State Representative Bryan Terry

Rep. Bryan Terry: Review Of 3rd Annual 2016 Empower Women Event

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Rep. Sheila Butt Honored At 3rd Annual Empowering Women Event
Rep. Sheila Butt Honored At 3rd Annual Empowering Women Event

MURFREESBORO, May 3, 2016– The 3rd Annual Empowering Women Event, hosted by Rep. Bryan Terry and Rep. Dawn White, was held Saturday, April 30 at Sportscom in Murfreesboro. A multitude of women attended to learn about how they can get involved at the local and state levels, as well as how they can make a positive impact on policy and procedures. The event featured keynote speaker Republican Majority Floor Leader Sheila Butt. Other speakers included Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Operations Stephanie Brackman, and MTSU College Republican President Jami Averwater.

“By all accounts, the event was a success. Our speakers did a fantastic job inspiring our attendees, and showing them where and how to get involved. It’s my hope to continue to grow the event to help women of all ages in our community know the impact that they can make,” stated Rep. Bryan Terry

Rep. Butt gave a moving speech that drew praise from the hosts and attendees. From job creation to pro-life issues to Constitutional rights, she covered a wide array of issues with a message on how one can and should be bold and unafraid to take a stand. With several Rutherford County General Sessions judicial candidates in the audience, she spoke of the negative effects of judicial activism and the need to elect judges that are Constitutionally sound.

“I was honored to take part in such a great event. It is very encouraging to see leaders like Representatives Terry and White host this kind of community outreach, and it was even more encouraging to receive such positive feedback from women after the event,” commented Rep. Butt.

The event attracted women of all ages including college students and retirees. Jami Averwater, a MTSU senior, spoke to the crowd about various avenues to get involved. She spoke of our current situations in society and how women of all ages can make a difference for the future of Tennessee. Rep. White, in her comments, reiterated and expanded on the speech of Averwater explaining the various opportunities for women in the community for women.

Stephanie Brackman, in an engaging speech which included some of her struggles during her youth, spoke of building relationships in the community and how these relationships can impact everything from one’s business to public policy. With her diverse background and road to becoming Vice President of Operations of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, she provided attendees with an example of how one can use their skills to lead and get involved.

With his training in Self Governance, Rep. Terry echoed the importance of relationship building as one looks to impact policy or influence one’s elected officials. Terry encouraged all those in attendance to reach out to their elected officials and build a relationship with them. “As citizens, we have the Constitutional authority to have our voices heard, but having a positive relationship with our elected officials improves the chances that the elected official will take action. I, always, enjoy having the opportunity to teach others how to exert control over government,” commented Rep. Terry.

With Tennessee having many Republican women leaders, from Speaker Beth Harwell to Rutherford County GOP Chairman Donna Barrett, the event highlights the continued commitment from GOP leaders to encourage and recruit women at the grassroots level.

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Rep. Terry: End Of 2016 Session Review: Common Core, Landfills, Planned Parenthood & More

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Rep. Bryan Terry, MD (District 48)
Rep. Bryan Terry, MD (District 48)

April 29, 2016– The 109th Tennessee General Assembly has adjourned “Sine Die” which means that the TGA does not have any specific day for future meetings.  It has been an honor and a humbling experience to represent District 48.  As I have not been able to record a video summary these past two weeks, I wanted to summarize some of the events.  I look to have a complete session summary out soon, as well.

First and foremost, I have been working for the District.  This session, I worked on a bill to improve community access to the inspections of the Middlepoint Landfill.  I worked with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, as well as with representatives from Republic on this matter.  In the end, TDEC will notify me of impending inspections of the landfill.  I will be able to attend inspections randomly.  TDEC will provide me with the results of the inspections, and I will be able to get the information out to the community probably via a new Facebook page designed for our district.  This should begin in May.  It should be noted that Republic and TDEC worked to improve the situation surrounding the landfill and I appreciate them listening to our concerns.  And I appreciate those in the community for stepping up!

Secondly, on behalf of the Rutherford County Commission and the Rutherford County Election Commission, I was honored to be able to carry HB 2125.  This bill has now been signed into law by Governor Haslam and will allow Rutherford County to participate in the state’s first ever Voter Convenience Center Pilot Program.  Many in Rutherford County know that we have 7 convenience centers during early voting.  Rutherford County will have 30 convenience centers on Election Day.  This program will save Rutherford County over $25,000 per election and hopefully increase voter turnout.  This bill earned praise by many members of the General Assembly, and I would like to thank Alan Farley for his help on the bill.

