Update from the Hill

February 5, 2010

The Governor presented his FY 2010/11 budget this week at his annual State of the State Address on Monday night.

For the complete text of the address, go to:

Bredesen_2010_State_of_the_State_Address.pdf

To view the proposed budget and/or the compilation of base budget reductions go to:

Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budget Publications

Generally, the legislative reaction to the budget the Governor referred to as a “commonsense family budget” has been positive.  Governor Bredesen proposed significant cuts but used reserves to “buy back” some of the cuts to social services for the next two years.  He also proposed significant cuts to state employees but used reserves to “buy back” some of those positions as well.

He suggested an increase in the drivers’ license fee to fund some services in the Department of Safety but no other fee increases were recommended.

He also suggested a few tax increases, including some cable and telecommunications taxation and REIT taxation.  These new taxes have not been warmly received by House or Senate republicans who may cause some friction and thus a potential $49 million recurring hole before final passage.

The budget was the main topic of conversation this week and will remain the hot topic throughout this session.  The Funding Board is scheduled to meet in early April and is expected to provide revenue estimates at that time.  Most legislators agree that the budget picture is not going to improve, and they should go ahead and act on the budget.  Then they can return to their districts to protect their seats during the upcoming elections.

The standing committees are also starting to schedule bills and take votes, and are even talking about shutting down in late March and early April.  This talk bodes well for an early adjournment, but we shan’t hold our breaths!

February 1, 2010

In his speech the Governor is expected to acknowledge one of the most serious financial crises to face the state in recent memory.  He will recognize that the revenue collections for the last 19 months have been lower than expected, and that the loss of federal stimulus dollars, which “bought back” several cuts last year, will make this the most difficult budget of his tenure.

However, he will also acknowledge that he will not cut every state program.  He is expected to pay special attention to K-12 education by attempting to provide additional dollars for the state’s portion of the Better Education Program.  He has also announced publicly that he will not ask for massive cuts from the Department of Corrections, which would have necessitated releasing state prisoners.  It is expected that he will address the need for additional dollars to keep the state’s pension program whole and to address increased costs for state employee health benefits.

However, the rest of state government can expect significant cuts under his proposed budget. 

He is not expected to ask for any broad general increase in state taxes, but he may suggest some increases in certain state fees to offset losses to state programs.  Further, he is expected to recommend state employee layoffs, although the exact number of layoffs is unknown.

He is also likely to recommend the use of limited amounts of the state’s reserve funds to offset some of the cuts.  Overall he must present a budget that balances.

His speech tonight will not provide all the details that everyone will be wondering about.  Tuesday morning at 8:30 am CST, Finance and Administration Commissioner Dave Goetz will make a more detailed presentation to the Senate Finance Committee and many questions will begin to be answered there.  Commissioner Goetz will make a similar presentation to the House Finance Committee at 2:00 pm on Tuesday and either can be watched via streaming video at www.capitol.tn.gov.

As the committees begin deliberations of the Governor’s proposed budget, there will be further and much more detailed presentations about individual agency budgets where more questions will be answered and facts will be gleaned. 

Tonight is just the beginning of the process, and it will be a long and arduous process to be sure!

January 11, 2010

Special Session

The 106^th General Assembly convenes in Nashville tomorrow at noon and will move into a special session, officially known as the “First Extraordinary Session,” at 4:00 p.m. Governor Phil Bredesen will address the joint legislature at 5:00 p.m. to detail the reasons for the special session.

Governor Bredesen issued the formal call for a special session of the legislature last Friday. It was crafted with 17 very specific provisions, mostly related to K-12 education and higher education in the state, but it also included a provision related to a troublesome workers comp issue affecting subcontractors in the construction industry. A copy of the call is posted on our website, at www.smithharriscarr.com .

The workers comp problem surfaced after passage of a bill last year requiring general contractors to ensure that subcontractors have workers comp coverage. Many subcontractors are sole proprietors, who have complained that the cost of coverage is prohibitive, and the fact that the construction industry is so depressed is an additional factor. The requirement became effective on January 1, but the legislature is expected to repeal it as soon as possible.

