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Senator Stevens Said State in Great Financial Position

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HUNTINGDON — State Senator John Stevens said its a good time to live in Tennessee and Carroll County. Speaking to a forum hosted by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce on Friday, February 11 at the Carroll County Civic Center.

Brad Hurley, president of the Chamber, introduced Stevens (R-Huntingdon), who was first elected in 2012 and is in his third four-year term.

Stevens is the first of the three senators and representatives that represent Carroll County to speak during a Chamber forum.

Stevens said the state is financially stronger than its ever been. Unemployment is low and more jobs are heading to West Tennessee, such as Ford’s Blue Oval project along I-40 at the Memphis Megasite.

The Governor proposes to add funds to K-12, roads and infrastructure, eliminate the professional privilege tax, and eliminate some taxes on agriculture.

Stevens said he has introduced legislation to prevent social media companies from deplatforming persons because of speech, politics, ideology. He said the online services would be considered common carriers, similar to a telephone companies.

One of the highway improvements is an improved interchange at Interstate 40 in Benton County, said Steven.

During the question session, McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland asked about the possibility of the local governments again receiving the portion of sales tax on single item sales that was taken away in the year 2002. Stevens said it probably will not happen during this budget cycle.

The Senator said he supports more truth in sentencing laws as it relates to criminal courts.

Stevens also announced the Governor included $11 million in the state budget to retire the debt on the Carroll County 1000-Acre Recreational Lake. It would possibly then become a TWRA-owned and operated lake.