• Statement from Gov. Lee’s Office Regarding COVID-19 Exposure

    Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | 01:19pm

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s office released the following statement: "Today, a member of the Governor's Executive Security Detail has tested positive for COVID-19. Gov. Lee is feeling well and has tested negative for COVID-19 but out of an abundance of caution, he is quarantining at home with the First Lady until further notice. Governor's Office protocol requires masks and social distancing and no staff are believed to be positive at this time. The regularly scheduled, in-person press briefing will be canceled and Gov. Lee will provide an update to reporters by phone this afternoon with Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey."

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  • Gov. Lee Announces $50 Million in New Business Relief Funding

    Wednesday, October 07, 2020 | 11:52am

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group (FSAG) today announced an initial $50 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds for the new Supplemental Employer Recovery Grant (SERG) program to provide additional relief to small businesses suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new wave of funding includes specific support for minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses, as well as businesses owned by disabled persons.

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  • Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group Issues Updated Guidance for Businesses Under Tennessee Pledge

    Friday, October 02, 2020 | 09:52am

    Nashville, Tenn. – In accordance with the current scientific understanding of COVID-19, Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group issued updated guidance today for businesses and other activities under the Tennessee Pledge. The updates follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and maintain emphasis on key preventative measures such as mask wearing, social distancing and frequent disinfection. The update follows executive orders signed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee earlier this week.

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  • State of Emergency Remains Through October

    Tuesday, September 29, 2020 | 02:00pm

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As a National State of Emergency remains in place, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced today the State of Emergency will continue through October with adjustments made to previous executive orders.

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  • Tennessee Releases Data Showing Significant Learning Loss Among K-12 Students

    Wednesday, September 23, 2020 | 04:07pm

    NASHVILLE, TN— Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Education today released estimated data regarding learning loss for Tennessee students resulting from COVID-19 school closures through the summer months. Preliminary data projects an estimated 50% decrease in proficiency rates in 3rd grade reading and a projected 65% decrease in proficiency in math.

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  • Gov. Lee Establishes Commission to Address Asian Carp

    Wednesday, September 23, 2020 | 03:00pm

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In advance of statewide Hunting & Fishing Day on Saturday, September 26, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee today signed Executive Order No. 62 establishing the Asian Carp Advisory Commission to study and provide advice regarding the best methods for mitigating the invasion of Asian carp into the state’s lakes and river systems.

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  • Agricultural Businesses Awarded Coronavirus Relief Funds

    Monday, September 21, 2020 | 04:33pm

    NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) today announced Coronavirus Agricultural and Forestry Business (CAFB) Fund awards to farm and forestry businesses. TDA established the CAFB Fund with CARES Act resources to help ensure stability of the food supply chain and agribusiness economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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  • Gov. Lee Announces Law Enforcement Reform Partnership Recommendations

    Thursday, September 10, 2020 | 11:00am

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced recommendations from the State’s Law Enforcement Reform Partnership to strengthen policing policies, improve information sharing around disciplinary actions and increase officer training. In addition to enhanced policies, a total of $300,000 in CARES Act funding will be utilized for 90 additional cadet scholarships for the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy.

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  • Gov. Lee Signs Executive Orders Extending State of Emergency, Regulatory Flexibility, Local Authority on Facial Coverings

    Friday, August 28, 2020 | 03:19pm

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee today signed Executive Order No. 59 to extend certain, targeted provisions of Executive Order Nos. 36, 38, 49, 50, 54, and 55 through September 30, 2020 to facilitate the continued treatment and containment of COVID-19 through regulatory flexibility, promoting social distancing and wearing face coverings in public places, and protecting vulnerable populations.

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  • Gov. Lee Announces $61 Million in Emergency Broadband Grants

    Friday, August 21, 2020 | 12:23pm

    Nashville, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group today announced $61 million will be awarded in Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund grants to improve access to broadband internet across the state. The grants are funded through the State’s Coronavirus Relief Fund allotment from the federal government and distributed through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

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  • Gov. Lee Announces Expanded Small Business Relief; New Relief Programs for Agriculture, Tourism, and Workforce Development

    Friday, August 14, 2020 | 10:49am

    Nashville, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group announced today new and expanded financial relief programs for small businesses, agribusinesses, displaced workers, and the tourism industry through the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). The Tennessee Small Business Relief Program will expand to include additional industries adversely impacted by reductions in commercial activity in April, with $83.5 million added to the program’s initial $200 million allotment.

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