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Tennessee Lawmakers Fast-Track Nearly $1 Billion in Funding During Special Session

Issue #338

28 Jan

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☁️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 59 / low of 38

📰 Tennessee Lawmakers Fast-Track Nearly $1 Billion in Funding During Special Session

🚒 SHFD Implements Proactive Cancer Screenings for Firefighter Safety

📌 2/4: Join Williamson, Inc., Maury Alliance, & Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce For a Day On The Hill

📌 2/1: 39th Annual Maury County Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, January 29th

Thursday, January 30th

Friday, January 31st

Saturday, February 1st

Sunday, February 2nd

Tennessee Lawmakers Fast-Track Nearly $1 Billion in Funding During Special Session

Tennessee lawmakers convened a special legislative session on Monday to address nearly $1 billion in funding measures, including $470 million for Hurricane Helene relief, a $447 million statewide school choice voucher program, and the establishment of a new state immigration enforcement entity. Republican leaders aim to conclude the session by the end of the week, rapidly advancing major legislative decisions that would typically take weeks or months in a regular session.

Senate and House leaders have differing schedules for the legislature’s return to regular business. The House passed a resolution to reconvene on February 3, while the Senate set its return for February 10, coinciding with Governor Bill Lee’s upcoming State of the State address. Despite these differences, lawmakers anticipate finishing the special session within the week, with only a small chance of extending into the following days.

A Republican-led committee rejected a Democratic effort to extend debate time for bills during the special session. Additionally, legislators approved a procedural measure allowing bills, such as the school voucher proposal, to move swiftly from committee to a full floor vote in a single day—an expedited process rarely seen in regular sessions. Democrats criticized the move, arguing that it limits public scrutiny and transparency.

Meanwhile, the session was met with significant public protest. Hundreds of demonstrators, including students, gathered outside the Capitol to demand stronger gun safety laws following a recent fatal shooting at Antioch High School. Family members of the victim, 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante, joined the demonstration, holding a portrait of her and calling for justice. Protesters voiced frustration at the legislature’s resistance to gun reform, continuing a pattern of advocacy seen in previous years.

2/4: Join Williamson, Inc., Maury Alliance, & Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce For a Day On The Hill

Join Williamson, Inc., Maury Alliance, and the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce for an afternoon of insights and advocacy with state lawmakers. Members from all three chambers will come together to hear directly from policymakers on key topics such as education, the state budget, transportation, and Governor Bill Lee’s school voucher proposal.

This is a unique opportunity to engage with legislators and stay informed on issues impacting your business and our community. After the initial portion concludes, our group will gather for a legislative reception, offering valuable opportunities to network and connect with lawmakers and fellow attendees.

Day on the Hill will take place on Tuesday, February 4th from 2-7pm. 

Location:
Cordell Hull State Office Building
425 Rep. John Lewis Way N
8th Floor, Conference Room D
Nashville, TN 37243

SHFD Implements Proactive Cancer Screenings for Firefighter Safety

A 2023 U.S. Fire Administration report highlights that firefighters face a significantly higher risk of cancer due to frequent exposure to harmful chemicals and smoke. In recognition of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, the Spring Hill Fire Department (SHFD) conducted comprehensive medical screenings focused on early cancer detection. Nearly half of the department’s firefighters participated in voluntary ultrasound exams to check for potential health risks.

Fire Chief Graig Temple emphasized that modern building materials and even some firefighting gear contribute to increased exposure to cancer-causing agents. To reduce risks, SHFD firefighters use multiple sets of gear and follow strict decontamination protocols. The department plans to continue screenings annually to prioritize firefighter health and safety.

2/1: 39th Annual Maury County Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner

Join the Knights of Columbus for the 39th Annual Maury County Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner where each Department presents their Officer of the Year Award.  BBQ Dinner will be catered by Schaffer Farms of Summertown, TN.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, January 29th

Kayleigh Matthews, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
OPEN MIC NIGHT, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Thursday, January 30th

Kylie Brown, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Neal Pennington, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, January 31st

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Grinder's Switch, 6-8 PM
Yonder Grove, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The Deltaz, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Tennessee Stills, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, February 1st

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Boomerang, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Backlit, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, February 2nd

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Thomas Waves, The Rebel, 4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

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