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Bill Lee
56.8%
#8 of 50

Bill Lee

Tennessee R | 2nd term
2019-01-19Took Office 7 yrs, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 939 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

238/300
79%

Section B: State Outcomes

533/975
55%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+168 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 238/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
Submitted all 7 budgets on time (FY2020-FY2026). FY2026 proposed budget $57.9B; signed FY2025-26 budget $59.8B. TN Constitution Art. II §24 requires balanced budget — Lee met every deadline with aligned R supermajority legislature.
TN F&A Budget Division Records; TN Legislature Bill Tracking; Sycamore Institute Budget Brief 2026
3
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
Conservative forecasting — FY2022 revenues exceeded estimates by $2.6B, FY2023 by $1.8B, creating massive surpluses. Chronic underestimation flatters end-of-year results but distorts legislative budgeting. FY2024 surplus funded $59.8B biennial budget.
TN F&A Revenue Estimates; TN Funding Board Reports; Sycamore Institute Revenue Analysis
2
Rainy day fund management
Rainy Day Fund reached $2.2B (FY2026) — 9.2% of state tax revenues, exceeding statutory 8% target by ~$295M. FY2026 budget added $35.6M. TN could run government 30+ days on reserves alone — among strongest reserve positions nationally.
TN State Treasurer Rainy Day Fund Reports; F&A Budget Reports; Pew Charitable Trusts State Rainy Day Funds 2024
3
State credit rating trajectory
Triple AAA: S&P AAA (upgraded 2016, maintained), Moody's Aaa, Fitch AAA — all with stable outlook. TN is one of only ~13 states holding top rating from all 3 agencies simultaneously. Rating maintained through entire Lee tenure (2019-present).
S&P Global Ratings GO Affirmation — Tennessee; Moody's Aaa Tennessee; Fitch AAA Tennessee; TNECD Triple-A Announcement
3
Pension funding ratio trajectory
TCRS funded ratio ~100% as of FY2024 actuarial valuation — consistently ranked top 5 nationally by Equable Institute. Defined benefit plan covers 290,000+ members. Lee maintained fully funded status through market volatility; no contribution holidays or deferrals.
TCRS 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report; Equable Institute State Pension Rankings; TN Treasury TCRS Overview
3
Debt per capita trajectory
TN ranks #1 nationally on Reason Foundation per-capita state debt ranking ($1,952 total govt debt/capita). Bonded debt under $250/resident — among 5 lowest states. No income tax since Hall Tax repeal Jan 2021. Conservative debt authorization; no GO bonds issued for operations.
Reason Foundation State Government Debt Rankings 2025; TN Comptroller Debt Reports; Census Population Estimates
3
CAFR/ACFR published on time
ACFR published within statutory deadlines annually. TN received GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 44th consecutive year (FY2023). Comptroller Jason Mumpower's office maintains strong publication record.
TN Comptroller ACFR Publication Records; GFOA Certificate Awards; TN F&A 2024 ACFR Release Dec 2024
3
Audit findings — material weaknesses
FY2023 Single Audit received unmodified ('clean') opinion from Comptroller Division of State Audit. Some findings in federal compliance areas but no catastrophic material weaknesses. ACFR consistently achieves clean opinions under Lee tenure.
TN Comptroller Audit Reports 2019-2025; FY2023 State Single Audit Report; TN Dept of Audit Annual Report 2024
2
Federal grant fund accounting
TN received $3.73B in ARPA State Fiscal Recovery funds. FY2023 Single Audit showed manageable federal findings. IIJA formula allocations ($7.3B for highways over 5 years) tracked through F&A. Federal grant accounting adequate but not distinguished.
TN Single Audit Reports; USASpending.gov — Tennessee; Treasury ARPA State Allocations; FHWA IIJA TN
2
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
TN paid $351.9M in fraudulent UI claims (Apr 2020-Mar 2021) per DOL. Improper payment rate 39.84% (Jul 2019-Jun 2022) — well above national average. TDOL implemented post-hoc fraud controls but initial systems were porous. Not worst nationally but significant losses.
DOL OIG Pandemic UI Reports; Ballotpedia TN UI Fraud; GAO-23-106696
2
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Hall Tax on investment income fully repealed Jan 1, 2021 (phased out 2017-2021, ~$272M/yr reduction). TN relies on 7% state sales tax (among highest nationally). FY2022-2024 revenues consistently exceeded expenditures by $1B+. Zero income tax — one of 9 states with no individual income tax.
TN F&A Revenue Reports; Comptroller Fiscal Review; Hall Income Tax Repeal TCA; Sycamore Institute Revenue Analysis
3
Capital budget execution rate
FY2026 budget includes $500M+ for capital maintenance and new construction. State Building Commission oversaw $1.4B in active projects (2024). Choice Lanes I-24 Nashville-Murfreesboro corridor ($2B-$5B P3 project) advancing. TDOT Build With Us program accelerating highway projects statewide.
TN F&A Capital Budget Reports; State Building Commission; TDOT Choice Lanes/Build With Us Program
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
Central Procurement Office manages ~$20B in state contracts. CoreCivic (private prison, HQ Nashville) penalized $44.78M since 2022 for contractual shortfalls at Trousdale Turner — state enforced contract terms. Lee Company (governor's former business) voluntarily ceased state contracting during tenure.
TN Central Procurement Office; TN Lookout CoreCivic Penalties Oct 2024; Lee Company Blind Trust Records
3
Federal funding maximization
IIJA: $7.3B highway formula funds (5 yrs). ARPA: $3.73B state fiscal recovery. BEAD broadband: $813M approved Aug 2024 for rural expansion. Ford BlueOval City attracted federal EV/IRA incentives alongside $900M state package. Google Clarksville data center $600M. Strong federal capture overall.
USASpending.gov — Tennessee; FHWA IIJA TN; NTIA BEAD TN Approval Aug 2024; TNECD Ford/Google Records
2
Program eligibility verification systems
TennCare (TN's Medicaid waiver since 1994) uses managed care with strict eligibility. Did not expand Medicaid under ACA — ~10.5% uninsured rate persists. E-Verify required for employers 35+ employees (TN Lawful Employment Act 2011). SNAP/TANF verification standard. DHS uses SAVE system for benefits.
