Tennessee State Representative Curtis Johnson
House Joint Resolution 507 calls for Tennessee’s commitment to sustainable energy
Nashville, TN – This week, House Joint Resolution 507 sailed through the legislature with unanimous support from state lawmakers.
As passed, the resolution resolves that the 109th General Assembly supports the creation of a long-term energy plan to address the future needs of the state with affordable energy that also encourages business growth in Tennessee.
House Resolution 507 specifically urges the Congress of the United States to provide the necessary resources, needed by the Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to further research liquid-core-molten-salt-reactors and small modular reactors.
These nuclear reactors are fueled by thorium, instead of traditional uranium, thus making the reactors fail-safe. Additionally, the reactors can also produce radioisotopes to help medical diagnoses and treatment plans, and can desalinate water to help meet the constant need for fresh water in areas across the nation and globe.
A certified copy of the House Joint Resolution will be transmitted to each member of the Tennessee Congressional delegation.
In addition, House Joint Resolution 507 is not the only piece of legislation this session focusing on the energy needs of Tennessee. House Bill 2151, set to next be heard in the House Government Operations Committee, will create a thirteen-member state energy policy council to advise the Governor and the General Assembly on Tennessee’s energy needs.
Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day – March 8th
On Tuesday, the Alzheimer’s Association gathered on Capitol Hill to bring awareness to this devastating disease. According to the New England Journal of Medicine Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America. Nine percent of Tennessee’s Medicaid budget goes to dementia care.
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.
There are nearly 418,000 family caregivers in the state of Tennessee. Taking care of an Alzheimer patient is very stressful and time consuming. It is estimated that these caregivers provided 476 million hours of unpaid care.
For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association call 1.800.272.3900 or visit their website at www.alz.org
“Slow Poke Bill” Wins Approval in State House
Legislation designed to cut down on congested traffic and increase safety on Tennessee interstates won approval this week in the State House.
In essence, the bill restricts slow drivers from continuously driving in the far left lane and impeding the normal flow of traffic.
Currently, 29 other states have similar legislation on the books, with evidence showing such laws do increase the flow of traffic, help increase safety on busy roads, and cut down on the occurrence of traffic jams on major highways and interstates.
Contact Information
Representative Curtis Johnson
15 Legislative Plaza
Nashville, TN 37243
615.741.4341
rep.curtis.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
For more information about the Tennessee General Assembly, check our website at www.capitol.tn.gov
