TENNESSEEÊ GENERALÊ ASSEMBLYÊÊ + · PDF fileWe are pleased to share our 2017 Legislative Scorecard, ... Talent development of ... Chamber Legislative Priority Action Took action

T E N N E S S E E G E N E R A L A S S E M B L Y + N A S H V I L L E M E T R O P O L I T A N C O U N C I L

Making Your Business Voice Count

The Chamber values our partnership with elected officials as we work together to create jobs and build communities.

Every year, the Chamber’s board of directors adopts a State and Metro legislative agenda based on issues identified

by our members in our annual policy survey. We then share these agendas with state and local elected officials.

Throughout the year, we work to provide information to our members and advocate as a collective business voice for

Middle Tennessee. We are pleased to share our 2017 Legislative Scorecard, which reports how our elected leaders

have voted in the past year in four policy areas:

• Creating an environment where business can prosper;

• Promoting talent development of the region’s workforce;

• Ensuring quality of life that attracts and retains residents and workers; and

• Leading regional efforts to ensure economic prosperity.

In order to create an environment where your business can succeed and the region can prosper, we help our members

engage in policy decisions that directly impact their business:

Listen: Our annual policy survey allows our members to tell us how public policy issues impact their

business.

Inform: Our annual legislative agenda reflects the chamber’s policy positions and provides information

about legislative issues important to business. nashvillechamber.com/public-policy

Influence: Middle Tennessee Business Voice offers our members a way to communicate directly with

elected officials. midtnbusinessvoice.com

Report: Our annual legislative scorecard reports how our elected officials voted on the issues important to

business in Middle Tennessee. nashvillechamber.com/public-policy

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce facilitates community leadership to create economic

prosperity. Through partnerships with our members, elected officials and other organizations

throughout the region, we work to ensure that business needs are a top consideration when

policy decisions are made.

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2017 TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD

Statewide Minimum Wage

Out-of-State Retailers

Bathroom Bill

Temporary Drivers’ Licenses

Certificates of Employability

Revocation of Drivers’ Licenses

Juvenile Expungements

Cost of Expungements

Correctional Task Force

Tennessee Reconnect

School Vouchers

Early Postsecondary Opportunities

Tuition Equity

Elected Directors of Schools

Annual Assessments

High Quality Pre-K

IMPROVE Act

Transit Deficient Areas

State P3 Office

Affordable Housing Incentives

An environment where business can prosper

Talent development of the region’s workforce

Quality of life that attracts and retains residents and workers

Chamber Legislative Priority Action

Took action supporting

Chamber position

Took action opposing Chamber

position or failed to pass

legislation supporting

Chamber position

3

2017 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION


Statewide minimum wage

Tennessee has no laws concerning overtime, minimum wage or the regulation of salaried employees, deferring instead to federally mandated wage policies.

Currently, five states do not have a minimum wage (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and South Carolina). Three bills creating a state minimum wage

were introduced in 2017: SB 1095/HB 129 (Kyle/Thompson), SB 1122/HB 1060 (Kyle/DeBerry), SB 1411/HB 80 (Kyle/Hardaway). Each of these bills took a

different approach, ranging from a minimum wage solely for servers to the establishment of a $15.00 per hour wage for all workers.

Chamber Position

The Chamber opposed these bills, preferring

to leave the federal government to set the

minimum wage.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. All three were deferred until 2018

without discussion or debate.

Out-of-state retailers

Last fall, the Tennessee Department of Revenue proposed a rule whereby online retailers who have annual sales of $500,000 or more in Tennessee would be

required to collect and remit sales taxes on such sales. SB 53/HB 261 (Bell/Faison) would place this rule into state law along with dozens of other rules proposed

by various state departments.

Chamber Position

The Chamber supported this bill, which

included this new rule that will level the

playing field for Tennessee retailers.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. There is currently a judicial hold

on the implementation of this rule due to a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality. While there were

efforts to strip the sales tax collection rule from this bill, an amendment was ultimately adopted pausing

implementation of the rule until the lawsuit is resolved. The administration believes that the rule will

ultimately be upheld, despite the lawsuit (Public Chapter 452).

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5

Bathroom bill

Over the past few years, several states across the country have received negative attention by considering legislative proposals that are viewed as discriminatory

in nature. In 2016, North Carolina received the bulk of this attention following the passage of a bill often referred to as the “bathroom bill.” North Carolina

immediately saw businesses cancel expansions and relocations and multiple collegiate and professional sporting events were cancelled within the state. SB 771/HB

888 (Beavers/Pody) is Tennessee’s version of a bathroom bill and it would require students in public schools and institutions to use bathrooms that correlate with

the gender indicated on students’ birth certificates.

Chamber Position

The Chamber opposed this bill because it is

an unnecessary distraction from Tennessee’s

successful efforts to be a welcoming state for

visitors and businesses.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. This bill failed in the Senate

Education Committee for a lack of a motion.

Temporary drivers’ licenses

Individuals who are permitted work visas are eligible for a Tennessee’s driver’s license for the duration of their visa. Currently, the words “Temporary Driver’s

License” are printed in the top left-hand corner of the license to distinguish it from a normal driver’s license. SB 272/HB 222 (Beavers/Ragan) would require the

word “alien” or “non U.S. citizen” or other language designed by the Department of Safety to be printed on these temporary licenses.

Chamber Position

The Chamber opposed this bill as it is

contrary to Tennessee’s reputation as a

welcoming state for international business.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. In both the House and Senate,

committees amended the bill to have the word “visa” printed rather than “alien” or “non U.S. citizen.”

This change addressed the key concerns of the business community but the bill was still deferred until

2018.

Certificates of employability

A certificate of employability is an order issued by a court stating that a person convicted of a non-violent crime has fulfilled all of the obligations of the penalties

for the offense and is a person of honesty and integrity. These certificates assist people leaving the criminal justice system with obtaining employment. However,

a person may only petition a court for the certificate if he/she is also seeking the restoration of all rights of citizenship. SB16/HB128 (Harris/Thompson) would

allow a person to apply for this certificate without having to seek the restoration of full rights of citizenship.

Chamber Position

The Chamber supported this legislation to

enable non-violent offenders to more easily

return to employment.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. This bill passed the Senate (33-0)

and House (96-0), was signed by the Governor and became effective July 1 (Public Chapter 83).

Revocation of drivers’ licenses

In 2011, in an effort to collect outstanding court costs, a law was passed requiring a person to pay or enter into a payment plan for court costs and fines within

one year of the disposition of a criminal proceeding. In 2016, more than 55,000 people lost their drivers’ licenses because of this requirement and less than

25 percent had their license reinstated. These revocations make it difficult for an individual to obtain and keep a job, while also increasing the likelihood of

recidivism for driving under a revoked license. SB802/HB1173 (Dickerson/Faison) would provide judges with more flexibility to order a stay of a revocation while

also enabling those whose licenses are revoked to qualify for a restricted driver’s license.

