Gov. Lee’s Full ‘Tennessee: Leading the Nation’ Agenda Passes

From Representative Susan Lynn, April 24, 2023, NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Last Friday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee marked the close of the 2023 legislative session, which includes the successful passage of his $56.2 billion budget and full legislative agenda as outlined during his State of the State address in February.

“To prepare Tennessee for continued growth and prosperity, we’ve made strategic investments to cut taxes, strengthen our workforce, ensure educational opportunity and modernize transportation infrastructure across our state,” said Lee. “I commend the General Assembly for its partnership to pass conservative measures and maintain Tennessee’s reputation for strong fiscal stewardship.”

Lee’s agenda included the landmark Transportation Modernization Act, historic legislation that will create a new transportation strategy and invest $3.3 billion to accommodate Tennessee’s record growth, address traffic congestion and meet transportation needs across rural and urban communities without raising taxes or taking on debt. 

The roster of budget and legislative priorities also dedicated $250 million to Tennessee’s Rainy-Day Fund, bringing totals to an historic $2.05 billion, and included significant investments in tax relief, K-12 education, Tennessee’s skilled workforce and conservation. Notably, Lee led a comprehensive school safety proposal to enhance physical security in public and non-public schools across Tennessee. 

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Gov. Lee Issues Executive Order to Enhance School Safety

 State will evaluate school security and use of resources, encourage parents to engage

Office of the Governor Press release, June 06, 2022 , NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee will sign an executive order directing accountability measures for school safety and an evaluation of training for Tennessee law enforcement. The order also establishes additional resources to support parents, teachers and law enforcement in improving school security practices.

“Parents need to have full confidence that their children are safe at school, and thankfully, Tennessee has built a firm foundation with our practical approach to securing schools, recognizing crisis and providing confidential reporting of any suspicious activity,” said Gov. Lee. “This order strengthens accountability and transparency around existing school safety planning and assures Tennessee parents that our efforts to protect students and teachers will continue.”

Governor Lee will sign Executive Order 97 to enhance school safety across Tennessee and promote engagement with parents, schools and law enforcement.

For Parents

Creates a School Safety Resources and Engagement Guide to provide parents with information regarding how to effectively engage and advocate for safe conditions at their child’s school, including how to report suspicious or concerning activity through the SafeTN App, access mental health resources for their child and inquire about building security and compliance at their child’s school.

Encourages parents, families and the local community to engage in school safety and partner with law enforcement to promote the habits and practices that help ensure school building security against unauthorized intruders. By implementing simple practices, such as ensuring a single point of entry and multiple points of exit, securing vestibules and other access points, and reporting suspicious activity, communities have the ability to vastly increase the security of their local school.

For Schools

Directs Tennessee state agencies to provide additional guidance to help local school districts (LEAs) implement existing school safety law, which requires that each public school conduct an annual school security assessment and submit a school safety plan to the Tennessee school safety center. This guidance will include:

• An increase in periodic audits of Tennessee local school security assessments and school safety plans, including but not limited to random in-person verification by state officials of a school’s implementation of the approved assessment;
• A set of best practices for school leaders to enhance building security and safety against an unauthorized intruder; and
• Information for district and local government leadership regarding financial resources for school safety available through state programs and the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act (TISA).

Updates the state School Safety Plan Template for LEAs to be published no later than July 1, 2022 and include greater detail on:

• A description of deficiencies identified by the LEA when conducting the school security assessment;
• A description of district spending on building security and other school safety initiatives and how such expenditures mitigate the identified deficiencies; and
• Designation of the district’s single point of contact for school safety matters.

Ensures LEAs receive guidance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and other state agencies regarding how to appropriately improve school building security, while maintaining emergency egress and safeguarding of life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion.

Directs the Department of Education to request permission from the federal government for districts to use existing federal ESSER funds to conduct a fulsome, independent safety assessment, including the identification of necessary facility upgrades. The Department will report to the Governor on which districts utilize that flexibility, if approved.

