The Tennessean
Key voices are beginning to emerge as Tennessee lawmakers prepare to return for the 2025 legislative session where school vouchers, hurricane Helene relief, a possible grocery tax cut, and budget choices will likely prove key issues.
Here are key groups to watch as the legislature returns on Jan. 14:
Senate Finance Chair Bo Watson
Sen. Bo Watson, who chairs the powerful Finance, Ways and Means committee will steer budget negotiations for the upper chamber in a year the state will likely look to tighten its purse strings. The Hixson Republican will also be the veteran finance chair for the General Assembly, after House Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, R-Signal Mountain, the lower chamber's finance chair, lost her seat last year. A new House finance chair will be named early next year.