Tennessee · individual fact

Tennessee unemployment rate

State unemployment, employed residents, broader underutilization, and employment growth.

Annual unemployment rate3.4%2024 · #29 of 50 · highest first
Civilian employed residents3,341,9962024 · #16 of 50 · highest first
U-1 · unemployed 15 weeks or longer1.1%2025 · 11-month average · #37 of 50 · highest first

Tennessee over time

Explore Tennessee readings, major events and reviewed actions on the same date scale. Tennessee officeholders appear in separate lanes. National event evidence describes national context; it does not measure a Tennessee effect.

Major events & context · A curated selection, including uncertain effects. Milestone dates do not establish that an event caused a Tennessee change.

Enacted / issuedDid not proceedPending / in progressStatus unclear

Colors show the latest recorded status. Passing one chamber is not enactment. A number groups actions with the same date, body and status.

Annual unemployment rate Tennessee · source units
TennesseePublished U.S. benchmark

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Annual unemployment rate2024: 3.4%2.3%5.4%8.4%Tennessee, 2015: 5.5%Tennessee, 2016: 4.7%Tennessee, 2017: 3.7%Tennessee, 2018: 3.5%Tennessee, 2019: 3.3%Tennessee, 2020: 7.4%Tennessee, 2021: 4.5%Tennessee, 2022: 3.4%Tennessee, 2023: 3.3%Tennessee, 2024: 3.4%201520192024
✦ Major events & context · 15National context · COVID-19 pandemic · 2020-03-11COVID-19 pandemicNational context · CARES Act expands unemployment support · 2020-03-27CARES unemployment aidNational context · First U.S. COVID-19 vaccine authorization · 2020-12-11COVID vaccine authorizationNational context · American Rescue Plan extends pandemic unemployment benefits · 2021-03-11Pandemic benefits extendedNational context · Federal pandemic unemployment programs reach their cutoff · 2021-09-06Pandemic benefits expireNational context · Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine · 2022-02-24Russia invades UkraineNational context · Federal Reserve begins its 2022 rate increases · 2022-03-16Fed rate increases beginNational context · Silicon Valley Bank failure and banking stress · 2023-03-10Banking stress / SVBNational context · UAW strikes begin at the three Detroit automakers · 2023-09-15UAW auto strikesNational context · Federal Reserve begins its 2024 rate cuts · 2024-09-18Fed rate cuts beginNational context · Hurricanes Helene and Milton · 2024-09-26Helene & MiltonNational context · Broad U.S. tariff announcement · 2025-04-02U.S. tariff announcementNational context · Federal shutdown interrupts unemployment data · 2025-10-01Federal shutdown / data gapNational context · BLS reports federal payroll decline as deferred resignations take effect · 2025-12-16Federal payroll departuresNational context · Federal Reserve raises rates in September 2026 · 2026-09-16September 2026 rate rise● Tennessee Legislature · 5223222222● U.S. Congress · Tennessee delegation · 0No reviewed actions match these filters.◆ Governor · 82■ Tennessee agencies · 0No reviewed actions match these filters.2015-12-012026-09-30

60 of 60 reviewed Tennessee actions match · 50 date markers shown. 15 major events shown separately.

Tennessee · 2024: 3.4% · Rank #29 of 50, highest first · U.S. benchmark: 4%

Unemployed residents as a percentage of the civilian labor force, using BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics annual averages. LAUS estimates are revised each year through the program's annual processing cycle. Employment is residence-based civilian employment, not a count of jobs located in the state. Annual averages smooth within-year changes. Annual observations use December 31; monthly observations use the first of the month. Lines connect consecutive readings and do not supply values between them. Missing observations break the lines.

View observations and export data
Tennessee Annual unemployment rate · source units
PeriodTennesseeRankU.S. benchmark
20243.4%#29 of 504%
20233.3%#22 of 50Not available
20223.4%#23 of 50Not available
20214.5%#28 of 50Not available
20207.4%#24 of 50Not available
20193.3%#28 of 50Not available
20183.5%#30 of 50Not available
20173.7%#33 of 50Not available
20164.7%#26 of 50Not available
20155.5%#17 of 50Not available
How major events are selected

The timeline combines the corresponding national fact’s reviewed event catalog, labeled National context, with individually reviewed state milestones. State events use primary sources and distinguish signing, effective and filing dates. Each milestone keeps its source-check date, geographical limits and evidence limits. This curated selection is not a complete history.

Date ranges affect events and actions. Action type, status and official-name search affect government records only. Events remain separate from action counts. An event after the latest observation extends context without creating a new reading.

Tennessee · state comparison

Employment and unemployment over time

LAUS annual averages measure state residents. Compare unemployment rates or the number of employed residents.

Tennessee · 20243.4%
Tennessee rank#29among all 50 states
U.S. benchmark4%Same measure and period when published

#1 is the highest value. Ties share a rank and leave gaps. D.C. and territories are excluded. Rank describes the measured value; it is not an overall score of the state.

Annual unemployment rate

Unemployed residents as a percentage of the civilian labor force, using BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics annual averages.

LAUS estimates are revised each year through the program's annual processing cycle. Employment is residence-based civilian employment, not a count of jobs located in the state. Annual averages smooth within-year changes.

Hover to inspect. Click or tap to compare that period with every state. Focus the graph and use arrow keys, Home or End to select a period. Press Escape to return to the latest period.

Tennessee
Annual unemployment rate history in Tennessee2.7%5.4%8%20152024
2024 · Tennessee: 3.4% · Rank #29 of 50, highest first · U.S. benchmark: 4% · Selected for state comparison
View history and select a period
Tennessee Annual unemployment rate history
PeriodTennesseeCompare
20155.5%
20164.7%
20173.7%
20183.5%
20193.3%
20207.4%
20214.5%
20223.4%
20233.3%
20243.4%

Compare states on the graph

Hover or focus a bar to inspect its value and rank. Use the up and down arrows, Home or End to explore states. Click, tap or press Enter to keep a state selected. Tennessee stays highlighted. Values use the same measure and period.