Chamber Position

The Chamber supported this legislation to

enable more Tennesseans to drive to and

from their places of employment.

Status


and House (90-0), was signed by the Governor and will become effective January 1, 2018 (Public Chapter

412).

6

Notice of eligibility for juvenile expungements

SB 1244/HB 577 (Norris/Curcio) would make changes to the juvenile court laws making it easier for juveniles to obtain expungements. This bill would require

juvenile court judges to inform a child of the need to file a motion, the administrative office of the courts to create a model expungement motion and juvenile

court clerks to make available model motions to an eligible child.

Chamber Position

The Chamber supported this legislation

to remove hurdles for postsecondary

opportunities for students.

Status


and House (90-0-1), was signed by the Governor and became effective July 1 (Public Chapter 197).

7

Cost of criminal expungements

At $350, Tennessee has the highest cost of expungements in the country. This high cost can be an insurmountable hurdle for those leaving the criminal justice

system and seeking to clear their records of non-violent offenses in order to become more employable. SB 1245/HB 418 (Norris/Akbari) would lower the cost of

an expungement from $350 to $180.

Chamber Position

The Chamber supported this bill, which

will make expungements more affordable,

increasing the employability of eligible

residents.

Status


and House (90-0), was signed by the Governor, and became effective July 1 (Public Chapter 456).

Local correctional enforcement task force

Local law enforcement agencies across the state face many challenges with decreasing the recidivism of offenders and providing efficient programs for

rehabilitation. Some areas of the state, however, have seen amazing gains and outcomes through innovation and collaboration. SB 911/HB 708 (Yager/Wirgau)

would create a task force to study best practices and new approaches to the management and coordination of local correctional facilities to protect public safety,

reduce recidivism and provide the best likelihood for persons leaving incarceration to become productive citizens.

Chamber Position

The Chamber supported this bill so law

enforcement agencies could share best

practices with the rehabilitation of offenders.

Status

The General Assembly did not pass this legislation this year. Legislative offices and committee rooms

are moving from the Legislative Plaza to the Cordell Hull Building this fall and the transition greatly

reduced the capacity for hosting and recording meetings of study committees that typically meet between

legislative sessions. Because of this decreased capacity, this bill and several other bills that would have

created task forces were tabled for the year.

Tennessee Reconnect Act

Two years ago with approval of the General Assembly, Gov. Haslam launched the Tennessee Promise program whereby high school graduates would receive

last dollar scholarships to attend a community college for two years. In 2016, the state launched the Tennessee Reconnect Program, targeting adults who had

some college experience but no degree, and enabled them to re-enroll in order to complete their credential. SB 1218/HB 531 (Norris/Hawk) would expand the

Tennessee Reconnect Program to allow all adults without a postsecondary degree or credential to receive last dollar scholarships to attend a community college

for two years.

Chamber Position

The Chamber supported this legislation for

to help create a more educated and skilled

workforce.


8

Status


and House (87-6-1), was signed by the Governor and became effective July 1 (Public Chapter 448).

Publicly-funded school vouchers

Dozens of states and cities across the country have implemented voucher programs whereby a student may attend a private school with taxpayers covering some

or all of the costs. The Tennessee General Assembly has considered legislation nearly every year over the past decade to create such a program with SB 161/

HB 126 (Kelsey/H Brooks) and SB 380/HB 336 (Gardenhire/Dunn) being introduced this year. SB 161/HB 126 would create a pilot voucher program for low

income students attending low performing schools in Shelby County, while SB 380/HB 336 would create a statewide program for low income students attending

low performing schools. Both bills allowed participating private schools to offer assessments different from those administered in public schools for accountability

purposes.

Chamber Position

The Chamber opposed these bills because

each lacked the accountability of requiring

the same state assessments of all publicly-

funded students.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. SB 161/HB 126 was deferred to

2018 while SB 380/HB 336 failed in the Senate Education Committee.

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Providing and funding early postsecondary opportunities

Research reveals that the more students have opportunities for postsecondary credit in high school, the more likely they are to not only enroll in a postsecondary

institution, but to also be successful. Some states have comprehensive strategies for offering and funding such opportunities. SJR 107 (Tracy/Pitts) charges the

State Department of Education and the Tennessee Board of Education to study best practices of states with funding programs focused on career preparation and

providing early postsecondary opportunities.

Chamber Position

The Chamber supported this legislation in

order for the state to learn best practices and

also to offer and fund early postsecondary

opportunities to students.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. The resolution was adopted by

the Senate (32-0), concurred by the House (92-0) and signed by the Governor.

Tuition equity

Undocumented students in Tennessee do not qualify for any state or federal financial assistance to attend a postsecondary institution, including being eligible for

in-state tuition. These students lack these advantages even if they graduate from a Tennessee high school and have been present in this country nearly their entire

lives. SB 635/HB 660 (Gardenhire/M White) and SB 1014/HB 863 (Gardenhire/M White) were filed to address this discrepancy. SB 635/HB 660 would allow

higher education institutions to determine in-state eligibility rather than being dictated by state law and SB 1014/HB 863 would make undocumented students

eligible for in-state tuition if they graduated from a Tennessee high school and have been a resident student for at least two years prior to graduation.

Chamber Position

The Chamber supported this legislation

to provide more opportunities for these

students to pursue postsecondary degrees

or credentials in order to meet our growing

regional workforce needs.

Status

The General Assembly did not take action supporting the Chamber’s position. SB 635/HB 660

passed the Senate Education Committee (5-1-1), but it was deferred until 2018 in a House Education

Committee. SB 1014/HB 863 also passed the Senate Education Committee (7-2), but it failed in a House

Education Committee (6-7).

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Elected directors of schools

Since 1992, due to the Education Improvement Act, Tennessee State law dictates that local boards of education are responsible for appointing a director of

schools. Only three states allow for the popular election of a director of schools and less than one percent of the nearly 14,000 directors of schools nationwide are

elected. SB 340/HB 570 (Niceley/Powers) would create a pilot program for the reestablishment of elected superintendents of schools.

Chamber Position

The Chamber opposed this bill and believes

that an elected school board appointing a

director of schools is the clearest and most

appropriate governance model.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. This bill was taken off notice in

the Senate and the House.