Directs the Department of Education to identify regional staff to support school safety in LEAs through repurposing existing staff to focus on safety, mental health, and family and community engagement.

Develops additional training and educational materials regarding school safety for educators, school leaders and staff, no later than August 1, 2022.

For Law Enforcement

Directs the Department of Commerce & Insurance, through TLETA, to evaluate and assess law enforcement training standards and recommend expansions, improvements, or enhancements to existing training for active-shooter scenarios, and provide a report to the Governor, no later than July 1, 2022, with recommendations to expand its availability to local law enforcement agencies and related education stakeholders.

Directs the Department of Commerce & Insurance to review the use of armed security guards in non-public schools and, with the Department of Safety & Homeland Security, report to the Governor regarding the need for active-shooter training for armed guards.

Calls for new strategies to expand local and state law enforcement agencies by increasing the number of Tennesseans exploring and pursuing careers in law enforcement.

Previous actions to strengthen school safety:

• For more than three years, the Lee administration has prioritized school safety, with efforts focused on mental health resources, confidential reporting and securing school buildings.
• In 2019, the Governor established a School Resource Officer (SRO) Grant program placing 213 new SRO’s in Tennessee public schools.
• Efforts also doubled the state's annual investment in school safety funding to support improvements in building security measures and violence intervention programming.
• School safety investments remain a top priority under the new TISA funding formula.
• The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security developed a free app called SafeTN which is an anonymous reporting system for students, faculty, parents and the public to easily and confidentially report their concerns or tips to law enforcement.
• Mental health resources have been expanded through the Mental Health Trust Fund and The Tennessee Mental Health Crisis Hotline, which is available 24/7, 365 days a year: 855-274-7471.

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Gov. Lee Passes Full ‘America At Its Best’ Agenda

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee

Office of the Governor, Nashville, TN, April 29, 2022 -– Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee marked the close of the 2022 legislative session, which includes the passage of his $52.8 billion budget and full agenda as outlined during his State of the State address in February.

“Tennessee is America at Its Best, and we’ve made strategic investments to cut taxes, strengthen infrastructure and invest in education at every level to prepare our state for future growth,” said Gov. Lee. “I thank Leader Johnson and Leader Lamberth for carrying key legislation, and commend the General Assembly for passing measures that will benefit Tennesseans and continue our state’s reputation for conservative fiscal management.”

Lee’s agenda included the most substantive reform to education funding in more than 30 years, the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA).

The student-centered plan dedicates an historic $1 billion in additional recurring funding to improve public education for every child in Tennessee, including a modernized approach that funds each student based on their individual needs.

The slate of budget and legislative priorities also included significant investments in higher education, proven crime prevention and improving transportation infrastructure. Notably, Lee led a 30-day grocery tax suspension proposal that will provide direct financial relief to Tennesseans this August amid surging inflation nationwide.

Highlights from Gov. Lee’s agenda include the following:

K-12 Education

• $1 billion investment in new, annual recurring education funding
• Through the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA), replaced the 30-year-old BEP funding formula with a student-centered approach to public education
• $500 million to make CTE improvements in all middle and high schools
• Ensures parents know what materials are available to students in their libraries
• Makes computer science and coding available to every high school student in Tennessee
• $124.7 million to provide a well-deserved increase into the teacher salary pool
• $16 million recurring and $16 million nonrecurring to the Charter Schools Facility Fund to support the operation of high-quality charter schools

Higher Education

• $88.6 million in dedicated lottery funds to increase the 4-year HOPE Award to $4,500—5,700 per student, per year, and the 2-year HOPE Award to $3,200 per student, per year
• $90 million to fully fund the higher education outcomes-based formula
• $200 million for TCAT infrastructure investments to help double the skilled workforce by 2026
• $6 million to establish the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee

Safe and Secure Tennessee

• Adds 100 Highway Patrol Troopers 100% funded by the state
• Creation of a Multi-Agency Law Enforcement Training Academy
• Creation of a $100 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund for law enforcement agencies across the state to invest in evidence-based programming and resources
• Expansion of state funding for law enforcement basic training and increasing the frequency of training for new recruits
• Directs the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to create a plan so every house of worship in Tennessee can receive high-quality safety training
• Strengthens laws around human trafficking

Supporting Tennessee Families

• Expanding funding for relative caregiver placements for children in foster care
• Establishing a childcare support program for all foster families, regardless of their DHS eligibility
• Expanding TennCare’s Health Starts Initiative to support maternal health and holistic care for mothers and children

Modernizing Tennessee Infrastructure

• Additional $100 million for the IMPROVE Act to ensure progress on key projects
• $519 million toward road infrastructure projects to support economic development projects, as well as mobility in our fastest-growing counties.

Good Government

• Rainy-Day Fund increased to $1.8 billion, up from $1.55 billion
• 30-day suspension of state and local grocery sales tax to provide direct financial relief to Tennesseans
• Cuts CDL licensing red tape to ease supply chain and transportation challenges

Rural Tennessee

• $83 million to reimburse public hospitals for uncompensated care, primarily in rural communities
• $55 million to increase access to home and community-based services via the Medicaid Pathways to Independence program

Healthy Tennessee

• $25.5 million to provide adult dental benefits for 610,000 Tennesseans eligible for TennCare
• $11.8 million toward a multiyear commitment to recruit and retain dental providers, as well as provide much-needed dental care for prosthodontic services
• $10 million toward the goal of attracting over 150 new primary care residents
• $7 million for substance abuse clinical treatment and addiction recovery programs

Beautiful Tennessee

• $40 million to invest in environmental cleanup, including National Priority List sites
• $28 million to eliminate the deferred maintenance backlog at State Parks
• $25 million for West TN River Basin projects

Asset Management

• $2.541 billion for higher education and general government capital improvements over the next several years
• $214.8 million for capital maintenance, ensuring deferred maintenance is addressed within current capital assets

Rod's Comment: Congratulations on a successful year and a job well done. 

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Governor Lee presents conservative budget proposal highlighting job growth, public safety and education improvements

by Senator Jack Johnson, NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 7, 2019 –  Governor Bill Lee presented his first State of the State / Budget Address to the General Assembly Monday evening outlining his proposals for the 2019-2020 budget year.  The proposed budget continues Tennessee’s strong fiscal stewardship which has earned the state triple-A bond ratings with the nation’s top credit rating agencies and recognition as one of the best financially managed states in the U.S.  It also makes key investments to promote job growth, improve education, expand rural opportunities, and enhance public safety. 

In addition, the Governor offered initiatives to modernize healthcare and make it more affordable. 
Lawmakers went straight to work Tuesday morning examining budget details.  The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee heard testimony from administration officials who gave a budget overview and answered numerous questions about the spending plan.  Committee members expressed strong support for the Governor’s plan to add a record-breaking deposit to the Rainy Day Fund that will lift the state’s savings account to a historic high of $1.1 billion.  The fund is critical in times of emergency or a downturn in the economy.
 
The $38.6 billion budget represents a 1.1 percent growth and cuts $42.2 million in costs without compromising services.  It also does not take on any long-term debt.  On tax relief, the proposal provides $10 million to fund legislation repealing the amusement tax on gym memberships which has disproportionately impacted small business owners.  The tax relief legislation advanced through the Senate Revenue Subcommittee this week.  The tax, which is exempted for gyms over 15,000 square feet, serves as a disincentive for physical fitness centers at a time when Tennessee is ranked 40^th in the nation for physical activity and 35^th for adult obesity. Illnesses related to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease costs Tennessee directly and indirectly more than $5.3 billion annually.
The Senate’s nine standing committees have scheduled a combined 59 hearings to review individual budgets of all departments and agencies of state government over the next five weeks.

The full speech is available on Governor Lee’s website and the proposed budget is available on the Department of Finance & Administration website.

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Governor Lee's bold, thoughtful, optimistic agenda for Tennessee.