Explore the map: hover or focus a state to inspect it, then click or tap to select it. Arrow keys move between states alphabetically. Tennessee has a dark outline.

Lower value · 1.8%Higher value · 5.4%Striped: unavailable

Color shows this measure’s value, not an overall state score. Select a state on the map, graph or dropdown to read its value, rank and comparison limits below.

Tennessee · 3.4%2024 · Rank #29 of 50, highest firstSelected state

50 states shown · scroll to explore every state. Missing values have no bar and are excluded from ranks. Bars start at zero; #1 means the highest value.

Compare Tennessee with every state · 50 ranked
Annual unemployment rate · 2024 · highest value ranked #1
RankStateValueComparison notes
#1Nevada5.4%—
#2California5.3%—
#3Illinois5%—
#4Kentucky4.8%—
#5Michigan4.7%—
#6New Jersey4.6%—
#7Alaska4.5%—
#7Washington4.5%—
#9Ohio4.4%—
#10Louisiana4.3%—
#10Oregon4.3%—
#12New York4.2%—
#12Rhode Island4.2%—
#14Colorado4.1%—
#14New Mexico4.1%—
#14South Carolina4.1%—
#14Texas4.1%—
#14West Virginia4.1%—
#19Indiana4%—
#19Massachusetts4%—
#21Delaware3.9%—
#22Pennsylvania3.8%—
#23Arizona3.7%—
#23Missouri3.7%—
#23North Carolina3.7%—
#26Idaho3.6%—
#27Arkansas3.5%—
#27Kansas3.5%—
#29Florida3.4%—
#29Georgia3.4%—
#29Tennessee · your comparison3.4%—
#32Connecticut3.3%—
#32Utah3.3%—
#34Iowa3.2%—
#34Maryland3.2%—
#34Mississippi3.2%—
#34Oklahoma3.2%—
#38Minnesota3.1%—
#38Wyoming3.1%—
#40Alabama3%—
#40Maine3%—
#40Montana3%—
#40Wisconsin3%—
#44Virginia2.9%—
#45Hawaii2.8%—
#46Nebraska2.7%—
#47New Hampshire2.6%—
#48North Dakota2.4%—
#49Vermont2.3%—
#50South Dakota1.8%—

All 50 states are listed, including states without a comparable observation. Ranks use stored source precision; displayed values may round to the same number.

Tennessee · state comparison

Behind the unemployment rate

The reviewed 2025 CPS snapshot includes both U-3 and the broader U-6 measure. It is separate from the LAUS annual history.

Tennessee · 2025 · 11-month average1.1%
Tennessee rank#37among all 50 states
U.S. benchmark1.6%Same measure and period when published

#1 is the highest value. Ties share a rank and leave gaps. D.C. and territories are excluded. Rank describes the measured value; it is not an overall score of the state.

U-1 · unemployed 15 weeks or longer

Unemployed 15 weeks or longer as a share of the civilian labor force.

2025 CPS averages exclude October because data were not collected during the federal shutdown. Not strictly comparable with other-year averages. These directly surveyed CPS estimates differ from LAUS model-based estimates. All states use the same 11 months here.

Compare states on the graph

Hover or focus a bar to inspect its value and rank. Use the up and down arrows, Home or End to explore states. Click, tap or press Enter to keep a state selected. Tennessee stays highlighted. Values use the same measure and period.

Explore the map: hover or focus a state to inspect it, then click or tap to select it. Arrow keys move between states alphabetically. Tennessee has a dark outline.

Lower value · 0.6%Higher value · 2.4%Striped: unavailable

Color shows this measure’s value, not an overall state score. Select a state on the map, graph or dropdown to read its value, rank and comparison limits below.

Tennessee · 1.1%2025 · 11-month average · Rank #37 of 50, highest firstSelected state

50 states shown · scroll to explore every state. Missing values have no bar and are excluded from ranks. Bars start at zero; #1 means the highest value.

Compare Tennessee with every state · 50 ranked
U-1 · unemployed 15 weeks or longer · 2025 · 11-month average · highest value ranked #1
RankStateValueComparison notes
#1California2.4%—
#2Oregon2.2%—
#3Illinois2.1%—
#3New York2.1%—
#5Connecticut2%—
#5Rhode Island2%—
#5Washington2%—
#8Massachusetts1.9%—
#8Nevada1.9%—
#8New Jersey1.9%—
#11Delaware1.8%—
#11Virginia1.8%—
#13Louisiana1.7%—
#13Michigan1.7%—
#13West Virginia1.7%—
#16Alaska1.6%—
#16Florida1.6%—
#16Mississippi1.6%—
#16New Mexico1.6%—
#16Ohio1.6%—
#16Pennsylvania1.6%—
#22Colorado1.5%—
#22Kentucky1.5%—
#22Maryland1.5%—
#22Texas1.5%—
#26Arizona1.4%—
#26Georgia1.4%—
#28Arkansas1.3%—
#28Iowa1.3%—
#28North Carolina1.3%—
#28Oklahoma1.3%—
#28South Carolina1.3%—
#33Kansas1.2%—
#33Minnesota1.2%—
#33New Hampshire1.2%—
#33Wisconsin1.2%—
#37Tennessee · your comparison1.1%—
#37Utah1.1%—
#39Idaho1%—
#39Indiana1%—
#39Nebraska1%—
#42Alabama0.9%—
#42Maine0.9%—
#42Missouri0.9%—
#42Wyoming0.9%—
#46Hawaii0.7%—
#46Montana0.7%—
#46South Dakota0.7%—
#46Vermont0.7%—
#50North Dakota0.6%—

All 50 states are listed, including states without a comparable observation. Ranks use stored source precision; displayed values may round to the same number.

