WZTV: Tennessee group weighs how to spend $3.88 billion in available federal funds
The Federal Stimulus Accountability Group (FSAG) in Tennessee discussed how the state should use $3.88 billion available to the state as part of the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP). The state has the option of filing a claim for the federal funds and the accountability group met on Thursday to discuss plans for the funds before filing for the funds. The plan includes multiple objectives in how the billions would be spent, addressing issues to assist in the fight against COVID-19, healthcare needs, education, transportation, infrastructure, and agriculture among other sectors.
Johnson City Press: House kicks off Tennessee redistricting process
Nearly 10 public commenters went in front of the Tennessee House Select Committee on Redistricting on Wednesday, calling for transparency in the legislative map-drawing process and not splitting up municipalities. The Tennessee General Assembly is charged with creating new maps for Tennessee’s state and congressional legislative districts after the release of 2020 U.S. census data.
Tennessee Lookout: Lieutenant governor appoints bipartisan redistricting committee
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally appointed a bipartisan panel Friday to draw new state and federal district maps, naming a Memphis Democrat as a chairman to the panel and ordering the group to focus on public input. Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, and Sen. Mike Bell, R-Riceville, will be joined by Sen. Raumesh Akbari, chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, as co-chairs.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Ford Motor Company has selected the Memphis Regional Megasite for one of the largest battery and vehicle manufacturing campuses in the U.S. “West Tennessee is primed to deliver the workforce and quality of life needed to create the next great American success story with Ford Motor Company and SK Innovation,” said Gov. Lee. “This is a watershed moment for Tennesseans as we lead the future of the automotive industry and advanced manufacturing.”