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Advocate Andy
Battling for Birth Control: Doctors Defend Access
House subcommittee votes against protecting right to contraception. A group of Tennessee doctors affiliated with the healthcare advocacy group Protect My Care spoke out after a legislative committee refused to support an effort to protect the right of Tennesseans to access contraception.
Credit Card Late Fees Capped at $8: Saving Consumers Billions
Consumer Bureau finalizes rule to eliminate credit card junk fee. Customers who make late payments on their credit cards will now see the late fee penalty capped at $8, thanks to a federal rule finalized today by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Industry Backs Bill for Recycling and Waste Reduction
Bipartisan bill gets support from industry leaders. Legislation aimed at increasing recycling and reducing landfill waste appears to be gaining traction, as it is both picking up legislative sponsors and earning support from industry.
Ending Pay-to-Play: Anti-Corruption Bill Bars State Contractors from Political Donations
Bill would ban vendors with state contracts from making political donations. Two Tennessee legislators are asking their colleagues to support an effort to prevent vendors with state contracts from making political donations.
Law Designed to Reduce Deaths in Police Custody Heads to Gov. Lee
Lawmakers call for additional training for law enforcement officers. A bill that would provide training for law enforcement officers on how to respond to people in custody facing a medical crisis has passed both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature.
Foreclosure Relief Scammers Fined $12 Million
A company that purported to offer foreclosure relief to consumers in crisis financial situations has been fined $12 million by a key federal regulator. Consumer Relief Group said it offered homeowners facing foreclosure a way out of their distress. Instead, the company tricked customers out of more than $10 million while not helping them address pending foreclosure action.
Regulator Takes Action Against Installment Lender World Acceptance
Corrective action gives CFPB supervisory authority to correct potential legal violations. An installment lender offering medium term loans at interest rates up to 36% APR is facing scrutiney from a key federal regulator.
Lawmakers Propose Using TennCare Dollars for Gun Violence Prevention
Plan would use federal matching funds to address gun violence. A pair of Tennessee legislators is seeking to enlist TennCare in the effort to combat gun violence. Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville and Sen. London Lamar of Memphis have filed legislation that would direct TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program) to access federal money set aside for gun violence prevention.
Georgia Shuts Down Helix Financial: Illegal Loans at 400% APR
Installment lender offered loans with 400% interest rate. The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance has ordered Helix Financial to stop doing business in the state after an investigation revealed the lender was offering installment loans with interest rates up to 400% APR. Helix does not have a license to conduct business in the state and was lending to customers via an online platform.
Lamar Pushes Bill to Expand Access to Healthcare for Kids
Memphis Senator wants "continuous eligibility" for TennCare for children. State Senator London Lamar of Memphis is pushing legislation that would ensure that once a child qualifies for TennCare, that child will have access to TennCare until they are 18 years old.
Tennessee Doctors Demand Medicaid Expansion
Physicians speak out on health policy following State of the State. A group of Tennessee doctors affiliated with the healthcare advocacy group Protect My Care is calling on Gov. Lee and the General Assembly to expand the state's Medicaid program.
Pastors Call Out Injustice in State Policy
A group of Tennessee pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition gathered at the State Capitol today ahead of Gov. Bill Lee's State of the State Address. The group highlighted policies it says are harming Tennesseans and then called on what it suggests is a "moral majority" to rise up and not be silent in the face of injustice.
Democrats Call for Opportunity, Justice for All Tennesseans
Lawmakers issue challenge ahead of State of the State. Democrats in the Tennessee General Assembly have outlined policy priorities ahead of tonight's State of the State Address. Democratic lawmakers used a Friday speech to challenge Gov. Lee ahead of the Republican governor's remarks that will outline his agenda.
Advocate Andy
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Andy Spears is a middle Tennessee writer and policy advocate. He reports on news around public policy issues - education, health care, consumer protection, and more.
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