“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” – Harry S. Truman I wanted to give a huge thank you to Commissioner Linda Yockey and the rest of the Bedford County Commission for working with Bruce Nelson from the State of…

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead The date for filing new bills for the 2020 session closed last Wednesday.  There are 2,901 bills filed for this year compared with 2,727 last year. I believe that we normally…

“Once you learn to read, you will forever be free.” -Frederick Douglas The big news of this week is Governor Lee’s State of the State address that happened on Monday night.  He spoke for an hour to a packed audience on the House Floor and in the gallery.  One of the most exciting areas he discussed…

 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. -Colossians 3:17 The 2nd year of the 111th General Assembly started back in Session at noon on January 14th.  We have a new Speaker of the House, Cameron Sexton, from…

“We are never defeated unless we give up on God.” -Ronald Reagan The House passed a $38.5 billion balanced budget this week and now it must be reconciled with the Senate and brought back to us to ratify.  This budget has $42.3 million in operational cuts and adds some new programs to help our state and…

“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.” -John D. Rockefeller I’m happy to report that all but one of the bills I plan to carry this year have already passed out of the House. My final bill is scheduled to be heard…

“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” -Benjamin Franklin The Legislature has a potential bill moving that would enact the Main Street Historic Tourism and Revitalization Act.  This piece of legislation would offer grant money to…

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --  State Representative Pat Marsh (R-Shelbyville) and State Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro) said today that they have been informed by Secretary of State Tre Hargett that the Bedford County Archives will receive an archives development grant.  The $4,400 grant will be used for shelving units, folders, and boxes for the preservation, arrangement, and…

A Letter To The Editor From State Representative Pat Marsh I served in the Tennessee House of Representatives when Phil Bredesen was governor and, sure, he did what he had to so we could squeak through some very tough economic times. But in Washington D.C., he will only be another pawn of Chuck Schumer. I…