The primary purpose of the special session is to enable the state to apply for its share of the federal “Race to the Top” funding to augment our BEP funds in K-12. The degree to which teachers should be accountable for improvement in student test scores will be a source of major debate for legislators. Although the Governor will reportedly not push for a merger of the Board of Regents and the University of Tennessee system, he is also proposing a number of measures aimed at increasing the efficiency and cooperation between the two systems of public higher education.

Theoretically, the special session will last about a week, but that is not a sure thing. When the special session ends, the legislature will resume the regular session. The Governor is expected to present his proposed 2010-2011 budget to them by February 1.

SHC News

We are very excited to announce that our partner Meagan Frazier Grosvenor and her husband Jerry are expecting their first child on July 10. (Good timing, guys – thank you!)

And, last, but not least, we welcome our 2010 intern, Justin Benjamin, who is a Memphis native, a graduate of the University of Memphis, and a former intern at the state legislature.

November 6, 2009

August 18, 2009

“How Low Can You Go?”

Tennessee continues to make history, but not the kind that we would prefer!

The fiscal year 2008-2009 experienced 12 straight months of negative revenue growth. Commissioner Dave Goetz reports this is a first since the state began keeping records. Year-to-date collections for the previous twelve months were $1.2 billion less than the budgeted estimate.  Sales tax revenues have experienced negative growth for 17 out of the past 19 months when compared to the prior year.

The continuation of this decline in revenues has forced the administration to hold back approximately $56 million in appropriations from all state departments and agencies.  All agencies have been notified of what is being “held back” and the legislature’s finance and fiscal review committees have been briefed.

Of course, the continued downturn in revenue does not bode well for the next legislative session and an anticipated budget process that will not be a pretty one.

“Run for the round house, Momma, they’ll never corner you there!”

The next general election is 15 months away, and it is already getting plenty of press attention.  The fundraising calls are coming in fast and furious.

As of today three sitting state senators are running for governor in addition to a former house of representatives member, a current mayor, a current congressman and the son of a former governor.  Despite the state’s dire financial situation, there does not seem to be a shortage of people who want an opportunity to lead the state through these troubled waters.

“You’re so special”

A special election will be held in Shelby County to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Sen. Paul Stanley (R-Germantown).  To date, only state representative Brian Kelsey (R-Collierville) has announced his intention to run in the special election.  Several other community leaders and legislators have chosen not to run. 

Should Rep. Kelsey be elected to the Senate, a special election will have to be held to elect a replacement for him as long as the special election occurs 12 months prior to the next general election.

Early voting has started in the special election to replace former State Representative Curt Cobb (D-Shelbyville).  Cobb recently resigned to take the job as Clerk and Master in Bedford County.  His brother, Ty Cobb is running as the sole democrat to fill the seat.  There are four candidates in the Republican primary, and one independent running.

All this moving around is also creating a lot of discussion about Senate Commerce Committee chairmanship for the 2010 session.    At this point, Lt. Gov Ramsey remains mum on his plans.

“Home is where the heart is”

Speaker Kent Williams had his Chief of Staff Burney Durham send out a letter to all members of the house encouraging them to minimize their per diem expenses during the off session. 

The Speaker suggests that meetings be scheduled for back to back days when possible and that overnight stays be kept to a minimum.

July 13, 2009

BUDGET WOES

State tax revenues continued to decline in June, for the eleventh consecutive month of the fiscal year. Tennessee sales tax collections have experienced negative growth for 16 of the past 18 months as compared to the year before. Overall, June revenues were $134.8 million less than the state budgeted.

“Governor Bredesen and the legislature worked together to map a multi-year path to preserve budget stability, so we are positioned to weather the economic downturn,” Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz said.  “By maintaining healthy cash reserves while reducing spending we are able to keep the state’s budget balanced, but we need to continue to make sure our spending is in line with collections ongoing.”

EDISON PROJECT UPDATE

Fiscal Review committee met last week to hear from Comptroller Justin Wilson and Commissioner Dave Goetz regarding the Edison System.  To watch the update on the implementation of the project go to:http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/videowrapper/default.aspx?CommID=53. 

ELECTIONS

State Rep. Curt Cobb has been named Bedford County Clerk and Master by 17th Judicial District Chancellor J.B. Cox and has resigned from his House seat.  In cases where there is less than 12 months remaining in a term, the county commission from the previous member's home county makes an appointment, but, if more than 12 months remain, a special election is held. Governor Bredesen issued the writ of election on July 1 to set the primary election on August 27 and the general election on October 13.  The election is likely to draw significant attention because of the close party division in the House.  Last November, Republicans gained a 50-49 advantage in the lower chamber.  Cobb’s own brother, Ty Cobb (not to be confused with the current Rep. Ty Cobb from Columbia), has announced he will be running for his brother’s seat as a Democrat. 

