Bill Lee in 2022 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Abortion:
Ready to ban abortion if Roe v. Wade overturned
My office has proposed and supported some of the soundest pro-life legislation in the country. Thanks to our partners in the legislature, we passed thoughtful laws that protected the unborn and supported expecting mothers. If the federal courts return
full authority to the states [by overturning Roe v. Wade], Tennessee's laws will automatically provide the maximum possible protection and offer a glimmer of redemption as America reconciles our troubled past.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Jan 31, 2022
On Crime:
Respect rule of law; reject defund the police movement
We will commit more than $150 million directly into law enforcement agencies to create safer neighborhoods through the violent crime intervention grant fund. We are proposing more than $350 million that will support a new law enforcement training
academy to ensure we have the most professional force in the country. Our funding commitment shows a respect for the rule of law but a rejection of the defund the police movement that we have seen across the country.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Jan 31, 2022
On Education:
Set aside money per child for the public school they attend
With the support of thousands of Tennessee parents, I am committing to updating the 30 year-old way we fund our K-12 public schools. I'm proposing an innovative approach that sets aside dollars for each student, based on their individual needs, and
these dollars will be used in whatever public school they attend. We have spent months engaging parents, teachers, students and stakeholders in a fully transparent process across the entire state.
The vast majority of parents believe they should be allowed to see books, curriculum and other items used in the classroom. That's how I felt about my own kids, and I stand with those parents today. We are proposing a new law that will ensure
parents know what materials are available to students in their libraries. This law will also create greater accountability at the local level so parents are empowered to make sure content is age-appropriate.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Jan 31, 2022
On Education:
Informed patriotism and American exceptionalism at colleges
Two years ago, I traveled to Hillsdale College to participate in a Presidents Day celebration and spend time with champions of American exceptionalism. For decades, Hillsdale College has been the standard bearer in quality curriculum and the
responsibility of preserving American liberty. I believe their efforts are a good fit for Tennessee, and we are formalizing a partnership with Hillsdale to expand their approach to civics education and K-12 education.
I'm proud of the "informed patriots" graduating from our Tennessee schools. Informed patriotism should stretch beyond the K-12 classroom and into higher education. In many states, colleges and universities have become centers of anti-American thought,
leaving our students not only ill-equipped but confused. I'm including in my budget $6 million to establish the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Jan 31, 2022
On Education:
Shut down university group tied to Chinese Communist Party
Last year, we shut down Confucius Institutes at our public Tennessee universities to cut ties with an organization that is working for the Chinese Communist Party. The State of Tennessee has to remain vigilant with regard to countries and
foreign entities who don't have our best interests in mind. Our administration has also strengthened our vetting approach to ensure we do not spend state dollars or incentivize any company doing the work of foreign adversaries.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Jan 31, 2022
On Energy & Oil:
Nuclear power is clean energy that actually works
Recently, I visited the TVA's Watts Bar nuclear facility, the last nuclear facility to be built in America, to see firsthand how nuclear power keeps our grid dependable even when the weather is not. Nuclear power is clean energy that actually works
for the private sector. Not only is it clean, but it is also cheap to produce. If we're going to have a real conversation about energy in America, it needs to be safe, cheap to produce, and reliable.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Jan 31, 2022
On Principles & Values:
Last June, we commenced Untold Tennessee, a celebration of how the ordinary makes us extraordinary, to commemorate 225 years of statehood. Tennessee has been a beacon to those who wanted something more and needed a frontier to build their
American dream. In 1965, the General Assembly passed a resolution to adopt the state slogan: "Tennessee - America at Its Best". Over the years, leaders have reminded Tennesseans that America at Its Best is more than our slogan - it's our north star.
If we are to embody America at Its Best, that starts with acknowledging that it is our Creator who endows us with freedom, and the government merely maintains that freedom. I believe now more than ever we must show great discipline
and regard for our freedoms. One way we do that is through a small government that contributes to a safe and well-ordered society. Tennessee has pushed back on big government.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Jan 31, 2022
Page last updated: Apr 04, 2022