TN DHS Program Integrity; CMS TennCare Waiver Reviews; TN Lawful Employment Act TCA §50-1-703
3
Signature legislation enacted
Signed: ESA pilot (2019, expanded universally Jan 2025 — $7K/student, 10K+ scholarships). Permitless carry (Apr 2021, effective Jul 2021 — handguns for 21+). Near-total abortion ban (trigger law effective Aug 2022). SB1 gender-affirming care ban for minors (Mar 2023, upheld by SCOTUS). Education Freedom Scholarship Act (Jan 2025 special session). Criminal justice reform (Alternatives to Incarceration Act, Re-entry Success Act 2021).
TN Legislature Bill Tracking; Governor's Signing Records; EdChoice ESA Program; SB1 2023; SCOTUS L.W. v. Skrmetti
2
Veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden across 7 years. Republican supermajority (75-24 House, 27-6 Senate as of 2024) consistently aligned with Lee's agenda. Lee used veto sparingly — strong executive-legislative alignment reduced confrontation.
TN Legislature Journal; Governor's Veto Records; TN General Assembly Composition 2024
3
Bipartisan bills signed
Minimal bipartisan legislation in heavily R supermajority legislature. ESA vouchers, abortion ban, permitless carry, trans care ban all party-line. Tennessee Three expulsions (Apr 2023) — two Black Democratic reps expelled over gun protest, deepening partisan divide. Some bipartisan support for criminal justice reform bills (2021).
TN Legislature Vote Records 2019-2025; Tennessee Three Expulsion Records Apr 2023
1
Special sessions called
Called special session Aug 21, 2023 on public safety after Covenant School shooting (Mar 27, 2023 — 3 children, 3 adults killed). Lee proposed temporary gun removal for mental health emergencies — no Republican would sponsor it. Session passed only minor measures: gun safe advertising, SRO funding, background check codification. Also called Jan 2025 special session for universal ESA voucher expansion. COVID special session 2020.
TN Governor's Special Session Calls; PBS/Chalkbeat Legislative Coverage Aug 2023; Education Freedom Scholarship Act Jan 2025
1
Executive orders — legal challenges
ESA voucher program (2019) faced 4+ years of litigation — Davidson County court initially struck it down; TN Supreme Court upheld it May 2023. EO on COVID restrictions faced limited challenges. SB1 trans care ban challenged but upheld by SCOTUS (L.W. v. Skrmetti, Dec 2024). Abortion trigger ban survived all legal challenges.
Court Records — Tennessee; ESA Litigation Timeline (Chalkbeat Mar 2024); SCOTUS L.W. v. Skrmetti 2024
2
Line-item veto usage
TN Constitution Art. III §18 grants governor line-item veto on appropriations. Lee used sparingly given R supermajority alignment. No significant line-item vetoes of major budget items documented — smooth budget process made tool largely unnecessary.
TN Constitution Art. III §18; Governor's Veto Records; TN Legislature Calendar
2
Regulatory burden change
TN repealed more licensing laws than any other state since 2016 Right to Earn a Living Act. Fresh Start Act (2018) removed conviction-based licensing barriers. Lee signed HB 1859 (2024) further reducing criminal record barriers. No income tax. CNBC ranked TN #3 for business (2023). Among lowest regulatory burdens nationally per Mercatus Center.
TN Secretary of State Administrative Rules; Reason Foundation Licensing Report; CNBC Top States 2023; Mercatus Center RegData
3
Budget negotiation success
All 7 budgets passed on time (FY2020-FY2026). R supermajority (75-24 House, 27-6 Senate) ensures smooth passage. Zero government shutdowns or funding impasses. Budget grew from $38.5B (FY2020) to $59.8B (FY2025-26 biennial) while maintaining AAA rating and surpluses.
TN F&A Budget Timeline; Legislature Calendar; Sycamore Institute Budget Briefs 2020-2026
3
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Signed popular measures: Teacher Paycheck Protection Act (2023, min salary $50K by 2027), school safety funding ($230M post-Covenant), property tax relief for seniors. Also signed polarizing legislation: permitless carry (HB 786, Apr 2021), near-total abortion ban (trigger law Aug 2022), SB1 trans care ban (Mar 2023).
TN Legislature Records; Governor's Signing Statements; Teacher Paycheck Protection Act; HB 786; SB1
2
Legislative relationship
Strong alignment with R supermajority led by Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally. ESA voucher push created internal R tension (rural Rs opposed) but passed after 4-year fight. Tennessee Three expulsions (Apr 2023 — Reps. Justin Jones, Justin Pearson expelled, Rep. Gloria Johnson survived) drew national condemnation. Legislature preempted Nashville on minimum wage, hiring, policing policies.
TN Legislature Records; Tennessee Three Coverage; Nashville Preemption History
2
Implementation of voter-approved measures
TN has no citizen-initiated ballot measures — only legislatively referred constitutional amendments. 2022 Amendment 1 (right to work) approved by voters; Amendment 2 (line of gubernatorial succession) approved. Both implemented as passed. Limited direct democracy framework constrains this metric.
TN Secretary of State; 2022 Constitutional Amendment Results; TN Constitution Art. XI
2
Task force follow-through
Criminal Justice Investment Task Force (2019) produced Alternatives to Incarceration Act and Re-entry Success Act (both signed 2021). Post-Covenant school safety task force led to $230M in school security funding and SRO investments. Literacy task force contributed to Tennessee Literacy Success Act. Workforce development EO (Jun 2025) followed task force recommendations.
Governor's Task Force Reports; Justice Action Network TN Reform Coverage; School Safety Task Force Records
2
Policy reversals under pressure
Remarkably consistent — did not reverse on gun policy despite Covenant shooting (6 killed Mar 2023) and massive public pressure. Proposed modest mental health gun removal EO, but when legislature rejected even that, accepted result without further push. Maintained abortion ban position after Dobbs. No major policy reversals documented across 7 years in office.
Governor's Office Records; Post-Covenant Policy Statements; PBS Special Session Coverage Aug 2023
2
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No criminal charges or ethics violations among Lee's cabinet appointees or major agency heads. Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn resigned 2023 but under no ethics cloud. DCS Commissioner Margie Quin appointed 2023 after predecessor's departure. Clean appointment record across 7 years.
TN Ethics Commission; Court Records; Governor's Appointment Records 2019-2026
3
Agency head vacancy rate
All 22 cabinet-level positions filled throughout tenure. Key appointments: ECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, Finance Commissioner Jim Bryson, TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. Some agency turnover (Education Commissioner Schwinn departed 2023) but replacements made promptly. No prolonged vacancies in senior leadership.
