| I hope you are enjoying the final weeks of summer and the start of the new school year. August has been yet another busy month both at the legislature and here in District 59. After reading a book recommended by my pastor, The Anxious Generation, I have been researching policies to help combat the youth mental health crisis that has exploded in recent years. I have been diving into the topic, convening meetings with MNPS, Commissioner of Mental Health, The Commission on Children and Youth, School Mental Health Counselors, Think Tanks and many other stakeholders. I have learned a lot and am starting to focus on a few solutions that I plan to unveil before the Legislature goes into session. Recently, I had the opportunity to join one of my legislative colleagues to meet with former Senator Bill Frist. We discussed bipartisan policy solutions in healthcare, conservation, youth mental health, and gun safety and its impact on public health. In honor of the launch of the new TennCare diaper benefit, I toured the Nashville Diaper Connection, operated by a District 59 constituent. This incredible initiative supports families by making it easier to access a full supply of clean diapers during the crucial first few years of a child’s life. |
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| Rep. Hemmer touring the Nashville Diaper Connection |
| Learn more about how to access the new TennCare Benefit here. As I prepare my legislative package and budget appropriation requests for the upcoming spring session, I am grateful for the opportunity to have spent this summer meeting with an incredible lineup of constituents, policy experts, and community leaders across our state. I’m excited to share more information on the work we’ve been doing in the months ahead. In the meantime, please continue to reach out with your ideas and feedback. |
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| Rep. Hemmer and family celebrate the first day of the school year. |
| Addressing the Drug Overdose Crisis in Davidson County Like most Nashvillians, I was shocked to learn that Davidson County currently has the second-highest death rate from drug overdoses in the country. This is an alarming and unacceptable reality that demands immediate action. In response to this crisis, I recently convened a meeting with experts on this issue, including representatives from federal, state, and local health agencies and law enforcement officials. This was a free-flowing discussion aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the problem and working together to find solutions. The statistics are stark and troubling: nearly 700 individuals lost their lives to drug overdoses in our county last year alone. This problem is worth fixing, and I want to assure you that I am fully committed to continuing these discussions and working towards effective solutions for our community. |
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| District 59 Road Projects Update Over the past few months, I’ve received calls and emails from constituents inquiring about the status of several of our exciting infrastructure projects taking place across District 59. I recently sat down with Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Butch Eley to learn more about these projects and make sure District 59 continues to receive strong funding and TDOT support for our roads and bridges. Here is a summary of those key updates: Construction Projects SR-6 (Nolensville Road): Start Date: December 2023 Current Status: Phase 1 traffic control set up; ongoing utility relocations, topsoil stripping, and excavations. Storm drain work and stream relocations have begun. Upcoming: Daily lane closures; full closure of Holt Road in mid-October for road grade adjustments. Detours via Edmondson Pike and Concord Road. Projected Completion: July 31, 2027 More Info: SR-6 Project Details SR-100 Bridge over Harpeth: Start Date: May 2024 Current Status: Phase 1 repairs complete; single-lane traffic with temporary signals. Phase 2 repairs ongoing. Upcoming: Full weekend closure in October for truss repairs. Detour via SR-96, Old Hillsboro Rd, Hillsboro Rd, and Old Hickory Blvd.Projected Completion: November 30, 2024 SR-6 From Williamson County Line to Norwood Drive: Current Status: Milling, paving, and striping complete. Minor work remaining (sidewalk replacement, guardrail installation). Projected Completion: October 15, 2024 Engineering Phase I-40 Interchange at McCrory Lane: Current Status: Preliminary engineering underway; survey to be completed by October. Design concepts in progress. Goals: Improve safety and traffic flow with lane extensions and realignments. Projected Construction: 2029 More Info: I-40 McCrory Lane Project Future Pavement Projects for FY 2025: I-65, From near Armory Drive (MM 79) to I-40 (Mile Marker 210) SR-254 (Old Hickory Blvd) From Cloverland Drive to Blue Hole Road SR-254 (Old Hickory Blvd) From SR-100 to SR-106 (Hillsboro Pike) Also, there will be upcoming meetings and the public comment period is open for the I-24 choice lanes project (read more here). Please reach out if you have any further questions on these projects and their impact on our neighborhoods. -Rep. Caleb Hemmer What I’m Reading Tim Walz and the Weird Politics of Free School Lunches – New York Times Tennessee lawmakers blew a good opportunity to protect citizens against gun violence – The Tennessean More than 1 in 10 Tennessee residents under 65 don’t have health insurance – Axios Nashville sees drop in drug overdoses – Nashville Banner District 59 Events Cheekwood Songwriters Under the Stars – August 23rd-25th. More info here. Brown’s Creek Cleanup with Land Trust Tennessee – August 23rd. More info here. Full Moon Pickin Party at Percy Warner Park – LAST event of the season on September 13th. More info here. Davidson County Democratic Party Fall Honors Dinner with Gov. Andy Beshear on September 5th. More info here. Reminder to join me Wednesday, September 4th for my re-election campaign kickoff! It is a privilege to serve District 59 in the state legislature, and I am committed to continuing my advocacy for common sense policies on the House floor that will improve the lives of Tennessee families. It is crucial I raise the funds now to secure my seat & be your voice in the legislature. This will be my one & only campaign fundraiser of the year, so I hope you will take this opportunity to show your support and help me keep up the fight at the Capitol! |
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