NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This has been a very busy week for the new 111th Tennessee General Assembly. The House began a new era Tuesday with the election of its first new speaker in eight years.
On hand were former speakers from the past, including Jimmy Naifeh and Kent Williams. Rep. Glen Casada was handed over the gavel from retiring Speaker Beth Harwell who was the first female to hold the position of speaker of the house.
“Today I accept this gavel in the spirit of partnership, not partisanship,” said Casada.
While making that pledge, and even getting a few Democrat votes, Casada told House members they will aim to have increased say and sway over budget spending that affects schools, roads and public safety, and also involve a new governor and the 33-member Senate.
“Together, the House will lead,” said Rep. Casada as he closed his first speech as Speaker.
Tennessee’s newest House Speaker Glen Casada also made committee assignments Thursday, Jan. 10 for the 111th General Assembly.
Rutherford County’s delegation members picked up with one committee chairmanship and two subcommittee chairmanships more than Davidson County.
Rutherford County’s senior Rep. Mike Sparks, Dist. 49, was named to the Consumer & Human Resources; Insurance; and Naming, Designating & Private Acts committees. Sparks will chair the Consumer & Human Resources Consumer Subcommittee and sit on the Insurance Property & Casualty Subcommittee.
Rep. Bryan Terry, MD, Dist. 48, will chair the Health Committee and sit on the Insurance Committee. Terry, who works as an anesthesiologist, was also named to the Facilities, Licensure, & Regulations; Mental Health & Substance Abuse; and Public Health subcommittees.
Rep. Tim Rudd, Dist. 34, was assigned to the Insurance Committee and Property & Casualty Subcommittee. Rudd was also named to the Local Committee and will chair its Elections & Campaign Finance Subcommittee.
Rep. Charlie Baum, Dist. 37, was named to the Finance and Education committees. He will sit on the Education Curriculum, Testing, & Innovation Subcommittee.
The 111th General Assembly will reconvene, Friday Jan. 18th in Nashville.