Tennessee · state comparison

Output and jobs

Annual real output growth and BEA job growth provide economic context. Neither is the unemployment rate.

Tennessee · 20252.1%
Tennessee rank#21among all 50 states
U.S. benchmark2.3%Same measure and period when published

#1 is the highest value. Ties share a rank and leave gaps. D.C. and territories are excluded. Rank describes the measured value; it is not an overall score of the state.

Annual real GDP growth

Change in annual real GDP from the prior year.

Annual estimates; the downloaded BEA snapshot is retained with a source hash. Revisions can change historical values and ranks.

Hover to inspect. Click or tap to compare that period with every state. Focus the graph and use arrow keys, Home or End to select a period. Press Escape to return to the latest period.

Tennessee
Annual real GDP growth history in Tennessee-3.7%3.3%10.4%20152025
2025 · Tennessee: 2.1% · Rank #21 of 50, highest first · U.S. benchmark: 2.3% · Selected for state comparison
View history and select a period
Tennessee Annual real GDP growth history
PeriodTennesseeCompare
20153.6%
20162.4%
20173.5%
20182%
20192.2%
2020-0.8%
20218.8%
20223.1%
20233.6%
20242.9%
20252.1%

Compare states on the graph

Hover or focus a bar to inspect its value and rank. Use the up and down arrows, Home or End to explore states. Click, tap or press Enter to keep a state selected. Tennessee stays highlighted. Values use the same measure and period.

Explore the map: hover or focus a state to inspect it, then click or tap to select it. Arrow keys move between states alphabetically. Tennessee has a dark outline.

Lower value · -0.4%Higher value · 5.1%Striped: unavailable

Color shows this measure’s value, not an overall state score. Select a state on the map, graph or dropdown to read its value, rank and comparison limits below.

Tennessee · 2.1%2025 · Rank #21 of 50, highest firstSelected state

50 states shown · scroll to explore every state. Missing values have no bar and are excluded from ranks. Bars start at zero; #1 means the highest value.

Compare Tennessee with every state · 50 ranked
Annual real GDP growth · 2025 · highest value ranked #1
RankStateValueComparison notes
#1Delaware5.1%—
#2Alaska4.7%—
#3California3.5%—
#4South Carolina3.3%—
#5Washington3.2%—
#6Idaho3.1%—
#7Kentucky3%—
#8Georgia2.9%—
#9Texas2.8%—
#10West Virginia2.8%—
#11Florida2.8%—
#12Rhode Island2.8%—
#13Utah2.7%—
#14Illinois2.6%—
#15New York2.5%—
#16Connecticut2.5%—
#17Ohio2.4%—
#18Virginia2.3%—
#19Oklahoma2.2%—
#20Michigan2.2%—
#21Tennessee · your comparison2.1%—
#22New Jersey2%—
#23Nevada2%—
#24Montana2%—
#25Alabama2%—
#26Vermont1.9%—
#27Colorado1.9%—
#28Indiana1.9%—
#29Pennsylvania1.8%—
#30North Carolina1.8%—
#31New Mexico1.8%—
#32South Dakota1.8%—
#33New Hampshire1.7%—
#34Louisiana1.5%—
#35Hawaii1.5%—
#36Arizona1.5%—
#37Maine1.4%—
#38Oregon1.4%—
#39Massachusetts1.3%—
#40Mississippi1.3%—
#41Nebraska1.3%—
#42Missouri1.2%—
#43Kansas1%—
#44Arkansas0.9%—
#45Wisconsin0.8%—
#46Maryland0.8%—
#47Minnesota0.7%—
#48North Dakota0.5%—
#49Wyoming0.1%—
#50Iowa-0.4%—

All 50 states are listed, including states without a comparable observation. Ranks use stored source precision; displayed values may round to the same number.

Tennessee · state comparison

Job openings, hires, layoffs, and worker groups

A state unemployment rate does not capture all unused labor or job-market turnover.

Tennessee · December 2025143,000
Tennessee rank#13among all 50 states
U.S. benchmark6,550,000Same measure and period when published

#1 is the highest value. Ties share a rank and leave gaps. D.C. and territories are excluded. Rank describes the measured value; it is not an overall score of the state.

Openings · number

Number of jobs or monthly employment flows; published thousands converted to individual units.

Seasonally adjusted state JOLTS estimates, July–December 2025 as printed in the captured table. Recent estimates are preliminary and revisions can change ranks. Openings are a month-end stock; hires, quits, and layoffs are monthly flows, not distinct workers.

Hover to inspect. Click or tap to compare that period with every state. Focus the graph and use arrow keys, Home or End to select a period. Press Escape to return to the latest period.

Tennessee
Openings · number history in Tennessee-911,0503,656,5008,224,050July 2025December 2025
December 2025 · Tennessee: 143,000 · Rank #13 of 50, highest first · U.S. benchmark: 6,550,000 · Selected for state comparison
View history and select a period
Tennessee Openings · number history
PeriodTennesseeCompare
July 2025143,000
August 2025148,000
September 2025156,000
October 2025161,000
November 2025159,000
December 2025143,000

Compare states on the graph

Hover or focus a bar to inspect its value and rank. Use the up and down arrows, Home or End to explore states. Click, tap or press Enter to keep a state selected. Tennessee stays highlighted. Values use the same measure and period.

Explore the map: hover or focus a state to inspect it, then click or tap to select it. Arrow keys move between states alphabetically. Tennessee has a dark outline.

Lower value · 11,000Higher value · 674,000Striped: unavailable

Color shows this measure’s value, not an overall state score. Select a state on the map, graph or dropdown to read its value, rank and comparison limits below.