Over the passed two weeks, I passed four other pieces of legislation, HB 2126, HB 1909, HB 1856, and HB 1654.  HB 2126 dealt with medical office dispensaries.  Many patients enjoy the convenience of a one stop shop when it comes to their medical care.  This bill cleaned up language in our code to improve the regulatory system surrounding these dispensaries.  It received widespread bipartisan support.

HB 1909 was a clean up bill for a law we passed last year.  Unintended consequences from last year’s law were discovered as it relates to Tennessee’s medical spa registry.  The registry is designed to track owners of medical spas to protect patients in the event of harm or malpractice.  Unfortunately, as it had been designed, some physicians and their groups were inadvertently being required to register.  The bill corrected the unintended consequences, and created a level playing field in the industry.

Hb 1856 will help patients with Binge Eating Disorder.  Last year, the FDA approved Lisdexamphetamine to be used in the treatment of BED.  Unfortunately, our code and the current regulations did not recognize the use of this medication for that medical condition.  Physicians who were seeing these patients were unsure of their prescriptive authority.  The bill gave physicians the authority to prescribe this medication for its FDA approved use and overwhelmingly passed.

Lastly, I passed HB 1654 which dealt with abortion clinics and fetal tissue as it relates to research, experiments, and photography.  Last year, following the national uproar surrounding Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics concerning the selling of fetal tissue, I began to look into the issue, especially Tennessee law.  I found that our code required prior knowledge and consent of the mother if research, experiments, or photography occurred.  Anyone in the medical profession understands that a consent can include implied consent, general consent, or even a phone consent.  The law did not specify that the consent be written.  Additionally, in the event that an employee or other person took photographs with the belief that an abortion clinic was violating state or federal laws with respect to fetal tissue, the law potentially would have required the woman’s consent.

I worked with TN Right to Life, the Administration, and even Planned Parenthood on this bill and issue.  In the end, the bill would require a paper trail in the event that any research or experiments occurred, as well as clarify immunity for any person taking photographs with the belief that a state or federal law was being violated with respect to fetal tissue.  It is my understanding that HB 1654 may be unprecedented in that it is the only bill surrounding abortion laws in Tennessee that passed not only unanimously, but never even received a “no” vote even in the committee process.  This is proof that one can take a controversial topic, open dialogue with all sides of an issue, and pass bipartisan legislation. 

I am, also, told that I did something else unprecedented in the Tennessee General Assembly.  Last year when we passed HB 1035 to set up new education Standards Recommendation Committees, I brought forth an amendment that required legislative confirmation of the committee appointments.  In the off season, I had some people look into the appointments, some of which we found were previously Common Core coaches.  The confirmation process did not occur as I had been told, and as I looked into it further, I determined that the process was completely inadequate.  As such, I spearheaded an external confirmation process that resulted in the delaying of all the confirmations until certain questions could be answered. 

I was informed that something like this had never occurred before, and truth be told, I was a bit taken aback when I heard this.  I was sent to the Capitol to represent District 48, ask questions, and take action which I did.  I work with, but do not represent the Governor, the Speaker, the Lt. Governor, the TNGOP, nor others.  However, I did receive support for my actions and it set forth discussions about improving our confirmation processes in the future.

Ultimately, the confirmation process proceeded, but I did not confirm all the appointments.  In the end, I am not sure what the education standards will look like, but time and time again, the committee members told me that the standards would be unique to Tennessee.  One member told me that they looked at the standards as an evolving process that we in the General Assembly will need to review on an ongoing basis.  I expressed this on the House floor and I am looking forward to bringing forth legislation that will set up a long term review and evaluation process of these new standards.

As always, I am honored and humbled to represent District 48.  It is my hope that you find these write ups informative and useful.  Knowledge is power, and power is with the people.

With Liberty,

Rep. Bryan Terry

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Rep. Terry: Updates On Common Core, Policing For Profit, And More

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Terry-300x300MURFREESBORO, Tenn. March 20, 2015–

Common Core

House Bill 1035 advanced out of the Education Instruction & Programs Subcommittee this week and will now move on to the full Committee, where it is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, March 24. The legislation establishes a process by which the state will formally replace the controversial Common Core education standards with a new set of standards crafted solely by Tennesseans.

