Tennessee’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout was the centerpiece of a Zoom discussion on Monday between Tennessee Press Association members, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally.
Nashville Tennessean
In a legislative office building where public access has been severely limited for nearly a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, House Speaker Cameron Sexton is beginning to relax restrictions around coming and going to meet with elected officials.
The new rules implemented by Sexton will now permit registered lobbyists to access House floors in the Cordell Hull legislative office building with relative freedom as they could before COVID-19 precautions were implemented.
Stairwells and elevator access to office floors remain restricted, usable only by those with electronic badges. While Sexton s office throughout the day Friday declined to provide The Tennessean details on the new policy, which was discussed with the Tennessee Lobbyists Association on Thursday, they provided a copy of the policy after publication of this story.
Proposed legislation would provide financial benefit for Tennessee health care workers by Vivian Jones, The Center Square | February 03, 2021 10:00 AM Print this article
Tennessee lawmakers are considering ways to provide financial incentives for nurses and health care staff to stay in the profession after medical staffing shortages highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sen. Katrina Robinson, D-Memphis, has filed a bill that would provide one-time payments of $1,500 to nurses, paramedics and EMTs who provided health care services during the pandemic. Another bill filed by Robinson would waive state licensure fees for health care professionals for the next four years.
Robinson, herself a registered nurse, said the goal of the legislation is to address the shortage of health care workers in the state.
Clarksville Now
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – State Rep. Curtis Johnson, R-Clarksville, has been named Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 112th Tennessee General Assembly.
Johnson previously served as Speaker Pro-Tempore under former Speaker Beth Harwell for six years and as Deputy Speaker during the 2020 legislative session, according to a news release.
“Curtis Johnson is a stalwart servant in our General Assembly, and his extensive institutional knowledge and legislative experience will continue to benefit our entire leadership team,” said House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, who named Johnson to the position. “I appreciate his leadership and his willingness to continue serving as Deputy Speaker. I know he will help our entire body remain successful so we can continue moving Tennessee forward in the right direction.”
Legislature adopts bills to tackle COVID-19 effects on students proficiency in reading, math
According to a press release, the passed legislation increases the salary component of the education funding formula by 4%. Author: Dalisa Robles (WBIR) Updated: 3:13 PM EST January 22, 2021
NASHVILLE, Tenn On Friday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and members of the General Assembly closed a special session addressing the negative impact of COVID-19 on students proficiency in reading and math caused by the transition of in-person classes to virtual learning.
According to a press release, the legislation increases the salary part of the education funding formula by 4%.