Tennessee · 143,000December 2025 · Rank #13 of 50, highest firstSelected state

50 states shown · scroll to explore every state. Missing values have no bar and are excluded from ranks. Bars start at zero; #1 means the highest value.

Compare Tennessee with every state · 50 ranked
Openings · number · December 2025 · highest value ranked #1
RankStateValueComparison notes
#1California674,000—
#2Texas608,000—
#3New York431,000—
#4Florida404,000—
#5Ohio287,000—
#6Georgia279,000—
#7Pennsylvania235,000—
#8Michigan221,000—
#9Virginia213,000—
#10North Carolina212,000—
#11Illinois211,000—
#12New Jersey172,000—
#13Tennessee · your comparison143,000—
#14Minnesota135,000—
#15Massachusetts129,000—
#16Missouri128,000—
#17Maryland127,000—
#18Indiana123,000—
#19Arizona121,000—
#20Wisconsin115,000—
#21Washington110,000—
#22South Carolina103,000—
#23Louisiana101,000—
#23Oklahoma101,000—
#25Colorado100,000—
#26Kentucky92,000—
#27Alabama91,000—
#28Oregon72,000—
#29Connecticut67,000—
#30Utah64,000—
#31Kansas61,000—
#32Arkansas60,000—
#33Mississippi59,000—
#34Iowa57,000—
#35Nevada52,000—
#36West Virginia42,000—
#37Nebraska38,000—
#38Idaho34,000—
#39New Mexico32,000—
#40Maine28,000—
#41Delaware23,000—
#42Montana22,000—
#42New Hampshire22,000—
#42Rhode Island22,000—
#45South Dakota20,000—
#46Hawaii19,000—
#47North Dakota18,000—
#48Alaska16,000—
#49Vermont11,000—
#49Wyoming11,000—

All 50 states are listed, including states without a comparable observation. Ranks use stored source precision; displayed values may round to the same number.

What candidates are saying

Explore statements about unemployment, jobs and workforce issues from FactVote’s Tennessee candidate profiles. Compare candidates within each recorded race, with each person’s matching statements kept together. These are candidate and campaign statements, not verified outcomes.

41 statements from 19 candidates

2026 Tennessee Governor — General Election

5 candidates with matching statements · 16 statements

David Hatley

5 statements

Independent · Governor · TN

Jobs & workforce context

Tennessee has 62 data centers operating and 16 more proposed. Under current law, a company qualifies for a major sales-tax exemption by investing $100 million and creating 15 permanent jobs — roughly $6.7 million in capital per required job. It then buys electricity at a 1.5% tax rate and negotiates…

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Proven in practice.

Candidate campaign source

Tennessee has 62 data centers operating and 16 more proposed. Under current law, a company qualifies for a major sales-tax exemption by investing $100 million and creating 15 permanent jobs — roughly $6.7 million in capital per required job. It then buys electricity at a 1.5% tax rate and negotiates a county PILOT that can hold down its property taxes for twenty years.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

David Hatley — candidate-owned primary source ↗
View 4 more statements from David Hatley
Jobs & workforce context

Getting there means putting full-time reading coaches inside the hundred lowest-performing elementary schools and leaving them there. Requiring every elementary teacher to demonstrate competency in the science of reading before licensure. Replacing the retention debate with mandatory daily intervent…

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Proven in practice.

Candidate campaign source

Getting there means putting full-time reading coaches inside the hundred lowest-performing elementary schools and leaving them there. Requiring every elementary teacher to demonstrate competency in the science of reading before licensure. Replacing the retention debate with mandatory daily intervention for kids who aren’t reading by third grade. Doubling the Grow Your Own apprenticeship in rural districts.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

David Hatley — candidate-owned primary source ↗
Jobs & workforce context

David Hatley’s plan begins reentry 180 days before the gate opens, not after. Every eligible person leaves with identification in hand, medication and care lined up, a verified address, transportation, and an appointment already on the calendar — a job interview, an apprenticeship, a class, a treatm…

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Proven in practice.

Candidate campaign source

David Hatley’s plan begins reentry 180 days before the gate opens, not after. Every eligible person leaves with identification in hand, medication and care lined up, a verified address, transportation, and an appointment already on the calendar — a job interview, an apprenticeship, a class, a treatment slot. Mental-health and addiction screening starts at the first contact with the system, not at intake. Drug, mental-health, and veterans courts expand to reach every judicial district, with treatment capacity funded alongside them.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

David Hatley — candidate-owned primary source ↗
Jobs & workforce context

End the waitlists in those five programs. Pay TCAT instructors competitively, because you can’t scale a program you can’t staff. Cover credential exam fees for every high school student who earns one. Double registered apprenticeships in four years.

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Proven in practice.

Candidate campaign source

End the waitlists in those five programs. Pay TCAT instructors competitively, because you can’t scale a program you can’t staff. Cover credential exam fees for every high school student who earns one. Double registered apprenticeships in four years.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

David Hatley — candidate-owned primary source ↗
Jobs & workforce context

David Hatley will be the toughest governor this state has seen on crime, because that is what it will take to get us back to safe. His plan puts the money where cases actually get solved: clearing the crime-lab backlog, hiring detectives and forensic scientists, expanding TBI’s violent-crime team, p…

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Source topic or question: Proven in practice.