As amended, the bill specifies that Tennessee is fully in charge of creating its own educational standards and ensures that none will be imposed on the state by the federal government in the future. The bill establishes a Standards Recommendation Committee that will be comprised of ten members, with four appointed by the Governor, three appointed by the Speaker of the Senate, and three appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In addition, the legislation requires the State Board of Education to cancel the “Memorandum of Understanding” that had previously been agreed upon concerning Common Core State Standards.

(This Week’s Video Update)

Throughout the process of crafting these new education standards, House Bill 1035 provides multiple opportunities for public input and stresses transparency. Ultimately, the legislation will fully remove Tennessee from federal Common Core Standard guidelines while empowering Tennessee education professionals to craft new standards of educational excellence without undue influence from outside the state.

Do note that Common Core standards will not automatically disappear, as the new standards still have to be created, and this will take time. I still have some concerns about some of the wording in the bill, but I will keep you updated as things progress.

Policing For Profit

This week, the House Civil Justice Subcommittee heard testimony regarding House Bill 284, which deals with the issue of policing for profit in Tennessee. However, the legislation was taken off notice after an agreement was made with key law enforcement agencies to correct the problem internally.

As introduced, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to pay for the cost of returning a vehicle back to its original condition if it is dismantled, damaged, or altered during a search and seizure operation. This requirement would only apply if the driver or passengers are not charged with a criminal offense and nothing is seized, the forfeiture warrant is denied, or if the agency does not meet its burden of proof at the forfeiture hearing.

Proponents of the legislation note that Tennessee has experienced a serious problem over the years with certain law enforcement agencies policing for profit. This has resulted in many law abiding citizens being targeted for no reason and their personal property damaged and cash being seized.

The agreement negotiated before the bill was taken off notice involved numerous meetings with the Tennessee Department of Safety, the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association, the Tennessee Police Chief’s Association, and the Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission. Following several weeks of negotiations, all stakeholders involved agreed it made sense to develop a training curriculum to effectively deal with the problem internally, as opposed to creating a new state law.

The bill’s sponsors noted, however, they would not hesitate to take legislative action if the agreement does not move forward in the coming days.

Ag Day On The Hill

Ag Day at the Capitol is March 25, 2015.

Did you know that Tennessee has 76,000 farms representing 10.8 million acres in production. More than half of the state, 14 million acres, is in mostly privately owned hardwood forests? Tennessee’s top agricultural commodities include cattle, soybeans, corn, poultry, cotton, timber, greenhouse and nursery products, dairy products, wheat, tobacco, and hay. The industry has a $66 billion a year impact on the state’s economy and supports nearly 337,900 jobs.

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Dr. Bryan Terry On The Issues

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Leading With Shared Values & Proven Results

In his own words…

Safety

  • Individuals and businesses value safe communities to live, work, and raise a family.  As a legislator, I’ve consistently worked to ensure that our law enforcement, firefighters, and military are appreciated and have to tools to protect our freedoms and communities.

Health

  • As Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee, I’ve been leading our state on health related issues like the opioid crisis, mental health, children’s health, care of our elderly, cannabis extracts, medical transparency, health care costs, and improved access.  I have consistently offered solutions to the health care problems facing Tennessee.

Agriculture

  • District 48 includes many farms and families enjoying a rural way of life. As someone who grew up with a family farm, I understand the love and passion for rural living. I have consistently supported our agriculture families by co-sponsoring legislation like the Rural Economic Opportunity Act.  I will continue to fight to keep the rural way of life that citizens in the 48th district enjoy.

Recreation and tourism

  • In addition to an educated workforce and affordability, employers look for recreational activities as one of the criteria for their employees and associates when looking to locate their businesses.  Recreation and tourism are multi-billion dollar industries that are vital to the economic success of Tennessee. Protecting and promoting and environment that attracts tourists and businesses is a priority to ensure that our unemployment rates stay historically low.

Education

  • Though Tennessee has shown improvements in our student growth, there have been a multitude of unacceptable failures.  I have been a leading voice for having a fair, consistent, and valid system that improves our education outcomes while working to  ensure morale and confidence in the system amongst students, parents, and teachers is present. Students, parents, and teachers know that I will continue to be their advocate in trying to fix a flawed system.

