The Caucus Corner- March 27

A Letter from the Chair

Dear Friends, 

This past week, the Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus had the honor of hosting 31 remarkable women for our annual Women on the Hill Celebration, and one thing became unmistakably clear: across this state, there are people who show up every single day to make their communities better, no matter what.

The women we celebrated and recognized are freedom riders, trailblazers, healthcare leaders, world record holders, community leaders, philanthropists, non-profit executives, presidents and CEO’s and so much more. They exemplify what it means to be a public servant and being able to recognize all of them truly inspired me. And I was proud of the fact that we got to celebrate these powerful women during Women’s History Month. Meet all 31 honorees here.

As committee calendars begin to close and bills are on the final docket, know that we will not stop fighting for Tennesseans across our state, ensuring a more just and affordable life for our people. 

I hope you find as much inspiration in these women as I did.

Sincerely,

Senator London Lamar

Chairwoman, Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus

Tennessee State Senate, District 33 • Memphis

Weekly Recap

Senator Lamar works to tackle the Memphis lead poisoning crisis

• Lead poisoning can throw a child’s brain off track. The preventable affliction has been linked to developmental disabilities, lower test scores, and increased risk of criminal behavior. 

• Memphis has a well-documented lead crisis, and Sen. Lamar’s SB 1255 will now allow more kids to get tested by requiring the Department of Health to provide educational materials on blood lead level testing to pregnant women receiving WIC vouchers — including information on nutrition, how to reduce lead in the body, and existing wrap-around services. 

• This legislation further supports Sen. Lamar’s promises to create healthier lives and futures for Tennessee mothers and children and passed the full Senate on March 26, with a 32-0 vote. 

Charlie Kirk ‘free speech’ law creates penalties for free expression, like signs and walk-outs

• The Senate voted on and passed 26-6, SB 1741 a Republican-sponsored bill that claims to protect free speech on public college campuses. 

• However, the bill also creates a new penalty for some free expression. One of its provisions could lead to disciplinary action against students and staff who engage in certain forms of protest, such as making noise, staging walkouts, or holding signs.

• In effect, students and staff exercising their First Amendment rights could be punished by law.

Senator Campbell cuts down on unnecessary court appearances for Tennesseans

• Senator Campbell filed SB 2114 after a constituent told her she received a speeding ticket in a different county in Tennessee, hours away from her house. She had to drive several hours back to that county to make a court appearance, only to be referred to an online driving safety class. 

• Now, Senator Campbell’s bill — which passed the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee 9-0 and will go to the full Senate calendar — will eliminate that unnecessary red tape and save Tennesseans, time and money by allowing a person who submits the fine and costs for a speeding ticket in lieu of appearing in court to also register for an approved driver education course online. 

• The successful completion of that course will also allow Tennesseans to have the speeding conviction removed from their record.

Republican airport takeover bill advances to Senate calendar

• SB 2473 would give state Republican Party lawmakers the power to appoint the majority of members on every board that governs a commercial airport authority. 

• On Wednesday, the bill passed the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee 8-1 and will now advance to the Senate calendar. 

• Previously, Republicans passed a law giving state lawmakers the majority of appointments to the body overseeing Nashville’s airport authority. But that law is being challenged by the city of Nashville, because it singles out one community — a violation of Tennessee’s Constitution. 

• As a response, the Republican Party filed a bill to take over all airports. This bill will vacate and reconstitute the boards of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, Memphis International Airport, McGhee Tyson Airport, Nashville International Airport, and the Tri-Cities Airport.

Member Spotlight

Senator London Lamar — On Thursday, the Office of Senator London Lamar and the Democratic Caucus hosted its Women on the Hill Day. The event featured 31 women from across Tennessee who have contributed significantly to the state and its cities. During Women’s History Month, we are proud to recognize and commend the women who are trailblazers and inspire the generations that come after them

Senator Raumesh Akbari — This week, Sen. Akbari spoke with the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at Vanderbilt University. She enjoyed connecting with young sorority members from Nashville and beyond. 

Senator Jeff Yarbro — In early March, Sen. Yarbro spoke at The Fitzgerald in a talk billed as “The Spirit of Bipartisanship,” where he engaged in a discussion with fellow General Assembly member Sen. Ed Jackson.

Senator Heidi Campbell — Early this week, Sen. Campbell had some wonderful meetings with Planned Parenthood to hear their plans and initiatives to continue fighting for necessary care for women in Tennessee.

Senator Charlane Oliver — On March 24, Sen. Oliver spoke with Planned Parenthood during their day on the hill. With them, she discussed their plans and initiatives in Tennessee and how she can help support those efforts.