Video :: Haslam Delivers During First 100 Days

Monday, April 25, 2011 | 05:30am

Fiscally Conservative Budget, Education Reform and Jobs Proposals Highlight Time in Office

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today marked his first 100 days in office, a time in which he focused on what state voters elected him to do: make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.  Highlights of his time in office include:

  • Proposing a strategic legislative package that focuses on economic development through education reforms targeted at creating a well-educated workforce and ensuring an attractive business environment in Tennessee;
  • Signing his tenure reform legislation into law;
  • Announcing a $40 million public-private charter school growth fund;
  • Proposing a balanced state budget that is $1.8 billion less than the previous year’s budget;
  • Proposing a 1.6 percent salary increase for state employees after four years without one;
  • Announcing a Jobs4TN plan that identifies four key strategies which include:
  1. prioritizing the strategic recruitment of target industries;
  2. assisting existing Tennessee businesses with expansion and competitiveness,
  3. supporting regional and rural economic development strategies
  4. as well as investing in innovation and reducing business regulation;
  • Announcing a top-to-bottom review of the department of Economic and Community Development as a pilot process for other state departments and agencies to follow;
  • And conducting a thorough review of state rules and regulations.  

“It is an honor to serve as governor, and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in working with the General Assembly and people across the state,” Haslam said. “Whether it is during meetings with educators, business people or local officials, I appreciate the opportunity to hear from Tennesseans and receive real-time feedback on the things that matter to them.”

“I believe these first 100 days have positioned us for growth as we adjust to governing in the ‘new normal’ that requires us to exert more energy and consumes less,” Haslam added.

Haslam has balanced his time between the state capitol and traveling the state meeting with educators and business leaders to gather information about improving education and growing jobs. He has hosted 17 education discussions and six business roundtables.

In addition to the General Assembly passing his tenure reform bill, the governor’s legislative package including charter school legislation, tort reform and the budget is proceeding through the legislative process.