Excerpts from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s 2021 State of the State Address

On Monday, Feb. 8, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following speech excerpts ahead of his third State of the State Address. The Governor’s Office also premiered the following video on YouTube to mark a significant year in Tennessee history and 225 years of statehood that will be celebrated this year.
In addition to outlining budget and legislative priorities, the governor will provide an accounting of Tennessee’s COVID-19 response and continued economic recovery.
Budget and Legislative Priorities – “We have conservative proposals for your consideration that will reduce crime, support strong families and get our economy back up to speed, especially in rural Tennessee. Our proposals honor the individual yet benefit the state as a whole, and they will leave us well-positioned for the recovery that has already begun across our state.”
Celebrating 225 Years of Statehood – “We will celebrate that since 1796 the ordinary has made us extraordinary and remember that generations before us have not just weathered but excelled in the cycle of perseverance, character and hope. I will once again travel to all 95 counties to reach the unsung people and places that make our state who she is.”
Vision for K-12 Education – “The reason we place so much focus on education is because students should be prepared for productive lives, not just the latest standardized test. I recently had a conversation with Commissioner Schwinn that the mission of the Department of Education should be simple: Students should be prepared for life beyond the classroom.”
Rural Investment – “Whether it’s running a small business, accessing virtual learning or accessing health care via telemedicine, slow internet speeds have many in rural Tennessee left at a disadvantage. A significant, one-time investment, combined with significant private investment, will get broadband to just about every community in Tennessee, and tonight, that’s exactly what I’m proposing.”
Pro-Life and Pro-Family – “But being pro-life isn’t just about defending the unborn and we must also think about how to use our passion for this issue to improve the lives of struggling families. My administration is preparing a number of new initiatives that we’ll announce throughout the year that will make Tennessee a national leader in foster care and adoption.”