opioid crisis paralyzing Tennessee, my colleagues and I will leave no stone unturned as we work to combat this serious issue,” said Speaker Harwell. “Representative Terry and Senator Dickerson’s knowledge and expertise will help us find solutions once and for all, and I appreciate their efforts in helping us address this matter.”

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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: Update on 2017 TN-Ready Testing

May 30, 2017 By Admin

In recognition of Antibiotic Awareness Week, Rep. Bryan Terry, MD teaches students about antibiotics at Central Magnet High School in Murfreesboro.

NASHVILLE, May 30, 2017– As many students and parents know by now, the TN Ready test scores will not be factored into the grades of Rutherford County students this year. When the news came out, there were some upset parents, students, and teachers. I’ve received some questions about the situation, and did some research on the issue. There are still some questions, but hopefully, I can provide some useful information. The article in the Tennessean provides some info on the issue, as well.

First, as you may know, I ran a bill that required the TN Dept. Of Education to put forth a report on the validity of evaluations. With TN Ready scores as a metric in the computing of the evaluations, the tests have a direct impact and must be as valid as possible. Testing can be correlated with improved outcomes, however, the tests really cannot be proven to be a completely valid measure, especially in the first year.

There are five forms of evidence for validity:

Evidence based on test content:
Evidence based on response processes:
Evidence based on internal structure:
Evidence based on relations to other variables:
Evidence based on consequences of testing:

Transparency and history of testing can improve items 1, 3, and 4. Without a baseline test, it is difficult to know whether the test content, the structure of the test, or the consistency of the test is valid. For these reasons, honestly, I wouldn’t want this year’s TN Ready to count on my child’s grade. It really shouldn’t count against teachers or schools, either. That being said, consequences of testing, such as the scores actually counting for a grade, will improve the validity of the test and evaluation. Even if the scores don’t count this year, the fact that students believed that the scores were going to count should improve long term validity of the process.

Response processes has to do with behaviors, attitudes, effort, and confidence in the testing. Many of these factors are beyond the control of the teachers such as whether or not the student tries on the test, had breakfast, parents are divorcing, etc. In addition, as I have said before, perception is reality, and the perception is that the TN Ready test isn’t actually ready and parents, students and teachers are losing confidence in the system……if there was any confidence to begin with.

Last session and this session, I had conversations with the TDOE about these issues, my concerns, and the concerns of many constituents. The bottom line is that a good idea executed poorly results in a bad outcome. We can debate about whether the testing and evaluations are a good idea or not, but the perception, as well as the reality, is that there has been poor execution of the testing process. Understanding the failings of the process and correcting the problems are of utmost importance if the state expects to have student, teacher and school improvement.

Based on some of the media reports, it appears as if the TDOE is shifting the responsibility to LEAs, while LEAs are pointing to the state or the testing vendor for the testing issue this year. The TDOE sent me the following response:

All of the department’s timelines are on track.
In February, we shared with superintendents that scores would be available beginning the week of May 22 if they submitted their testing materials by the deadlines published by our assessment vendor, Questar, and communicated by the department.
Test scores are scored on a “first in first out” basis. Scores will be available on a rolling basis as they are processed by Questar.
The overall timeline is similar to what districts have experienced in the past. Scores are usually available 2-3 weeks after the close of the testing window, which was on May 5.
Pursuant to Chapter 256 of the Public Acts of 2015, districts may choose to exclude students’ test scores from the student’s grade if scores are not received at least five instructional days before the end of the school year.

While this is a positive response with some explanations, there are several more questions that arise. Based on the response, one can infer that LEAs were given a window to give the tests, and it is my understanding that they were given a 3 week window. Secondly, one can infer that the state knew or expected many of the tests, especially those administered late in the testing window, to not be graded in time so they could be used as part of a student’s final grade. Finally, if some students were tested at the start of the 3 week window, while students in other parts of the state are tested later, aren’t those later students and teachers being afforded extra prep time for the test?

I followed up again with the TDOE on the issue. The TDOE stated that they wanted to give the LEAs the flexibility on when to administer the tests, as well as allow districts the ability to hold their report cards until the scores were returned, if they wished. In my opinion, Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City schools, by testing later, afforded their students and teachers a better opportunity to perform better on the test. It is, also, my opinion that it was prudent to not include the TN Ready test scores due to the above mentioned validity concerns.

In addition to the timing problem, one of my biggest complaints has been the communication breakdown on the testing process. The TDOE informed me that parents and LEAs were provided with information, several times, about this year’s TN Ready. HERE is the link they provided. While this link is fairly informative, I’m still not sure many parents or teachers ever saw or reviewed the information.

