State Rep. William Slater played key role in promoting oversight, transparency NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. William Slater, R-Gallatin, today announced Tennessee’s ranking as the least vulnerable state to pressure from the federal government. The Volunteer State topped the State Policy Network’s (SPN) Federalism Scorecard with a score of 67.18, indicating its strength against pressure […]
State Rep. William Slater played key role in promoting oversight, transparency
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. William Slater, R-Gallatin, today announced Tennessee’s ranking as the least vulnerable state to pressure from the federal government.
The Volunteer State topped the State Policy Network’s (SPN) Federalism Scorecard with a score of 67.18, indicating its strength against pressure and influence from federal agencies and federal funding cuts. The recognition highlights efforts by Slater and the Tennessee Republican supermajority to improve life for residents through common-sense conservative governance.
“Federalism has been integral to the success of the United States and is one of the reasons our nation is gearing up to celebrate its 250th anniversary next year,” said Slater. “Protecting the Volunteer State from excessive federal overreach increases our preparedness, preserves vital checks and balances and promotes effective governance. I’m honored to have played a role in the Republican supermajority’s efforts to emphasize transparency and oversight by ensuring the state government serves all Tennesseans.”
Slater has passed several measures to improve Tennessee’s resilience to federal changes and pressure, including the creation of the Tennessee Federal Education Deregulation Task Force. The seven-member task force ensures Tennessee can effectively respond to the deregulation or dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). In its federalism assessment, the SPN cited a law passed by Slater last year that requires federal ED directives regarding the implementation of rules to be provided to the Tennessee General Assembly.
Other Republican measures to improve accountability include a new process requiring state agencies to notify and, in some cases, get approval from the General Assembly before requesting or accepting federal grant dollars, increasing transparency to the legislature and public. The SPN also recognized Tennessee for being the only state providing an easy avenue for citizens to seek injunctive relief from actions taken by a state agency.
“The Tennessee legislature has taken important steps to protect their state from federal overreach and ensure the will of Tennesseans comes before the wishes of D.C. bureaucrats,” SPN Center for Practical Federalism Fellow Steve Johnson said.
The Center for Practical Federalism promotes federalism by educating the public and policymakers on its benefits.
State Rep. William Slater represents District 35 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes Trousdale and part of Sumner counties. He is chairman of the House Education Administration Subcommittee.