Governor's Office Appointment Records — Tennessee; TN.gov Cabinet Listing
2
State employee turnover
State workforce ~42,000 employees. Turnover manageable aided by TN's low cost of living (BEA RPP ~91-93). Lee signed 3% Pay for Performance increases ($49M pool FY2025). Corrections staffing is exception — CoreCivic Trousdale Turner had 146-188% guard turnover rate. State-run facilities also face staffing challenges.
TN DOHR Reports; State Employee Data; FY2025 Budget P4P Allocation; CoreCivic Staffing Reports
3
Diversity of appointments
Moderate diversity — cabinet skews white and male in a state that is 17% Black. Some notable diverse appointments but overall composition reflects Lee's conservative Republican base. University board appointments included some diversity. No systematic diversity initiative for appointments documented.
Governor's Office Appointment Records; Census ACS TN Demographics
2
Judicial appointment quality
TN uses merit-based Judicial Selection Commission (renamed Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments) — presents 3 nominees per vacancy for appellate courts. Lee appointed multiple Court of Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals judges. Trial court judges elected. System insulates from pure political appointment but governor retains final choice from short list.
TN Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments; TN Courts Judicial Selection Records
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
Teacher Paycheck Protection Act (2023): minimum salary $35K (2019) rising to $50K by 2026-27 — largest teacher pay raise in TN history ($42K for 2023-24, $44K for 2024-25, $47K for 2025-26). State employees received 3% P4P increases ($49M FY2025 pool). TN average teacher salary still below national average (~$59K vs ~$66K) but gap narrowing. Low cost of living improves real purchasing power.
TN DOHR Compensation Reports; Teacher Paycheck Protection Act; BLS OES TN Data; NCES Teacher Salary Data
2
Whistleblower protection
No documented whistleblower retaliation in governor's office. However, Dr. Michelle Fiscus (state vaccine official) fired Jul 2021 after sharing teen vaccination legal guidance — state settled her federal lawsuit for $150K (Nov 2023). TN Whistleblower Act (TCA §50-1-304) provides protections. Comptroller office independence maintained.
TN Comptroller Reports; Ethics Commission; Fiscus v. TN Settlement Nov 2023; Washington Times
3
Inspector General independence
TN Comptroller Jason Mumpower (elected by legislature, not governor-appointed) maintained independence. Division of State Audit operates with full access. Comptroller produced critical reports on CoreCivic prisons, ESA voucher program usage (Jan 2026), and DCS. No interference from governor's office documented.
TN Comptroller Annual Reports; Comptroller ESA Audit Jan 2026; CoreCivic Audit Reports
2
State employee morale
No systemic morale crisis in state workforce. 3% P4P raises ($49M FY2025) and low cost of living help retention. DOHR reported stable engagement metrics. Corrections sector exception: guard turnover at CoreCivic facilities extremely high (146-188%) and state facilities also struggle. TDOH morale impacted by Fiscus firing and pandemic response tensions.
TN DOHR Employee Data; FY2025 P4P Budget; CoreCivic/TDOC Staffing Data
2
Nepotism/cronyism
Lee was CEO of Lee Company (HVAC/plumbing/construction, ~$400M revenue) before taking office. Placed all holdings in blind trust (managed by attorney Bo Campbell, Waller Lansden). Lee Company voluntarily ceased pursuing state contracts during tenure. Lee Company had received ~$14M in state contracts since 2012 prior to governorship. No state employment nepotism documented.
TN Ethics Commission Records; Financial Disclosures; Lee Blind Trust Announcement Jan 2019; Williamson Herald
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior staff, cabinet members, or chief of staff charged with crimes during Lee's 7+ year tenure. Clean record among executive branch leadership. No grand jury investigations or federal probes of staff. Chief of Staff Blake Harris served full first term without incident.
Court Records — Tennessee; TN Ethics Commission; DOJ Records
3
Agency performance accountability
Agency performance tracked through DOHR metrics and Comptroller audits. DCS exited Brian A. federal oversight in 2019 but new class-action (2025) alleges persistent failures for 9,000+ foster children. CoreCivic penalized $44.78M for Trousdale Turner failures. TNECD performance strong (Ford, Oracle, Amazon recruitment). Overall mixed — fiscal agencies excellent, social services agencies struggling.
TN Comptroller Reports; DCS Federal Monitor Exit 2019; 2025 Foster Care Lawsuit; CoreCivic Penalties
3
Disaster declaration timeliness
Timely declarations for: Mar 2-3, 2020 Nashville tornado outbreak (25 killed statewide, $1.5B damage, EF-3 through Nashville); COVID-19 (Mar 2020); Aug 21, 2021 Waverly/Humphreys County flash flooding (20 killed, 17+ inches rain, 509 homes impacted, 250 destroyed); Dec 25, 2020 Nashville bombing (AT&T infrastructure). Declarations issued promptly in all cases.
TN EMA Emergency Declaration Records; NWS Nashville Tornado Report; Waverly Flood After-Action; FBI Nashville Bombing Report
2
FEMA Public Assistance secured
Secured FEMA Major Disaster Declarations for: Mar 2020 Nashville tornadoes (DR-4476), COVID-19 (DR-4502), Aug 2021 Waverly flooding (DR-4609), Dec 2023 severe storms. Federal Individual Assistance and Public Assistance activated. FEMA provided housing assistance, debris removal, and infrastructure repair funding for all major events.
FEMA PA Records — Tennessee DR-4476, DR-4502, DR-4609; FEMA Disaster Declarations Summary
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Rainy Day Fund at $2.2B (FY2026) — 9.2% of state tax revenues, exceeding statutory 8% target. TN could run government 30+ days on reserves alone. Among top 10 states for reserve ratio nationally per Pew Charitable Trusts. State law allocates 10% of year-over-year additional revenue to reserves automatically.
TN State Treasurer Reserve Reports; Pew Charitable Trusts State Reserves 2024; TCA Reserve Fund Statute
3
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
COVENANT SCHOOL SHOOTING (March 27, 2023): 3 children and 3 staff killed at private Christian elementary school in Nashville. While not directly a state failure, Lee's response (or lack thereof on gun legislation) became major controversy. Called special session but no significant gun legislation passed. TN has among least restrictive gun laws. Also: COVID deaths very high per capita with minimal restrictions.
Metro Nashville PD Incident Report; TN Legislature Special Session Records; CDC COVID Data — Tennessee
1
Post-disaster recovery
2020 Nashville tornado (EF-3, 60-mile path, $1.5B damage, 1,600+ buildings destroyed): recovery complicated by COVID pandemic onset 2 weeks later. Neighborhoods like East Nashville and Germantown rebuilt over 2-3 years. Waverly flooding (Aug 2021, 20 killed): 1 year later residents still in temporary housing; small town recovery slower. State committed funds but recovery timelines extended.
