Senate Judiciary Committee approves legislation strengthening penalties against child sex offenders

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: [email protected]

For Immediate Release: February 20, 2020

NASHVILLE -- It was a short, but busy week on Capitol Hill as lawmakers returned from observing the President’s Day holiday to act on a wide variety of bills. This includes legislation sponsored by Senator Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro) strengthening Tennessee’s laws against the “worst of the worst” child sex offenders. Under current law, sex offenders can be charged with aggravated rape of a child if their victim is zero to three years old. Senate Bill 1800 raises that age range to zero to eight years old.

Legislation stiffens penalties for those convicted of drug-facilitated sexual assault

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: [email protected]

For Immediate Release: February 13, 2020

NASHVILLE -- Senate Committees worked at full steam this week as state senators examined the budgets of 16 agencies and departments of state government and approved a number of important bills. The budget hearings, which will continue through March 11, are part of the process of reviewing how taxpayer dollars are spent to determine if the money is being used efficiently and effectively to meet the state's goals. They also provide lawmakers with an opportunity to talk with state officials about a wide variety of important state issues.

Education remains top priority as Governor Lee unveils his 2020 legislative vision in State of the State  

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: [email protected]

For Immediate Release: February 6, 2020

NASHVILLE -- This week’s action on Capitol Hill was highlighted by Governor Bill Lee’s second State of the State Address on Monday evening where he presented his budget for the upcoming fiscal year and outlined his 2020 legislative vision for Tennessee. Improving K-12 education emerged as the top item from the night, as Governor Lee proposed a record $600 million in new funds for a series of initiatives to help students learn and reach their maximum potential.

Budget moves front and center as General Assembly prepares to meet for State of the State Address on Monday

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: [email protected]

For Immediate Release: January 30, 2020

NASHVILLE -- The pace quickened on Capitol Hill this week as lawmakers put the finishing touches on legislative proposals before next Thursday’s bill filing deadline and prepare to receive Governor Bill Lee’s budget proposal on Monday night. Senate committees also heard testimony this week regarding several important issues before the General Assembly, including Tennessee’s health status and progress being made to ensure mental health parity. In other action, state senators advanced a Right to Work Constitutional Amendment resolution, legislation to help Middle College Scholarship recipients and first-time homeowners, and a proposal to officially recognize Tennessee’s long-held nickname as the Volunteer State.

Lawmakers stand with Governor Lee in support of comprehensive pro-life legislation

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: [email protected]

For Immediate Release: January 23, 2020

NASHVILLE -- Republican lawmakers from across Tennessee joined Governor Bill Lee at a press conference this week to show their support for comprehensive pro-life legislation he will introduce in the General Assembly this year. The proposal, which includes the prohibition of an abortion where a fetal heartbeat exists, would make Tennessee one of the most pro-life states in the country.

Statement from Senator Kerry Roberts regarding major grant for TCAT Dickson

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336

(NASHVILLE), November 7, 2019 - State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) made the following statement regarding the announcement that the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson will receive a $987,699 grant under provisions of the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) Act which he co-sponsored.  The funds will be used for the BRIDGE to Work Program. 

“I am very pleased that the TCAT Dickson will receive this major grant,” said Sen. Roberts, who is chairman of the Senate Government Operations Committee.  “This program helps us increase job opportunities, including extending dual enrollment credits for high-skill, high-demand career-focused programs at our TCATs and community colleges.  Many local students will greatly benefit from the programs funded by this grant for many years to come as we raise the number of Tennesseans with a post-secondary credential or degree.”

Sen. Roberts and Rep. Reedy announce $242,000 grant to improve fire protection services in New Johnsonville

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Molly Gormley (615) 741-8760

(NASHVILLE), October 11, 2019 – State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) and Representative Jay Reedy (R-Erin) announced today that New Johnsonville will receive $242,000 through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).   Roberts and Reedy made the announcement after receiving the information from the Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD). 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Molly Gormley (615) 741-8760

(NASHVILLE), September 10, 2019 - Please see the statement below from Tennessee State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) confirming and clarifying his critique of liberal bias in higher education made on his radio show last week.

“While the call for eliminating higher education was clearly hyperbole, I stand behind my general critique of higher education in America one hundred percent.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: MOLLY GORMLEY 615-741-8760

(NASHVILLE) June 21, 2019 -- State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) is one of 48 of the nation’s top government officials from across the nation selected for the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by The Council of State Governments, August 23-27, 2019, in Lexington, KY.