Governor Bill Lee addresses plans in State of the State

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — In his “State of the State” address Monday, governor Bill Lee pledged the state would be a beacon of opportunity for Tennesseans.

The speech discussed everything from crime prevention grants, investment in public school facilities and innovation. Lee said this is the time the state needs to rethink, imagine and embrace new ideas. Lee emphasized 2025 is the year to think boldly.

“If Tennessee’s led the nation as a beacon of opportunity and security and freedom, then why can’t we be the nation’s capitol of innovation, too?” Lee said.

Lee said in order to grow Tennessee, there has to be a balance between growth and protecting natural resources. As such, Lee said he supported a bill that would establish a farmland preservation fund in the state.

“We can’t solve the problems of today with conventional thinking,” Lee added.

News 2 previously reported on Tennessee’s childcare crisis, with one report finding the state’s childcare workers are among the lowest paid in the U.S. Additionally, counties like Davidson County struggle to provide adequate, affordable childcare for all families who need it. Lee supported the addition of daycares across the state.

Lee announced a $3 million investment into the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s (TEMA’s) regional response vehicles, which assist in disaster relief. He also proposed the creation of a $60 million Starter Home Revolving Loan Fund, which would provide 0%-interest construction loans for the building of new, single-family homes.

Lee also proposed a $1 billion transportation grant for projects to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), but Tennessee Democrats said that’s not enough to fill the debt gap the state already has. 

“Seven years into this governor’s administration, he continues to say the same old tired agenda items when he’s up there trying to talk about being innovative,” Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) said. “This fiscal recklessness is not benefiting Tennesseans.”