State Representative Bryan Terry

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Rep. Bryan Terry: Comments on gas tax passage, updates on healthcare and veterans

April 24, 2017 By Admin

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD (District 48)

NASHVILLE, April 24, 2017– The week ending April 21 contained a lot of action at the Capitol as several issues came to the House floor including the controversial IMPROVE Act, otherwise known as the gas tax hike.  In addition, committees are closing down, as we are seeing the final bills make it through the process including budget amendments.

Monday evening, I passed HB 590 which would clarify that Osteopathic physicians who are trained in pain management are indeed pain specialists for the purposes of our pain clinic laws.  Currently, pain clinics must have a pain specialist as a medical director.  The rationale is that, with our opioid crisis, physicians who have extra training as pain specialists would prescribe less medications and if they are trained to provide pain relief modalities other than narcotics, then there will be other options than opioids to treat pain.  The bill passed unanimously.

Two other bills that I co-sponsored passed Monday evening, as well.  HB 556 (Howell) addressed the problem of outside business entities, in effect, rewriting Tennessee licensure and guides to practice laws.  Currently, if an entity like the American Board of Medical Specialties, or any other board changed their rules or standards, then Tennessee automatically adopted those changes.  The bill simply states that Tennessee will evaluate those changes before adopting them if we decide to adopt the changes.  It is our 10th Amendment right to do so, and many other states already have this process.

I, also, co-sponsored HB 689(Van Huss) which would allow veterans or members of the military who have undergone small arms or combat weapons training as part of their service to forego the firing range requirement for a carry permit.  These individuals have much more extensive training in handling and firing a handgun than the firing range requirements for our permitting system.  We shouldn’t be charging these individuals for unnecessary training.

On Thursday, HB 707 (Whitson), which I co-sponsored, passed the House.  The bill removed a regulatory burden on military surgeons to allow them to receive training at Tennessee hospitals, as long as it is part of their military service or training.  For example, these surgeons will be able to receive trauma surgery training at Vanderbilt.  By doing so, they will help Tennesseans by providing a service, but additionally, they will be able to learn new skills to help our military when they operate on them.  This bill was a win-win for Tennesseans and our military.

Obviously, the most notable bill that passed this week was the gas tax hike known as the IMPROVE Act.  I voted “no” on the bill, but did vote in favor of other transportation funding amendments.  Additionally, I filed alternative options.  However, once the first vote was taken, it was apparent that the votes for the gas tax hike had been procured.  To quote Julius Caesar, “Alea iacta est”.  The die was cast and all further attempts to improve or amend the bill failed.

On the House floor, one supporter of the bill admitted that there are those that will come out on the losing end of the bill.  When one raises inelastic taxes that have a net effect of a 300 million dollar increase on the pocketbook, but only offset with a 110 million dollar inelastic tax cut on the average pocketbook, then one can see where a lot of taxpayers will pay more in taxes.  All was not lost, though, as the original IMPROVE Act had even higher taxes with less offsets and we were able to stop that plan.

The DNJ asked me for a comment on my vote to which I responded, “Whether through surveys or in person, a majority of constituents in District 48 consistently voiced opposition to the gas tax increase. Having thoroughly studied the issue and the plan, I agreed with the need for tax cuts and increasing transportation funding.  However, the plan placed an unnecessary increased burden on our working families and small businesses and was in direct opposition to the opinion of the majority of my constituents.”  I stand by that quote.

President Calvin Coolidge once stated, “It is much more important to kill bad bills than to pass good ones.”  One of my favorite elected officials, Senator Tom Coburn, MD, earned the label of Dr. No for consistently voting against bad bills and pork.  Our oath states that we shall not assent to any legislation that has a tendency to lessen or abridge the rights and privileges of the people.  Whether we have had more bad bills, more pork, or less liberty, I have found myself voting “no” with a lot more frequency.  I will continue to stand with #WeThePeople.
With Liberty,

Rep. Bryan Terry, MD

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Filed Under: NEWS Tagged With: Dr. Bryan Terry, Gas Tax, Healthcare, Improve Act, Rep. Bryan Terry, Tennessee, Veterans

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

April 17, 2015 By Admin

Terry-300x300Murfreesboro, 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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Filed Under: NEWS Tagged With: Bryan Terry, Education, House District 48, mtsu, Rep. Bryan Terry, Tax cuts, teachers, Tennessee, Veterans

Rep. Terry: Capitol Hill Updates (April 6-9)– Right to Try, Veterans, Education

April 10, 2015 By Admin

Terry-300x300NASHVILLE, April 10, 2015– Republicans in the House have spent a great deal of time this legislative session focusing on bills to assist veterans and currently serving military personnel in Tennessee. Building on legislation passed over the last several General Assemblies, the House hopes to continue finding ways to make life easier for military members and their families in the state.

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One bill from this year, House Bill 8, will ensure high school students that train between their junior and senior year in the National Guard or go to advanced training after their senior year will still remain eligible for the state’s Tennessee Promise program.