Today I had the pleasure of listening to Governor Bill Lee address First Tuesday.  He spoke for about 40 minutes followed by about 20 minutes of Q and A. He laid out his agenda for his administration and emphasized the policy proposals he made at last night's State of the State address.

On education, he said there would be a new imitative on vocational programs to provide the training people need to find good jobs. He also pledged to increase STEM education. He proposed $30 million dollars to improve school safety and put school resource officers in those schools without them. I was pleased to hear  him pledge to improve civic and character education in Tennessee. I am not so sure what constitutes "character education" but certainly agree with the need for Civics education. He said there would be an improved civics curriculum and requirements.  With many young people saying they prefer socialism over capitalism, in my view, we have a failure to inculcate proper civic values in young people. There also seems to be a lacking of understanding of American exceptionalism and the basics of how government functions. Civics education is badly needed.

Lee also proposed a new Education Saving Account plan that would allow low-income parents of children in the worst schools to take the funding that would go to educate that child in a public school and allow them to use those funds for tuition at a private school.  If I understand his proposal correctly, an element of the proposal that makes this different from other proposals of this kind is that normally when a child no longer attends the public school he would  otherwise attend, this causes the school they are not attending to lose the state funding that would follow that child.  Under Lee's proposal, the ESA money would be additional money for that purpose and the school would not lose money. This should satisfy one of the primary criticisms of voucher-type proposals.

Lee also spoke about criminal justice reform and the need to emphasis rehabilitation and education and job training for inmates. He said our current criminal justice system is failing and reform would benefit the incarcerated, save money, and make our communities safer. He spoke with real passion on this topic. As a private citizen he has long been involved in the program Men of Valor.

He also emphasized the importance of improving health care for Tennesseans and lowering health care cost. He said with the health care talent in Tennessee that there is no reason Tennessee should not lead the nation in innovation to lower cost and provide better health care. He does not have firm proposals yet but has appointed an advisory board to examine the issue and recommend proposals.

He also spoke about "good government" and said he would keep Tennessee growing and improving without raising taxes or indebtedness. He said he knows boom times come and go and he is committed to  increasing Tennessee's "rainy day fund."

I was really impressed with Governor Lee. He is thoughtful, energetic, and committed to a vision. I think is the right person at the right time to continue the progress Tennessee is making in education and to address other issues facing our state. He is a good man with a strong Christian faith and his enthusiasm and optimism are contagious.

I wish you could have been at First Tuesday today. If you missed his State of the State address, see it below. To skip the ad, click "skip ad."

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Gov. Bill Lee guest speaker at 1st Tuesday, March 5th

From Tim Skow:

1ST TUESDAY Members and  Friends 

Many of you will remember the TV ad line ....  ''Membership has its Privileges'' 

Our next invite needs little context, background or hype. 

On Monday March 4th, Gov. Bill Lee will deliver his 1st [of 8]  STATE of the STATE addresses to

Bill Lee

the TN Legislature

Tuesday March 5th, Governor Lee will join us at 1ST TUESDAY 

As usual, doors at WALLER Law [ 511 Union Street -27th floor] will open at 11AM.  Lunch at 11:30.

Program launches at NOON with the VERY frank and insightful Q&A concluding at 1:00pm 

At NOON on Saturday, our website will start taking prepaid lunch payments for 2019 MEMBERS ... 

[ yes! For those who have paid 2019 dues.] 

So ''Join Us'' if you haven't already! AND encourage ''FRIENDS'' to join us at http://www.firsttuesdaynashville.com ] 

As of Noon on Tuesday,  we will begin taking prepaid reservations via the website for those wishing to come who are GUESTS of 1ST TUESDAY Members.

This event WILL SELL OUT !  So please, if you wish to join us on TUESDAY, March 5th [ YES, 1ST TUESDAY] 

Please don't wait to secure your seating for you .. [ and then on Tuesday secure seats if any remain for those you know] 

Look forward to seeing you at 1ST TUESDAY on 1ST TUESDAY, March 5th !!