Annual assessments

Currently, students take annual assessments that are aligned to Tennessee’s adopted academic standards in grades 3-12, primarily in the subjects of reading/

language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. These assessments provide much needed information to teachers, parents and students to determine

growth and potential intervention. SB 1144/HB 1251 (Hensley/Byrd) would greatly reduce the number of annual assessments across several academic subjects.

Chamber Position

The Chamber opposed this bill, which would

prevent appropriate accountability and

benchmarking of educational progress for

students.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. This bill was taken off notice in

the Senate and the House.

High quality pre-K

In 2016, the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation to ensure that each school district’s pre-K program is of high quality and held accountable. Districts

must ensure collaboration between pre-K educators and elementary school educators, provide pre-K educators with relevant professional development and

adopt an educator evaluation program that utilizes a portfolio approach. SB 1067/HB 1248 (Gresham/Dunn), as amended, would allow school districts to divert

funding from their pre-K programs to other K-3 initiatives.

Chamber Position

The Chamber opposed this bill which would

divert resources from pre-K programs.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. This bill failed by voice vote in a

House Education Committee and was taken off notice in the Senate.


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The IMPROVE Act

The IMPROVE Act was Gov. Haslam’s comprehensive plan to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in tax cuts while also increasing gas and diesel taxes

to fund road and bridge projects statewide. SB 1221/HB 534 (Norris/Doss), as amended, would provide the following tax cuts: 20 percent on sales taxes on

groceries, 1 percent on the Hall Tax on investment income and $113 million in franchise and excise taxes for manufacturers. The bill would also raise revenues for

road and bridge projects by raising the following: $0.06 on gas taxes and $0.10 on diesel taxes phased in over a three-year period, a $5 dollar increase in annual

registration fee for the average vehicle and a $100 annual registration fee for electric cars. The bill also allowed local governments to raise dedicated revenue for

transit through a voter referendum.

Chamber Position

The Chamber supported this bill to provide

long-term, sustainable funding for transportation

infrastructure while also providing legislation that

allows local governments to address mass transit

needs through local surcharges approved via a

referendum.

Status


and House (60-37), was signed by the Governor and became effective July 1 (Public Chapter 181).

Redevelopment of transit-deficient areas

As Nashville and Middle Tennessee continue to grow, local governments need flexibility in determining the best approaches to designing, constructing and

financing mass transit programs. SB 783/HB 1384 (Dickerson/Jernigan) would authorize housing authorities to redevelop certain areas for transit projects

including the option to adopt a plan that contains a tax increment financing provision to finance transit infrastructure.

Chamber Position

The Chamber supported this bill to provide

another option for local to address mass transit

needs.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. The bill passed the Senate (27-1)

and House (92-0), was signed by the Governor and became effective May 2 (Public Chapter 254).

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Public-private partnership (P3) office

Last year, the General Assembly passed the Public-Private Transportation Act of 2016, whereby the state and local governments were authorized to contract with

private entities for the design, finance, construction, operation and maintenance of mass transit programs. SB 559/HB 1374 (Ketron/Sargent) would create a new

state office of transportation public-private partnership (OTP3), which would facilitate the creation of effective transit P3s in Tennessee.

Chamber Position

Having a state P3 office with dedicated staff

expertise is recognized as a best practice that

encourages private-sector P3 proposals. The

Chamber supported this bill in order to have the

expertise in place to facilitate P3 transit projects.

Status

The General Assembly did not take action supporting the Chamber’s position. The bill failed for the lack

of a second in the Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee and it was taken off notice in the House.

Affordable housing incentives

In 2016, the General Assembly passed legislation prohibiting local governments from implementing affordable housing programs that mandated the participation

of developers. Incentive-based programs, however, were specifically excluded from the intent of the legislation. Additionally in 2016, the Metropolitan

Government of Nashville and Davidson County created a program whereby developers were incentivized to designate certain units as affordable housing in

exchange for additional development entitlements, with the Chamber working with council bill sponsors to address many of the business community’s concerns.

SB 363/HB 1143 (Haile/Casada) would repeal this affordable housing program as some legislators believed that it was a mandatory program, not incentive-

based.

Chamber Position

The Chamber opposed this bill and encouraged

legislators to allow Metro’s program to be fully

implemented.

Status

The General Assembly took action supporting the Chamber’s position. While the bill passed the full

House (72-21-1), it was deferred until 2018 in the Senate.

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Clockwise from top left:

Nashville Area Chamber President & CEO Ralph Schulz, Nashville/Davidson County Mayor Megan Barry and Chamber Board Chairman Milton Johnson pose with Gov. Haslam at the Governor’s Address in January 2017.

Local and state officials join Gov. Haslam for a ceremonial bill signing of the IMPROVE Act while overlooking I-440.

Lt. Gov. McNally and Senators Watson, Tate, Overbey and Harper pose with former Senator Douglas Henry at the State Capitol.

RepresentativeHB660TuitionEquity

HB1143AffordableHousing

HB1248DiversionofPre-KFunds

SC C SC C F SC C SC C F SC C C SC C F SC C SC C F SC C SC C F SC C F C SC C SC C C F SC C SC C F SC SC C SC C F SC C F

BillBeck(D-51) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SheilaButt(R-64) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ X √ √ √ √

GlenCasada(R-62) √ √ √ √ NVR NVR √ √ X √ √ √ √ √

JohnRayClemmons(D-55) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MichaelCurcio(R-69) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √

BrendaGilmore(D-54) √ √ √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

DarrenJernigan(D-60) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

CurtisJohnson(R-68) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √

SherryJones(D-59) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR √ √

SabiKumar(R-66) √ √ √ X √ NVR X √ √ √ √

WilliamLamberth(R-44) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √

MaryLittleton(R-78) √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √

HaroldLove,Jr.(D-58) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SusanLynn(R-57) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √

BoMitchell(D-50) NVR √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

JoePitts(D-67) √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MarkPody(R-46) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √

JasonPowell(D-53) √ √ NVR √ √ NVR √ √ √ √ √

JayReedy(D-74) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √ √

CourtneyRogers(R-45) √ √ √ X X X √ √ X √ √ √ √ √ √

TimRudd(R-34) √ √ X X √ √ √ X √ √ √

CharlesSargent(R-61) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MikeSparks(R-49) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ NVR NVR

MikeStewart(D-52) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

BryanTerry(R-48) √ NVR NVR X √ √ X √ √ √ √

TerriLynnWeaver(R-40) √ √ √ √ X X X √ √ X X X X √ √ √ √ √

DawnWhite(R-37) √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ X X X X √ √ √

SamWhitson(R-65) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √

SpeakerBethHarwell(R-56) NVR √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √

HB534IMPROVEAct

HB1374StateP3Office

HB1384RedevelopingTransitDeficientAreas

HB577NotificationofEligibilityforJuvenileExpungementsHB418CostofExpungements SJR107

EarlyPostsecondaryOpportunitiesHB863

TuitionEquity

HB578AgeofEligibilityforJuvenile

ExpungementHB531TennesseeReconnectAct HB1173

RevocationofDrivers'LicensesHB911

LocalCorrectionalTaskForceHB128CertificatesofEmployability

TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY – SENATE INDIVIDUAL VOTE COUNT

Davidson County delegation

Middle Tennessee delegation

NVR: No vote recorded (absent)

PNV: Present but not voting

In support of Chamber position

In opposition to Chamber position

Sponsored Chamber-endorsed bill

Blank spaces indicate that the legislator did not sit on that particular committee so he/she did not have an opportunity to vote.