The Tennessee Promise Program, set to being this fall with the class of 2015, provides high school graduates the opportunity to attend a community or technical college free of tuition and fees. It is both a scholarship and mentoring program that provides last-dollar scholarships that cover costs not met from the Pell, HOPE, or TSAA scholarship programs. While removing the financial burden is key, a critical component of the Tennessee Promise is the individual guidance each participant will receive from a volunteer mentor who provides guidance and assistance as the student enters higher education. In addition, under the program, students are required to complete eight hours of community service per enrolled term, as well as maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.

Also on the education front, the House recently gave final approval to legislation updating the state’s laws pursuant to the Veterans Access, Choice, & Accountability Act of 2014. House Bill 715 adds spouses and dependent children as parties eligible for in-state tuition rates. Since a veteran can assign their benefits to a spouse or children, they would also qualify for these tuition and fee rates. The legislation also shifts the period of eligibility after discharge for in-state tuition rates from two years to three years. In addition, it requires the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to convene the University of Tennessee and Tennessee Board of Regents systems to review processes related to awarding academic credit to veterans. This is known as “PLA” or “prior learning assessment’” and ensures that veteran students receive as much academic credit as possible for training or skills obtained during their service.

Other veteran-related bills this year include House Bill 803, which gives non-resident veterans the same authorization as veterans who are Tennessee residents to use their experience as a military truck driver to receive a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in the state. As passed, the legislation allows experienced military drivers to waive the state’s CDL skills test requirement upon providing proof of a military license for the class of vehicle for which they are seeking licensure. This new change applies as long as the veteran’s driving record shows no accidents or citations over the past two years.

Approval was also given this week to legislation allowing 501 (c) (19) veterans organizations to raise funds for charitable purposes. House Bill 172 is the final step in ensuring that Amendment 4 to the State Constitution, which won approval by voters in November of last year, is enacted. The amendment gives veterans groups the same opportunity as 501 (c) (3) organizations to conduct annual fundraising events like cake walks, raffles, and other games of chance. Amendment 4 received 69.6 percent of the vote, outpacing all other constitutional amendments on the ballot. Any funds raised by the games under the amendment must go to purposes that benefit the community, veterans, or retired veterans.

Finally, House members unanimously moved forward this week with legislation designed to better support the healthcare needs of military men and women across Tennessee. As amended, House Bill 425 authorizes healthcare providers who are in the National Guard to provide volunteer clinic services in a Tennessee military armory for those in need. Currently, no authorization is in place that allows these military members to provide such care. Once passed by both chambers and signed into law by Governor Haslam, the new program will be referred to as the Mission Tennessee for Veterans Program. While supporters agree the bill is not the final solution in solving veteran’s healthcare issues, they do agree the legislation is a great stride in ensuring veterans in Tennessee, using resources already in place, receive the healthcare they deserve.

As the first half of the 109th General Assembly moves forward, House Republicans will no doubt continue their efforts of working to make Tennessee the best possible state for veterans and their families to work and call home.

Right To Try Bill Passes With Unanimous Support

Legislation referred to as the “Tennessee Right to Try Act” passed the full House of Representatives this week with unanimous support from state lawmakers.

As passed, House Bill 143 nullifies certain federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that prevent terminally ill patients from accessing experimental treatments. Currently, patients with life-threatening diseases may access experimental drugs, but only after receiving FDA approval. House Bill 143 allows eligible patients to bypass this FDA approval process and receive their experimental drugs directly from the manufacturer.

The legislation does not mandate participation by pharmaceutical companies and includes protection for healthcare providers, with a prohibition against revoking a license or issuing sanctions based on the issuance of investigational or experimental treatments.

Currently, 13 other states have already passed “Right to Try” laws similar to House bill 143, and more than 20 states are considering such measures in 2015.

Now that the bill has successfully passed through the state House, it will next be heard in the Senate before moving to the desk of Governor Bill Haslam to be signed into law.

House Republicans Push Pilot Program To Help Adult Learners Complete College Degree

Key education bills headlined this week’s action on Capitol Hill in Nashville as House Republicans voiced strong support of a new pilot program to help adults complete their degree in Tennessee’s community colleges. As introduced, House Bill 646 establishes the Community College Reconnect Grant — a last-dollar scholarship to adults who want to return to community college and complete their associate’s degree in applied science.

Currently in Tennessee, adults account for approximately 30% of enrolled undergraduate students, which equals about 65,000 adult learners. However, the number of adult Tennesseans with some college experience but no degree is over 900,000. Legislators agree that in order to reach the state’s goal of equipping at least 55% of Tennesseans with a college degree or technical certificate by the year 2025, this bill must play an integral part in the process.

Adults who meet all of the qualifications of the potential new program will be expected to enroll in a Tennessee public community college in the 2016-2017 academic year. Key qualifications to receive the grant include Tennessee residency for at least one year preceding the date of application for the grant and completion of at least 30 hours towards the completion of an associates of applied science degree. Grant recipients must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and enroll in at least 9 semester hours in the fall and spring semesters.