Till then, stay dry!!

Tim Skow

Host of 1ST TUESDAY

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It was a pleasure to attend a reception for Governor Bill Lee

Governor Bill Lee and Rick Williams  Rick has been an active volunteer in Lee's
campaign and was one of the host of the event and introduced the Governor.

It was a pleasure to attend a reception for Governor Bill Lee this afternoon held at the home of Dr. Ron McDow. Ron McDow is the District 20 Republican State Executive Committeeman. District 20 is all in Davidson County.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the inauguration, the ball or other related events due to the difficulty in arranging a sitter for my wife Louella, but I did have a sitter for part of the day today.

It was nice to see so many friends and meet new people at the event. Some people I see quite often at Republican functions but I got to chat with some people I only occasionally get to see. It was nice to see our new governor speak in an intimate sitting and to meet him. 

Below is the Facebook posting of David Hairston on the event. David is active in conservative causes and is Chairman of Safe Access Tennessee which advocates for medical marijuana.

David Hairston

Thank you, Ron McDow, for opening your home to over 150 conservative Republicans from across Tennessee to celebrate the inauguration of our new Governor Bill Lee. We were blessed to have our new Governor stop by and visit. Great job Rick Williams and Melissa Lening Smithson for helping Ron organize the event. As usual, Joni Schmidt Hargrove and Joni Bryan were there in support and volunteering at the event. I was excited to visit with so many friends from across the State, including but not limited to Suzanne Schoolfield Sapp (Bledsoe County Chairman, Rod Williams (the Disgruntled Republican), Judd Cowan, Mark Pody, Grace King (Red Nation Rising Tennessee) , Aaron Shane, Scott Golden, Julie Hannah, Beth Campbell, Chris Chumley's sweet bride Rachel, Robert Duvall, Jim Jim Roberts, John Wang,  and Connie Allison.

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Vote for Bill Lee for Govenor

Bill Lee

by Mark Rogers - Early Voting begins tomorrow, October 17th. It is important for you to show up and play a role in determining the future of our state and federal governments.

I encourage all Tennesseans to vote for Bill Lee for Governor. Bill has proven his ability to manage a large organization with his skillful operation of the Lee Company. One element of his leadership ability was his building of an excellent campaign organization that enabled him to defeat two candidates who outspent him by millions of dollars. That skill, the picking of the right people, is crucial for anyone seeking to govern a state of over six million people spread across 95 counties and almost 500 miles.

Bill also showed his vision by running a campaign that was designed to unify all Tennesseans. In the primary he rose above the barrages of negative attacks to reach out to Republicans from the right to the center. His victory ensured that we could all put aside the divisiveness and focus on the general election and governing after November.

In the General Election Bill has continued to campaign in a manner designed to unify voters of all ideologies and parties. His vision for Tennessee will build on the achievements of Governor Haslam, Lt. Governors Ramsey and McNally and Speaker Harwell.

Karl Dean was a good mayor and a man to be respected. But Bill Lee has proven he can unify the party that will control both Houses next January and and can unify the citizens of our state as we move toward even greater improvements in Education, our Economy and in the overall quality of life in Tennessee.

Please vote early and often for Bill Lee for Governor.

Mark Rogers is a prominent Nashvillian active in Republican Party politics and public affairs. 

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Bill Lee Super Saturday, Saturday September 15th.

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Bill Lee talks about some his most important beliefs in his latest ad.

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Diane Black ad attacks Bill Lee and Randy Boyd as "too moderate."

Above is another ad from Diane Black that attacks both Bill Lee and Randy Boyd as "too moderate."

I would be more favorably inclined to support Bill Lee if he had not donated money to Megan Barry's campaign for mayor.  I think it is fair game to point that out.  However, before disqualifying Lee due to this contribution, I think one should ask themselves if they applied the same standard to Donald Trump.  Before becoming the Republican nominee for president, Trump had made political campaign contributions to the Obama campaign and to Hillary Clinton, Harry Reid, Chuck Schumer and Edward Kenndy and other Democrats (link).