I asked, “What is being done to ensure the tests are returned in time next year?” The response was as follows:

“We anticipate online testing will improve timelines. Currently, we are losing at least 7-10 days of potential scoring time with shipping and delivery, and that is a time-consuming process for districts, as well. It can be longer if there are issues with shipping, such as bad weather, a delivery truck breaking down, missed pick-up dates, not having enough labels, etc. In addition, we, now, need to hand-score parts of the assessment, which necessitates having testing documents back as soon as possible. Online assessment means the student responses are immediately available to score.

While we believe we were clear and communicated multiple times that raw scores would be available in late May, we will strive to ensure everyone is clear on that timeline next year and make any process adjustments that are needed to help the raw score return process go more smoothly.”

I know this information won’t change what has already occurred, but my constituents, parents, teachers and, most importantly, students need to know that someone is at the Capitol holding people accountable and fighting to improve the situation.

The end result of my bill was an agreement with the TDOE and the TEA to provide a report on the evaluation process which will review the past problems, discuss the intent, and provide information on changes. Hopefully, it will help students, parents, teachers and LEAs to better understand the process, problems, and changes while allowing for feedback. It is a government of, by, and for the people, and my aim is to ensure “we the people” have that voice.

With Liberty,

Rep. Bryan Terry

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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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Rep. Terry Introduces Blood, Sweat, and Tears Tuition Act

March 2, 2017 By Admin

Legislation Seeks to Provide At-Cost Tuition to Designated Individuals

NASHVILLE, March 2, 2017–Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro) and State Senator Jim Tracy(R-Shelbyville) announced the “Blood, Sweat, and Tears Tuition Act”, a measure to allow certain individuals to receive “at-cost” tuition at Tennessee public universities. It is believed to be a landmark piece of legislation that has not been offered in any other state in the Union.

Rep. Bryan Terry Introduces "Blood, Sweat & Tears Tuition Act" — Rep. Bryan Terry Introduces “Blood, Sweat & Tears Tuition Act”

The bill, as described by Rep. Terry, would call for our public institutions to set an “at-cost” rate for tuition at a point in which taxpayers do not subsidize tuition. “Currently, in-state tuition is subsidized anywhere from 25-75% by the taxpayer and out-of-state tuition rates are often at a price point where Tennessee is uninviting to those who have shed blood, sweat, or tears for Tennessee, ” stated Rep. Terry. “While I don’t believe taxpayers should subsidize these individuals, by inviting those who have invested part of their livelihood to our state with an at-cost tuition, these individuals can help make a further positive impact on our great state.”

As an example, during his research on the bill, Rep. Terry said that he found that universities may charge an in-state tuition rate of around $800 for three credit hours, and out-of-state tuition may exceed $2800 for those same hours. However, the average at-cost of the tuition for the university may be $1800. That amount is not subsidized by taxpayers and is a price point in which these eligible students, if enrolled, could help offset some of the costs for Tennesseans and spur the local economies.

Senator Tracy commented, “Those veterans of the military that have bled for our state or children of those currently serving that are not otherwise granted in-state tuition would be allowed to pay at-cost tuition as opposed to being forced to pay out-of-state tuition. It is a sacrifice to Tennessee that makes sense to address in this capacity.”

The bill would allow those individuals or children of those that have put a certain amount of sweat equity into Tennessee via investments of individual stocks, business ownership, or property to be eligible for at-cost tuition as long as they keep those investments during their college career. “We would like to encourage investment into Tennessee. Tennessee is a great place to raise a family, run a business, and invest your hard earned dollars,” stated Senator Tracy. “By investing sweat equity into Tennessee, we believe those contributions should hold value in our education system,” echoed Rep. Terry.

The final portion of the act which is “tears”, refers to the Trail of Tears, and would allow any member of a federally recognized Native American tribe be eligible for at-cost tuition. As a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the only member of the Tennessee General Assembly who is a member of a federally recognized tribe, Rep. Terry says that he is very passionate about this legislation. “Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act of 1830, and Choctaws were the first tribe removed from the southeast in 1831. There are less than 20,000 Native Americans in Tennessee. A few years ago, Tennessee passed a resolution of regret for the part we played in the Trail of Tears. I’m not asking for a dime of taxpayer money. I’m just proposing that we invite Native Americans back with this bill,” expressed an impassioned Rep. Terry.

The bill would not prevent those individuals from receiving in-state tuition if they are otherwise eligible. Senator Tracy stated that they are still working on all the minor details of the bill before it will be heard in committee, as it is currently a caption bill. They stated that they have received positive feedback including from the Tennessee Native American Indian Association and MTSU’s Native American Student Association. They look forward to passing this landmark legislation.

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