Tennessee Lookout reports Dept. of Children’s Services has held these kids for nearly 30 days due to a misdemeanor marijuana charge — NASHVILLE — Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) and Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis), chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, issued statements today urging the Department of Children’s Services to reunite five children with their parents. The Tennessee Lookout reported Bianca Clayborne and Deonte Williams were on Interstate 24 heading…

CEO Pay Disparity Tax would discourage corporations from paying starvation wages supplemented by government assistance programs — NASHVILLE — Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) and Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) are introducing legislation called the CEO Pay Disparity Tax to discourage billion-dollar companies from paying wages so low that their full-time employees qualify for government assistance. “When a big corporation has a huge disparity in pay between workers and…

Tennesseans deserve to know which companies pay their fair share, lawmakers say — NASHVILLE — After a report showing that 27 percent of billion-dollar companies in Tennessee pay no state income taxes, Sen. Heidi Campbell and Rep. John Ray Clemmons have filed legislation to advance corporate tax transparency.

Sen. Charlane Oliver: ‘Nashville wants to be a partner to the state, not a punching bag’ — NASHVILLE — Nashville lawmakers and Metro officials called today for an end to the legislature interfering with city affairs, saying the G.O.P. bill to reduce the size of the Metro Council will eliminate representation for minority communities. “If this legislation moves forward, I fear the representation of Black and brown…

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Senate Democratic leaders issued a statement following Gov. Bill Lee’s State of the State address, which took place tonight. Sen. Raumesh Akbari, Senate minority leader: We are glad to see an emphasis on tax cuts for small business owners, the conservation of our natural resources, and some targeted investments in maternity care, children…

Republican Gov. Bill Lee will offer his State of the State address Monday, Feb. 6 — Full remarks (0:00) Hello, my name is Karen Camper. I am the House Democratic Leader and I am proud to represent the 87th House District and the people of Memphis, Tennessee in the General…

Industry consolidation has hurt fan experience, lawmakers say — NASHVILLE — Music and sports fans could see the true cost of an online ticket purchase under new legislation proposed by state Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, and Sen. Heidi Campbell, D-Nashville. The Nashville Democrats say the legislation is needed to improve transparency and fairness for consumers, who routinely see ticket…

Legislation entrusts reproductive healthcare decisions, including abortion, to women, doctors — NASHVILLE — Democratic lawmakers—alongside doctors, faith leaders and community health advocates—announced Monday comprehensive legislation to restore legal access to reproductive care, including abortion, in Tennessee. The Fundamental Right to Reproductive Health Care Act would protect reproductive healthcare decisions as a “fundamental right” and restrict government from intruding on that freedom…

Senate Democratic leaders call for action to ‘uproot’ culture of police brutality — MEMPHIS — Senate Democratic leaders issued statements following charges against the police officers involved in the death of Tyre Nichols. Sen. Raumesh Akbari, Senate Democratic Leader: “While I applaud the swift action of the district attorney, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Memphis Police Department, there is no justice for Tyre Nichols today.