NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After more than a year of discussions and negotiations with the federal government, Tennessee’s Medicaid “Block Grant” waiver amendment received approval today by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Tennessee is the first state in the nation to be granted approval for this type of block grant arrangement, which will result in an innovative, alternative financing arrangement for its Medicaid program and provide additional flexibilities relative to its administration.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Clarence Carter will serve in his cabinet as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced today the Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide direct assistance to Metro Nashville-Davidson County under the federal Public Assistance program for the emergency response to the Christmas day bombing in downtown Nashville.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a new digital tool to help inform Tennesseans when they will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee today announced a call for the Tennessee General Assembly to convene for a special legislative session on January 19, 2021 to address urgent issues facing Tennessee students and schools in the 2021-22 school year.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following statement: “Maria began exhibiting mild symptoms of COVID-19 and it was confirmed this afternoon that she has tested positive. I am feeling well with no symptoms and have tested negative for COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution, I will be quarantining at the Governor’s Residence and still plan to address Tennesseans about the COVID-19 surge tomorrow at 7 p.m. CDT.” – Gov. Lee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Jeff McCord today announced a new campaign, “Let’s Get to Work Tennessee,” to help Tennesseans find and obtain meaningful employment. As COVID-19 has caused significant disruptions to employment and the economy across the state, the new campaign encourages Tennesseans to join the workforce and secure one of the thousands of jobs currently available. The ad is airing across the state on broadcast TV, cable, radio, outdoor and digital media.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Major General Tommy H. Baker as the interim commissioner for the Department of Veterans Services. Former commissioner Courtney Rogers will return to the private sector.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –Tennessee Governor Bill Lee will join Vice President Mike Pence in Memphis, Tennessee on Thursday, December 3rd in a roundtable highlighting Operation Warp Speed and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine distribution program, and Tennessee’s plan to operationalize vaccinations once approved. The governor and members of the Unified Command Group will hold a brief media availability at the conclusion of the event.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that former member of the General Assembly Representative John DeBerry of Memphis will join his cabinet as a senior advisor.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee today announced the State’s holiday events, including Christmas at the Capitol and the “Christmas Through the Years” virtual tour of the Tennessee Residence.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee today announced the first bill of his administration’s legislative package for the 2021 General Assembly. The Reemployment Act from the Department of the Military will provide reemployment protections to Tennessee National Guard service members who are called to state active duty.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced today the appointment of Tony Mathews as Interim Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, effective immediately. Mathews will serve in the role until a permanent commissioner is named.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee today announced a new ad as part of its continued “Face It, Masks Fight COVID-19” campaign. The new ad promotes responsible decision-making by Tennesseans as the state continues to fight the spread of COVID-19 and is airing across the state on broadcast, cable, radio, outdoor and digital media.