There were a few budget items that I was not crazy about, but overall spending growth was curtailed year over year, the percentage of federal funding is reduced, and tax breaks will further boost the economy supporting Tennessee small businesses. A healthy small business climate is good for Tennessee families.

Adding spending for transportation (roads) without increasing the fuel tax is a big deal as fuel taxes compound costs and raise the price of every good and service requiring transport. Fuel taxes are especially hard on our young Tennessee families.

Our roads are operating over their design capacity, meaning more people use our roads than they were planned and constructed to carry. This creates additional costs in Tennessee transportation. One of those costs is safety, as the likelihood of vehicle accidents is increasing. One of the disadvantages of being a top 5 move-to state is our infrastructure is forced to handle a greater load. Not only our roads suffer increased demand, our utilities are also under an increased demand. Keeping those roads in good shape required additional dollars. Safe and reliable transportation is good for Tennessee families. And having a reliable, affordable, and responsive electricity generation capability is also important.

I was honored to introduce a resolution to develop a Tennessee energy policy (HJR 119). I want to see us move from being a net importer of kilowatt hours to having the capacity to become a net exporter. I was able to get this resolution through the House and we are awaiting Senate action. We are the nation's cradle of nuclear energy. We can and must lead in responsive electricity production. TVA is and has been great for Tennessee. Rather than allowing folks in DC to make all our energy decisions, we simply need to assert a greater voice of decision in our Tennessee electricity and Tennessee energy production policy.

One of the best ways to manage through this residential growth is the recruitment of new industry. I was honored to draft and carry legislation that not only protects Tennessean's 2A rights but will perhaps provide some catalyst for firearms and ammunition manufacturers to relocate to Tennessee. Good manufacturing jobs are good for Tennessee families. HB 1189 awaits the Governor's signature to become law.

All families will benefit from the 3 month food sales tax lift. We must legislate to protect the family. Just as we moved to protect our children and families from vulgar public displays and immoral surgeries, we also helped with the cost of food.

Tennessee small businesses must be able to compete in the economic landscape of today. This requires action from time to time. I am honored to be working model-type legislation to protect Tennessee small businesses from global online payment processors who may utilize practices that discriminate.

The spending plan identifies Tennessee priorities. Approximately $15 B is programmed for education and approximately $15 B is programmed for health. Then consider that we voted to raise teacher starting pay and provided additional benefits to attract and retain the very best teachers. School Resource Officers are funded for every school in the state. And $1 B is allocated for our TCAT facilities so that we can provide the very best career technical educations for Tennesseans.

We passed resolutions to secure our southern U.S. Border as fentanyl ravages our country. We addressed the sale of Tennessee farmland to our enemies (Communist Chinese Party). The House held members accountable for their disorderly behaviors. The mature minor doctrine clarification act was introduced. It was a busy year.

It was a super busy but great year to work for each of you. I believe we moved the needle a bit toward the constitutional conservative side. I stood, and will continue to stand for your constitutional rights. Thank you for allowing me to serve.