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Rep. Bryan Terry 2018 Legislative Preview: MTSU, Medical Marijuana, Healthcare, Education

January 8, 2018 By Admin

MURFREESBORO, January 7, 2018– I have been busy getting ready for the upcoming session. I hope you enjoy and become more informed with my updates. As we begin the 2018 session on January 9, here is my pre-session update.

The opioid crisis will be the biggest issue coming to the Health Subcommittee which I chair. I was able to have a couple of opioid related bills jacketed this past week and I have some others waiting to get jacketed depending on a few more discussions. I look forward to hearing the discussions and taking the lead on several aspects of this issue. I am expecting a multitude of opioid related bills to come through my committee and may organize a special meeting to listen to all the potential bills.

Aside from the opioid issue, last week, I was corresponding with legislators, an attorney, and physicians from other states to on how they are tackling a particular bipartisan medical issue. This issue has been going on for some time, and I have been working on a solution for a while. Of all things, on New Years Eve, I was speaking to a democrat physician legislator about how his state was addressing the issue. I’m working on drafting legislation on this issue, but can’t give specifics as it is too early and I may not be the one to carry the bill.

I, will, also, be carrying a bill with Dr. Briggs that should streamline a medical service to help decrease the morbidity and mortality of patients……more details to come later when we file the bill.

I will, also, be carrying at least one, if not more, bills related to education. When they get filed, I will be able to go into more detail, but there are at least three bills that I will either carry or be a prime co-sponsor. These issues directly impact Rutherford and Murfreesboro City Schools, and at least two of the bills were spurred on by problems related to testing that occurred in our county. These bills, also, help address some of the concerns brought forth by our school boards during the education round table that I hosted.

I have, also, agreed to carry a bill with Senator Ketron that will directly impact MTSU. When we file it, we will provide more information and details. It will bring some jobs and an educational opportunity to the area.

Over the last several months, college students across the state have been bringing awareness to an injustice on their campus. Working with these students, we hope to change the code to correct this injustice. Yesterday, I was able to sit down with the student leader on this issue and we have the rough draft of the legislation in hand. I will be meeting with legal services this week to have it drafted. Students are the largest constituency in many districts. Students across the state know that I stand up for them every chance I get, and I look forward to being the voice of students on this issue.

As most people are probably aware, medical marijuana or cannabis based treatments will be discussed this session. Senator Dickerson and Representative Faison held a task force this fall to discuss the issue and draft possible legislation. Most recently in the news, Attorney General Jeff Sessions revoked the Obama era Cole Memorandum which, essentially, instructed federal prosecutors to not prosecute individuals in states who legalize forms of cannabis. Congress has some bills to decriminalize or reschedule cannabis, but it is uncertain if they will act. So, the impact of the revocation of the Cole memo on possible medical cannabis treatment legislation is yet to be determined.

Of note, however, is a federal lawsuit by a 12 year old girl by the name of Alexis Bortell against AG Sessions that is pending. The lawsuit would essentially either reschedule or de-schedule cannabis as her civil rights are being violated due to her medical treatment.

As chairman of the health subcommittee and to further educate myself and, hopefully, other legislators and the public, I was able to conduct an exclusive one hour interview and follow up questionnaire with Alexis and her father, Dean. I am awaiting permission from her legal team to release the questionnaire and more details from the interview. In addition, Mr. Bortell has offered to testify before our General Assembly depending on the timing and the lawsuit.

What I can impart is the history of Alexis and her treatment with her seizure disorder.

She lived in Texas, and began having seizures at the age of 7. By age 9, she had been on multiple anti-seizure medications and had suffered many side effects from those medications. Yet, she still had intractable seizures.

Faced with a lifetime of major medication side effects, intractable seizures, and a limited quality of life, her parents were given two potential medical options. Alexis could have a craniotomy which would involve surgery on her brain. The part of the brain that would have involved surgery would impact her personality, ability to think or reason, and her memory. Her other option was to move to another state and try cannabis based treatments. If cannabis based treatment failed, she could then have surgery, but if she tried surgery first and it failed, she would be forever changed. The family chose to move to Colorado and seek treatment there.