Other legislators who have announced they will not be seeking re-election in 2010 include Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet), who has decided to run for Wilson County Mayor, Senator Tim Burchett (R- Knoxville), running for Knox County Mayor, and Representative John Litz (D- Morristown), running for Hamblen County Mayor.

June 18, 2009

The first session of the 106^th General Assembly is expected to adjourn today.

Appropriations Bill and Bond Bill

Last night (and early this morning) the House and Senate passed a FY 2009-10 budget and a bonding authorization for FY 2009-10, neither requiring a conference committee.  The appropriations package was the culmination of several days’ worth of meeting and negotiation between the Bredesen administration and the leadership of the Tennessee Senate and the Tennessee House.

As passed, the $ 29.6 billion budget is 10.2% smaller than the current year’s budget.  The final product closely resembles the package that Governor Bredesen recommended, with a few additions and adjustments made by legislative action.  Some additional appropriations were made for mental health and children’s services, as well as a few pet legislative projects.  Further, an addition was made which authorizes the administration to “impound” up to $55 million worth of expenditures if revenues continue to suffer.  The latter was a proposal recommended by the Senate Finance Committee last Friday.  Of great significance to Governor Bredesen, his requested funding of pre-Kindergarten remains intact.

The final vote on passage of the budget in the House was 85-12.  In the Senate the final vote was 32-1.

Omnibus Budget Bill and Technical Corrections Bill

Earlier in the day, the omnibus budget bill and the Department of Revenue’s technical corrections bill received final approval and is headed to the Governor.  As you may remember, both these bills had to pass in order for the budget to be funded.  The technical corrections bill included a series of changes to the tax codes, and the omnibus budget bill amended various statutes which will allow some of the cuts proposed by the Bredesen administration to be implemented.

Charter Schools

In a surprise move yesterday, the House Education Committee re-opened and passed out a charter school proposal.  This action also came after several weeks of discussion between Tennessee education officials, the United States Dept of Education, and members of the House Democratic Caucus, among others.  Advocates for charter schools are absolutely thrilled, and the Tennessee Education Association will live to fight another day.

Registry of Election Finance and Tennessee Ethics Commission

Legislation also passed yesterday which will merge the offices of the current Registry of Election Finance, which governs campaign financing, and the Tennessee Ethics Commission, which governs lobbyists and employers of lobbyists.  It is being billed as a cost saving measure but may also be attributed to personality conflicts between various officials and the recently terminated executive director of the Tennessee Ethics Commission.

The legislation moves the existing six-member Tennessee Ethics Commission board and their responsibilities under the new Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance.  The bureau will be governed by the current six-member of the Registry of Election Finance board for campaign finance compliance and enforcement and by the TEC board for lobbying compliance and enforcement. Expected savings to state government are about $350,000 annually.

Activities of the Last Day

The House and Senate are spending today working off the remaining items on their calendars.  The Senate Finance Committee has met and taken action on all the various bills which had been placed “behind the budget.”  Those bills that were funded in last night’s budget passed out, and the others will remain in Finance to be dealt with next year.

The House held a floor session this morning to work through a few remaining items before recessing until later this afternoon. Currently, the House Calendar and Rules Committee is considering legislation dealing with whether or not state legislators may raise campaign funds during session when running for an office other than the General Assembly, such as Governor. (Three sitting legislators have announced their interest in running for Governor, as of this date.)

Although tonight’s sessions aren’t expected to drag on as long as last night, it is still not quite over.

As always, please feel free to call with any questions or concerns. 

And, HAPPY SUMMER!

June 12, 2009

This is now the latest that the Tennessee General Assembly has been in session since the income tax debate of 2002.

And, they are coming back next week…………and maybe even the week after……..

The House continued to work off its committee and floor calendars this week. They heard a variety of issues but took no votes on the budget package.

The Senate took up the budget package and moved the entire budget package out of the Senate Finance Committee.  However, the Senate did not work off many of their other bills, which have been on floor calendars for several days.

