‘Lead the nation’ from Tennessee governor’s seat: Bill Lee sworn in

Nashville, Tenn. (WTVF) – Governor Bill Lee’s second term as volunteer state leader is officially underway. Saturday’s theme of the Inauguration Day festivities was “Tennessee: Leading the Nation”.

During Lee’s inaugural address, he talked about some of the downsides we face as a state. He referred to the natural calamities we have gone through and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also took a moment to talk about the many highs, such as the fact that Tennessee has the fastest growing economy among all 50 states.

“For the first time in 30 years, we changed the way public schools are funded. Instead of an outdated and broken system, one million Tennessee children are now funded based on their own individual needs,” Lee said.

The Governor also highlighted their work in health care.

“More Tennesseans can now have access to dental care and maternal care. Tennesseans with disabilities can live with the dignity they deserve; with this Medicaid waiver we found a way to serve the overlooked,” Lee explained. .

While Lee said he is proud of what he has done so far, he also feels there is more work to be done.

“We need a transportation strategy and energy strategy designed for one of the fastest growing states in America. We need to increase our efforts to preserve our natural resources and protect the environment, which I believe That’s the most beautiful place in the world.” Lee said.

Tennesseans present at the opening ceremony are also hopeful that the future of the state will be bright.

Bart Huddleston said, “With such astonishing growth we are faced with a number of problems. I think he said it very clearly, and I think many others have.”

“He has a plan, and I think he’s going to stick to it,” James Brandon said.

Inauguration Day events will conclude on Saturday night with an inaugural dinner for the first couple at the Grand Hyatt on Broadway and an inaugural ball at the Fisher Center on Belmont Boulevard.