Greetings, Folks of the 40th. Many of my colleagues have "left the building", but on my list of things to do before I leave 105 War Memorial today is to report to you the happenings on the hill this past week.
The transportation subcomitte officially closed. When I gaveled down, I looked at my research analyst and helpful aide, Jeremy, and said, "Whoa, this was our last committee--I totally forgot to mention many thanks to the committee members."
Well, when we resume next session, Lord willing, I can give all a high-five, for the committee moved well and we took care of legislation by prepping it for full transportation, being fair to each sponsor and allowing both sides of the issue to be vetted. Next week should be the final chapter of full transportation committee, as well.
Governor Haslam addressed the House and Senate in a joint session yesterday, bringing his mission statement for a plan concerning healthcare in Tennessee.
It is a topic of utmost importance. I can tell you this, just the word expansion alarms me, thus the reason all in leadership must pause and stick to principles of limited government, and bring solutions of cost so all folks of Tennessee can afford healthcare.
I do salute the Governor for continuing to pursue and not cowering to D.C. I believe Tennessee can be the shining star to true leadership for healthcare reform.
That being said, I have held roundtable meetings for solutions regarding our own blueprint for healthcare concerning healthcare compacts.
Remember, I carried the Health Freedom Act two years ago because of the principle I hold dear, our 10th Amendment, which is paramount, so Feds, leave us alone and allow each state to design what is best for each state, not only on healthcare, but education, energy, and banking.
What part of state sovereignty does D.C. not understand? Apparently not much.
This seems to have been the roundtable week, for in my bag of bills, HB1295 went out of civil subcommittee.
That action resulted in the reason to gather the troops who have interest in HB1295, allowing discussion on how we can work together in order to save babies who are being born addicted to drugs.
The good news is, the meeting turned out very positively, and all who attended are rolling up their sleeves to address this very heartbreaking, alarming, and growing epidemic in our state.
Protecting our children seems to be this legislator's motto for this year's session. God help our little ones.
This being a holiday weekend of huge magnitude to me and my family, duties that take me outside the realm of the House of Representatives--like finishing painting the bathroom, grocery shopping and preparing a menu for Sunday, coloring eggs, hiding the eggs, preparing the Easter baskets. . .well, you get the picture--there is much to do before the holiday arrives.
However, as I sang "Because He Lives" on the House floor during announcements prior to our adjournment today, the message of hope rings true for all who will only believe.
It is not the Easter Bunny that puts the dance in my step; it is knowing we serve a risen Saviour who is in the world today.
I know that He is living, no matter what men may say.
I see His hands of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer. And just the time I need Him, He is always near.
Be encouraged and embrace hope, and eat a chocolate bunny!
Blessings, and thank you for allowing me to work for you.

Because He lives,
Terri Lynn