This week at the Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee State University officials made their case (read more about it in Post sister publication Nashville Scene here ), and state departments brought their budget requests. In addition, bills were proposed related to sidewalks, SNAP regulations and maternal health care.
Tennessee State University officials laid out a financial stability plan at the state Capitol on Wednesday, seeking to use $154.5 million of capital project funds for campus operation expenses.
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Hundreds of protesters gathered on the steps of the state capitol on Feb. 17, 2025 as part of a series of nation-wide President's Day demonstrations speaking out against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who has led the president's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative which has been cutting staff from numerous federal agencies.
Hamilton Matthew Masters
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House Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) presents a bill creating a grant to fund sidewalks in school zones to the House Transportation Subcommittee.
Hamilton Matthew Masters
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