Alexis has been under a physician’s care and has participated in research projects while in Colorado. She is perhaps the most researched and tested patient in America. Of note, she currently takes two medications. One is an oil that contains a high CBD to THC ratio that is her maintenance medication which she takes twice a day. This oil is called Haleigh’s Hope. The other is a higher THC cannabis based oral spray called Cannatol RX to treat auras which signal an impending seizure. These auras present themselves to Alexis as a tingling sensation on her scalp or visual spots in her field of view. She self administers the THC when the symptoms present and has access to the THC spray on school grounds at her school in Colorado.

Since becoming stable on her medication on Day 33 of her treatment, she has been seizure free for nearly three years. She has had to use the oral THC spray less than 20 times to prevent seizures. She is growing like an otherwise healthy girl with minimal if any side effects. Aside from the limitations placed on her due to cannabis laws, she is able to lead a normal life. One that she would not be able to lead if she still lived in Texas or even Tennessee.

Of note, there are around 70,000 Tennesseans with a seizure disorder. Roughly, 5000 are minors like Alexis. That translates to over 700 patients and 50 children in each legislative district who could potentially see the same medical benefits as Alexis without the major side effects of anti-seizure medications.

In addition, I have heard candidates for legislative and gubernatorial office opine that big Pharma already has drugs to treat seizures or that we already have “medical marijuana” in a drug called Marinol. In the case of Alexis and countless others like her, those medications either don’t control the seizures or they have severe side effects. Marinol, the synthetic THC that is legal in Tennessee and every state, takes 30-45 minutes to take effect which isn’t fast enough to treat an impending seizure; whereas, the nasal and oral THC sprays works almost instantly.

Sativex and Epidiolex are potential cannabis based FDA approved medications coming down the pipeline, yet neither medication would provide the ratios of THC to CBD necessary to treat patients like Alexis. And neither would provide the flexibility to treat these patients as their metabolism changes during puberty.

Ultimately, the action that our Tennessee General Assembly takes may very well depend on the action taken at the federal level, the result of the lawsuit, or the kind of legislation put forth by Senator Dickerson and Representative Faison. Regardless, after speaking with the Bortell’s, it is clear that the current system is failing many patients. Telling Tennesseans who are in the same position as Alexis to just keep suffering from medication side effects, move to another state, or have a partial lobotomy isn’t the answer.

As always, it is an honor and a privilege to serve District 48 as your state representative. Please, follow my updates on BryanTerry4TN.com, on Facebook at Dr. Bryan Terry, or on Twitter at @BryanTerry4TN.

With Liberty,

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD

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Rep. Bryan Terry: Updates on Gas Tax, Tuition for Illegal Immigrants, Healthcare & More

April 10, 2017 By Admin

NASHVILLE, April 10, 2017– The week ending April 7 was an up and down week for issues, bills, and concerns that I am looking to address. On the positive health care side, my bill HB 590 is a “clean up” bill that adds language to the code for osteopathic physicians practicing pain management. The bill ensures that they will be able to treat patients in need of their services. It passed my Health Subcommittee. Additionally, HB 603 by Chairman Ryan Williams passed the House floor. Labor and delivery of a baby is an emergency situation. The bill clarifies that physicians can treat minors in this situation. There was some confusion among members prior to the vote, but I spoke up about the medical reasoning and the bill passed overwhelmingly.

On the negative side, several pro-patient health care bills failed this past week. My bill, “The Reliable Coverage Act”, failed in the Senate. The bill would have ensured patients taking a prescription drug for 60 days and who signed a contract with a health insurer who placed the drug on their formulary could not have their benefits changed to cost the patient more money during the year contract. I had worked with several stakeholders to amend the original bill to the best plan possible, but the senate did not ever hear my amendment. Since the original bill failed in the Senate, I took the bill off notice.

The Oral Chemo Parity Bill failed in the Senate and the Right to Care Act which protected providers from abusive maintenance of certification practices by insurers and hospitals has been basically amended to a task force. Both bills would decrease costs for patients and would remove unnecessary abuses of power, but massive swamp monster lobbying efforts doomed these positive patient and provider bills.

