Latest news with #FarmlandPreservationAct
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Turn Up Knox responds to cancelled contract, says it worked 4+ months without pay
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Violence prevention nonprofit Turn Up Knox (TUK) released a response after the City of Knoxville terminated their contract in February. The statement responds to the city's criticisms of the nonprofit released in February. For example, the City said TUK's spending exceeded available funds, a claim TUK said is 'simply NOT true.' Governor Lee signs Farmland Preservation Act TUK also said the City failed to pay it for 139 days of work. It says it was not paid for work completed in September and October 2024, August 2023 and June through August 2022. The nonprofit did receive payment for some of these months in April 2024 after termination. The City said there were delays in TUK submitting required reports, but TUK stated that the City's reporting requirements changed multiple times, often with little notice. The nonprofit said that its requests for clarity were unmet. '[It] is difficult to submit a report when you have no idea what should be included in that report,' TUK said. TUK also disputed many other statements from the City's release. For example, the City said it issued a warning that TUK said it never received. TUK's Response to City's Overview of ContractDownload Given its 'historic results' TUK said 'one has to wonder what the real reason' its contract was terminated. In 2024, a Knoxville Police Department report stated that crime was down in nearly every category for 2024. This included a drop in homicides and non-fatal shootings. For years, Black and Brown men and women in Knoxville have disproportionately been victims of homicide, with percentages consistently surpassing more than half of all lives lost to violence. Families, neighborhoods, and entire communities have felt the weight of this crisis, mourning loved ones while desperately calling for change. But 2024 marked a historic shift. For the first time in recent history, the percentage of Black and Brown homicide victims dropped to 39%—a significant decrease from previous years. These are more than just statistics; these are lives saved, TUK release New Tennessee law opens empty school buildings to childcare agencies to combat shortage After the City terminated their contact, TUK received outside funding that has helped it continue. At the end of its response, TUK called on the City and City Council to reinstate the contract. The director is running for City Council. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Governor Lee signs Farmland Preservation Act
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the Farmland Preservation Act on Saturday meant to preserve farmland and forestland. The bill would allow farmers to enroll their land in a conservation easement that prevents the owner from selling or transferring it. In return, the farmers can get grants from a $25 million fund. This is meant to preserve farms for future generations. Knoxville Police identify woman killed in crash off Broadway 'Agriculture is the top driver of Tennessee's economy, and our farmers play an important role in our state's success,' said Lee. 'As Tennessee experiences unprecedented economic growth and job creation, the Farmland Preservation Act ensures that family farms can [be] preserved well into the future. I thank the General Assembly for their partnership in supporting rural communities so that all Tennesseans can thrive.' Tennessee's farmland and forests are being lost at a rate of 240 acres per day, according to Tennessee Representative Greg Vital (R – Harrison). Tennessee has lost over one million acres of farmland to development over the last 20 years. 'We are proud to partner with Governor Lee and the legislature to create this program,' said Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher. 'Tennessee is losing productive farm and forest land at an alarming rate. Once that land is converted to other uses, it doesn't change back. This voluntary program provides options to preserve that land for generations to come, ensuring that agriculture and forestry remain important aspects of Tennessee's economy, landscape, and identity.' This 'highly toxic' plant is spreading in Tennessee: Here's how to get rid of it The bill passed with bipartisan support. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Williamson County agriculture from Gov. Bill Lee's family farm
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Born and raised on his family's farm in Franklin, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has experienced Williamson County's rich agricultural heritage firsthand. 'We are the best state in the country, and part of that is because of what's happening not only in our big cities — but also out here in the country,' explained Lee. Gov. Lee grew up on Triple L Ranch, a cattle farm established by his grandfather more than 60 years ago. From early mornings working cattle, to participating in 4-H expos and Future Farmers of America programs, he said life on the farm as a child taught him the value of hard work — and conservation. 'Farmers know better than anyone that protecting the land is protecting their livelihood,' Lee said. 'Folks do oftentimes think that farmers are the problem, when they actually are those who understand the answers more than anyone.' News 2 On Tour | Explore the communities that shape Middle Tennessee Now, Lee draws on his experiences in rural Tennessee in the governor's office, especially when tackling a topic like growth. 'We lose 10 acres an hour of farmland in this state to development,' Lee said. He said like many areas across the state, Williamson County's winding roads and wide open spaces are attracting residents at record pace — threatening the foundation of Tennessee's economy. 'When I was a little kid here, this was a very different county,' Lee said. 'You've seen what's happened in the past 50 or 60 years, and it's an example of what can and will happen in Tennessee. It's why we have to plan to have economic development and preservation going on at the same time,' he said. Among his efforts to protect land for future generations, he passed the Farmland Preservation Act in April. It puts $25 million towards the Farmland Conservation Fund within the Department of Environment and Conservation, giving farmers an incentive to put their land into a conservation easement so it will not be developed in the future, Lee said. 'These things are not just something that people enjoy, they're absolutely livelihoods for many folks all across the state,' he said. Exploring Williamson County agriculture at Hatcher Family Dairy It's all in the hope that places like Triple L Ranch can carry on that agricultural legacy. Lee said multiple generations of his family live on the property. While it's a place that grounds him on the weekends, it is also where he pictures his future. 'It's a refuge for me, especially in the job that I have now. To come home and spend time at home, where I've lived my whole life, it's a gift,' he said. 'My grandparents lived and died here, my parents both lived and died here, I suspect I'll live and die here.' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Capitol Hill review: 114th General Assembly adjourns for 2025