Senator

SB 161 School

Vouchers - Pilot

SB 380 School

Vouchers

SB 635 Tuition Equity


C F C C C C C C C F C C F C C F C C F C C C F C F C F C C F C F

Mae Beavers (R-17) √ X X √ NVR NVR X √ X X √ √ √ √

Steve Dickerson (R-20) √ X √ √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Mark Green (R-22) √ NVR NVR NVR √ √ √ √

Ferrell Haile (R-18) √ X PNV √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Thelma Harper (D-19) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Joey Hensley (R-28) √ X PNV X √ PNV NVR √ X X √ √ √ X X √ √ √ √ √ √

Jack Johnson (R-23) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Bill Ketron (R-13) √ √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Kerry Roberts (R-25) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Jim Tracy (R-14) √ X √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR √ √ √

Jeff Yarbro (D-21) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR

Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-5) √ √ X NVR √ √ √ √ NVR √

SB 16 Certificates of Employability

SB 1244 Notification of Eligibility for Juvenile

Expungement

SB 1243 Age of Eligibility for Juvenile

Expungement

SB 1218 Tennessee Reconnect Act

SJR 107 Early Postsecondary Opportunities

SB 559 State P3 Office

SB 1245 Cost of ExpungementsSB 802 Revocation of Drivers'

LicensesSB 708 Local Correctional Enforcement Task Force

SB 1221 IMPROVE ActSB 783 Redeveloping Transit Deficient

Areas

14

√X√X

15

Senator

SB 161 School

Vouchers - Pilot

SB 380 School

Vouchers








Thelma Harper (D-19) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √


Jack Johnson (R-23) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Bill Ketron (R-13) √ √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Kerry Roberts (R-25) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ √


Jeff Yarbro (D-21) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR




Expungement


Expungement







Areas





BillBeck(D-51) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SheilaButt(R-64) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ X √ √ √ √











HaroldLove,Jr.(D-58) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SusanLynn(R-57) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


JoePitts(D-67) √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MarkPody(R-46) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √


JayReedy(D-74) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √ √


TimRudd(R-34) √ √ X X √ √ √ X √ √ √



MikeStewart(D-52) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √




SamWhitson(R-65) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


HB534IMPROVEAct

HB1374StateP3Office




TuitionEquity





TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY – SENATE INDIVIDUAL VOTE COUNT








Blank spaces indicate that the legislator did not sit on that particular committee so he/she did not have an opportunity to vote.

√X

Senator

SB 161 School

Vouchers - Pilot

SB 380 School

Vouchers








Thelma Harper (D-19) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √


Jack Johnson (R-23) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Bill Ketron (R-13) √ √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Kerry Roberts (R-25) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ √


Jeff Yarbro (D-21) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR




Expungement


Expungement







Areas

16

Senator

SB 161 School

Vouchers - Pilot

SB 380 School

Vouchers








Thelma Harper (D-19) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √


Jack Johnson (R-23) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Bill Ketron (R-13) √ √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Kerry Roberts (R-25) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ √


Jeff Yarbro (D-21) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR




Expungement


Expungement







Areas

√X

Clockwise from top left:

Lt. Gov. McNally and U.S. Senator Bob Corker participate in a roundtable discussion held by Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price.

Chamber members Greg Bancroft and Gary Garfield visit with Representative Brenda Gilmore at the annual legislative reception.

Chamber staffer Candy Johnson meeting with Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Jim Tracy at the annual legislative reception.

17





BillBeck(D-51) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SheilaButt(R-64) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ X √ √ √ √











HaroldLove,Jr.(D-58) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SusanLynn(R-57) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


JoePitts(D-67) √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MarkPody(R-46) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √


JayReedy(D-74) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √ √


TimRudd(R-34) √ √ X X √ √ √ X √ √ √



MikeStewart(D-52) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √




SamWhitson(R-65) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


HB534IMPROVEAct

HB1374StateP3Office




TuitionEquity





TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY – HOUSE INDIVIDUAL VOTE COUNT





BillBeck(D-51) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SheilaButt(R-64) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ X √ √ √ √











HaroldLove,Jr.(D-58) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SusanLynn(R-57) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


JoePitts(D-67) √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MarkPody(R-46) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √


JayReedy(D-74) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √ √


TimRudd(R-34) √ √ X X √ √ √ X √ √ √



MikeStewart(D-52) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √




SamWhitson(R-65) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


HB534IMPROVEAct

HB1374StateP3Office




TuitionEquity












Blank spaces indicate that the legislator did not sit on that particular committee, so he/she did not have an opportunity to vote.18

Sponsored Chamber-opposed bill

√X√X

19





BillBeck(D-51) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SheilaButt(R-64) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ X √ √ √ √











HaroldLove,Jr.(D-58) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SusanLynn(R-57) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


JoePitts(D-67) √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MarkPody(R-46) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √


JayReedy(D-74) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √ √


TimRudd(R-34) √ √ X X √ √ √ X √ √ √



MikeStewart(D-52) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √




SamWhitson(R-65) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


HB534IMPROVEAct

HB1374StateP3Office




TuitionEquity









BillBeck(D-51) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SheilaButt(R-64) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ X √ √ √ √











HaroldLove,Jr.(D-58) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SusanLynn(R-57) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


JoePitts(D-67) √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MarkPody(R-46) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √


JayReedy(D-74) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √ √


TimRudd(R-34) √ √ X X √ √ √ X √ √ √



MikeStewart(D-52) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √




SamWhitson(R-65) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


HB534IMPROVEAct

HB1374StateP3Office




TuitionEquity





TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY – HOUSE INDIVIDUAL VOTE COUNT

20





BillBeck(D-51) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SheilaButt(R-64) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ X √ √ √ √











HaroldLove,Jr.(D-58) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SusanLynn(R-57) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


JoePitts(D-67) √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MarkPody(R-46) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √


JayReedy(D-74) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √ √


TimRudd(R-34) √ √ X X √ √ √ X √ √ √



MikeStewart(D-52) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √




SamWhitson(R-65) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


HB534IMPROVEAct

HB1374StateP3Office




TuitionEquity









BillBeck(D-51) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SheilaButt(R-64) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ X √ √ √ √











HaroldLove,Jr.(D-58) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SusanLynn(R-57) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


JoePitts(D-67) √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MarkPody(R-46) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √


JayReedy(D-74) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √ √


TimRudd(R-34) √ √ X X √ √ √ X √ √ √



MikeStewart(D-52) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √




SamWhitson(R-65) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


HB534IMPROVEAct

HB1374StateP3Office




TuitionEquity












Blank spaces indicate that the legislator did not sit on that particular committee, so he/she did not have an opportunity to vote.

