Tennessee Today

America spends 18% of GDP on healthcare (more than any other developed nation) yet ranks second worst in outcomes. So what's broken?

In this episode, Dr. Patrick Bailey of the Goldwater Institute joins me to break down why these healthcare laws have cost Tennessee an estimated $700 million in healthcare services, the tension between expanding access and maintaining quality standards, and why he believes healthcare reform will require market-based solutions rather than government-run systems.

Key Topics

How can states increase transparency and competition to lower healthcare costs?

What's REALLY causing the physician shortage in Tennessee?

How do Certificate of Need laws restrict healthcare competition in Tennessee?

Should patients with rare diseases have the right to try experimental treatments?

About the Guest:

Dr. Patrick Bailey is the Director for Healthcare Policy at the Goldwater Institute. He practiced as a pediatric surgeon for nearly 20 years before transitioning to healthcare policy work, where he served for 10 years as Medical Director in the Division of Advocacy and Health Policy at the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Bailey holds a medical degree, a Master of Legal Studies from Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. He's also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

 

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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing [email protected]!

Most people think politics is too big, too broken, or too controlled by insiders to make a real impact. Gail Greene proves otherwise.

In this episode, I'm joined by the HCGOP Chair to discuss the impact one person can truly have in politics. She shares the pivotal moment that activated her to get involved, the exact steps she took to become HCGOP Chair, and why protecting Republican principles matters more than being a "big tent."

By the end of this episode, we not only hope you'll feel called to action, but also understand HOW to get involved.

Learn more at hcgop.com 

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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing [email protected]!

When legislators aren't experts on a specific topic, they rely on think tanks for research and data to inform decisions. But how do they know which ones to trust?

In this episode, Justin Owen (CEO of the Beacon Center) explains how the think tanks maintain credibility through transparent polling methods, why the Beacon Center publishes results even when the data contradicts their own positions, and what separates advocacy organizations from pure research groups.

Justin also breaks down how he identifies which issues matter most to Tennesseans this session, from property taxes and school choice to certificate of need reform.

About the Guest:

Justin Owen is the President & CEO of the Beacon Center and Beacon Impact. He previously served as the Beacon Center’s director of policy and general counsel, and prior to joining Beacon, he served as a law clerk to the U.S. Attorney in Memphis and at the Pentagon as a legal intern to the General Counsel of the United States Navy. Justin received his J.D. from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis and obtained his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing [email protected]!

Bills don't just randomly appear as laws. There's a process, and knowing it gives you power.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how the Tennessee legislative process actually works: when bills are introduced, how they move through committees, and when citizens have the most influence.

Then I’ll walk you through specific legislation this session, including property tax control, K-9 medical care, the Presidential Physical Fitness Test, and why education and healthcare always dominate the debate.

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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing [email protected]!

Most people see airports as just the place you catch a flight, but they’re so much more than that. They’re economic engines that create jobs, attract business investment, and directly impact regional growth.

In this episode, April Cameron, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Airport, joins me to break down how airports really work, the business side of running what's essentially a small city, and why they matter more to your community's economy than you think.

Key Takeaways:

Why air service is a critical factor when companies consider relocating or expanding

How businesses manage infrastructure updates when growth outpaces what they planned

What goes into competing for new airlines and nonstop routes

About April Cameron:

April Cameron is the President and CEO of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. Prior to becoming the CEO in 2023, April was the Vice President of Finance and Administration for nearly 26 years. 

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Tennessee Today is your inside look at state government: what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects you in your daily life. I break down key legislative topics, have important discussions with special guests, share my experiences in the Senate, and give you a firsthand perspective on how policies come to life. You’ll get the information you need straight from the source, so you can stay informed, engaged, and empowered! Share your questions for future episodes by emailing [email protected]!