State lawmakers concluded their business on April 22 in a successful first session of the 114th General Assembly. House and Senate Republicans delivered results for all Tennesseans this year by prioritizing conservative policies and fulfilling the General Assembly's constitutional duty of approving a balanced budget. The 2025 session was highlighted by efforts to strengthen education, improve public health and safety, bolster infrastructure and combat illegal immigration. Lawmakers this session worked to preserve Tennessee's rich agricultural and natural heritage, ensure government efficiency and promote economic opportunity. They also continued efforts to provide relief to the Tennesseans impacted by Hurricane Helene while helping increase preparedness for future disasters. These strategic investments aim to make life better for all in the Volunteer State. Republicans continued to build on their previous accomplishments and cemented Tennessee's status as a leader in common-sense conservative governance and prosperity. Marcy's Law to expand victims' rights heads to TN voters - A proposed constitutional amendment to expand the rights of victims in Tennessee now heads to voters in the state for final approval. Senate Joint Resolution 9, carried by State Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, proposes to put Marsy's Law in the state constitution to ensure crime victims' rights are protected in Tennessee. The legislation would amend Article 1, Section 35 of the Tennessee Constitution to establish clear and enforceable constitutional rights for victims of crime, including the rights to be: heard, informed and treated with fairness, dignity and respect through the judicial process. Named after Marsalee Nicholas, Marsy's Law is part of a nationwide effort to support crime victims and prevent further trauma. Marsy was murdered in 1983 by her ex-boyfriend, who stalked and killed her while she was a student at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Marsy's family ran into her murderer a week after her death on the way back from her funeral, unaware that he was released on bail. Marsy's Law seeks to ensure devastating and traumatic experiences like this never happen to victims in Tennessee. This proposed amendment will now be considered by Tennessee voters in the Nov. 3, 2026 gubernatorial election. Farmland Preservation Act helps conservation - Legislation aimed at supporting Tennessee's agricultural industry and preserving family farms now heads to the governor's desk for his signature following final passage in the General Assembly. The Farmland Preservation Act, House Bill 1325 establishes a $25 million fund to provide grants for property owners who voluntarily place their farm or forestry land into an agricultural easement with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The program aims to make farmland preservation financially feasible for family farms, ensuring they remain in agricultural use for future generations. Tennessee is losing farmland to development at a rapid rate. During a 20-year period from 1997 to 2017, Tennessee lost 1.1 million acres of farmland to development. Since 2017, another 432,941 acres of farmland have been lost. At this rate, Tennessee is losing 9.8 acres of farmland per hour. While property owners can already place their land in a conservation easement through various entities, rising land prices provide little incentive to do so. The Farmland Preservation Fund established in the bill provides this incentive, making it more financially viable for Tennessee farmers to preserve their land. Participation in the program is voluntary, allowing property owners to receive compensation for the difference between their land's agricultural value and its highest market value. Farmers who take part in the program would still maintain the freedom to develop their land for agricultural purposes and maintain full farming operations without restrictions on output. Agriculture-related industries employ 324,000 individuals and contribute $89 billion to Tennessee's economy. The Farmland Preservation Act becomes law July 1. General Assembly works to keep violent offenders in custody - The General Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that seeks to improve public safety in Tennessee by keeping violent offenders in custody. Senate Joint Resolution 25 will expand the offenses for which a judge can deny bail to include capital offenses, acts of terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape and grave torture. Currently, judges can only deny bail for capital offenses. The legislation would also improve transparency in Tennessee's criminal justice system by requiring judges and magistrates to explain their reasoning behind allowing or denying a defendant's bail. Two separate General Assemblies must first approve any proposed amendment to the Tennessee Constitution before it can be placed on the ballot for voters to decide. Senate Joint Resolution 25 received its first approval in the 113th General Assembly. Tennessee voters will now have the opportunity to approve this constitutional amendment in the Nov. 3, 2026, gubernatorial election. General Assembly creates advisory committee on K-12 testing - A Republican proposal seeking to streamline K-12 testing in Tennessee was approved by the General Assembly. House Bill 675 will create a ten-member joint legislative advisory committee on innovations in K-12 learning to study several aspects of Tennessee's educational system, including evaluations, assessments and other standards. The committee will study standardized testing for K-12 students, including frequency and how to apply student performance on tests for accountability purposes. It will also evaluate the following: Teacher and principal evaluations Screening requirements for response to intervention (RTI) in schools Health coverage and compensation for educators Expanding teaching permits Allowing CTE courses to substitute for graduation requirements The committee will develop strategies and suggestions to be reported to the General Assembly and the Tennessee Department of Education by the end of 2025. The purpose of this review is to support students and educators across the state. House Bill 675 heads to the governor for his consideration. It is an honor and privilege to be able to serve in the 71st District. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call or email our office at or 615-741-2190. This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Capitol Hill review: 114th General Assembly adjourns for 2025