On the transportation front, the gas tax proposal passed through the House Finance Subcommittee. During the process, though, the committee amended the name of the legislation from Governor Haslam’s IMPROVE Act to the Tax Cut Plan of 2017. The move, in my opinion, was very disingenuous as the proposal is a massive tax increase on the average Tennessean. Washington DC is known for giving a bill a name that sounds positive to distract voters from the actual content of the bill. For example, Obamacare was originally called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It neither protected patients nor was it affordable. To paraphrase The Princess Bride, they keep using words, but they do not mean what they think they mean. Besides, the Pavement Protection and Automobile Care Act sounds more appropriate.

On a positive transportation note, Speaker Harwell and other members of leadership are working on an alternative funding proposal for transportation that doesn’t involve raising gas or diesel taxes. As I have discussed before, Tennessee has significant revenue from auto sales taxes and sales tax collections from tourism. None of those revenues go towards our transportation funding. Tennessee could easily use a percentage of those revenues to help fund transportation, and it would be revenue neutral, as well as pocketbook neutral to everyday Tennesseans. I’m still waiting for the final proposal, but I’m encouraged that leadership is still looking for a way to address the issue with the pocketbooks of average Tennesseans in mind.

Believe it or not, in state tuition for illegal immigrants has, once again, been brought up in the Tennessee General Assembly, but this time it is in the form of two separate bills. Each bill is looking to address the issue in a similar, but separate manner. While many folks on both sides of this issue have not met any of these students, I have sat down on various occasions with some of these students and their advocates. I have heard their stories. I recognize that they are in an unenviable situation and are often victims of a broken immigration system. However, two wrongs do not make a right.

While out of state tuition is outrageous, in state tuition rates do not even come close to paying the actual cost for a university to provide the education. Taxpayers subsidize between 25-75% of the education depending upon the institution of higher learning. Tennessee taxpayers should not be on the hook for subsidizing the education of non-US citizens here illegally.

As I wrote about in a previous update, there are multiple avenues for these students to achieve a higher education degree. Governor Haslam has touted Wester Governor’s University-Tennessee as an affordable way to earn a degree. It’s even cheaper than in-state tuition at MTSU. Tennessee eCampus and the University of Central Florida, are, also, much less expensive viable alternatives.

The bottom line is that we know the actual cost of a university to provide an education, which for MTSU is $1800 for 3 credit hours. In state tuition is $800 and out of state is $2800 for those same credit hours. Knowing that there is an actual cost to provide the education, as well as knowing that there are affordable and viable alternatives, it is beyond comprehension that anyone would ask taxpayers to subsidize the tuition for a non-US citizen here illegally.

When government takes taxes away from citizens and spends it on services, infrastructure, etc, in effect government is supposedly taking a piece of someone’s property(money) in exchange for government providing, protecting, or expanding one’s liberty. I fail to see how taking hard earned money from Tennesseans to subsidize tuition for these individuals provides, protects, or expands the liberty of Tennesseans. In fact, I would argue that it lessens or abridges the rights and privileges of the people of Tennessee; thus, to vote for in state tuition for illegal immigrants would be a violation of our oath of office, in my opinion.

One final comment, the Tennessee General Assembly has been named the most conservative legislature two years in a row, and I keep hearing my colleagues tout that accomplishment. I’m going to make a prediction, though. If we raise taxes on everyday Tennesseans while sitting on a billion dollar recurring surplus and give in state tuition to illegal immigrants, there won’t be a three-peat. Heck, I’m not even sure we will get a participation trophy.

With Liberty,
Rep. Bryan Terry, MD

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Tennessee Taxpayers To Pay For Illegal Immigrants’ College Tuition

April 6, 2017 By Admin

NASHVILLE, April 5, 2017– An effort to provide in-state tuition for illegal aliens is advancing through the Tennessee General Assembly. Proponents of the legislation say it doesn’t cost our state a dime, but that’s not true. If the effort is successful, tax-payers will be on the hook in a major way.

In state tuition for 3 credit hours at MTSU is around $800. Out of state tuition for those same 3 credit hours is around $2800. However, the actual cost for MTSU to provide those 3 credit hours is around $1800.