Candidate campaign source

David Hatley will be the toughest governor this state has seen on crime, because that is what it will take to get us back to safe. His plan puts the money where cases actually get solved: clearing the crime-lab backlog, hiring detectives and forensic scientists, expanding TBI’s violent-crime team, protecting witnesses, and giving rural sheriffs regional investigators and same-day state assistance. He will significantly increase the clearance rate of crimes, ensure priority evidence processed in 30 days, and results published every quarter.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

David Hatley — candidate-owned primary source ↗

Jerri Green

2 statements

Democratic · Governor · TN

Jobs & workforce context

Promote workforce development and vocational training

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Education, child care, and workforce training

Candidate campaign source

Promote workforce development and vocational training

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Jerri Green — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗
View 1 more statement from Jerri Green
Jobs & workforce context

Incentivize companies to hire veterans via tax credits or apprenticeship subsidies

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: National security, foreign policy, and veterans

Candidate campaign source

Incentivize companies to hire veterans via tax credits or apprenticeship subsidies

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Jerri Green — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗

Lauren Pinkston

5 statements

Independent · Governor · TN

Jobs & workforce context

Expand apprenticeship programs that connect workers to high-skill careers

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Education, child care, and workforce training

Candidate campaign source

Expand apprenticeship programs that connect workers to high-skill careers

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Lauren Pinkston — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗
View 4 more statements from Lauren Pinkston
Jobs & workforce context

Redirect private school voucher dollars into an early education fund for childhood centers near major employers so young parents can stay in the workforce.

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Source topic or question: Lower the Cost of Living for Working Families

Candidate campaign source

Redirect private school voucher dollars into an early education fund for childhood centers near major employers so young parents can stay in the workforce.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Lauren Pinkston — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗
Jobs & workforce context

Support workforce development partnerships between unions, employers, and trade schools

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Education, child care, and workforce training

Candidate campaign source

Support workforce development partnerships between unions, employers, and trade schools

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Lauren Pinkston — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗
Jobs & workforce context

Add 50,000 daycare and preschool slots by 2030 Redirect private school voucher dollars into an early education fund for childhood centers near major employers so young parents can stay in the workforce.

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Lower the Cost of Living for Working Families

Candidate campaign source

Add 50,000 daycare and preschool slots by 2030 Redirect private school voucher dollars into an early education fund for childhood centers near major employers so young parents can stay in the workforce.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Lauren Pinkston — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗
Jobs & workforce context

Lauren strongly supports shifting Tennessee's funding for Education Freedom Scholarships to early childhood education funds and budget measures that expand affordable early childhood education for families in Tennessee. By transferring private school voucher funding to expand early childhood centers…

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Public education, vouchers, and child care

Candidate campaign source

Lauren strongly supports shifting Tennessee's funding for Education Freedom Scholarships to early childhood education funds and budget measures that expand affordable early childhood education for families in Tennessee. By transferring private school voucher funding to expand early childhood centers, Lauren will add 50,000 daycare and preschool slots across the state by 2030. These funds will support businesses that offer on-site daycare, while the state's investment will grow the workforce, expand the economy with dual-income households, and relieve financial pressure on growing families with young children.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Lauren Pinkston — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗

Marsha Blackburn

1 statement

Republican · Governor · TN

Jobs & workforce context

Tennessee has seen immense growth over the past decade due to our proven conservative fiscal policies. As a member of the Tennessee State Senate, Marsha led a successful campaign against the state income tax. As Governor, Marsha will work to ensure we keep taxes and prices low and reduce unnecessary…

Read exact statement & source

Source topic or question: Fighting for Tennessee’s Continued Economic Growth

Candidate campaign source

Tennessee has seen immense growth over the past decade due to our proven conservative fiscal policies. As a member of the Tennessee State Senate, Marsha led a successful campaign against the state income tax. As Governor, Marsha will work to ensure we keep taxes and prices low and reduce unnecessary spending and regulations so more companies continue to relocate to Tennessee and bring great-paying jobs here to our state. While working to attract that outside investment to bring additional jobs to our state, she’ll also support Tennessee-grown small businesses so that they expand right here at home. Marsha will work with the business community to identify areas for improvement, like workforce development, and commit to filling those voids. Making Tennessee America’s conservative leader will bring economic prosperity to all Tennesseans.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Marsha Blackburn — candidate-owned primary source 3 ↗

Wendell Jackson

3 statements

Independent · Governor · TN

Jobs & workforce context

Wendell Jackson is dedicated to transforming the employment landscape in Tennessee.With a vision centered on job creation and support for workers,he believes that everyone deserves access to meaningful employment opportunities.

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Source topic or question: Get to Know Wendell Jackson

Candidate campaign source

Wendell Jackson is dedicated to transforming the employment landscape in Tennessee.With a vision centered on job creation and support for workers,he believes that everyone deserves access to meaningful employment opportunities.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Wendell Jackson — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗
View 2 more statements from Wendell Jackson
Jobs & workforce context

Wendell Jackson aims to travel with Tennesseeans towards a prosperous future with enhanced employment services, housing stability, and, healthcare for all, as Governor in 2026. Explore how together we can create jobs, support local businesses, ensure healthcare and housing for all, plus, improve qua…

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Source topic or question: Seeking Employment as Governor of Tennessee in 2026

Candidate campaign source

Wendell Jackson aims to travel with Tennesseeans towards a prosperous future with enhanced employment services, housing stability, and, healthcare for all, as Governor in 2026. Explore how together we can create jobs, support local businesses, ensure healthcare and housing for all, plus, improve quality of life, and strengthen our community.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Wendell Jackson — candidate-owned primary source 1 ↗
Jobs & workforce context

Implementing policies that stimulate job growth and support new business initiatives.

