Affordable Health care, Tenn Care, education, guns in cars---the upcoming session of the Tennessee General Assembly should be anything but dull.
The republican-dominated legislature meets next Tuesday with the theme--"Get it done and get out of town."
REP. GERALD MCCORMICK, HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER "I think the people primarily expect us to go up there and conduct the business of the state in a responsible unlike the federal government has been acting lately."
This session of the legislature will deal a number of major issues, but none that will soak-up as much state funding as the Affordable Care Act.
REP. GERALD MCCORMICK "It's going to be very expensive..its going to cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars...but we have planned in advance for that ....and act responsibly and pay for it as the bills come due."
That legislation is expected to add some 60-thousand people to the TennCare program.
SEN. 'BO" WATSON, HIXSON "There are going to be increased costs to TennCare because of the Affordable Care Act...so that's going to cut into the state's revenue. Obviously that has not only health care implications but really financial implications on the state's budget."
REP. RICHARD FLOYD, CHATTANOOGA "Now for those in this country who don't pay taxes ..It ain't going to cost them anything. But those that pay taxes we're going to pay to play. And there's no getting around it..its a huge un-funded mandate for the state of Tennessee."
But as Senate speaker pro tem, Senator Bo Watson of Hixson sees a willingness to compromise and work with the governor.
SEN. "BO" WATSON, HIXSON "Sure, we're going to have some arguments. But I think we really have a very good caucus in the senate. I think the house will come together as well..and we'll have a very good legislative session."
The gun issue is a hot topic nationally..but Rep. McCormick says the 2nd Amendment will still prevail.
REP. GERALD MCCORMICK "The gun issue is not the most important issue facing the state of Tennessee right now."
