NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam is appealing to officials from Tennessee cities and towns to help influence what he describes as a "changing Legislature."
The Republican governor said in a speech to the Tennessee Municipal League in Nashville on Tuesday that local officials need to get directly involved in engaging with state lawmakers on important issues.
Haslam told reporters after the speech that once powerful institutions like lobbyists, the media, chambers of commerce and hospitals no longer carry as much sway with the General Assembly.
Haslam this year saw lawmakers defeat his signature Insure Tennessee proposal to extend health insurance to an estimated 280,000 low-income people despite strong public support and the backing of business and hospital groups.
The governor also faces a steep path on increasing the state's gas tax.