Melissa Brown

1 week ago | tennessean.com | Melissa Brown

A spokesperson for Gov. Bill Lee said the administration 'stands ready to be a willing partner' to help Trump meet his goals on government efficiency and waste. On March 23, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department slashed $11 billion in grant funding. A database, which has come under criticism for inaccuracies and inflations, listed at least 13 state contracts totaling more than $224 million that were canceled.

1 week ago | columbiadailyherald.com | Melissa Brown |Vivian Jones

As lawmakers debate whether school districts should be able to bar attendance or charge tuition for undocumented students, a key element of the controversy is whether the bill would “hold hostage” or “punish” children who lack the capacity to intentionally break the law. Republican supporters of the bill have labeled that claim a “false narrative,” asserting the legislation punishes undocumented parents alone, by making them financially responsible for educating their child.

1 week ago | tennessean.com | Melissa Brown |Vivian Jones

As lawmakers debate whether school districts should be able to bar attendance or charge tuition for undocumented students, a key element of the controversy is whether the bill would “hold hostage” or “punish” children who lack the capacity to intentionally break the law. Republican supporters of the bill have labeled that claim a “false narrative,” asserting the legislation punishes undocumented parents alone, by making them financially responsible for educating their child.

2 weeks ago | tennessean.com | Melissa Brown

Senate Bill 836 would require public schools in Tennessee check the citizenship and immigration status of schools. The bill would then allow schools to either block enrollment or charge tuition for students who are in the country without legal status. Tennessee Senate Republicans passed legislation that will require all Tennessee schools to verify citizenship or legal immigration status from incoming students despite some GOP opposition and heated protests in the Capitol.

2 weeks ago | tennessean.com | Melissa Brown

HB 793 and its companion Senate version is among the most controversial pieces of legislation Tennessee lawmakers are debating this session. The bill narrowly made its way through the House Government Operations Committee on Monday in an 8-7 vote. The next stop for the bill is the House Finance Committee. Controversial legislation that would allow Tennessee schools to block undocumented students from enrolling squeaked out of the latest House committee by a single vote on Monday.