FEMA PA Records — Tennessee; Nashville Recovery Records; NPR Waverly Recovery Aug 2022
2
Public health emergency response
TN COVID deaths: ~31,000+ total, among highest per capita nationally. Minimal restrictions — Lee did not impose statewide mask mandate (allowed local option). Vaccination rate ~56% fully vaccinated (vs ~68% national). Fired Dr. Michelle Fiscus (state vaccine chief) Jul 2021 after she shared Mature Minor Doctrine legal guidance on teen vaccines — state settled her federal lawsuit for $150K (Nov 2023). TDOH halted all youth vaccination outreach during pandemic.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Tennessee; Vaccination Data; Fiscus Termination/Settlement Records; NPR/NBC Coverage Jul 2021
1
Infrastructure failure prevention
No state infrastructure failures attributable to deferred maintenance. Dec 25, 2020 Nashville bombing (lone bomber Anthony Warner) destroyed AT&T switching center causing multi-state telecom outages — federal/private infrastructure, not state. TDOT maintained 96.2% bridge adequacy (3.8% structurally deficient vs 7.5% national). Water/sewer systems locally managed.
TN DOT Reports; FBI Nashville Bombing Investigation; FHWA NBI Bridge Data — Tennessee
3
National Guard deployment appropriateness
TN National Guard deployed for: Mar 2020 Nashville tornado debris removal and security, COVID-19 testing/logistics support, Aug 2021 Waverly flooding search-and-rescue. Fort Campbell (101st Airborne, 160th SOAR) provides TN substantial military capacity. Guard deployments appropriate in scale and duration — no controversies over guard use.
TN Military Department Records; Fort Campbell 101st Airborne; TEMA Deployment Records
2
Emergency communication
Effective emergency communication during tornado and flood events — Lee visited affected areas promptly (Nashville tornado within hours, Waverly flooding within 24 hrs). COVID communication notably restrained — fewer press conferences than peer governors, delegated to TDOH. Post-Covenant shooting, Lee showed visible emotion and called for action but was constrained by own party's legislature.
Governor's Office Press Records; EMA Communications; Covenant Response Coverage Mar 2023
3
Interagency coordination
TEMA coordinated effectively with TDOT, THP, National Guard, and local EMA offices during 2020 tornado outbreak and 2021 Waverly flooding. COVID response coordinated across TDOH, TEMA, and TN National Guard for testing/vaccine distribution. Multi-agency response to Nashville bombing involved FBI, ATF, Metro Nashville PD, and state agencies.
TN EMA After-Action Reports; TEMA Coordination Records; Nashville Bombing Multi-Agency Response
3
Pandemic response metrics
TN COVID: ~31,000+ deaths, ~355 deaths/100K (among top 10 highest nationally). No statewide mask mandate (local option only). Vaccination rate ~56% fully vaccinated vs ~68% national. Fired vaccine chief Dr. Fiscus Jul 2021 ($150K settlement). TDOH halted all youth vaccine outreach. Rural hospitals overwhelmed — 15 rural hospital closures since 2010. Among worst pandemic outcomes by any objective measure.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Tennessee; Johns Hopkins Mortality Data; CMS Data; Fiscal Settlement Records
1
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
TEMA maintains state EOC and coordinates with 95 county EMAs. TN faces high tornado (Dixie Alley), flood, and severe weather risk. Preparedness infrastructure adequate — no failures during 2020 tornado outbreak. Waverly flooding (2021) revealed gaps in flash flood warning dissemination in rural areas. $813M BEAD broadband investment will improve rural emergency communications.
TN TEMA Preparedness Reports; NWS Nashville Tornado Records; AMS Waverly Flood Study 2024; NTIA BEAD TN Program
2
FOIA/open records compliance
TN Public Records Act (TCA §10-7-503) compliance adequate but not exemplary. Office of Open Records Counsel (under Comptroller) handles disputes. Some delays in responding to requests about Lee Company contracts and COVID decision-making. No major court-ordered sanctions for records withholding. TN received C+ on 2015 FOIA audit (most recent comprehensive review).
TN Comptroller Open Records Counsel; Court Records; TCA §10-7-503; State Integrity Investigation FOIA Grades
2
Governor's schedule availability
Governor's public schedule posted on tn.gov/governor with event details. Lee travels state frequently — visits all 95 counties. Schedule less detailed than some peer governors but public appearances well-documented. COVID reduced public schedule transparency temporarily (2020-2021).
Governor's Office Website — Tennessee (tn.gov/governor); Press Schedule Archives
2
Campaign finance compliance
Zero campaign finance violations. Lee self-funded 2018 primary campaign with $7.9M personal loan — became wealthiest TN governor in modern era. 2022 reelection raised standard donor funds. All filings compliant with TN Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance. No PAC coordination complaints substantiated.
TN Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Records; FEC/State Filing Records; 2018/2022 Campaign Finance Reports
3
Financial disclosure
Annual financial disclosures filed as required. Lee Company holdings placed in blind trust (managed by attorney Bo Campbell, Waller Lansden law firm). Trust arrangement disclosed publicly. However, blind trust structure means specific assets/returns not visible during tenure. Lee Company received state franchise/excise tax rebates under 2024 law — raised transparency questions (TN Lookout Jun 2025).
TN Ethics Commission Financial Disclosure Records; Lee Blind Trust Announcement Jan 2019; TN Lookout Tax Rebate Coverage Jun 2025
2
Open meetings compliance
TN Open Meetings Act (TCA §8-44-101) compliance maintained. Comptroller's Office of Open Records Counsel provides guidance. No significant open meetings violations by executive branch documented. Some COVID-era virtual meetings raised procedural questions but were generally addressed through emergency orders.
TN Comptroller Open Meetings Guidance; TCA §8-44-101; Open Records Counsel Annual Reports
3
Open data portal
Tennessee operates data.tn.gov open data portal with datasets across agencies — education, transportation, health, corrections. Portal functional but not among most comprehensive nationally. Budget data published through F&A. TN ECD publishes economic development incentive data. Comptroller hosts transparency portal for local government finances.
data.tn.gov; TN F&A Budget Publications; Comptroller Local Government Transparency Portal
2
Budget transparency
F&A publishes detailed budget documents including Governor's Budget, Budget-in-Brief, capital budget, and revenue estimates. FY2026 recommended budget ($57.9B) and signed biennial budget ($59.8B) publicly available. Sycamore Institute provides independent analysis. Comptroller publishes fiscal reviews. Line-item transparency adequate.
