The Loop: Getting back to work for District 40

October 4, 2017
By Terri Lynn Weaver, District 40 Representative

Greetings to the 40th District!

We are officially at the end of summer and at the beginning of a new fall season.

This was quite an eventful summer personally, but I am thankful to say that I am back in the saddle once again after some broken bones and some much-needed rest.

With cooler temperatures in the forecast, I am looking forward to Friday night football games in District 40. I am praying for a safe, fun and winning season for our Tigers, Owls, Yellow Jackets and Green Wave teams. Mike and I try to attend every home game that we can to show our support for our schools.

Terri Lynn Weaver

Every season, I provide a team roster the size of a bookmark to help navigate who is on the field. As an added bonus, they fit perfectly in your wallet.

I am looking forward to seeing you all in the coming months of fall.

Education

The 2017 School Tour has kicked off and I am so excited to visit our local schools in order to listen to our principals, administrators, teachers and students so that your voice and concerns are heard at the state level.

As a firm believer in letting our teachers do what they do best, which is to teach, we need less state and federal intrusion in the classroom interfering with the learning process. It is a topic to which I am passionate on and plan to continue discussion in our upcoming session.

“The Comptroller Audio Summaries” is a great resource on education policy issues and BEP funding. Check it out here at comptroller.tn.gov/OREA/.

Transportation

At my request, TDOT came to our district and we went to the Highway 25 road closure to assess why there is yet another delay in the opening of this vital vein out of Carthage. Though we do have a detour in place, there is still a massive amount of rock that must be removed. We can all agree that the safety of our construction crew and a safe road is the main focus for all involved.

TDOT has assured me that this project is on schedule and they are doing all that they can to get this road opened as soon as possible.

We have begun discussions to improve Exit 258. TDOT plans to widen SR-53 to five lanes with shoulders. The plan is similar to the Bell Road Exit under I-24 in Nashville. This plan is a doable, cost-effective fix for the increasingly dangerous congestion on the North and South side of I-40 at the Carthage/Gordonsville exit.

Currently, south of Airport Road in Gallatin toward the Cumberland Bridge, the first chapter of Highway 109 is now under construction, with the remainder chapter to I-70 to be let in December. With a traffic count upward of 25,000 per day, Highway 109 is a strategic corridor and a primary north/south connector between I-65 and I-40.

Remember, “patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”

District 40 is a beautiful rolling landscape of bluffs and rivers. On my watch, I am grateful that major bridges have either been repaired or replaced.

There is still work ahead but our system of pay-as-you-go without debt is a principle I hold and hope remains a Tennessee tradition.

Current Issues

Lawmakers across 16 states have considered legislation to establish medical marijuana programs. Twenty-three states have considered legislation to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana.

This month I was asked to attend a hearing where testimonies on both sides of the issue will be presented.

Numerous folks in our district have emailed me on the medicinal benefits marijuana has had on seizures, glaucoma and Alzheimer’s.

The elephant in the room is that with the federal government considering strict drug enforcement laws, the state of Tennessee would not be in compliance should we move to legalize medical marijuana.

However I am looking forward to paying attention to what will be said at this hearing and will be listening with an open mind.

One thing is for sure; big pharma and providers are destroying lives with an opiate epidemic that is affecting all Tennesseans. Perhaps something as simple and natural as a green plant could be the answer?

Upcoming Races

Currently, there is a great amount of focus and attention on the upcoming governor’s race in August 2018. It seems these campaigns get earlier and earlier every go around.

Since house races are every two years, I want those of you who receive “The Loop” to know just how grateful I am that you have afforded me the privilege to represent your voice in Nashville. As one who works for you, I have made it my mission to be transparent, honest, accessible, teachable, and open minded in order to be your voice on issues that matter to you.

You are a principled people that stand on conservative values coupled with Faith, Family and Freedom. My voting record has remained consistent with conservative values and so it is my prayer that you are pleased with your representation. I do not believe my mission in the legislature is yet finished and so I am running for re-election in 2018. I ask for your prayers and your support.

Do not ever hesitate to contact me with your concerns. I am here for you! Contact me at 615-741-2192 or by email at rep.terri.lynn.weaver@capitol.tn.gov.

Faithful to our values,

Blessings,

Terri Lynn