Sponsored Chamber-opposed bill

√X√X

21





BillBeck(D-51) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SheilaButt(R-64) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ X √ √ √ √











HaroldLove,Jr.(D-58) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SusanLynn(R-57) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


JoePitts(D-67) √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MarkPody(R-46) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √


JayReedy(D-74) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √ √


TimRudd(R-34) √ √ X X √ √ √ X √ √ √



MikeStewart(D-52) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √




SamWhitson(R-65) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


HB534IMPROVEAct

HB1374StateP3Office




TuitionEquity





Clockwise from left:

2017 Leadership Study Mission participants (from left) Rita McDonald, Council member Brenda Haywood, Erin Hafkenschiel, Gary Gatson and Jennifer Carlat.

Mayor Megan Barry, Rich Riebeling and Stan King on Leadership Study Mission 2017.

Rob Campbell, Laura Reinbold, Council member Bob Mendes and Council member Angie Henderson on Leadership Study Mission 2017.

22

2017 NASHVILLE METRO COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD

Partnership 2020 Economic Development Contract

Deep Prosperity

Sustainable Fiscal Policies

Transparent Development and Zoning Policies

Economic Development Tax Credits and Incentives

Government Regulation of Private Business

School Funding

Public Infrastructure

Welcoming and Inclusive City

Transportation Infrastructure

Downtown Core

Workforce and Affordable Housing



Regional efforts to ensure economic prosperity

Chamber Legislative Priority Action

Took action supporting

Chamber position

Took action opposing

Chamber position or failed

to pass legislation supporting

Chamber position

No definitive action on this

issue or no action recorded

Issue still under discussion

in 2017Quality of life that attracts and retains residents and workers

23

2016 - 2017 NASHVILLE METRO COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE REVIEW

24


Partnership 2020 economic development contract

Nashville/Davidson County Metro Government has invested in Partnership 2020 - the Chamber’s public-private economic development initiative for Middle

Tennessee - since P2020 began in 1990. Metro and the Chamber are party to a contract for the Chamber to provide services for job-creation and expansion

efforts in Davidson County, including proactive marketing to site consultants and relocation prospects, small business development programming and coordination

of site visits to Davidson County for active recruiting projects. The mayor’s proposed FY18 operating budget, BL2017-722, included funding for the Chamber’s

P2020 economic development contract with the city. The mayor’s budget proposed a contract of $375,000, the same amount in place during 2016-2017. The

substitute budget, offered by Budget and Finance Committee Chair John Cooper, decreased the contract by $25,000 to $350,000.

Chamber Position

Support job-creation and retention efforts in

Davidson County through the public-private

Partnership 2020 contract between Metro

Government and the Chamber.

Status

The Chamber accepted the substitute bill, with the understanding that the scope of work in the contract

would be reduced to reflect the $25,000 cut in funding. Metro Council adopted the operating budget on

June 20, 2017.

Deep prosperity

In order to succeed as a community, our efforts must focus on eliminating barriers to prosperity for all Nashville residents. Metro Social Services’ 2016 Community

Needs Evaluation found that in 2015, 16.9 percent of Davidson County residents (111,000 residents) were living below the poverty line. The Metropolitan

Development and Housing Agency’s annual “point-in-time” count of homeless persons in the city found that in 2015, there were 2,154 homeless people living in

Nashville. No bills were filed on this issue.

Chamber Position

Support projects and programs that eliminate

barriers to prosperity, such as poverty and

homelessness reduction.

Status

Because no bills were filed on this issue in 2016-2017, it is not included in the individual vote count.

Sustainable fiscal policies

In 2013, Mayor Karl Dean appointed a Study and Formulating Committee to assess the system of benefits for current and future Metro employees. The

committee concluded its work in 2015, finding that Metro’s retiree health care obligations are not pre-funded, but are managed on a “pay as you go basis,” which

has generated a projected liability of $2.6 billion. Metro retiree health benefits payments grew by 360 percent from 2002 to 2014.

The Study and Formulating Committee recommended to the Metro Benefit Board that Metro continue to provide the retiree medical subsidy for eligible current

and former employees but discontinue the subsidy for future Metro employees, except those covered by the Police and Fire Pension Plan. In 2015, the Benefit

Board disapproved this recommendation, leaving the growing liability unaddressed.

The Chamber regards this growing liability as a threat to Metro’s financial security and its ability to meet the other needs of the city in the future. No definitive

action was taken in the past year to address the growing liability. However, a public hearing on Metro’s debt was held at Council Member John Cooper’s request

as part of the fiscal year 2018 budget process and two bills are currently under consideration that could address the issue.

BL2017-726, sponsored by Council Member Bob Mendes, would require the Department of Finance to maintain a written debt management policy for Metro

government.

BL2017-790, sponsored by Bob Mendes, Mike Freeman, Mina Johnson, Angie Henderson and Freddie O’Connell, would alter the current health care benefits

provided to Council Members during and after their tenure on council. For former Council Members beginning their terms after August 31, 2019 and who serve

at least eight years in office, the bill would require Council Members to pay an amount that matches what other Metro employees with the same years of service

pay for their health coverage. For example, the bill would require a former Council Member with eight years of service to pay 75 percent of the premium for

continuing health benefits after leaving office instead of the current 25 percent.

Chamber Position

Support responsible and sustainable fiscal

policies, ensuring the long-term prosperity of

the city.

Status

The Chamber supports these bills as steps in a larger, necessary conversation on how to manage the

growing cost and financial liability of post-retirement benefits for Metro employees.

As of the date of publication of the 2016-2017 Legislative Scorecard, Metro Council had yet to act on

BL2017-726 or BL2017-790.

25

Transparent development and zoning policies

A lack of clear definition, transparency and predictability around the development process can create barriers to investment by making it difficult for businesses

to operate or expand. BL2016-219, sponsored by Council Members Fabian Bedne and Karen Johnson, proposes to rezone property on Forest View Drive by

cancelling a portion of the Forest View Park Planned Unit Development and “downzoning” the property – reducing its development entitlements from duplex

zoning to single-family only zoning – without the consent of the property owners.