TN F&A Budget Publications; Sycamore Institute Budget Analyses; Comptroller Fiscal Review
2
Lobbying disclosure
TN Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance requires lobbyist registration and quarterly expense reporting. Employer-lobbyist relationships publicly searchable. 2024 franchise/excise tax rebate law questioned for transparency — benefited major corporations including Lee Company, but disclosure of specific recipients required FOIA requests (TN Lookout Jun 2025).
TN Bureau of Ethics Lobbying Records; TN Lookout Tax Rebate Transparency Coverage Jun 2025
3
IG report publication
Comptroller Jason Mumpower publishes all state audit reports, performance audits, and investigative reports on comptroller.tn.gov. Key reports: CoreCivic Trousdale Turner facility inspections, ESA voucher program evaluation (Jan 2026 — found most students didn't leave low-performing schools), ACFR/Single Audit. Reports publicly accessible and searchable.
TN Comptroller Website (comptroller.tn.gov); Chalkbeat ESA Audit Coverage Jan 2026
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Executive branch cooperated fully with Comptroller audit requests. Comptroller Mumpower (elected by legislature, independent of governor) reported no obstruction. Division of State Audit accessed all agencies. FY2023 Single Audit completed on time. No documented conflicts between governor's office and Comptroller during Lee tenure.
TN Comptroller Records; Division of State Audit Annual Report; FY2023 Single Audit
3
Press conference accessibility
Lee holds press conferences but less frequently than peer governors. COVID press briefings were less regular than other states. Post-Covenant shooting, Lee held press conferences and showed visible emotion. Annual State of the State addresses (7 total) publicly broadcast. Media accessibility adequate but Lee perceived as reserved/private personality — former businessman, not career politician.
Governor's Office Media Schedule; State of the State Addresses 2019-2025; Press Conference Records
3
State contract transparency
Central Procurement Office publishes contract awards. Lee Company (governor's former business, ~$14M in pre-tenure state contracts since 2012) voluntarily ceased state contracting during governorship. Formal recusal procedures in place. 2024 franchise/excise tax rebate law benefited Lee Company but applied broadly to qualifying businesses — not targeted. Contract database searchable online.
TN Central Procurement Office Records; Lee Company Blind Trust/Recusal Agreement; TN Lookout Jun 2025
3
Court order compliance
Complied with court orders including ESA voucher litigation rulings (implemented after TN Supreme Court upheld May 2023). Complied with Brian A. child welfare settlement terms through federal oversight exit (2019). No contempt citations. Defended but complied with adverse rulings on COVID-era restrictions. SB1 trans care ban complied with injunction until SCOTUS resolved.
Court Records — Tennessee; ESA Litigation Timeline; Brian A. v. Lee; L.W. v. Skrmetti
2
Personal criminal charges
Zero criminal charges, indictments, or federal/state investigations against Lee personally in 7+ years as governor. No grand jury proceedings. No DOJ inquiries. Clean personal criminal record throughout political career. Among cleanest ethics records of any current governor.
Court Records; DOJ PACER; TN AG Records; Federal Court Docket Searches
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
Zero substantiated ethics complaints against Lee at TN Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance. Lee Company conflict-of-interest questions raised by media but no formal complaints substantiated. No violations of TN Ethics Act (TCA §3-6-101 et seq.). Clean record through 7+ years in office.
TN Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance Records; TCA §3-6-101 et seq.
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Annual gift and travel disclosures filed as required under TN Ethics Act. Lee's personal wealth (Lee Company, estimated $50M+) means personal travel generally self-funded. No documented acceptance of inappropriate gifts or unreported travel. Compliance with disclosure requirements complete.
TN Ethics Commission Gift/Travel Disclosure Records; Financial Disclosure Filings 2019-2025
2
Conflict of interest
Lee Company (annual revenue ~$400M, HVAC/plumbing/construction) placed in blind trust managed by attorney Bo Campbell (Waller Lansden). Company had $14M in state contracts since 2012 — all ceased during governorship. However, Lee Company received franchise/excise tax rebates under broadly applicable 2024 law (TN Lookout Jun 2025). Lee retains beneficial ownership via trust — will regain control when term ends late 2026. Formal structures adequate but inherent tension between wealth and office.
TN Ethics Commission; Lee Company Trust Agreement; TN Lookout Tax Rebate Investigation Jun 2025
2
State resources for political purposes
No documented misuse of state resources for political or personal purposes. Lee did not use state aircraft for campaign events. No investigations into improper use of state staff for political activities. Governor's office budget ($7M+) used for official purposes. TN Ethics Commission has received no complaints regarding state resource misuse.
TN Ethics Commission Records; Governor's Office Budget; Comptroller Reviews
3
Truthfulness in official statements
Generally truthful in official statements. Some critics challenged Lee's characterization of ESA voucher outcomes (Comptroller Jan 2026 report found most voucher students didn't exit low-performing schools, contradicting stated purpose). COVID-era statements about minimal restrictions' effectiveness challenged by TN's high death rate. No documented instances of deliberate falsehood or fabrication.
Governor's Office Public Statements; Comptroller ESA Report Jan 2026; Fact-check Coverage
2
Protection of ethics infrastructure
TN Bureau of Ethics and Campaign Finance maintained authority and budget throughout Lee tenure. No legislation to weaken ethics oversight introduced or supported by Lee. Comptroller independence preserved (Comptroller elected by legislature, not governor). Ethics infrastructure stable but TN's ethics framework considered moderate nationally — no independent ethics commission for executive branch.
TN Ethics Commission Budget Records; Comptroller Independence; National Conference of State Legislatures Ethics Rankings
2
Emoluments/self-dealing
Lee Company blind trust eliminates direct control during tenure. Company ceased state contracting. No documented self-dealing transactions. 2024 franchise/excise tax rebate law (broadly applicable) benefited Lee Company among many businesses — not targeted self-dealing but creates optics issue. Lee will regain company control post-governorship (late 2026).
TN Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; Lee Company Blind Trust Records; TN Lookout Jun 2025
3
Campaign donor to state contract pipeline
No documented systematic donor-to-contract pipeline. Lee largely self-funded 2018 campaign ($7.9M personal loan), reducing donor dependency. 2022 reelection accepted standard donor contributions but no pattern of quid pro quo contract awards linked to donors. CoreCivic (HQ Nashville, major TN employer) political donations scrutinized but prison contracts predated Lee.