Omnibus Budget Bill & Technical Corrections

Today, the Senate voted on final passage of the omnibus budget bill, which makes the statutory changes necessary to implement the reductions in the budget.  They also voted on final passage of the technical corrections bill, the annual revenue codes re-write.

The omnibus budget bill passed largely as the administration had suggested.  The technical corrections bill also passed with the administration’s suggested amendments. However, the Senate removed the tax on cable boxes and the increase in the tax on long distance telephone services.

Both of these bills passed the Senate floor in a bi-partisan manner.

If you had items of interest in either the technical corrections bill (SB 2318), or the omnibus budget bill (SB 2357), we strongly suggest that you go to the legislature’s website at www.capitol.tn.gov and review the amendments which were adopted to the bills.

Appropriations Bill

On Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee considered the Governor’s appropriations bill and the administration amendment.  After hearing the presentation, Sen. McNally, on behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus, offered an amendment which cut an additional $100 million from the Governor’s budget.  Nothing was shielded from the additional cuts including pre-K, HIV/AIDS funding, and most every capitol project.  After reviewing the Republican alternative, the committee adjourned for the evening.  During press availability later that evening and the next day, Governor Bredesen and leading Senate Democrats referred to the Republican alternative budget as “stupid.”

On Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee scheduled and delayed several hearings on the appropriations bill while meetings were being held among leadership and finance committee officers.  The Senate Floor sessions were also scheduled, but each time they were delayed because of business before the finance committee.

Today Sen. McNally offered an amended version of the Senate Republican Caucus amendment to the Governor’s appropriations bill.  Although there were still many cuts, several of the more prominent items including the West Tennessee Economic Development Mega site, the Solar Farm and the HIV/AIDS funding were recommended for restoration.  A great deal of discussion occurred around poison control center funding, but it was not ultimately restored.  After adopting the administration amendment as amended by Sen. McNally’s amendment, the Senate Finance Committee voted out the appropriations bill on a straight party line vote. 

A real bone of contention for Governor Bredesen remains the fact that the Senate Republican Caucus budget amendment makes the pre-K funding non-recurring.

The appropriations bill is scheduled for consideration on the Senate floor next Tuesday.

The House is expected to take action on the entire budget package next week.

The big question on everyone’s mind is whether or not a conference committee on the appropriations bill will be required.  If the bill goes to conference, the session may not end next week.

Because of the late sessions, and many bills which were considered by the Senate today, the weekly reports will be emailed on Monday.  If you have any specific questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Next week’s schedule begins on Monday with a House Budget Subcommittee meeting.  We are hopeful that they will begin work on the budget package at that time.  Also on Monday, Senate Finance will meet to take up the bills which were placed “behind the budget.”

Both the House and Senate go back into floor session on Tuesday of next week.

June 5, 2009

There were encouraging signs this week of an end nearly in sight to the 2009 legislative session.

A revised amendment for the omnibus budget bill was circulated, although language troubling to mental health advocates remains.  The issue is “suitable accommodations” and what happens to potential involuntary commitments when the state mental health institutes determine that they are unable to accept new patients.  The omnibus bill must pass in order to balance this year’s state budget, where the shortfall in expected revenue continues to grow monthly. 

The “technical corrections” amendment was also unveiled this week, which is much later than usual.  It contains a variety of housekeeping changes to the tax code as well as new tax policy.  At 72 pages long, it will undoubtedly generate discussion and perhaps controversy as legislators and the administration struggle mightily to produce a balanced budget for the fiscal year that begins on July 1.

Additionally, the administration amendment to the appropriations bill was released making the necessary changes to accommodate the revised budget priorities as well as providing funding for some legislation which has passed or is expected to pass.  There were no real surprises in this document.  The legislature will review this amendment, and then they will likely also adopt their own amendment making a few further changes.

“Flo-mo,” as some call it, has kicked in on the House side allowing bills to move through the Budget Subcommittee, the House Finance Committee, and the Calendar Committee all on the same day.  A number of Senate rules have also been suspended.  The rules changes enable the legislative process to flow more smoothly and more quickly as the number of issues at hand diminishes.  Of course, those that remain are the really hard ones.