Taxpayers subsidize around $1000 for each 3 credit hours. In fact, depending upon where a student attends college in TN, taxpayers subsidize in state tuition by covering anywhere between 25-75% of the actual cost of tuition. Folks, if it is subsidized by TN taxpayers, then it is a state benefit as defined by US code 1621.

If making an education more affordable for these students who are caught in a broken system is the goal or intent, then there already is a process. Our Governor has touted Western Governors University as an option for students to receive an education with little or no student debt. In fact, WGU-Tennessee even brags about “Little or no new student debt” on the front page of their website.

Additionally, the state of Tennessee offers an eCampus program. If one looks at the cost for 3 credit hours at MTSU, it costs $1569 which is significantly less than out of state tuition and even less than the actual cost for MTSU to provide 3 credit hours in the classroom.

If a student wants to pay even less, students can attend the University of Central Florida online. 3 credit hours for a non resident is $1149.

So understanding that state subsidized education is a state benefit and there are alternative affordable options at our universities that are supported by our Governor, as well as affordable options in other states, then why would we need to provide a state benefit to non-US citizens? Again, as I stated earlier, if the goal or intent is to help non-US citizen students who are caught in a broken system to have more affordable options for higher education, there are already options and the bill isn’t necessary.

One argument I keep hearing in favor of the bill is that many of these families are paying taxes in Tennessee. According to the Tax Foundation, the average Tennessee per capita state tax collection is $1924. The bill requires that a student attend a Tennessee high school for two years prior and graduate from a Tennessee high school. In Rutherford County, the cost to taxpayers is around $9000 per pupil. Therefore, even if both parents and the student are paying around $2000 per year in taxes($6000 total), it still costs taxpayers $3000 per year to provide an education.

Assuming the parents and student are paying $6000 in state taxes, only 42% of state taxes collected goes towards k-12 and higher education. That means that of that $6000, only $2500 goes towards education. If one assumed all of that went to higher education and zero dollars went to K-12, once a student took more than 9 hours per year at an in state rate at MTSU, taxpayers would still be picking up the tab as a state subsidized benefit.

I’ve met many of these students and there are in an unenviable position, often through no fault of their own. Additionally, out of state tuition is at a price point that is prohibitive to many students, not just non-US citizens.

However, the bottom line is that we have an oath of office that states “that I will not propose or assent to any bill, vote or resolution, which shall appear to me injurious to the people, or consent to any act or thing, whatever, that shall have a tendency to lessen or abridge their rights and privileges, as declared by the Constitution of this state.” Providing a state benefit at taxpayer expense to non-US citizens is injurious to the people of Tennessee, and providing in state tuition, especially when there are alternatives, most definitely lessens and abridges the rights and privileges of Tennesseans.

With Liberty,
Rep. Bryan Terry

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Rep. Bryan Terry Discusses Medical Marijuana Legalization With MTSU Students

March 7, 2017 By Admin

MURFREESBORO, March 7, 2017– With the Tennessee General Assembly in full swing, the issue of medical marijuana will be coming to the forefront. Whether one is on the hill, in the community, or on the campus of MTSU, opinions and emotions on the topic range from a definitive “no” on any marijuana use to legalizing any and all forms and uses of cannabis. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, the opinions and arguments for and against make for some interesting conversations. Our Campus Connection provides a look into the issue and the opinions of the community.

All too often, when the topic of medical marijuana arises, many people conflate the liberty issue of recreational use with the medical issue involving the chemical cannabinoids found in cannabis. A survey of District 48 which looked to separate the two issues produced an interesting result amongst respondents. While comments ranged from not legalizing cannabis in any form to legalizing all forms and taxing it, of note , the majority of respondents were opposed to any legalization of recreational use and were opposed to smoking of cannabis for medicinal purposes. However, when asked about cannabinoids, the chemicals in cannabis, such as THC or CBD being used for research or medicinal purposes, an overwhelming majority of respondents supported those measures. Based on the survey of District 48, while not scientific, one could conclude that many see potential medicinal value in the cannabinoids, but reject any smoking or recreational use of marijuana.

According to an analysis done by the Pew Research Center, support for the legalization of marijuana has sharply increased in the past several years, particularly in the millennial generation. On MTSU’s campus, sentiments by many students seem to follow the same trend. While college culture is known to be more excepting of recreational smoking, many students have considered the issue of its assumed medicinal properties.