TN Bureau of Ethics Campaign Finance Records; 2018/2022 Campaign Contributor Analysis; CoreCivic Political Donations
3
Foreign influence
No FARA registrations or foreign agent concerns involving Lee or staff. No foreign government connections. Lee's business background (Lee Company) is entirely domestic. TN attracted foreign direct investment (Volkswagen Chattanooga, Nissan Smyrna) but standard economic development — no inappropriate foreign influence. AG Skrmetti joined multi-state lawsuits on foreign TikTok/China concerns.
DOJ FARA Database; TN Ethics Commission; TNECD Foreign Direct Investment Records
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims filed against Lee personally or governor's office staff. No settlements, no investigations. DOHR maintains complaint process for state employees. Clean record in this area across 7+ years — no #MeToo-era allegations surfaced against Lee administration.
TN DOHR Records; Governor's Office HR Files; Court Records Search
3
Records preservation
No documented improper records destruction. TN State Library and Archives enforces retention schedules. Governor's office records subject to Public Records Act. No allegations of email/document destruction or concealment. COVID-era decision-making records preserved. Compliance with TCA §10-7-301 et seq. records management requirements.
TN State Library and Archives Records Retention; TCA §10-7-301; Comptroller Records Management
3
Revolving door
No major revolving door violations documented. TN has 1-year cooling period for senior executive branch officials. Lee came from private sector (Lee Company CEO) and will return post-governorship — raises standard revolving door questions but within legal framework. No senior staff departed to lobby state government in violation of cooling period.
TN Ethics Commission Revolving Door Records; TCA §3-6-304; Post-Employment Restriction Compliance
3
Fraud losses in state programs
TDOL paid $351.9M in fraudulent UI claims (Apr 2020-Mar 2021). Improper payment rate 39.84% (Jul 2019-Jun 2022) — well above national average per DOL. No uniquely large non-pandemic fraud scandals. Comptroller audits identified standard-level findings. TennCare (Medicaid waiver) fraud controls adequate through managed care structure.
TN Comptroller Reports; DOL OIG Pandemic UI Data; GAO-23-106696; Ballotpedia TN UI Fraud
2
Program integrity — eligibility verification
TennCare (TN's unique Medicaid managed care waiver since 1994) maintains strict eligibility — ~1.6M enrollees. Did not expand Medicaid under ACA, keeping enrollment controlled but leaving ~10.5% uninsured. SNAP, TANF verification standard. E-Verify mandated for employers 35+ employees (TN Lawful Employment Act). SAVE system used for benefits.
TN DHS Program Integrity; CMS TennCare Reviews; TN Lawful Employment Act TCA §50-1-703
3
IT system modernization
TDOL unemployment system performed better than most states during pandemic — $351.9M fraud losses significant but system stayed operational (unlike many states that crashed). Strategic Technology Solutions (STS) manages state IT infrastructure. Broadband: $813M BEAD federal allocation approved Aug 2024 for rural connectivity. data.tn.gov portal maintained. No major IT system failures documented.
TN F&A IT Reports; TDOL Performance Data; STS Annual Report; NTIA BEAD TN Approval Aug 2024
3
Permit processing timeliness
TN ranked #3 nationally for business by CNBC (2023), partly due to fast permitting. TNECD Fast Track program provides expedited permitting for major projects. Ford BlueOval City ($5.6B, Stanton) permitted rapidly. Oracle Nashville HQ ($1.4B campus) approved through accelerated process. Google Clarksville data center ($600M) permitted efficiently. Occupational licensing reform (most repeals nationally since 2016) reduced barriers.
TN ECD Reports; CNBC Top States 2023; TNECD Fast Track Program; Census Building Permits — TN
3
Child welfare system
DCS exited Brian A. federal court oversight in 2019 (17 years of monitoring since 2001 settlement). However, new 2025 class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of 13 children (seeking class status for 9,000+ foster children) alleges DCS still fails constitutional standards — inadequate placements, caseload overload, insufficient healthcare. DCS Commissioner Margie Quin appointed 2023 to reform. Persistent structural challenges despite federal exit.
Brian A. v. Lee Federal Court Exit Feb 2019; 2025 DCS Class-Action Lawsuit; TN Lookout/Nashville Banner Coverage May 2025
1
Medicaid program management
TennCare (managed care Medicaid waiver since 1994) covers ~1.6M enrollees within budget. Did not expand Medicaid under ACA — ~10.5% uninsured rate (vs ~8% national). Life expectancy 73.8 years (among worst nationally vs ~77 national). Infant mortality 6.7/1K (above national 5.4). Rural hospital closures (15+ since 2010) strain access. TennCare managed fiscally but health outcomes among worst in nation.
CMS TennCare Waiver Reviews; TennCare Enrollment Data; CDC WONDER Life Expectancy; CDC Infant Mortality
2
Environmental program
TDEC meets most EPA delegated program standards. Tennessee has diverse environmental challenges — coal ash cleanup (TVA Kingston plant legacy), water quality in agricultural areas, air quality in Memphis/Nashville metro. TDEC budget adequate. Lee signed no major environmental legislation. No state-level climate action plan. Environmental enforcement standard but not aggressive.
EPA State Program Evaluations — Tennessee; TDEC Annual Reports; TVA Kingston Coal Ash Legacy; EPA Air Quality Data
2
Transportation project delivery
TDOT managing $7.3B in IIJA highway formula funds (5-year allocation). Choice Lanes I-24 Nashville-Murfreesboro corridor ($2B-$5B P3 project, construction targeted 2027, open ~2030-33) — TN's first toll/managed lane project. TDOT 'Build With Us' program accelerating project delivery statewide. 96.2% bridge adequacy (3.8% structurally deficient vs 7.5% national). Nashville congestion worsening with population boom.
TN DOT Annual Reports; Choice Lanes I-24 Program Records; FHWA NBI Bridge Data; IIJA TN Highway Allocation
2
Unemployment insurance system
TDOL UI system stayed operational during pandemic (unlike many states that crashed) but had 39.84% improper payment rate and $351.9M in fraud. Maximum UI benefit $275/week — among lowest nationally. Unemployment rate recovered to ~3.3% (below national ~3.7%). Average weekly wages hit record $1,118.84. UI trust fund solvent. System functional but benefits inadequate for displaced workers.