Diverse background

  • District 48 is one of the most diverse districts in Tennessee, as such, we need representation that understands and can relate to a wide variety of issues and concerns.  Having grown up working in a blue collar, auto salvage family with a horse farm and earning my way to becoming a medical professional who owns a small business and is an associate affiliated professor in the UT Medical system, I’ve been able to understand and advocate for our unique needs as a district.

Voice

  • In order to be an effective representative and advocate, one must understand that there is Value Of Involving Citizens Everyday.  From sponsoring legislation for students, constituents, or the county to providing frequent legislative and community updates, I have worked to be the voice that District 48 needs.  I will continue to do so.

Affordability

  • Low taxes and a low cost of living ensures that our Tennessee families continue to receive more bang for their buck.  We are one of the lowest taxed states per capita with the lowest debt. I have consistently fought for the taxpayer and have been named a Taxpayer Hero.

Liberties

  • Having been named a Protector of the Constitution, I have been a leader in protecting our liberties and freedom.  I have consistently fought to ensure equal protection under the law while ensuring maximum freedom of Tennesseans.  

Unborn

  • When there is life, it begins at conception.  As such, we must protect that which is sacred.  I’m proud to have been and continue to be a proactive voice for the unborn.

Economy

  • By decreasing unnecessary regulations leading to a freer market, Tennessee has historic low unemployment rates with job growth 1.5 times the national average.  By supporting measures like the Right to Earn a Living Act and the Fresh Start Act, we are building an economic engine for our individuals and families.

Security

  • Illegal immigrants cost Tennessee at the state level 793 million dollars per year while the total cost federally is 116 billion(fairus.org).  This attack on our system drains valuable resources that could provide health care for our most vulnerable and greater security in our schools.  As a legislator, I have stood to strengthen our laws against illegal immigration. Security of person and property is a fundamental human right.  As such, the right to keep and bare arms shall not be infringed.  I will continue to ensure that our rights are protected.

Connect With Dr. Terry

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Contact Dr. Bryan Terry

Personal: Bryan@BryanTerry4TN.com | 615.801.2999

Capitol Office: Rep.Bryan.Terry@Capitol.TN.gov | 615.741.2180 | Website

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About Dr. Bryan Terry

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When it comes to representation, Bryan Terry, MD offers one of the most diverse resumes of any elected official or candidate.  As a student of self governance and with his “Principles, Process, and Passion”, he is known as one of Tennessee’s leading voices for life, liberty, families, and fiscal responsibility.

Bryan grew up working in a third generation auto salvage family developing his deep blue collar roots.  He, eventually, went on to function as the property manager of I-35 Insurance Pool which provided the foundation of his small business background.

As a child, Bryan spent a lot of time in doctor’s offices and the emergency department due to severe asthma and allergies. Knowing the struggles his parents had dealing with his medical problems, Bryan took personal responsibility to heart and earned his way through medical school in order not only to help himself, but others.

Bryan may be the only elected official with personal experience dealing with domestic terrorism and a natural disaster.  As a medical intern, he took care of victims of the Oklahoma City bombing of the Murrah Building. He and his family owned and operated a family farm which was destroyed by an F-5 tornado in 2013.  

Bryan and his wife, Cheryl, have been married for over 26 years. They have two children, Brayden and Breeley. Bryan, his mother and children are all enrolled members of the Choctaw Nation. He has been active in coaching Murfreesboro youth and actually delivered his daughter Breeley. The Terrys attend World Outreach Church.

Bryan received his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma, graduated medical school from the Oklahoma College of Medicine, and performed his Anesthesiology residency at the University of Tennessee,-Knoxville. Bryan served as the President of the Tennessee Society of Anesthesiologists Resident Component and as a student member of the Oklahoma College of Medicine Admissions Board. He is an affiliated associate professor of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine.  He brings these experiences, as well as his medical and business knowledge to mentor MTSU and Rutherford County Students to help them follow their dreams.

Bryan is currently serving in the 110th Tennessee General Assembly as chairman of the Health Subcommittee.  He is a member of the Health, Health-Sub, and Consumer and Civil Justice committees.

Bryan has been named Legislator of the year, Family Champion, Taxpayer Hero, Champion of Prosperity, and recipient of the Latinos for Tennessee Faith, Family, Freedom, and Fiscal Responsibility Award.

With the diverse needs of District 48, Rutherford County, and Tennessee, Dr. Bryan Terry offers the background and experience to represent and lead us into the future.

To reach Bryan at the Capitol, click HERE.