Quinlan Odom, a senior at MTSU, considered the following stance for her view on the drug: “For me, personally, I do believe in the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana. I suffer from diagnosed anxiety which tends to result in severe panic attacks. I had been prescribed Lexapro and was a diligent user of that medication. I found, however, that it didn’t soothe the anxiety. Rather, it attempted to mask it.” She believes that the calming affects associated with cannabis use could provide a solution for a problem otherwise incredibly detrimental to her academic pursuits.

One adult student advocated medicinal uses explaining that, “My nephew has been suffering from epilepsy since he was about 8 years old. He has been on several different medications and, now, he is even on a special diet. All of this is an attempt to get his epilepsy under control. Yet, sadly, his seizures have become worse and more frequent. Many studies have shown that marijuana has positive affects when it comes to dealing with epilepsy. As it stands, due to the legality of marijuana, my nephew does not have access to that potential life changing medicine. Instead, he has to continue trying ineffective methods. Legalizing marijuana, at least medical marijuana, would mean he has a chance at taking his life back.”

There is consideration to be made for the legalization of the use of the chemicals found in marijuana for medical treatment. Marijuana and all the cannabinoids and chemicals found in marijuana are currently classified as Schedule 1 drugs. The Drug Enforcement Agency defines Schedule 1 as “A drug or other substance that has a high potential for abuse. The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical treatment use in the U.S.” While cannabis and all the chemicals in the plant are illegal, cocaine, a much more dangerous drug, is a Schedule 2 drug and is legal for defined medical purposes in all states as it has local anesthetic and vasoconstrictive properties.

Cannabis, and all the cannabinoids in it, are in a catch 22 due to being labeled Schedule 1. Being illegal makes it near impossible to do medical studies which, in turn, makes it difficult to prove medicinal benefits and disprove the rationale for classifying cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug. At the Federal level, a bipartisan Congressional Cannabis Caucus has been formed and Congressman Thomas Garrett (R-Virginia) sponsored a bill to remove cannabis from the Federal Controlled Substance Act. Even nationwide advocacy groups like the Epilepsy Foundation support ending the Schedule 1 restrictions to increase access to research and treatment options.

“Marinol which is a drug with synthetic THC and medical cocaine are legal in all 50 states,” stated Representative Bryan Terry, MD. “One would think that relaxing the restrictions on research or even placing cannabinoids in the Schedule 2 category would make sense. Israel is leading the world in cannabinoid research. We have universities, hospitals, scientists, and patients in the U.S. willing to research the use of cannabinoids in PTSD, Crohn’s Disease, neuropathy, amongst other diseases states. Potential effects of cannabis on youth brain development, as well as other potential side effects are always a concern. But given observed benefits to some individuals, it’s time we, at least, advocate for research and rescheduling the cannabinoids.”

The reprieve on the illegality on at least the cannabinoids that have been linked to medical benefits could form a temporary compromise. It would, in the minds of some students, provide for those who have found the drug beneficial without completely legalizing what many still consider an illicit drug. Several students in favor of legalizing the drug acknowledged that this would be a welcomed step for those combating issues they feel are not well treated through other medications.

Overall, it seems that MTSU campus life echoes the national trends in regards to marijuana usage. A vast majority of those interviewed did not initially differentiate between the legalization of marijuana itself and the legalization of the chemicals in the drug. When questioned, most expressed that legalizing the associated chemicals was a start. However, those students who were pressed ultimately sided in favor of the drugs legalization, at least medically, so long as it could be made to benefit both health and revenue.

Rep. Bryan Terry Discusses Tennessee State Budget Surplus With MTSU Students

January 16, 2017 By Admin

MTSU, Jan. 15, 2017– Because the elections of 2016 were such a hot-button issue, many students on Middle Tennessee State University’s campus felt themselves drawn to politics like never before. During the presidential election, many college students found themselves interested in certain issues and looking for a way to make their concerns heard. With the 110th Tennessee General Assembly and the spring semester at MTSU underway, one issue that is at the forefront and impacts millennials and our state is the budget and our massive surplus.

