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The “Health Freedom Act” moved this week, clearing all necessary House committees, and is now scheduled for a vote on the House Floor. Many legislators have championed the proposal for two years now to counter the federal health care takeover passed by Congress. House Bill 0115 provides that every person within Tennessee is free to choose or decline any mode of health care services without penalty or punishment from the government. Additionally, it ensures that Tennessee officials will be prohibited from interfering with the health care insurance decisions of every Tennessean.
Believing that expanding government programs is rarely an effective solution to complex issues, some legislators have argued the federal government’s takeover of healthcare will only prove to balloon the cost of healthcare services to the states.
Last year, the legislation hit a snag in a House committee after thorough debate over several weeks. Other states have passed similar legislation, and many are already in the process of filing a lawsuit against the federal government regarding the healthcare overhaul. Many Members hope to see passage of the bill on the House Floor soon.
Governor Visits Storm Damaged Areas
Heavy storms and a few tornadoes passed through Tennessee this week causing extensive damage around the State. On Wednesday, the Governor toured a storm-damaged neighborhood in Franklin County where one man was killed earlier this week.
"We let them know our thoughts and prayers are with them," Governor Haslam told reporters near the remnants of the home where 79-year-old Melvin Hambrick was killed on Monday. "You never quite get used to the fact that there was somebody's home sitting there one minute, and the next minute it's totally blown away," Haslam said. "There was one life lost here, which is hard to ever accept, and several other families whose lives have been fairly drastically changed as well."
Neighbor Connie Nicholson told the governor that she was "just thankful to be alive" after the storm that blew down her garage and flung her dog down the street.
Governor Releases Newest Video Discussing ECD Development
Governor Haslam released his newest “Governor’s Update” this week. Last week the Governor’s Video highlighted our Southeast Region with topics including Volkswagen, Wacker and Amazon. In this week’s interview, the Governor discusses his priorities for economic development and highlights the recent announcement about a new company coming to Greene County that will offer job opportunities for a number of Tennesseans. Find out more by going here: http://www.tn.gov/governor/ |