Speaking of contentious issues, the judicial selection issue seems to be nearing the end.  The House version of the bill contains one item which is different from the one the Senate approved.  At this point the plan includes a 17-member Judicial Nominating Commission appointed by the two speakers. The commission will offer a panel of three names to the governor for any judicial vacancy. The House removed a provision that would allow the Governor to “reach down” past the recommendations made to him to choose among all of the applicants. The bill remains on the Senate Message Calendar awaiting action.

Despite the progress, it appears the session will not end before the week of June 15.  In addition to the normal (and sometimes excruciating) processing required, next week is the Country Music Festival in Nashville, and many legislators have reported difficulty in lining up hotel rooms on Thursday and Friday nights..   

We are betting on an end by June 18. 

May 21, 2009

Revenue Collections

Those responsible for collecting revenues in Tennessee are beginning to hum the words to that famous Ray Charles song….”If it wasn’t for bad luck, ya’ll….oh ….I wouldn’t have no luck at all.”

State tax revenue in April came in nearly $200 million less than budgeted; resulting in a total gap in collections so far this fiscal year of nearly $900 million.

All this bad news is making it really hard for the legislature to wrap their arms around the Governor’s original proposed budget and figure out where additional cuts can be made.  There is general uncertainty in all things financial at this point, and no one feels safe from the budget cutting scalpel.

The Budget Process

Along these lines, the administration floated the “omnibus budget amendment” this week which involves changes to various parts of the code to implement cuts expected as a part of the budget process.  There is something in this amendment for everyone to hate.  A copy of the amendment was posted on Sen. Democratic Leader Jim Kyle’s website at http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/members/s28.html. 

The annual Department of Revenue’s “technical corrections” bill also got put on calendars this week, but no action was taken.  Commissioner Farr is continuing to refine the language of the amendment, and we will share it when available.

So far, the appropriations bills have not been put on any calendar, but we can expect them to make an appearance in the next couple of weeks.  Budget amendment deadlines have long passed, and many amendments were filed, although the prospects of making significant changes in this financial situation are daunting.

When are they going home?

Several standing committees in the House and Senate, other than the Finance Committee, are starting to shut down and next week is expected to be the final meeting of several more.  However, despite all these good signs the conventional wisdom is that the legislature will be in session until mid-June.

REMINDER:

May 15^th is the deadline for filing the Semi-Annual Lobbying Expenditure Report.  If you have not yet filed your report, please do so before close of business tomorrow.  You may call us with any questions.

 March 22 , 2009

REVENUE

In what seems to be a recurring theme for our state, the February report showed January tax revenues down 9% from budgeted estimates.  The report is the seventh month in this fiscal year that sales taxes and corporate income taxes have shown negative growth compared to a year ago and the twelfth negative growth month for sales tax collections.  Year to date collections for the first seven months are nearly $600 million below budgeted estimates.

The General Assembly is anxiously awaiting the Governor’s budget proposal, which is expected to be presented on March 30^th.  In the interim, the committees are hearing bills which do not have significant fiscal impact to state or local governments.

Most committees are simply deferring any hearings on bills with significant fiscal impact knowing that their ultimate passage is not likely.

BILL FILING

The Governor’s administration package of over 100 bills was introduced on the final day for filing bills.  His package includes bills on every subject from the Tennessee Judicial Selection process to pre-kindergarten programs to restaurant menus and calorie content.  There seems to be something for everyone to either love or hate. Of some interest may be the sponsorship of the administration package.  Every one of the Senate bills lists Sen. Jim Kyle, the Senate Democratic Leader, as the main sponsor.  It is expected that he will “divvy” the bills up among other Democrats.  However, every House bill lists Rep. Mike Turner, House Democratic Caucus Chair, as the prime sponsor.  Historically, the House Democratic Leader would be the sponsor of the Governor’s package, but a rift between Rep. Gary Odom, House Democratic Leader, and Governor Phil Bredesen has apparently resulted in a break with tradition.

The administration budget bill will be SB 2304 / HB 2223 and the ever-important Department of Revenue Technical Corrections bill appears to be SB 2318 / HB 2275.  If there are question about these bills, or others, please let us know.