“As far as finances are concerned, Tennessee is in reasonably decent shape on the surface. This year, our state government progressed financially to the point that they have created surpluses in our budget. This year, we have 977 million in a non-recurring surplus and 850 million (or more) in a new-recurring surplus,” according to Representative Terry. This puts Tennessee in a good place to allocate resources into making some improvements in our state while potentially decreasing taxes.

“There are some concerns that need to be addressed, among them are issues like healthcare, education, the current debt, transportation, and the potential for another recession looming in the future. Many constituents, also, asked about tax cuts,” stated Rep. Terry. “When asked how they would manage the surplus, most millennials expressed a desire to work for a better future.”

Education was a major issue for the students when discussing the surplus. As Samantha Biggs, a double major in English and Spanish put it, “Things are just going to start to decline if our youth are not better engaged in their education.” These sentiments were echoed by April Carroll, a junior Political Science major, who added that, “I would use that money to (smartly) invest more in public education between grades K-12. I would even like to see the re-implementation of Pre-K in the major inner cities. I think the future of the state is in those grades, and even a recession were to happen, the kids still need to be better educated.”

Dominick Trail, a sophomore studying Criminal Justice, told of a teacher he’d had in high school who often had to use her own money in order for her students to have ample supplies for projects. Shelby Rehberger, a recent graduate with degrees in anthropology/archaeology and fine art, echoed this by emphasizing that “I think education needs to be funded for public schools to improve high school graduation rates in at-risk rural populations.” Funding for education, especially in the public school sector, was a major concern for these millennials, who simply want children in the future to have access to better educational opportunities. The general consensus was that the next generation is the future of this country, so that should be something to look toward when making monetary decisions.

They also considered issues of transportation in their ideas of budget management. Austin Dubuc, a junior Criminal Justice major, allowed that while he felt some money should be saved in case of a recession and used to pay off some of Tennessee’s debt, he felt that “Transportation moves workers around to boost commerce,” and that, “public transportation should be considered a top priority.” Reed Champion, another junior at MTSU, agreed that transportation funding was an important thing to examine while also stating that “it’s also important to have a sort of nest egg of money since the debt has to be paid and with an uncertain future…” following the 2016 elections. Dominick Trail agreed, arguing that public transportation would help stimulate commerce by making it easier for people to travel between cities and within city limits, suggesting improvements on railroad and taxi systems as a possible solution.

Another major concern for these students were matters of healthcare and getting Tennesseans affordable health insurance. Since the introduction of Obamacare, insurance hikes in our state, some of the greatest in the nation, have affected everyone, and students are no exception. Shelby Rehberger heavily emphasized that healthcare was a major financial issue for her, since it was already difficult to make ends meet before the extra expenses. A major problem for her is dental insurance, which she said she has not had access to since she was 12. Samantha Biggs agreed that getting Tennesseans insured was a major issue for her, second only behind funding for education, going on to say that “Mental health and public services are priorities.”

Those issues aside, most agreed that Tennessee should not take this surplus lightly, but should use it as an opportunity to prepare for any future recession or emergency situations that may come up. However, the major focus was on improving on issues hurting the everyday citizen. They gave considerable thought to all aspects of these issues, and they expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to share their perspectives on a more widespread platform.

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Rep. Bryan Terry Launches “Campus Connection” With MTSU Student

January 4, 2017 By Admin

MURFREESBORO, January 4, 2016– As we begin the new year, I’m excited to announce a new form of outreach to millennials and students, and put forth an outlet for discussion of issues that are pertinent to their generation. I will be collaborating with MTSU student Sage Kafsky to provide write ups and discussions of several issues as we enter the legislative session and universities begin their Spring semester. Jointly, we will be providing a “Campus Connection” for students and millennials to voice opinions and respond to issues and current events.

Whether in District 48, at the Capitol, across Tennessee or the nation, as I have spoken with many of our youth, the overwhelming issue that they mentioned was that they wanted to be heard. They often felt like they weren’t taken seriously, and those in power, whether at universities, communities, or beyond, didn’t listen to their concerns or opinions often enough. Of course, when many of their generational cohorts earn the monikers of “Cupcake Nation” or “snowflakes” due to childish and immature behaviors, one can readily understand why many of the serious and responsible millennials and college students have had their concerns brushed aside and dismissed by those more senior or in positions of power.

