Hello to all District 86 residents, and especially the new voters who will be joining us this year in continuing to bring positive energy to the district, city, county and state. Even as we face the serious crisis of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, it is my joy to serve you and bring you this legislative update. As we work to overcome this crisis, I urge and pray that we continue to hold on to unity in the community as our best strength and truest hope.

I cannot urge you strongly enough to stay informed regarding COVID-19 by continually going to TN. Gov and to make sure you're receiving the District 86 Current Updates to keep abreast of developments within the district and state. We must move forward together and your participation is my office's strength. Please inform your neighbors to do so as well.

The One Hundredth Eleventh (111th) Tennessee General Assembly (TGA) has been reconvened to conclude the calendar agenda in a binary process. The second stage is underway now, and as your representative, I am focused first on proposals aimed at improving District 86 community concerns and constituent services.

In speaking and following constituent instruction, the District 86 platform is focused on Education, Healthcare, Economic Development, Gun Control Safety and Environmental Quality. There are many bills we are supporting, or opposing that will have a direct impact on our lives. I can not list them all here, but please send an email of your concern, and I will have it researched and answer returned to you asap. The virus has slowed the process but your concerns are still important. While we must stay focused on PPE (Protective Personal Equipment), the strength of our democracy is PPC (Patient Persistent Communication).

So, at this point, please allow me to formally introduce the One Voice Community Coalition (OVCC), a team of talented citizen volunteers who see it as their duty to help their fellow citizens. They are a treasure trove of strength, information and productivity and because of their work, I can close this edition on an exciting upbeat note about my favorite non-legislative commitment, the Annual Cooper/Jones Initiative.

The Annual Cooper/Jones Initiative brought new excitement to the city's civic life by producing the 3rd Annual Living Legends Awards. Created to honor the legacy of Underground Railroad Freedom Fighter Harriet Tubman and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it has grown into a truly "must attend" event for civic minded citizens.

Presented Sunday, March 8th at the National Civil Rights Museum, we saluted "conductors" whose works create lasting impact in their neighborhoods, workplaces and this entire community. It was a smashing success, so much so that people have begun calling it the "Tubman Awards" and are already asking about next year's event!