BL2016-297, sponsored by Council Member Jacobia Dowell, would downzone property located at Hickory Hollow Parkway from RM20 to RS15 zoning (multi-

family zoning to single-family only zoning) without the consent of the property owners.

BL2016-376, sponsored by Council Members Tanaka Vercher, Karen Johnson and Jacobia Dowell, would create a 120-day moratorium on the issuance of

building and grading permits for multi-family developments in districts 28, 29 and 32 (Vercher, K. Johnson and Dowell, respectively).

Chamber Position

Support predictable and transparent

development and zoning policies that

encourage development, investment and

support for entrepreneurs and small

businesses.

Status

The Chamber opposed the downzoning proposals and the development moratorium.

The Chamber does not generally take a position on zone changes. However, the two downzonings and

the moratorium, if adopted, would set a precedent for future development by suggesting development

entitlements that were lawfully gained could be diminished or stripped without the consent of the

property owner.

It is worth noting that other Council Members have proposed downzonings that the Chamber has not

opposed. The Chamber did not oppose those downzonings because the Council Members worked with

the property owners to reach a compromise amenable to both parties.

BL2016-219 (Bedne, K. Johnson) has been deferred to December 19, 2017.

BL2016-297 (Dowell) was deferred indefinitely on February 7, 2017. Council Member Dowell has since

worked with the property owners to submit a zone change that is amenable to both parties.

BL2016-376 was deferred indefinitely on August 16, 2016.

26

27

Economic development tax credits and incentives

Designed to generate positive economic returns by creating jobs and generating new tax revenue, economic development tax credits and incentives are valuable

investments critical to maintaining a competitive business environment in Tennessee and Davidson County. RS2016-434, sponsored by Council Members John

Cooper and Nancy VanReece, approved an economic and community development incentive grant agreement between the Industrial Development Board and

Warner Music, Inc.

Chamber Position

Support the use of local government tax credits

and incentives for economic development as

additional tools to encourage the relocation or

expansion of business in Nashville.

Status

The Chamber supported this resolution. Metro Council took action supporting the Chamber’s position.

The resolution was adopted on November 15, 2016.

Government regulation of private business

Government regulates private business in a number of ways, including regulations on inter-state commerce, which are generally created and enforced at the

federal level. Such is the case with regulations surrounding natural gas infrastructure. Despite this established regulatory scheme, in 2016, Metro Council

considered action to regulate gas compressor stations. BL2016-234, sponsored by Council Members Fabian Bedne, Jacobia Dowell, Karen Johnson and Tanaka

Vercher, amended Chapter 10.56 of the Metro Code, which governs local air pollution control. The bill imposed location restrictions on natural gas compressor

stations – inserting zoning regulations into the health section of the Metro Code to limit the location of natural gas compressor stations.

RS2016-219, sponsored by Council Member Fabian Bedne and others, was a companion resolution requesting that the Metropolitan Board of Health amend its

regulations to subject natural gas compressor stations to higher levels of scrutiny.

Chamber Position

Oppose legislation that duplicates

existing federal regulation and harms

regional cooperation on important energy

infrastructure decisions.

Status

The Chamber opposed BL2016-234 and RS2016-219. The Chamber noted that regulation of the

location of natural gas infrastructure is the purview of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

and location restrictions applied by local governments have been overruled in court. The Chamber was

concerned that the change to Metro Code to prohibit the movement of natural gas has the potential to

generate legislation from the state to override the city’s attempts to prohibit the flow of natural gas. The

bill could also be viewed unfavorably by neighboring counties as the city attempts to push future gas

compressor stations out of Davidson County.

The council took action opposing the Chamber’s position by adopting the ordinance and resolution on

July 5, 2016.


School funding

In order for Metro Nashville Public Schools to offer the programs and support necessary to boost academic performance and close the student achievement gap,

they need appropriate funding from local, state and federal sources. The Metro FY18 operating budget (Substitute BL2017-722 sponsored by Council Member

John Cooper) included $879.3 million for Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) – a 4.3 percent increase over last year’s budget.

Among the items to be funded are priorities championed by the Chamber including work to build on partnerships with the business community through the

Academies of Nashville and implementation of a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) instructional model within MNPS middle schools.

The Capital Improvements Budget (the CIB - BL2017-736, sponsored by Council Members John Cooper and Burkley Allen) is a planning tool to prioritize and

coordinate investments in long-term, durable improvements. The FY2017-2018 through FY2022-2023 CIB proposed $278 million in projects for MNPS over the

six year period.

The Capital Spending Plan (CSP) is a subset of the CIB. The CSP includes projects recommended for funding in the first fiscal year of the CIB, to be funded

by General Obligation bonds. The CSP (RS2017-713, sponsored by Council Members John Cooper and Burkley Allen) proposed $85 million in projects for

MNPS. An amendment to the CSP, however, reduced the capital funding to MNPS by $3 million, cutting sidewalks to schools. This funding was shifted to Metro

Public Works for bikeways. The amended CSP included $82 million for MNPS, with $67.2 million for building projects and $14.8 for district wide projects.

Projects include renovation of Hillsboro High School, land acquisition for future sites of the Nashville School of Arts and Hillwood High School and necessary

maintenance of school facilities.

Chamber Position

Support operation and capital funding for

public education as a city budget priority.

Status

The Chamber accepted the substitute operating budget and supported the capital improvements budget and

the capital spending plan.

Metro Council adopted the capital improvements budget and the capital spending plan on June 13, 2107.

Metro Council adopted the operating budget on June 20, 2017.

28


Public infrastructure

Investing in public infrastructure is critical to improving the quality of life in any growing metropolitan area. From entertainment and convention venues

to investments in sidewalks, bikeways and the water and storm water systems – Nashville/Davidson County has many investments that require a continuing

conversation on providing infrastructure to support a growing city. BL2016-493, sponsored by Council Member Angie Henderson, expanded the geographic scope

where sidewalks are required to be built with private development and expanded the types of re/development that are required to build sidewalks.

The most significant change caused by the bill is to require installation of sidewalks with some single- and two-family infill developments.

BL2017-684 (Angie Henderson) was introduced at the request of the Chamber and its members, who found an unintended consequence in BL2016-493 – that

the dedication of right-of-way for future sidewalk construction could result in diminished entitlements for a property. Council Member Henderson introduced

BL2016-684 to address this issue.

Chamber Position

Support investment in public infrastructure

and entertainment venues that have a strong

business and financial case and broaden

Nashville’s reputation as a livable city.