It is often said that perception is reality, and there is a pervasive perception about the next generation that permeates through society. I, however, have had many interactions and discussions with millennials that would alter that perception if their voices were not drowned out by much of the negativity and nonsense put forth on many campuses and in the media.

One such individual who is looking to make a difference and change that perception is MTSU junior student Sage Kafskywho is majoring in Political Science with a concentration in pre-law and minors in history and writing. Sage is an executive board member of both the MTSU College Republicans and the MTSU chapter of Turning Point USA. She also self-published her first novel, The Journey, along with several short stories in 2016. Having spoken with Sage at several events on campus and in the community, it was apparent that she was actively trying to find her place in the world while helping others to find their own. When offered the opportunity to participate in an endeavor to help her generation have a more active voice, she enthusiastically accepted the challenge.

Elaborating on the opportunity to provide a connection in the community, Kafsky stated,”I feel that it is becoming increasingly important to focus on bridging the gap between college students and their representatives. I’ve met so many young people in this community who want to be involved but feel that their voices will be left unheard. Likewise, I’ve met many members of older generations who worry that my generation will not approach issues with seriousness or will only focus on a narrowed view of the issues. This disparity seems to stem largely from a miscommunication between the groups, which this connection can hopefully help to remedy.”

When discussing the perceptions and misperceptions of millennials, Sage explained, “My generation tends to be saddled with a lot of negative labels, and those overshadow a lot of the younger voices actively working to make a positive impact both on college campuses and in our communities. This can be discouraging to everyone involved, but discussion and communication can help. Many of us have the same goals; we just need to work together to achieve them.”

While Campus Connection will be a work in progress, we are looking forward to discussing issues, bridging gaps, and altering perceptions as we look to hear from our community’s millennial generation.

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Rep. Bryan Terry Meeting With Rutherford County Youth

August 29, 2016 By Admin

Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 28, 2016– Rep. Bryan Terry, MD, who prides himself on citizen outreach, is slated to speak to Rutherford County’s next generation of leaders at two separate events in the coming weeks. On Tuesday, August 30, he will be addressing the MTSU College Republicans. Next, on October 15, he will speak at the Urban Educational Youth Leadership Conference at Patterson Park. Both events present opportunities for students to learn about leadership and community involvement.

The MTSU College Republicans are kicking off their 2016-17 school year with the event to encourage other MTSU students to become involved in their organization. Rep. Terry is headlining the event entitled “Tuesday with Dr. Terry: College Republicans Interest Meeting” which will include information from the group about their organization, a lecture presented by Dr. Terry on the importance of civic involvement, especially by younger individuals, and a concluding meet and greet.

“I frequently hold events entitled ‘Tuesday with Dr. Terry’ to provide citizens with updates and to encourage their participation in community issues. This is a perfect opportunity for students or other members of the community to come out to network and learn the importance of exercising one’s civic authority,” stated Rep. Terry who is one of but a handful of self governance trained legislators nationwide. “Self governance is about individual control of government as opposed to control by bureaucracies and crony capitalists. It’s the ultimate in grassroots involvement and representation of and by the people,” he explained.

Rep. Terry has previously co-sponsored legislation for MTSU students and stated that he has already been contacted by a MTSU student about a collegiate issue that may involve legislation in 2017. He said he has been researching the issue and has already contacted legal services at the Capitol to determine potential options. In 2015, he co-sponsored the Racial Profiling Prevention Act in conjunction with MTSU students. “I think it is important for our students to know that they have a voice at the Capitol, and someone willing to listen,” explained Terry.

The Urban Educational Youth Leadership Conference will be celebrating it’s 15th year in existence. Having previously sponsored children for the event, this year Dr. Terry has been asked to speak to the participants. The theme this year is “Greater is Coming II” and Rep. Terry is slated to speak about steps one can take to be an effective leader and the attributes our youth should look to attain to be effective leaders.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to reach out to the participants and teach them some life skills about leadership and how to be a positive role model. Whether it is coming from a parent, a coach, a teacher, a pastor, or even an elected official, providing students with soft skills can help them improve in school and in the other challenges in life. I’m excited about the opportunity to hopefully make a difference,” said Rep. Terry.