TN DOL Reports; DOL UI Performance Data — Tennessee; BLS LAUS TN; BLS OES Wage Data
2
Veterans services
TN has ~470,000 veterans. Fort Campbell (101st Airborne, 160th SOAR) straddles KY-TN border — largest military installation in TN. Arnold AFB (AEDC — aerospace testing). Oak Ridge National Laboratory (DOE, 12,000+ employees). State Veterans Homes in Murfreesboro and Clarksville operating. TN Veterans Services Fund provides burial, education, and emergency assistance. Lee signed veterans employment preference legislation.
TN DVS Annual Reports; VA State Grant Data; Fort Campbell/Arnold AFB/ORNL Economic Impact Studies
2
Housing program effectiveness
TN housing affordable by national standards (BEA RPP ~91-93, prices 7-9% below national). Median home ~$335K statewide; Nashville metro ~$440K (rapidly appreciating). Nashville growth straining affordability. Rural TN very affordable. Homelessness proportional — ~7,500 on any given night (HUD PIT count). No state-level rent control or major housing subsidy program. THDA administers federal housing funds.
HUD Annual Homeless Assessment — TN; Census ACS Housing Data; Zillow ZHVI Tennessee; BEA RPP; THDA Annual Report
2
Corrections system
DOJ opened federal investigation into CoreCivic's Trousdale Turner prison (Aug 2024) — staffing shortages (146-188% guard turnover), murders, assaults, contraband smuggling. State penalized CoreCivic $44.78M since 2022 for contractual failures. Jun 2024 inmate riot — 41 grand jury indictments. 24+ employees criminally charged (2023-24) for smuggling/sex with inmates. $250M CoreCivic contract expires 2025. TN incarceration rate among highest nationally. Lee signed criminal justice reform (2021) but systemic corrections crisis persists.
DOJ Trousdale Turner Investigation Aug 2024; TN Lookout CoreCivic Coverage; Nashville Banner Prison Reform Feb 2025; BJS NPS — Tennessee
1
Federal funding captured
Major federal funding capture: IIJA $7.3B highway formula (5 yrs), ARPA $3.73B state fiscal recovery, BEAD $813M broadband. Ford BlueOval City ($5.6B, Stanton — $900M state incentive package, 5,800 jobs committed; pivoted from EV to gas trucks Dec 2025, renamed TN Truck Plant). Oracle Nashville HQ ($1.4B, 8,500 jobs, $65M state grants). Amazon Nashville ops center ($230M, 5,000 jobs). Google Clarksville data center ($600M). Meta Gallatin data center (~$1B).
USASpending.gov — Tennessee; IIJA/ARPA/BEAD Allocations; TNECD Ford/Oracle/Amazon/Google/Meta Records
3
Federal corrective action plans
Brian A. child welfare federal oversight exited Feb 2019 (case dismissed after 17 years). However, new 2025 class-action alleges renewed failures. DOJ investigation of Trousdale Turner prison (Aug 2024) is active federal corrective action. EPA delegated programs maintain compliance. No HHS or CMS corrective action plans on TennCare. Overall federal compliance adequate except corrections.
Brian A. v. Lee Federal Court Exit Feb 2019; DOJ Trousdale Turner Investigation; CMS TennCare Reviews; EPA TN Program Status
2
Interstate cooperation
Active in Southern Governors' Association and NGA. Fort Campbell (KY-TN border) requires Kentucky cooperation. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) coordination across 7 states. Multi-state lawsuits with AG Skrmetti on immigration, TikTok, and federal overreach. Interstate compact participation on driver's licenses, corrections, education. Lee joined Republican governors' coalition on border/immigration issues.
Interstate Compact Records; SGA/NGA Participation; TVA Coordination; AG Multi-State Litigation Records
3
Local government relations
Significant state-local tension: TN legislature repeatedly preempted Nashville (D-controlled) on minimum wage, plastic bag bans, local hire requirements, police oversight. In 2015, state overrode Nashville's local hire ordinance — first state prohibition nationally. Legislature restructured Nashville's community oversight board. Lee did not veto preemption bills. Memphis also preempted on gun regulations. Smaller cities/rural areas generally cooperative with state.
TN Municipal League; Nashville-State Preemption History; EPI Preemption Map; AP/TN Lookout Preemption Coverage
2
Federal litigation costs
AG Skrmetti joined multiple multi-state lawsuits: Biden immigration policies, EPA regulations, student loan forgiveness, TikTok ban. SB1 trans care ban litigation reached SCOTUS (L.W. v. Skrmetti — TN won, upheld Dec 2024). ESA voucher litigation consumed 4+ years of state legal resources. DOJ Trousdale Turner investigation ongoing. Federal litigation costs significant but within normal range for activist conservative AG.
TN AG Litigation Records; SCOTUS L.W. v. Skrmetti; Budget Legal Line Items; Multi-State Lawsuit Filings
2
Constituent inquiry response
Governor's office maintains constituent services division handling inquiries via phone, email, and mail. Standard response times reported. Lee personally responds to some constituent letters. Office processes casework for state agency issues. No documented systemic delays or failures in constituent response during tenure.
Governor's Office Internal Metrics; TN.gov Constituent Services Portal
3
Town halls held
Lee travels all 95 counties regularly — former businessman accustomed to statewide presence. Holds public events, ribbon cuttings, and community visits. Less formal town hall format than some governors — prefers facility tours and community events. COVID reduced public events 2020-2021. Post-Covenant, visited Nashville school community multiple times. Not a traditional 'town hall' governor but publicly accessible.
Governor's Office Schedule; Press Event Records 2019-2026
2
Constituent satisfaction
Vanderbilt Poll: 60% approval (Dec 2024), up from 53% low (Dec 2023). Morning Consult: 56% (Q1 2025). Won 2022 reelection 64.9%-32.9% over Jason Martin — 32-point margin. Popular in deeply R state (Trump carried TN by 23 points in 2020). Covenant response drew mixed reactions — personal empathy praised but legislative inaction on guns criticized. Term-limited; cannot seek reelection 2026.
Vanderbilt Poll Dec 2024; Morning Consult Governor Approval Q1 2025; TN SOS 2022 Election Results
2
ADA compliance
TN state facilities and services maintain ADA compliance. Disability Rights Tennessee (protection and advocacy organization) operates with state cooperation. No major DOJ ADA enforcement actions against TN state government during Lee tenure. State website accessibility standards maintained. TN voted for Olmstead community integration, and DHS programs support disability services.
TN Disability Rights Tennessee; DOJ ADA Reviews; TN DHS Disability Services
3
Electoral accountability
Won 2018 open primary with 36.6% in 4-way race (self-funded $7.9M); won general 59.6%-38.6%. Won 2022 reelection 64.9%-32.9% over Dr. Jason Martin — increased margin by 5+ points. Vanderbilt Poll approval: 60% (Dec 2024). Term-limited under TN Constitution (2 consecutive terms max). Electoral mandate strong throughout tenure.
