Bill Lee on Families & Children

	Bill Lee on Families & Children

Define "sex" as immutably determined at birth

SB1440: For purposes of interpreting the meaning of the word "sex" throughout present law, except in statutes where the context otherwise requires, this bill defines "sex" as a person's immutable biological sex as determined by anatomy and genetics existing at the time of birth and evidence of a person's biological sex.

Human Rights Campaign press release March 13, 2023 (opinion for voting NO): Let's be clear: the goal of this bill is to exclude the LGBTQ+ community from nondiscrimination protections in the state of Tennessee and to perpetuate a false narrative of who transgender people are.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 27-6-0 on Mar/13/23; passed House 71-21-7 on Apr/21/23; Signed by Governor Bill Lee on May/17/23

Source: H.R.C. on Tennessee State Legislature voting records SB1440 , May 17, 2023

Extending post-partum Medicaid coverage is pro-life

We will further strengthen postpartum coverage, provide services to over 5,000 more mothers, close the coverage gap for parents, and reach an additional 10,000 children--in total, offering services to nearly 25,000 more women, children, and parents in need. We are going to propose covering the cost of diapers during the first two years of a baby's life for mothers on TennCare. That's pro-life. That's pro-family. Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature , Feb 6, 2023

Paid parental-leave for state workers, no business mandate

One way we can support and strengthen families is by making it possible for parents to be there, worry-free, for every second of those first months of life. That's why I am proposing a commonsense paid parental-leave program for state employees who are growing their family.

This is not a mandate on businesses. I believe every business owner should make decisions that are in the best interest of their employees.

Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature , Feb 6, 2023

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

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

Marriage is between a man & a woman

Q: Support gay marriage?

Karl Dean (D): Yes.

Bill Lee (R): No. "Marriage is between a man & a woman."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Tennessee Governor race , Oct 9, 2018

Historical evidence: marriage is between a man and a woman

Marriage is between a man and a woman. My faith informs my view of marriage. And as a conservative, I know that outside of the democratic process the Supreme Court imposed a new interpretation of the Constitution that was contrary to all historical evidence and understanding of the institution of marriage. Source: 2018 Tennessee Gubernatorial website BillLee.com , Jul 4, 2018

My faith informs my view of marriage

Marriage is between a man and a woman. My faith informs my view of marriage. And as a conservative, I know that outside of the democratic process the Supreme Court imposed a new interpretation of the Constitution that was contrary to all historical evidence and understanding of the institution of marriage. Source: 2018 Wisconsin governor campaign website BillLee.org , Jul 2, 2018

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