While I think the criticism of Lee for making a contribution to Megan Barry is fair, I am not impressed by the overall tone of this ad.  This does not cross the line but is getting close to mud slinging.

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Technology, not more traffic lanes is answer to traffic woes says Bill Lee and Randy Boyd

by Rod Williams - Diane Black's proposed solution for Nashville area traffic woes is to double-stack the three interstates in Nashville and complete he Interstate 840 north loop. Her three opponents in the race for governor take a different approach. Bill Lee and Randy Boyd have said technology is the answer and Beth Harwell has said solving Nashville's traffic problem is basically a local issue.

As reported in The Tennessean, Bill Lee says, "I’m a businessman. I run a corporation. We look to technology to solve some of the greatest challenges in our society, and five years ago we never would have imagined you would push an app on your phone and get in the car with a perfect stranger and drive away, but technology changes the future."

Lee said the state should focus on smart traffic lights, private-sector ride-share programs and technology to further utilize the state's roadways, such as rarely enforced HOV lanes.

Randy Boyd said, "When we look at the solution, it needs to be a regional solution, but also I think the thing we are not looking at enough is technology. There’s some new technology investments that I believe are gonna help relieve a lot of the problems that we have. It’s not just about spending our way out."

I agree more with Lee and Boyd than I do Diane Black on this issue, with the exception of building the northern part of the I-840 loop. Building the I-840 loop would divert a certain amount of traffic from the north that is headed either west or east at Nashville. I do not know if that is a significant amount of traffic or not, but if traffic studies show it is, then that northern loop should be build. I am not sold on the idea of double decking the interstates. I do not think it necessary and it is quality of life issue.  Wider interstates or double decked interstates create a more stressful environment and are ugly.

I am convinced that para-transit, express bus service and technology can solve our traffic problems. We do not need rail or interstate expansion except in certain locations to correct bottlenecks. For more on my thoughts on traffic see this link. For the Tennessean's story on the position of candidates for governor on this issue of transportation, follow this link.

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Eric Church to headline private fundraiser for gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee

Eric Church to headline private fundraiser for gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee
 The invitation said tickets for the concert and barbecue cost $1,000 and that an additional option for a private reception with Church sold out.

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Candidate tax returns: Diane Black, husband had $78.6M in taxable income from 2013-2016

USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee - ... Beth Harwell and her spouse had $1.5 million....

Fitzhugh and his wife reveals they earned $464,000 last year....

Bill Lee said, ... I will not be releasing my tax returns in this campaign.” ...

Boyd spokeswoman .. said the request is “something we will certainly consider in due time once the final field of candidates is set and as we see what the other candidates intend to do.”

Beavers refused to respond to multiple requests for tax returns....

A spokeswoman for Dean said while they would not be able to provide documents within one month of the initial request, the campaign would consider providing such information in time.(link)

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First Tuesday guest speaker, candidate fo Governor Bill Lee.

From Tim Skow

1ST TUESDAY Members and friends:


On MONDAY [ yes, Monday] …
September 11th we will host ''Nashville’s Neighbor'' and candidate for Governor, BILL LEE !

Bill Lee

While rolling on his campaign bus, Bill has not only been to every corner of the TN... but to every county this summer. Bill will tell you he's been ''listening to Tennesseans''. Now you will get to hear what Bill is thinking, why he thinks he ought to be elected the next Governor and what he wants to accomplish when elected. Be ready for a spirited event !

As usual, doors at Waller Law [511 Union St. 27th floor] open at 11am. Event is $20 for Members and $25 for Guests. Secure seats for you and your guests by visiting our 1ST TUESDAY website [www.1sttuesdaynashville.com] and click on Join Us. Lunch begins at 11:30. Program starts and Noon, concluding at 1:00pm sharp !