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Source topic or question: Job Creation

Candidate campaign source

Implementing policies that stimulate job growth and support new business initiatives.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Wendell Jackson — candidate-owned primary source 1 ↗

2026 Tennessee U.S. House — District 2 — General Election

3 candidates with matching statements · 7 statements

Adam Heimerman

2 statements

Independent · U.S. House District 2 · TN

Jobs & workforce context

Invest in infrastructure that creates lasting jobs

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Source topic or question: Fiscal Responsibility While Investing in America

Candidate campaign source

Invest in infrastructure that creates lasting jobs

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Adam Heimerman — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗
View 1 more statement from Adam Heimerman
Jobs & workforce context

Expand access to job training and apprenticeship programs

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Source topic or question: Empower the Working Class

Candidate campaign source

Expand access to job training and apprenticeship programs

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Adam Heimerman — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗

Michaela Barnett

4 statements

Democratic · U.S. House District 2 · TN

Jobs & workforce context

Invest in vocational and trades education by working to secure federal career and technical education (CTE) funding for programs that will train the construction and energy workforce our region needs to build its own future

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Source topic or question: What I’ll work for in Congress to give East Tennesseans the quality of life they deserve

Candidate campaign source

Invest in vocational and trades education by working to secure federal career and technical education (CTE) funding for programs that will train the construction and energy workforce our region needs to build its own future

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 17, 2026

Michaela Barnett campaign source 8 ↗
View 3 more statements from Michaela Barnett
Jobs & workforce context

Advocate for public-private manufacturing partnerships: I’ll work to bring manufacturing grants and tax incentives to East Tennessee businesses that create quality local jobs and lower costs for consumers

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Source topic or question: Secure federal appropriations for workforce development and job training programs that bring high-paying jobs back to East Tennessee

Candidate campaign source

Advocate for public-private manufacturing partnerships: I’ll work to bring manufacturing grants and tax incentives to East Tennessee businesses that create quality local jobs and lower costs for consumers

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 17, 2026

Michaela Barnett campaign source 5 ↗
Jobs & workforce context

Secure federal appropriations for workforce development and job training programs that bring high-paying jobs back to East Tennessee

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Source topic or question: An Economy that Works for All

Candidate campaign source

Secure federal appropriations for workforce development and job training programs that bring high-paying jobs back to East Tennessee

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 17, 2026

Michaela Barnett campaign source 5 ↗
Jobs & workforce context

A successful future for our workforce, our economy, and our country means passing legislation that supports workers, families, and innovation, not just the already-wealthy.

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Source topic or question: An Economy that Works for All

Candidate campaign source

A successful future for our workforce, our economy, and our country means passing legislation that supports workers, families, and innovation, not just the already-wealthy.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 17, 2026

Michaela Barnett — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗

Tim Burchett

1 statement

Republican · U.S. House District 2 · TN

Jobs & workforce context

As a small business owner who ran his own mulch company and was put out of business by liberal government regulations, Tim knows from first-hand experience that government doesn’t create jobs. We have amazing and talented people in Tennessee, but we need to get rid of the burdensome regulations that…

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Source topic or question: Jobs and Regulation

Candidate campaign source

As a small business owner who ran his own mulch company and was put out of business by liberal government regulations, Tim knows from first-hand experience that government doesn’t create jobs. We have amazing and talented people in Tennessee, but we need to get rid of the burdensome regulations that discourage people from taking risks and investing in our economy. Tim supports President Trump’s efforts to roll back the job-killing regulations at the EPA and other agencies imposed by President Obama’s unconstitutional executive orders.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Tim Burchett — candidate-owned primary source 11 ↗

2026 Tennessee U.S. House — District 3 — General Election

2 candidates with matching statements · 4 statements

Anna Golladay

1 statement

Democratic · U.S. House District 3 · TN

Jobs & workforce context

End Discrimination - Six decades after the Civil Rights Act passed, Southern families are still fighting discrimination in housing, hiring, and schools — real enforcement of discrimination laws is what finally makes equal protection a reality in District 3.

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Source topic or question: KEEPING ONE ANOTHER SAFE

Candidate campaign source

End Discrimination - Six decades after the Civil Rights Act passed, Southern families are still fighting discrimination in housing, hiring, and schools — real enforcement of discrimination laws is what finally makes equal protection a reality in District 3.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Anna Golladay — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗

Chuck Fleischmann

3 statements

Republican · U.S. House District 3 · TN

Jobs & workforce context

When it comes to energy policy, Chuck supports an all-of-the-above approach. It is imperative to our national security that the United States becomes energy independent. He also believes that nuclear power constitutes a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly way to produce energy for our coun…

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Source topic or question: Implementing An All-Of-The-Above Approach To Energy

Candidate campaign source

When it comes to energy policy, Chuck supports an all-of-the-above approach. It is imperative to our national security that the United States becomes energy independent. He also believes that nuclear power constitutes a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly way to produce energy for our country. Greater reliance on nuclear power will result in a reduction of importing oil from nations friendly to terrorists. Nuclear power creates jobs and strengthens our national security and economic stability - right here at Oak Ridge in Anderson County. Americans want reliable and affordable energy sources that allow our economy to grow, and Chuck will continue to work with President Trump to find common sense solutions to our current and future energy needs.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Chuck Fleischmann — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗
View 2 more statements from Chuck Fleischmann
Jobs & workforce context

Chuck owned a small business in the Tennessee Valley for years. He knows firsthand that the government does not create jobs; small businesses create jobs. That’s why he’s committed to getting government out of the way so that our Tennessee business can continue to grow. Chuck will continue to fight …

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Source topic or question: Growing Our Economy

Candidate campaign source

Chuck owned a small business in the Tennessee Valley for years. He knows firsthand that the government does not create jobs; small businesses create jobs. That’s why he’s committed to getting government out of the way so that our Tennessee business can continue to grow. Chuck will continue to fight for policies that promote business investment, lower taxes, and reduce the regulatory burdens on businesses to create the strong economic force.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Chuck Fleischmann — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗
Jobs & workforce context

Education is the key to Tennessee's future. We need an education system that provides our students with the skills they need to compete and succeed in life. Every child should have access to a quality education that teaches the fundamental skills needed to compete in a global economy. Without an edu…

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Source topic or question: Educating The Next Generation

Candidate campaign source

Education is the key to Tennessee's future. We need an education system that provides our students with the skills they need to compete and succeed in life. Every child should have access to a quality education that teaches the fundamental skills needed to compete in a global economy. Without an educated workforce, Tennessee cannot compete nationally, and America can't compete in a global economy. Washington can’t just throw money at our schools. We must place emphasis on the individual students, not on federal educational mandates from bureaucrats. The federal government needs to get out of the classroom and let our good teachers do what they do best.

