Gov. Bill Lee visited campus on Thursday to deliver the 2020 State of East Tennessee Address at the Millennium Center.

  • (Photograph by Benjamin Gilliam / East Tennessean)
  • (Photograph by Benjamin Gilliam / East Tennessean)

Lee described Johnson City as “a jewel in this part of the state” and outlined his proposed $5 million commitment into the renovation of the courthouse and post office as well as the continuous development of downtown Johnson City. 

“We are the envy of many states because of our economic activity; because of things that are happening here,” said Lee. “And we’re not just getting noticed by our fellow Southern states. We’re also being noticed by people all across the country.” 

The ballroom quickly filled with members of the public and state officials, including rows dedicated to state legislators, representatives and cabinet members.

Lee took the stage after an introduction by ETSU President Brian Noland and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by SGA President Aamir Shaikh. Lee explained that his speech would echo last Monday’s State of the State speech with additional information on his plans for East Tennessee.

Lee assured the crowd that the state of the state is “healthy, and it’s strong,” and called on every Tennessean to ensure it remained that way. Lee described some of the major changes proposed and enacted by his administration, including:

  •  Multiple education reforms like a proposed 4% increase in state funding for teacher salaries and a recommendation to raise K-12 teacher salary minimums to $40,000 yearly, as well as the rollout of a Behavioral Health Liaison program to all 95 counties in the state. 
  • Criminal justice changes including increased CTE training for convicted criminals with a focus on reducing recidivism and strengthening community supervision. Lee also described the early stages of a Volunteer Mentorship Program designed to pair volunteer mentors with inmates in order to establish a relationship and provide a helping hand when released. 
  • Healthcare reforms like extension of Tenncare birth coverage to 12 months postpartum and a Healthcare Safety Net for uninsured citizens across the state. 

“We’re in a great spot, our state’s healthy and strong,” Lee said after the speech. “We’re proud to deliver that message right here in upper east Tennessee.”

For the transcript of the 2020 State of the State Address, visit https://www.tn.gov/governor/sots/2020-state-of-the-state-address.html