Tennessee Matters

The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) was established in 1963 to promote and protect human rights through education and enforcement. Initially an advisory body, it became an enforcement agency in 1978 with the passage of the Tennessee Human Rights Act. The THRC addresses discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national ori...

It's no accident that some of the world's biggest brands have chosen to call Tennessee home.  The Tennessee Dept. of Economic & Community Development is constantly promoting Tennessee's attractive business climate and has delivered many success stories that are impacting the state now and into the future.  TNECD is not only behind the relocation and expansion of businessess in the Volunteer st...

The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS) is dedicated to connecting veterans of all eras with the benefits they have earned, including healthcare, education, and financial assistance. The department plays a crucial role in advocating for veterans' rights, assisting with active duty casualties, and hosting outreach events to raise awareness and support for veterans and their families. T...

All states are vying to attract new businesses and industries, making the competition fierce. Tennessee has excelled in this arena, successfully attracting major companies and driving significant job growth for the future. A crucial factor in this success is developing a skilled and qualified workforce for emerging sectors.  The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development plays a vit...

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established in 1933 to provide flood control, improve navigation, generate electricity, and promote economic development in the Tennessee Valley region. Today, it is the largest public power provider in the U.S., supplying electricity to about 10 million people. On this episode of Tennessee Matters, the TVA's Ashley England joins John Clark to talk about sa...

The newly established Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging aims to enhance the quality of life and independence of older adults and Tenneseans with disabilities. The department was formed by merging the TN Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) and the Dept. of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD), creating a more streamlined organization. By combining these two entities,...

Lasagna Love is dedicated to fostering community connections through the simple act of delivering homemade meals. Founded during the pandemic, Lasagna Love addresses food insecurity and offers a comforting gesture during challenging times. The organization also aims to eliminate the stigma associated with asking for help, ensuring that anyone can receive support without judgment. Recently Melanie...

The State of Tennessee is the state's number one employer with a headcount of more than 40,000.  It's a big group assigned to important tasks we all depend on like public safety, infrastructure and transportation, education, and healthcare among many others.  With a staff that big, naturally there are lots of job opportunities at any given moment for positions like law enforcement, attorneys, dent...

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) plays a vital role in safeguarding our state’s natural resources. They work to improve air and water quality, protect citizens from environmental hazards, and manage Tennessee’s beautiful state parks including their network of lodges. Their mission is all about enhancing our quality of life while preserving the environment for future...

The Tennessee Dept. of Human Services recently launched the Fatherhood Grant Program , investing approximately $10 million to support organizations serving fathers. Through this initiative, they aim to enhance fatherhood-related programs, including mentorship, education, co-parenting support, skill-building workshops, employment services, and financial literacy. By promoting active father involvem...

The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) serves to safeguard individuals from discrimination through education and enforcement. As an independent state agency, it enforces anti-discrimination laws in housing, employment, and public accommodation based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and age. Executive Director Muriel Nolan joined John Clark t...

The Tennessee Charitable Care Network (TCCN) is dedicated to a mission of support, education, and representation for non-profit organizations that provide essential healthcare services. These organizations are committed to delivering free or reduced-cost medical, dental, and mental health services to low-income, uninsured, and underserved populations. By providing this support, TCCN ensures that t...

Veterans encounter significant challenges when transitioning back to civilian life, and the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services is committed to easing this transition for the approximately 450,000 veterans living in Tennessee. Through passionate advocacy and informative outreach, the department connects veterans with the benefits they’ve earned and to critical resources that many need. Major...

The Secretary of State’s office in Tennessee plays a pivotal role in the state’s governance and administration including maintaining a register of the governor’s official acts and proceedings, ensuring the accuracy and security of public records, and administering the state’s election laws. The office is also tasked with the chartering of corporations, registration of trademarks and service marks,...

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is entrusted with a broad spectrum of responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation and safety of the state’s transportation network. It oversees the planning, construction, and maintenance of over 14,000 miles of state-owned highways and interstates. Additionally, TDOT administers funding and offers technical assistance for state and federal aid...

Did you know every organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of 75 more people through tissue donation?  That's the message from Tennessee Donor Services whose mission is to save and improve lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.  2023 was a record-breaking year in the state for organ and tissue donations in Tennessee but the need remains great. Recently John Clark spoke...

The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of the "silent epidemic" of youth suicide. Recent data shows Tennessee ranks among the top for child suicide rates nationwide and the issue was addressed in the State of the Child report from the TN Commission on Children & Youth. The Jason Foundation has programs and events to equip educators, young people, parents, and youth workers with th...

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect and improve the health and prosperity of the citizens of the state. Dr. Ralph Alvarado recently celebrated his first full year as commissioner of the health department and presides over challenging times including the continuing presence of Covid 19 among many other public health concerns. Dr. Alvarado spoke with John Clark about impo...

The TN Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) is the state agency responsible for supporting Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is done in several ways, including Medicaid waiver Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), state-operated ICF/IIDs, and the Family Support Program. DIDD administers services directly or through contracts with com...

Do you ever wonder where all of our tax money goes in Tennessee? It goes to Education, Health & Social Services, Public Safety, Transportation and back into local communities for important public services. The Tennessee Department of Revenue serves as the state’s primary tax collection agency, administering more than 25 different taxes and fees. In addition to tax collection and enforcement, t...

The Tennessee Board of Regents manages the state university and community college system of Tennessee as well as the state's vocational technical schools. With 13 community colleges and 20 TCATs (Tenn College of Applied Technology) offering more than 400 programs of study, the goal is to create opportunities for all Tennesseans to attend college, regardless of age or income. Recently John Clark sp...

The mission of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is to preserve, conserve, manage, protect, and enhance the fish and wildlife of the state. To promote the TWRA’s mission along with outdoor events & activities from hunting, fishing, boating, and just about anything outdoors, the agency produces a popular podcast called Tennessee WildCast. The podcast is hosted by the longtime voice of the...

The TN Assoc. of Alcohol, Drug & other Addiction Services is a statewide association of alcohol and drug abuse treatment, prevention, and recovery service professionals and others who are interested in addiction issues. TAADAS keeps alcoholism, drug abuse, and other addiction issues including gambling in the forefront when public policy decisions are made and through the collective voice of it...

The Tennessee Department of Human Services is thought of as a safety net by facilitating nutrition programs, childcare services, employment assistance, vocational training, and protective services for Tennesseans and families in need. It's the state’s second-largest agency with an operating budget of more than $3 billion and nearly 4,000 employees working in offices in all 95 counties and has been...

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s mission is to increase the number of Tennesseans with a post-secondary school education and the commission actively promotes the state’s programs to help make that happen including Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect. Dr. Robert Smith has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the commission and recently he spoke with Tennessee Matters host J...