HOUSE UPHEAVAL

The new “Willy Wirehand” book of legislators lists Speaker Kent Williams as a “Carter County Republican,” which is the party affiliation he prefers.  Although Robin Smith, Executive Director of the Tennessee Republican Party, has declared that Speaker Williams was no longer a party member, he continued to attend House Republican Caucus meetings.  Last week, Republican Leader Jason Mumpower also declared that Speaker Williams was no longer welcome in House Republican Caucus meetings.  Shortly after Leader Mumpower’s announcement, Rep. Joe McCord (R-Maryville) announced the formation of the House Rural Republican Caucus and invited Speaker Williams to join. It is clear from these machinations that the raw emotions as a result of Speaker Williams election have yet to heal.

LEGISLATIVE OFFICES

It has been quite confusing trying to find legislative offices since the recess ended.  The Senate Republicans have now settled into their new Legislative Plaza offices and are enjoying the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Lt. Governor and the Senate hearing room.  At the same time, the Senate Democrats are enjoying being in the relative quiet of the 3^rd floor of the War Memorial Building and having windows, for a change.  For the most part, everyone seems settled.

On the House side, there is still some adjusting as Speaker Williams decided that offices did not have to move from their 105^th General Assembly locations.  So, it’s still mainly Democrats that are located in the Legislative Plaza with a few Democrats and virtually all the Republicans located in the War Memorial Building.

ISSUES OF INTEREST

As expected, various bills on the subject of guns are moving in both the House and Senate.  Bills dealing with carry permit holders carrying in a variety of places, including state parks and bars, are moving through the House subcommittee and committee process as well as the Senate committee process.

Also, SJR 127, on the subject of abortion, has been introduced and is on notice for Senate hearing this week.  Additionally, the House Health Committee is holding a hearing on all bills dealing with reproductive rights, including four HJR’s that are similar to SJR127.  A number of bills dealing with the subject of abortion are expected to pass during this General Assembly.

January 16, 2009

In a very surprising move, the House of Representatives has elected State Representative Kent Williams as the House Speaker of the 106th General Assembly. The vote was 50-49 with all 49 democrats and Rep. Williams voting for Williams. The remaining 49 Republicans voted for Jason Mumpower, the Republican Leader of the 105th General Assembly and expected Speaker of the 106th General Assembly.

Mumpower was nominated by Rep. Charles Sargent (R-Franklin) and Rep. Susan Lynn (R-Lebanon). Williams was nominated by Rep. Gary Odom (D-Nashville) and Rep. John Litz (D-Morristown).

Immediately after the vote, Rep. Williams was sworn in by Chief Justice Janice Holder. Then, a 30 minute recess was requested and received.

Upon the conclusion of the recess, the House will proceed to vote on the office of Speaker Pro-Tempore of the House. That office was expected to go to Rep. Steve McDaniel (R-Parkers Crossroads) but at this point it is anyone’s guess!

As expected, the Senate elected current Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey to a second term.

After the surprise election of Rep. Kent Williams as House Speaker, there were two nominations for Speaker Pro Tem.

Current Speaker Pro Tem Lois DeBerry was nominated by the House Democrats for another term, and Rep. Jason Mumpower asked for a brief recess for the Republican Caucus. When they returned to the House chamber, Rep. Beth Harwell was nominated by the Republicans for the post. This was also something of a surprise because Rep. Steve McDaniel had been considered the likely Speaker Pro Tem candidate of the Republican Caucus.

Rep. DeBerry was elected by a 50-49 roll call vote with the support of a lone Republican, newly elected Speaker Kent Williams.

Speaker Williams took over the gavel from former Speaker Naifeh and made brief remarks, promising to lead in a bipartisan fashion, to appoint committee chairs based on seniority and ability, with some emphasis on "ability," and offering some assurance to anxious House staff members that their jobs were secure.

Despite Tuesday’s turn of events, the Republicans were successful in electing their caucus nominees for the state constitutional offices. Tre’ Hargett, a former Republican legislator recently named to the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, defeated the sitting Secretary of State, Riley Darnell, by 9 votes. Representative Dennis Ferguson was the only Democrat to vote for Hargett .

Justin Wilson was elected to the office of Comptroller of the Treasury. The strictly party line vote helped to defeat John Morgan, who has held the position since 1999. Treasurer Dale Sims lost his position to David Lillard, an attorney and county commissioner from Memphis, on a party line vote as well. They were sworn into office on the House floor by Tennessee Supreme Court justice Bill Koch immediately following their elections.