National coverage of the Volunteer State’s successes in recent years has solidified our status as a beacon of freedom and common sense.
From advocating for women’s sports to fighting against illegal immigration, our state’s priorities are clear: We are committed to empowering Tennesseans and laying a firm foundation for the next generation to thrive. Republicans in the Tennessee General Assembly this legislative session passed common-sense measures to advance this mission.
Lawmakers approved a balanced budget that makes strategic investments in areas important to all Wilson Countians. This includes $640 million in new spending for K-12 education, $1 billion for the Tennessee Department of Transportation to expedite existing road projects and fund new ones, and $378 million for public safety initiatives.
Republicans worked hard to demagnetize Tennessee from the border crisis created by former President Joe Biden. Our efforts include the establishment of the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division to coordinate with the federal immigration authorities, creating criminal penalties for human smuggling and invalidating out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to illegals.
The truth is that illegal immigration results in a substantial cost to our state and the nation. An estimate from the United States House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security suggests illegal immigrants and “gotaways” released into the country during President Biden’s term could cost American taxpayers up to $451 billion.
Republicans are dedicated to finding new ways to shield Tennessee from the financial burden and dangers of illegal immigration.
One major change Wilson County students will see this year is a new policy barring cell phones in the classroom, a result of a law the General Assembly approved in March. Teachers and administrators across the country have been highlighting the dangers of electronic devices in the classroom, and this measure helps solve this issue by ensuring students receive an uninterrupted, high-quality education in our community’s excellent public school system.
Another new law established the Tennessee Advisory Committee on Innovations in K-12 Education, which will convene over the summer and fall to discuss ways to improve education policies and academic outcomes. I hope that this group’s findings lead to a more streamlined standardized testing process, giving educators more time to teach.
One initiative I passed this session will reform our criminal justice system by holding private prison operators accountable. This new law requires 10% of a private prison’s population to be transferred to a Tennessee Department of Correction facility if its death rate is double that of an equivalent state-owned prison.
A Wilson County father inspired this legislation after he lost his son in a private prison. His story is tragic, and unfortunately, there have been far too many examples of riots, violence and drug overdoses in similar facilities across our state.
Tennessee Republicans are committed to holding offenders accountable through safe and effective rehabilitation. This new law will be vital in reducing recidivism, preparing inmates for success upon release and improving public safety.
As home to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Tennessee Valley Authority, we have a rich history in clean energy. I sponsored a research-backed bill this session that seeks to ensure the Volunteer State continues to lead the nation in energy innovation by recognizing nuclear as a form of clean and renewable power. This will allow producers to qualify for sales and use tax credits, just like solar and wind projects, which could encourage continued investment in our state.
Finally, as a veteran, I was pleased to pass a new law to honor and assist the men and women who have nobly served the United States in the armed forces. Beginning July 1, local legislative bodies in Tennessee can offer property tax relief to organizations dedicated to providing housing assistance for veterans experiencing homelessness. We must do everything possible to give back to and empower those who have fought for the freedoms that make America great.
It’s truly an honor to serve in the state legislature. I remain committed to fighting for Wilson County values to ensure Tennessee continues to lead the nation.
State Rep. Clark Boyd represents District 46 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Wilson County. He is chairman of the Business and Utilities Subcommittee and also serves on the Commerce Committee and Finance, Ways and Means Committee.