In order to fund this program, there will be a one-time expense to the lottery fund of $1.5 million. Legislators hope the pilot project will be the first step to a larger program that serves even more adults who choose to go back to school to meet their lifetime educational goals.

Legislation To Unlock State Asphalt Grant Dollars Receives House Support

Legislation that will aid in unlocking nearly $23 million dollars statewide to taxpayers in the form of asphalt infrastructure improvements was approved by the House this week in Nashville.

The bill, which changes the way the state currently manages its State Aid Asphalt Grant Program, will allow funding set aside by the state to now be used in the form of direct expenditures to upgrade, repair, and rehabilitate roads that have fallen in disrepair over the years.

Currently, in order to receive funding through the Asphalt Grant Program, a 25% local match must be made. However, because many local governments cannot afford the match, a large percentage of the asphalt funding set aside by the state has gone unused. House Bill 1105 reduces the local match percentage to only 2%, ensuring that local governments can now afford the grant funding and are not burdened by excessive infrastructure expenses.

The main goal of the legislation is to take existing funds and convert them to asphalt infrastructure repairs. The funds are already allocated each year and House Bill 1105 creates a pathway to increase access for much-needed road improvements across the state.

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Filed Under: NEWS Tagged With: Education, Healthcare, House District 48, Rep. Bryan Terry, Tennessee, Veterans

Rep. Terry: Military Healthcare Bill Moves Forward

April 8, 2015 By Admin

Terry-300x300NASHVILLE, April 8, 2015 — Legislation sponsored by State Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) designed to better support the healthcare needs of military men and women across the state moved forward this week as the House State Government Subcommittee voted unanimously in support of the bill.

As amended, House Bill 425 authorizes healthcare providers who are in the National Guard to provide volunteer clinic services in a Tennessee military armory for those in need. Currently, no authorization is in place that allows these military members to provide such care.

Once passed by both chambers and signed into law by Governor Haslam, the new program will be referred to as the Mission Tennessee for Veterans Program.

“Our military goes on missions around the world. Healthcare providers go on medical missions around the world. Why not give the authority of healthcare providers in the National Guard to provide limited primary healthcare in a Tennessee armory?” said Representative Terry. “With all the talk of veterans falling through the cracks or receiving delayed care, I believe Mission Tennessee for Veterans will be a positive step forward in helping our veterans and military members receive the care they both need and deserve.”

The legislation is currently scheduled for the Calendar committees in the House and Senate. Then it should go to the floor for a full vote.

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Filed Under: NEWS Tagged With: District 48, Healthcare, House, Military, National Guard, Rep. Bryan Terry, Tennessee, Veterans

Rep. Terry: Capitol Updates (March 31 – April 3) -Veterans, Right to Try, Education and More

April 4, 2015 By Admin

Terry-300x300NASHVILLE, April 4, 2015– The week ending on April 3 was a very exciting week at the Capitol.  On Monday, I was able to finalize changing the citizen feedback and input process for textbooks.  I carried a bill for a constituent dealing with this issue.  We were able to work with the Tennessee Department of Education and the Textbook Commission to make positive and necessary changes to their rules and regulations.  In the end, the bill wasn’t necessary, as we achieved the goal of getting the TDOE to adopt our changes.  This proves that citizen involvement through self governance can make a difference.  You can make a difference.

On Wednesday, I was able to get two bills to pass out of their subcommittees.  One has to do with physician credentialing that will help streamline the process and benefit patients by lowering their costs.  I am excited to see this move forward as it will directly benefit Rutherford County patients.

(Continued below video)

The second bill, HB425, authorizes health care providers who are in the National Guard to provide volunteer clinic services in a Tennessee military armory.  It will be called the Kenneth Harry-Hill Tennessee Veterans Health Care Act of 2015 or the Mission Tennessee for Veterans Program.  Our military goes on missions around the world. Health care providers go on medical missions around the world.  What if we could give the authority of health care providers in the National Guard to provide limited primary health care in a Tennessee armory?  Why not allow for these types of medical missions in Tennessee?  With all the talk of veterans falling through the cracks or receiving delayed care, the Mission Tennessee for Veterans Program will be a positive step for our veterans.

On Thursday, HB143, the Right to Try bill, passed the House.  I partnered with students at Central Magnet School to let them debate some issues.  The students ultimately thought “Right to Try” would be an appropriate bill to support.  I sponsored the bill on their behalf.  This bill passed the senate and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.  This was a great learning experience for the students to debate an issue, then follow the bill on its way to becoming law.

Earlier this year, I sponsored a HJR to honor Tennessean Clark Beckham for his accomplishments on American Idol. If you haven’t heard him sing yet, he is phenomenal.  I would like to encourage all Tennesseans to watch him perform on American Idol and vote for him.

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

With Liberty,

Dr. Bryan Terry

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Filed Under: NEWS Tagged With: American Idol, Bryan Terry, House District 48, Murfreesboro, Rep. Bryan Terry, Right to Try, Tennessee, Veterans

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PAID FOR BY, Bryan Terry For State Representative | TREASURER, Matt Perkins