The MTSU College Republican Event will be held Tuesday, August 30 from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Student Union Building Sub Room 224. For more information, the MTSU College Republicans can be contacted on Facebook or via email at mtsucr@gmail.com.

The Urban Educational Youth Leadership Conference will be held October 15 from 9:00 AM until noon. More information can be obtained by contacting Vular Anderson at coeventplanning@yahoo.com.

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Rep. Bryan Terry Honors Stephen Duke Of MTSU

April 18, 2016 By Admin

Rep. Bryan Terry Honors Legislative Intern Stephen Duke

NASHVILLE, TN- As session is winding down, I wanted to give a special thank you and shout out to my legislative intern, Stephen Duke. Stephen is a senior at MTSU and, through his participation in MTSU’s intern program, he was selected to be an intern for District 48. He has been a valuable asset for our District, and I believe that constituents and neighbors should know about the service that he has provided.

While many people believe that State Representatives may have large, government provided staffs to work on all issues and bills, the reality is that each Representative is provided one assistant. In many cases, the assistant may be new, and not know the processes, or they may not even be politically aligned with their Representative. I am fortunate in that Jeni Hines, my assistant, knows our district and is supportive of our concerns. However, having a thoughtful and motivated intern provides much needed help during session.

While primarily serving as my legislative intern, Stephen, also, helped other legislators, as well. I share a suite with Representative Gravitt, and Representative Alexander. Stephen was able to assist them in various manners throughout the session. We were all proud to sponsor HR 235 to congratulate Stephen for his service and dedication.

Stephen’s duties included everything from answering phones to research to filing bills and resolutions. Early on in session, Stephen would update the status on my bills, then Jeni, Stephen and I would meet to go over the daily game plan. When it became time to present my bills, Stephen would help disseminate the information to legislators and help me lobby the bills.

When one of our assistants was unable to be at work on a particular day, Stephen readily stepped up and helped in those duties. Whether taking down information or issues from constituents on the phone, or following up with constituents, Stephen did a great job.

Stephen is a highly motivated individual and serves as the treasurer of the MTSU College Republicans, treasurer of the Blue Raider debaters, vice president of Alumni Relations, and vice president of Finance for Interfraternal Council. It is young men and women like Stephen that our District and state need going forward, and I am proud to be able to let District 48 and Tennessee know about him.

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Rep. Terry: Teacher Raises, Veterans’ Healthcare, Tax Cuts, MTSU and More

April 17, 2015 By Admin

Murfreesboro, Tenn., April 17, 2015– On Monday, I passed my first bill on the floor of the house. It was HB 425, known as the Mission Tennessee for Veterans Program. It basically authorizes health care providers in the national guard, as well as, the Tennessee Military Department to perform limited medical missions for the uninsured in Tennessee. It passed unanimously.

Tuesday was MTSU day on the hill. I would like to thank President of MTSU, Dr. Sidney McPhee and former Representative John Hood for coming to the Capitol. MTSU had a strong presence in the legislative plaza with multiple displays and staff members in attendance on Tuesday.

Speaking of MTSU, I would like to thank a multitude of MTSU students for contacting me about HB 57, the Racial Profiling Protection Act. It would require law enforcement agencies to adopt policies that would prevent detaining or mistreating someone solely based on an individuals perceived race, color, ethnicity or national origin. With the support of and on behalf of these MTSU students, I am co-sponsoring this bill.

On Thursday, we passed a balanced budget, as mentioned below. I fought for increasing our rainy day fund, as we are well below our projected need. In addition, I fought for patients to oppose some of the damaging cuts to TennCare. Also, as promised, I fought for teachers and their pay raise. I opposed an attempt via a budget amendment to divert 20 million dollars towards local pork projects.

The $33.3 billion budget cuts taxes, puts $73.5 million in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, improves our educational system, and provides an even better environment for businesses to grow and for jobs to flourish.

While the budget is never everything one would want, ultimately one must get the majority in the House and Senate to pass it, get the Governor to sign it, and have it be balanced. We accomplished that.

As always, I am humbled and honored to be your state representative.

With Liberty,

Dr. Bryan Terry

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