(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.