Status

The Chamber worked closely with Council Member Henderson, convening stakeholder groups of

Chamber members impacted by the legislation to provide feedback and request changes. Council

Member Henderson agreed to many of the changes requested by the Chamber and its members.

Henderson also agreed to closely monitor the implementation of the sidewalk legislation for unintended

consequences. With these actions, the Chamber supported both pieces of sidewalk legislation.

The council took action supporting the Chamber’s position for both pieces of legislation. BL2016-493

was adopted by council on April 19, 2017. BL2017-684 was adopted by council on May 17, 2017.

29

Welcoming and inclusive city

A welcoming and inclusive environment is vital to building a global city that continues to attract and retain businesses, workers, visitors and investment from all

over the world. No bills were filed on this issue.

Chamber Position

Support efforts to maintain our identity and

brand as a welcoming, inclusive city.

Status

Because no bills were filed on this issue in 2016-2017, it is not included in the individual vote count.

Regional efforts to ensure economic prosperity

Downtown core

Downtown Nashville is the civic, cultural and economic hub of the region and is now home to 10,000 residents. It is a major economic engine for the county

through sales and property tax collections, which continue to grow. No bills were filed on this issue.

Chamber Position

Support the development of the downtown

core as essential to the growth of Davidson

County and the region.

Status

Because no bills were filed on this issue in 2016-2017, it is not included in the individual vote count. In

the coming year, the Chamber will continue to engage in the conversation on how to move transit into,

around and through downtown to both serve downtown and create a robust regional transit network.

Transportation infrastructure

Nashville/Davidson County has long been a critical hub in moving goods throughout the southeast and the country. We increasingly see the need to move talent

around Davidson County and the region. Nashville and the Middle Tennessee region are thriving and are expected to continue growing, adding almost 1 million

new residents to the region by 2040. New development is, however, expected to double commute times over the next 25 years. In order to meet the transportation

needs of current and new residents and visitors, keep pace with future growth and mitigate future traffic congestion, Nashville and the region must invest in

infrastructure that encourages rapid, mass transportation. BL2016-259, sponsored by Council Members Jim Shulman, Jason Potts and Jeremy Elrod, required the

Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority to submit a comprehensive mass transit plan for Nashville and Davidson County to Metropolitan Council no later than

December 31, 2016.

Chamber Position

Support the expansion of Metro Nashville’s

multi-modal transit systems and a dedicated

funding source for regional mass transit

infrastructure that has a strong business case

for success.

Status

The Chamber supported this legislation. The council took action supporting the Chamber’s position,

adopting BL2016-259 on July 6, 2016.

30

Workforce and affordable housing

Workforce and affordable housing are needed in Davidson County to retain and attract residents and workers. The Metro Social Services 2016 Community Needs

Evaluation found that in 2015, 90,250 households in Davidson County were considered “cost burdened,” meaning that they spend more than 30 percent of their

income on housing expenses. This represents a 33 percent increase in cost burdened households over 2014 figures. The Chamber’s 2016 Vital Signs Report

found that Nashville’s current cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, and housing comprises the largest share of household costs and impacts

Nashville’s relative position in the index. The index referenced by the report is the National Association of Realtors 2015 Affordability Index and Rankings,

which found that Nashville’s affordability had slipped by 5 percent making it more affordable than Austin and Denver, but less affordable than peer cities such as

Indianapolis, Kansas City, Louisville, Atlanta, Charlotte and Raleigh. On September 6, after more than a year of study and debate, Metro Council passed two

pieces of affordable housing legislation. Substitute BL2016-133, sponsored by Council Members Burkley Allen and Bob Mendes, established inclusionary zoning

requirements for for-rent developments in specific geographic areas of the county.

BL2016-342, sponsored by Council Members Bill Pridemore, Burkley Allen and others, established a grants program for the creation of affordable and workforce

housing. The grants bill can stand alone, or serve as a mechanism to provide incentives for developers creating affordable and/or workforce housing through the

inclusionary zoning program.

Chamber Position

Support workforce housing programs

and projects to ensure people from all

socioeconomic levels have the opportunity to

live in Nashville/Davidson County.

Status

The Chamber opposed BL2016-133 as it was originally written. Chamber staff brought Chamber

members from the development community and the lending community to the table to make their

concerns heard and offer solutions to some of the issues with the original bills. After significant work with

the bill sponsors and the Mayor’s Office, the Chamber endorsed substitute BL2016-133 and BL2016-342.

Metro Council took action supporting the Chamber’s position by approving substitute BL2016-133 on

September 6, 2016. The inclusionary housing requirements are slated to go into effect on July 1, 2017.

Metro Council took action supporting the Chamber’s position on BL2016-342, passing that legislation on

September 6, 2016.

31

2017 NASHVILLE METRO COUNCIL INDIVIDUAL VOTE COUNT

Council MemberSubstitute BL2016-133 Inclusionary Zoning ** [Chamber Supported]

BL2016-342 Afforable Housing Grants Bill ** [Chamber Supported]

BL2016-297 Hickory Hollow Parkway Downzoning [Chamber Opposed- Deferred

Indefinitely]

BL2016-376 Southeast Nashville Moratorium

(Districts 28,29,32) [Chamber Opposed-Deferred Indefinitely]

BL2017-722 Metro Fiscal Year 2018 Operating Budget [Chamber

Supported]

RS2017-713 Metro Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Spending Plan

[Chamber Supported]

BL2017-736 Metro Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Improvements Budget

[Chamber Supported]

F C C * F C F C F F F F F C F C C F C F F F

John Cooper (at large) X X √ √ X √ √ √ √ PNV √ √ X √

Erica Gilmore (at large) X PNV X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV √

Sharon Hurt (at large) X X X X √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV √ √ √ √ X NVR

Bob Mendes (at large) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √

Jim Shulman (at large) X NVR X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √

Nick Leonardo (1) NYE NYE NYE √ √ NYE NYE √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Decosta Hastings (2) X NVR X NVR √ PNV √ √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV NVR

Brenda Haywood (3) X X √ √ √ √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Robert Swope (4) √ √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Scott Davis (5) NVR X NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Brett Withers (6) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Anthony Davis (7) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR √ √ √ √ √

Nancy VanReece (8) X X X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Bill Pridemore (9) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Doug Pardue (10) √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Larry Hagar (11) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Steve Glover (12) √ X √ √ √ NVR √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ X √

Holly Heuzo (13) NVR √ NVR NVR √ PNV PNV √ √ √ √ NVR PNV NVR

Kevin Rhoten (14) PNV X √ NVR NVR √ √ √ NVR √ √ PNV NVR

Jeff Syracuse (15) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Mike Freeman (16) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Colby Sledge (17) PNV √ X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Burkley Allen (18) PNV X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Freddie O'Connell (19) PNV X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV √ √

Mary Carolyn Roberts (20) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV √ √ X √

Ed Kindall (21) NVR NVR NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV √

Sheri Weiner (22) NVR √ NVR NVR NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Mina Johnson (23) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Kathleen Murphy (24) X X √ PNV √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Russ Pulley (25) X X X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Jeremy Elrod (26) PNV X √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Davette Blalock (27) PNV X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Tanaka Vercher (28) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Karen Johnson (29) X X √ √ PNV √ √ √ PNV NVR √ √ √ √

Jason Potts (30) NVR NVR NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR √ √

Fabian Bedne (31) X X NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Jacobia Dowell (32) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Sam Coleman (33) X X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR NVR NVR

Angie Henderson (34) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √

Dave Rosenberg (35) X X X √ √ PNV √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

BL2017-684 Right-of-Way Dedication for Sidewalks [Chamber

Supported]

RS2016-434 Warner Music Incentive Grant [Chamber

Supported]

BL2016-493 Sidewalks [Chamber Supported]

BL2016-234 Gas Compressor Station [Chamber Opposed]

RS2016-219 Gas Compressor Station [Chamber Opposed]

BL2016-259 Transit Plan [Chamber Supported]

32

33

Council MemberSubstitute BL2016-133 Inclusionary Zoning ** [Chamber Supported]

BL2016-342 Afforable Housing Grants Bill ** [Chamber Supported]

BL2016-297 Hickory Hollow Parkway Downzoning [Chamber Opposed- Deferred

Indefinitely]

BL2016-376 Southeast Nashville Moratorium

(Districts 28,29,32) [Chamber Opposed-Deferred Indefinitely]

BL2017-722 Metro Fiscal Year 2018 Operating Budget [Chamber

Supported]

RS2017-713 Metro Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Spending Plan

[Chamber Supported]

BL2017-736 Metro Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Improvements Budget

[Chamber Supported]

F C C * F C F C F F F F F C F C C F C F F F

John Cooper (at large) X X √ √ X √ √ √ √ PNV √ √ X √

Erica Gilmore (at large) X PNV X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV √

Sharon Hurt (at large) X X X X √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV √ √ √ √ X NVR

Bob Mendes (at large) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √

Jim Shulman (at large) X NVR X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √

Nick Leonardo (1) NYE NYE NYE √ √ NYE NYE √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Decosta Hastings (2) X NVR X NVR √ PNV √ √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV NVR

Brenda Haywood (3) X X √ √ √ √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Robert Swope (4) √ √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Scott Davis (5) NVR X NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Brett Withers (6) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Anthony Davis (7) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR √ √ √ √ √

Nancy VanReece (8) X X X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Bill Pridemore (9) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Doug Pardue (10) √ X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Larry Hagar (11) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Steve Glover (12) √ X √ √ √ NVR √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ X √

Holly Heuzo (13) NVR √ NVR NVR √ PNV PNV √ √ √ √ NVR PNV NVR

Kevin Rhoten (14) PNV X √ NVR NVR √ √ √ NVR √ √ PNV NVR

Jeff Syracuse (15) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Mike Freeman (16) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Colby Sledge (17) PNV √ X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Burkley Allen (18) PNV X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Freddie O'Connell (19) PNV X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV √ √

Mary Carolyn Roberts (20) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV √ √ X √

Ed Kindall (21) NVR NVR NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ PNV √

Sheri Weiner (22) NVR √ NVR NVR NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Mina Johnson (23) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Kathleen Murphy (24) X X √ PNV √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Russ Pulley (25) X X X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Jeremy Elrod (26) PNV X √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Davette Blalock (27) PNV X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Tanaka Vercher (28) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Karen Johnson (29) X X √ √ PNV √ √ √ PNV NVR √ √ √ √

Jason Potts (30) NVR NVR NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR √ √

Fabian Bedne (31) X X NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Jacobia Dowell (32) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Sam Coleman (33) X X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ NVR NVR NVR

Angie Henderson (34) X X √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √

Dave Rosenberg (35) X X X √ √ PNV √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

BL2017-684 Right-of-Way Dedication for Sidewalks [Chamber

Supported]

RS2016-434 Warner Music Incentive Grant [Chamber

Supported]

BL2016-493 Sidewalks [Chamber Supported]

BL2016-234 Gas Compressor Station [Chamber Opposed]

RS2016-219 Gas Compressor Station [Chamber Opposed]

BL2016-259 Transit Plan [Chamber Supported]

Budget and Finance Committee

Planning, Zoning and Historical Committee

Health, Hospitals and Social Services Committee

Codes, Fair and Farmers Market Committee

Public Works Committee

Traffic, Parking and Transportation Committee





BillBeck(D-51) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SheilaButt(R-64) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ X √ √ √ √











HaroldLove,Jr.(D-58) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

SusanLynn(R-57) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


JoePitts(D-67) √ NVR √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

MarkPody(R-46) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √


JayReedy(D-74) √ √ √ X √ √ X √ √ √ √


TimRudd(R-34) √ √ X X √ √ √ X √ √ √



MikeStewart(D-52) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √




SamWhitson(R-65) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ X √ √ √ √ √


HB534IMPROVEAct

HB1374StateP3Office




TuitionEquity








NYE: Not yet elected

F: Vote on floor of full Council



Blank spaces indicate that the Council member did not sit on that particular committee, so he/she did not have an opportunity to vote.

√X√X

“C” represents a Committee vote and the committees are listed below.

At various points in the drafting and amending of BL2016-133 and BL2016-342, the bills were heard and debated at multiple Council committees. Record-keeping of vote tallies was inconsistent and therefore is not included here.

* Codes Vote was tied 2-2, which means no decision was reached and the committee made no formal recommendation to the council. No vote record exists for committee votes for BL2016-234. The votes recorded here are the recollection of the Council members on these committees.

**

34

Top: Economic Development Tour of Metro Council Districts 20, 23 and 24. From left to right, Council members Mary Carolyn Roberts and Mina Johnson, Mayor Megan Barry and

Council member Kathleen Murphy.

Bottom: Meet & Greet with Belfast Lord Mayor Brian Kingston. Council members

pictured (left to right): Jeff Syracuse, Sharon Hurt, Sheri Weiner, Brett Withers, Mina

Johnson and Jim Shulman.

N AS H V I L L EC H A M B E R .C O M

Documents

TENNESSEEÊ GENERALÊ ASSEMBLYÊÊ + · PDF fileWe are pleased to share our 2017 Legislative Scorecard, ... Talent development of ... Chamber Legislative Priority Action Took action