Great news, TSEA members! The TSEA Board has unanimously approved our Legislative agenda for 2023, and we are moving ahead focused on those priorities. You can view our legislative priorities in the Jan/Feb/Mar Co-Worker, which should arrive in your mailboxes soon. You can also view our 2023 Legislative Priorities on our website here.
Legislative Session
Currently, the DCS teacher bill is the only bill in our legislative agenda working its way through the committee system. This bill is not controversial and only affects the teachers at Wilder who requested the bill from DCS.
Over the next few weeks, our attention is on the budget hearings for all departments, agencies, and higher education institutions.
Higher Ed is slated to receive a sum of money equivalent to a 5% increase. However, we understand that this amount falls short of what is necessary to provide a 5% raise for all employees. TSEA has been polling University Presidents to ensure they are exploring ways to save or raise the additional funding required.
Last year, TSEA supported the budget request for additional safety measures for our members at TCAT locations across the state. As a result, 3 million dollars was allocated towards setting up a Chief of Police for the entire system, and most police positions have already been filled. Furthermore, TBR is working closely with Homeland Security to obtain communication equipment that will be used to aid in the security upgrades. It’s reassuring to see these safety measures being put in place, and we remain committed to supporting the well-being of our members.
Finally, as the session begins to gain momentum, we anticipate the Paid Leave bill will be introduced soon, alongside the bills from the legislative DCS Ad Hoc committee.
We are optimistic about the progress we are making so far this session and the proposals on the table for state employees. And, as always, we remain committed to supporting the well-being of our state employees. TSEA thanks you for all that you do everyday for Tennessee!
Legislation
Click here for the latest update on key legislation we are monitoring or working to advance.
As a reminder, Livestreams and videos of legislative meetings and activities are accessible on the legislative calendar page at this link: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/schedule/
TEAM PAC Day on the Hill
Check out our latest video recap of the TEAM PAC day on the hill from early February! Our Political Action Committee was hard at work meeting with legislators and making sure the voices of state employees are heard.
