Bill Lee in 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Addressing maintenance the fiscally responsible thing to do
In this year's budget I'm proposing the largest capital maintenance budget in our state's history - more than 900 million dollars in capital improvements and maintenance on both state buildings and higher education campuses.
We are also eliminating the backlog of deferred maintenance at state parks with a 30 million dollar investment. Addressing maintenance is the fiscally responsible thing to do.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
On Crime:
Improved enforcement training for police cadets
You've heard me say many times that we have to be tough on crime, and smart on crime. Safe neighborhoods require law enforcement that is well-supported and well-trained, and we have made a number
of important strides for criminal justice reform and police training this year.We've improved training standards and paid for almost 100 cadets to attend improved law enforcement training at no cost to their local communities.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
On Education:
Expanding civics education with Civics Seal Initiative
Two years ago we created the Governor's Civics Seal to ensure we raise a generation of young people who are knowledgeable in American history and confident in navigating their civic responsibilities. Using federal dollars, we're doubling the number of
schools participating in the Civics Seal Initiative. Going forward we are developing a set of instructional materials that will be free to districts, so that ultimately every school can earn the Governor's Civics Seal at no cost.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
On Families & Children:
Extend coverage for new moms, mental health for children
My budget proposal includes $6.5 million dollars to extend postpartum coverage to all women receiving TennCare benefits from 60 days to 12 months to increase access to care for new moms.
And we're also adding $6.5 million in our mental health safety net which will be focused on providing services for school-aged children struggling with mental health issues.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
On Families & Children:
Pro-life includes improving lives of struggling families
You know that I am strongly pro-life and I will continue to defend this position. Last year I stood before you and presented one of the most aggressive pro-life bills in the country. But being pro-life isn't just about defending the
unborn and we must also think about how to use our passion for this issue to improve the lives of struggling families. My administration is preparing a number of new initiatives that will make Tennessee a national leader in foster care and adoption.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
On Gun Control:
Reintroducing concealed carry legislation
Now, more than ever, Tennesseans want a strong commitment to the Second Amendment and the right to protect themselves.
And as such, I will be reintroducing Constitutional Carry legislation this year.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
On Health Care:
Tennessee first state to get Medicaid block grant waiver
Tennessee became the first state in history to receive a Medicaid block grant waiver from the federal government. This waiver will allow those in our Medicaid population to reap the benefit from our state's strong fiscal management of the
TennCare program. Let me be clear: if partisan attacks that call for this block grant to be rescinded prevail, the state will not get these shared savings dollars that we plan to use to improve healthcare for vulnerable Tennesseans.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
On Jobs:
Helped faith communities connect people with job services
Another key part of our efforts to support children and families is within the Governor's Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives. Among other successes in the last year,
the Faith-Based Office played an important role in engaging our local faith communities to help connect people with employment services.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
On Principles & Values:
Through times of trial we become more purposeful
But I've learned over my 61 years of life that God is a Redeemer. He takes what is tragic and makes it transformational. There are things that we never would have known, insights we never would have been awakened to.
Through times of trial we become more purposeful and more resolute. We see things more clearly, we act with more intention and we have a greater opportunity more than ever to seize the moment and shape the future.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
On Technology:
One-time investment of $200 million in broadband expansion
I have proposed record investments in broadband since becoming Governor, and I am grateful for the legislature's support on this issue. But I am ready for us to solve this issue once and for all. A significant, one-time investment, combined
with significant private investment, will get broadband to just about every community in Tennessee. To help us achieve our goal of every Tennessean having access to high speed broadband, my budget recommends an investment of 200 million dollars.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2022