Statement date not recorded · Profile reviewed Sep 16, 2026

Chuck Fleischmann — candidate-owned primary source 2 ↗
Race groups · Page 1 of 3
How statements are selected

This section matches specific unemployment, jobs and workforce issues terms in retained, attributed source text from published Tennessee candidate profiles. A profile heading or biography alone does not qualify. The Florida geography is fixed; saved state preferences cannot change these results. A mention can concern a community or group rather than Florida’s statewide measure.

Matching is automatic and does not establish a candidate’s stance, the accuracy of a claim, or an effect on the measured result. Results are grouped by recorded race, then by candidate name. Within each candidate, the matching issue mentions appear first. Only candidates with matching retained statements are shown; this is not a complete race roster. Repeated identical text for the same candidate is shown once. Coverage follows the existing state profiles and is not a complete record of all candidates or everything they have said. Review dates are not statement dates.

Tennessee incumbents

What incumbents are proposing

Explore reviewed bills sponsored by current Tennessee legislators and Tennessee’s congressional delegation, plus retained proposals from Tennessee’s governor and agencies. Each record keeps its latest recorded status and official evidence.

52 matching sponsorships or proposals · 30 Tennessee incumbents. These filters apply only to this section.

Rep. Antonio Parkinson

Tennessee House of Representatives, District 98 · D–TN

1 proposal
View proposals from Rep. Antonio Parkinson
Tennessee Legislature · HB 2934

As introduced, requires the administrator to waive a disqualification for benefits based on a failure to repay a prior overpayment of benefits if the amount owed by the person is less than the amount that would otherwise be paid to the person in benefits and requires the administrator to deduct the amount owed from the person's paid benefits.

Jun 15, 2020 · Did not pass

Rep. Antonio Parkinson · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Unemployment Compensation - As introduced, requires the administrator to waive a disqualification for benefits based on a failure to repay a prior overpayment of benefits if the amount owed by the person is less than the amount that would otherwise be paid to the person in benefits and requires the administrator to deduct the amount owed from the person's paid benefits.

The official Tennessee General Assembly record lists this final action on June 15, 2020: Meeting Canceled. The measure was not enacted before that General Assembly ended.

Why this record is included

The official record addresses wages, unemployment compensation, paid leave, or other cash income received by households. It does not establish an effect on Tennessee's statewide median household income.

Retained Tennessee evidence context: Median household income. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Unemployment Compensation - As introduced, requires the administrator to waive a disqualification for benefits based on a failure to repay a prior overpayment of benefits if the amount owed by the person is less than the amount that would otherwise be paid to the person in benefits and requires the administrator to deduct the amount owed from the person's paid benefits.
Review official supporting evidence ↗

Rep. Chris Todd

Tennessee House of Representatives, District 73 · R–TN

1 proposal
View proposals from Rep. Chris Todd
Tennessee Legislature · HB 9022

As introduced, authorizes unemployment compensation to individuals who leave their most recent work due to a refusal to receive an employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccine; redefines "misconduct" to exclude a refusal of an employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccine; redefines "unemployed" to include an individual placed on unpaid leave for refusal to receive an employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccine.

Oct 28, 2021 · Did not pass

Rep. Chris Todd · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Unemployment Compensation - As introduced, authorizes unemployment compensation to individuals who leave their most recent work due to a refusal to receive an employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccine; redefines "misconduct" to exclude a refusal of an employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccine; redefines "unemployed" to include an individual placed on unpaid leave for refusal to receive an employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccine.

The official Tennessee General Assembly record lists this final action on October 28, 2021: P2C, ref. to Covid-19 Committee of Extraordinary Session III. The measure was not enacted before that General Assembly ended.

Why this record is included

The official record addresses wages, unemployment compensation, paid leave, or other cash income received by households. It does not establish an effect on Tennessee's statewide median household income.

Retained Tennessee evidence context: Median household income. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Unemployment Compensation - As introduced, authorizes unemployment compensation to individuals who leave their most recent work due to a refusal to receive an employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccine; redefines "misconduct" to exclude a refusal of an employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccine; redefines "unemployed" to include an individual placed on unpaid leave for refusal to receive an employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccine.
Review official supporting evidence ↗

Rep. Clark Boyd

Tennessee House of Representatives, District 46 · R–TN

1 proposal
View proposals from Rep. Clark Boyd
Tennessee Legislature · HB 950

As introduced, establishes unemployment work search requirements related to responding to a job offer and attendance to a scheduled job interview; establishes additional requirements for the type of work search activities required to maintain benefits; makes other related additions.

Mar 14, 2023 · Did not pass

Rep. Clark Boyd · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Unemployment Compensation - As introduced, establishes unemployment work search requirements related to responding to a job offer and attendance to a scheduled job interview; establishes additional requirements for the type of work search activities required to maintain benefits; makes other related additions.

The official Tennessee General Assembly record lists this final action on March 14, 2023: Taken off notice for cal in s/c Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee of Commerce Committee. The measure was not enacted before that General Assembly ended.

Why this record is included

The official record addresses wages, unemployment compensation, paid leave, or other cash income received by households. It does not establish an effect on Tennessee's statewide median household income.