[ IF the $25 GUEST icon is any trouble, use the $25 DUES icon]

Following Bill’s comments, expect a highly engaging Q & A session!
Topics including but not limited to:

1] Highly debated Sales and Fuel taxes of last session
2] Medical marijuana that will be in play the next few years
3] Judicial reform
4] Education questions including vouchers, funding higher education and more
5] .....and WHAT ever you'd like to ask !!

NO DOUBT… Bill will look forward to your questions as well ! He's planning to stay well after 1pm. So if you have more questions when the meeting concludes, make sure to visit with Bill afterwards given your schedule allows !!!

Plan to join us for a VERY special 9 / 11 version of 1ST TUESDAY.
Thanks,
Tim Skow
Host of 1ST TUESDAY

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Bill Lee advocates for school vouchers in Beacon Center interview.

In a live stream Facebook interview Thursday August 10 with the Beacon Center of Tennessee,  gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee advocated for more school choice saying he would support school vouchers and "be a strong advocate for school choice in every area of the state."  He also said he would support removing barriers to work such as unnecessary licensing requirements for some professions and he would support stronger work requirements for those on public assistance. He also advocates for criminal justice reform. You can watch the full interview at this link.  There is some dead air time at the start of the video and the interview starts at timestamp 1:45.

The Beacon Center has invited all of the candidates for governor to a live Facebook interview.  Scheduled interviews are as follows:

Mae Beavers, Friday, August 25th, 2:45 PM CT
Randy Boyd, Tuesday, September 12th, 2 PM CT

One may participate in the interview by submitting questions while the interview is in progress or emailing questions in advance to questions@beacontn.org  along with your name and the city or town in which you live.

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GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bill Lee taps Chris Devaney, former TNGOP Chairman, as campaign manager

GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bill Lee taps Chris Devaney of Lookout Mountain as campaign manager

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Bill Lee wins Williamson GOP Gubernatorial Straw Poll

Williamson County GOP press release,THOMPSON'S STATION, TN - The Williamson County Republican Party held its annual summer BBQ tonight at Little Creek Farms in Thompson's Station. A record sold-out crowd of 400+ guests attended, and 243 voted in the straw poll, making this the largest gubernatorial straw poll in recent Tennessee political history. 

While straw polls are not always necessarily reflective of the electorate, tonight's straw poll provides a good early pulse check of who influential Republicans in Williamson County and other mid-state counties are supporting in the gubernatorial race. Tonight's attendees included influential conservative activists, prominent donors, party leaders, and over two dozen elected officials. Attendees cast their straw poll ballots with gumballs. The results are as follows: 

Sen. Mae Beavers: 63 
Congressman Diane Black: 16 
Randy Boyd: 4 
Speaker Beth Harwell: 8 
Bill Lee: 153 

Williamson County Republican Party Chairman Debbie Deaver issued the following statement."Congratulations to Bill Lee for winning the first major straw poll of the 2018 gubernatorial cycle. We are thrilled to have so many fine choices for Governor and plan on hosting many more events for Republicans in Williamson County to get to know each of the gubernatorial candidates." 

Addressing the crowd were U.S. Congressman Marsha Blackburn, Sen. Jack Johnson, Sen. Mark Green, and gubernatorial candidates Sen. Mae Beavers and businessman Bill Lee. All announced and likely gubernatorial candidates who appeared on the straw poll were invited to address the crowd and host a booth. Co-hosts include the Davidson County Republican Party, the Tennessee College Republican Committee, the Republican Women of Williamson County, the Williamson County Republican Career Women, and the Williamson County Young Republicans.

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Republican Bill Lee announces run for governor of Tennessee

Bill Lee

Republican Williamson County businessman Bill Lee has announced his candidacy for Governor. He has no prior political experience. He is chairman and former CEO of Lee Company, a construction company that employees 1150 people. He is running on a campaign of  jobs, education and public safety.  He has a personal story of tragedy and faith and has been active in faith-based charitable work and will likely appeal to values voters as well as pro-business Republicans. To read The Tennessean story of his entry into the race follow this link. For a Tennessean story from March when Lee was "close to jumping in the race," see this link.

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