Retained Tennessee evidence context: Median household income. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Unemployment Compensation - As introduced, establishes unemployment work search requirements related to responding to a job offer and attendance to a scheduled job interview; establishes additional requirements for the type of work search activities required to maintain benefits; makes other related additions.
Review official supporting evidence ↗

Rep. Dennis Powers

Tennessee House of Representatives, District 36 · R–TN

1 proposal
View proposals from Rep. Dennis Powers
Tennessee Legislature · HB 2113

As enacted, requires causes of action for unpaid wages for hours worked, overtime, minimum wage, salary, bonuses, commissions, or other compensation owed to an employee or independent contractor, including ones for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, or quantum merit for unpaid wages for hours worked, overtime, minimum wage, salary, bonuses, commissions, or other compensation, to be commenced within three years from the accruing of the cause of action.

May 1, 2024 · Enacted

Rep. Dennis Powers · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Statutes of Limitations and Repose - As enacted, requires causes of action for unpaid wages for hours worked, overtime, minimum wage, salary, bonuses, commissions, or other compensation owed to an employee or independent contractor, including ones for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, or quantum merit for unpaid wages for hours worked, overtime, minimum wage, salary, bonuses, commissions, or other compensation, to be commenced within three years from the accruing of the cause of action.

The official Tennessee General Assembly record shows the measure was enacted by May 1, 2024.

Why this record is included

The official record addresses wages, unemployment compensation, paid leave, or other cash income received by households. It does not establish an effect on Tennessee's statewide median household income.

Retained Tennessee evidence context: Median household income. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Statutes of Limitations and Repose - As enacted, requires causes of action for unpaid wages for hours worked, overtime, minimum wage, salary, bonuses, commissions, or other compensation owed to an employee or independent contractor, including ones for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, or quantum merit for unpaid wages for hours worked, overtime, minimum wage, salary, bonuses, commissions, or other compensation, to be commenced within three years from the accruing of the cause of action.
Review official supporting evidence ↗

Rep. Gloria Johnson

Tennessee House of Representatives, District 90 · D–TN

2 proposals
View proposals from Rep. Gloria Johnson
Tennessee Legislature · HB 1216

As introduced, increases the hourly minimum wage to $20.00, or the federal minimum wage established pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, whichever rate is greater.

Mar 19, 2025 · Failed for lack of second in: Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee

Rep. Gloria Johnson · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Employees, Employers - As introduced, increases the hourly minimum wage to $20.00, or the federal minimum wage established pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, whichever rate is greater.

The latest official Tennessee General Assembly record shows this action on March 19, 2025: Failed for lack of second in: Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee.

Why this record is included

The official record addresses wages, unemployment compensation, paid leave, or other cash income received by households. It does not establish an effect on Tennessee's statewide median household income.

Retained Tennessee evidence context: Median household income. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Employees, Employers - As introduced, increases the hourly minimum wage to $20.00, or the federal minimum wage established pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, whichever rate is greater.
Review official supporting evidence ↗
Tennessee Legislature · HB 2602

As introduced, increases the hourly minimum wage to $20.00, or the federal minimum wage established pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, whichever rate is greater.

Mar 12, 2024 · Did not pass

Rep. Gloria Johnson · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Employees, Employers - As introduced, increases the hourly minimum wage to $20.00, or the federal minimum wage established pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, whichever rate is greater.

The official Tennessee General Assembly record lists this final action on March 12, 2024: Failed in s/c Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee of Commerce Committee. The measure was not enacted before that General Assembly ended.

Why this record is included

The official record addresses wages, unemployment compensation, paid leave, or other cash income received by households. It does not establish an effect on Tennessee's statewide median household income.

Retained Tennessee evidence context: Median household income. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Employees, Employers - As introduced, increases the hourly minimum wage to $20.00, or the federal minimum wage established pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, whichever rate is greater.
Review official supporting evidence ↗

Rep. Jason Powell

Tennessee House of Representatives, District 53 · D–TN

1 proposal
View proposals from Rep. Jason Powell
Tennessee Legislature · HB 1274

As enacted, establishes a voluntary shared work unemployment benefits program that allows certain employers to submit to the department of labor and workforce development for approval a plan to reduce employee work hours in exchange for employee access to a certain level of unemployment compensation benefits.

Jun 1, 2022 · Companion enacted · Public Chapter 1086

Rep. Jason Powell · Sponsored

FactVote reviewed summary

Unemployment Compensation - As enacted, establishes a voluntary shared work unemployment benefits program that allows certain employers to submit to the department of labor and workforce development for approval a plan to reduce employee work hours in exchange for employee access to a certain level of unemployment compensation benefits.

SB 958 became Public Chapter 1086; HB 1274 was substituted rather than separately enacted. The official companion-chapter entry is dated 2022-06-01.

Why this record is included

The official record addresses wages, unemployment compensation, paid leave, or other cash income received by households. It does not establish an effect on Tennessee's statewide median household income.

Retained Tennessee evidence context: Median household income. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Unemployment Compensation - As enacted, establishes a voluntary shared work unemployment benefits program that allows certain employers to submit to the department of labor and workforce development for approval a plan to reduce employee work hours in exchange for employee access to a certain level of unemployment compensation benefits.
Review official supporting evidence ↗
What sponsorship and proposal counts tell us

Only current Tennessee officeholders retained in the reviewed collection qualify. Bills require a recorded primary sponsorship; cosponsors and signing officials are excluded from sponsorship counts. An official introducer recorded as acting by request is labeled “Introduced by request”; that procedural role does not establish personal policy endorsement. Governor and agency records qualify when recorded as proposed. A separately verified governor transmittal can also establish an original proposal whose latest status reflects its later outcome. Signing an enacted law alone does not establish a proposal. A record appearing under several facts is counted once per officeholder. A bill with multiple primary sponsors appears under each recorded sponsor.

Enacted bills, adopted resolutions and unsuccessful measures remain visible as proposal history. Passing one chamber is not enactment. These counts do not measure effectiveness or prove that an action changed a Tennessee statistic. Collection reviewed Sep 5, 2026.