TN Secretary of State — 2018 & 2022 General Election Results; Vanderbilt Poll
3

Section B — State Outcomes 533/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

BEA SAGDP: TN GDP ~$460B. BLS LAUS: unemployment ~3.3% (below national avg). Ford BlueOval City ($5.6B) transformative investment. Oracle HQ relocation to Nashville. Major corporate recruitment success. Census ACS median household income ~$63,000 (below national). No income tax — major business advantage. GDP growth above national average. Nashville boom continues.
Census Vintage 2025: TN population 7,315,076 (July 2025), up 63,785 (+0.88%) in one year. 2024 gain of 98,262 was largest single-year increase in state history. Net domestic migration: +42,389 (4th highest nationally behind Carolinas and TX). International migration: +27,650 (likely single-year high). Through first half of decade, TN added ~402,000 new residents. Demographics: 74.85% White, 17% Black, 6.5% Hispanic (Census ACS). Working-age population 61.27%, growing senior demographic 16.69%. Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville all growing rapidly. Davidson County topped 2024 county growth list. Population growth driven by affordability (no income tax), job opportunities (Ford BlueOval City, Oracle), and quality of life.
AAA/Aaa credit rating from all three agencies. TCRS pension ~100% funded. Rainy day fund at historic high ($2.5B+). Very low debt per capita (~$550). No income tax. Consistent budget surpluses. Among strongest fiscal positions of any state. Conservative fiscal management exemplary.
FBI UCR: TN violent crime rate ~672/100K (2022) — 87% ABOVE national average of ~359/100K. Among highest violent crime rates of any state. Memphis: among highest homicide rates nationally (~45/100K, ~350+ homicides/year). Gun death rate among highest nationally. Covenant School shooting (Mar 27, 2023, 6 killed — 3 children, 3 staff at private Christian school in Nashville). Lee signed permitless carry (Apr 2021) despite elevated crime. Called special session post-Covenant but no gun legislation passed. TN Three expelled from legislature during gun debate (Apr 2023). Property crime elevated. Incarceration: CoreCivic Trousdale Turner under DOJ investigation (Aug 2024) — 146-188% guard turnover, $44.78M penalties since 2022. TN incarceration rate among highest nationally.
NAEP 2022: 4th grade math 234 (near national 235), 8th grade reading 258 (near national 260). Graduation rate ~90% (improving). Teacher pay below national average. TVAAS accountability system in place. School voucher program launching. Rural education challenges. Tennessee Promise (community college) good initiative but overall education outcomes below average.
Census ACS: uninsured rate ~10.5% (no Medicaid expansion — TennCare waiver covers ~1.6M). CDC: life expectancy 73.8 years (among worst nationally vs ~77 national average). Infant mortality 6.7/1,000 live births (above national 5.4). Drug overdose death rate very high per capita — fentanyl crisis. 15+ rural hospital closures since 2010. Maternal mortality elevated above national average. Fired state vaccine chief Dr. Michelle Fiscus (Jul 2021, $150K settlement Nov 2023) — TDOH halted all youth vaccination outreach during pandemic. COVID: ~31,000+ deaths, among highest per capita nationally. Vaccination rate ~56% (vs ~68% national). TennCare managed fiscally but NM-level health outcomes among worst in nation.
FHWA NBI: 3.8% bridges structurally deficient (well below national 7.5% — good). Roads generally adequate. Nashville congestion worsening with population growth. Broadband expansion in rural areas progressing. Infrastructure adequate but Nashville growth straining capacity.
BEA RPP: ~91-93 (prices 7-9% below national). No income tax (major advantage). Housing affordable — median home ~$335K (Nashville metro higher ~$440K). Rural Tennessee very affordable. Cost of living major driver of in-migration. Nashville affordability declining but still below coastal cities.
data.tn.gov open data portal with education, transportation, health, corrections datasets. Comptroller Jason Mumpower (elected by legislature, independent of governor) publishes all audit reports at comptroller.tn.gov. TN Public Records Act (TCA §10-7-503) has 563+ statutory exemptions — not reviewed since 1998 (Open Records Ad Hoc Committee currently reviewing). TN is a 'citizen's only' state for records requests (non-residents can be rejected). C+ FOIA grade on most recent comprehensive review (2015). Lee Company blind trust arrangement properly disclosed. 2024 franchise/excise tax rebate law benefited Lee Company but applied broadly — required FOIA requests to identify recipients (TN Lookout Jun 2025). Budget transparency strong through F&A publications and Sycamore Institute independent analysis.
Covenant School shooting (6 killed) and subsequent legislative inaction on guns — nationally controversial. Tennessee Three expulsions (by legislature). Fired state vaccine official (Dr. Fiscus) during pandemic. Among highest COVID death rates. Very high violent crime rate. No Medicaid expansion despite poor health outcomes. Nashville preemption tensions. Permitless carry with nation-leading violent crime.
Against TN predecessors: AAA/Aaa credit rating maintained by all 3 agencies (inherited from predecessor Haslam, sustained through 7 years). TCRS pension ~100% funded — among best nationally. Rainy day fund at historic $2.5B+ (9.2% of revenues, exceeding 8% statutory target). Near-zero debt per capita (~$550). Largest single-year population gain in state history (98,262 in 2024). Ford BlueOval City ($5.6B, 5,800 jobs), Oracle Nashville HQ ($1.4B, 8,500 jobs), Google ($600M), Meta (~$1B) — transformative economic development. Teacher pay: minimum salary from $35K (2019) to $50K by 2026-27 — largest raise in TN history. BUT: violent crime 672/100K (among highest nationally, double national average). Life expectancy 73.8 years (among worst, vs ~77 national). Fired state vaccine chief Dr. Fiscus ($150K settlement). Covenant School shooting (6 killed Mar 2023) followed by legislative inaction on guns. Stark contrast: excellent fiscal/economic performance with poor social/health/safety outcomes.
Won reelection with 64.9% — very strong. Approval mid-to-high 50s. Popular in deeply Republican state. Business community strongly supportive. Nashville shooting response drew national criticism but limited impact on state approval. Economic growth and no income tax popular. Overall well-liked in-state despite national controversy.
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +168 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 16 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
TN violent crime rate ~672/100K (2023), nearly DOUBLE the national average (~364). Among highest nationally. Memphis and Nashville drive the rate. Trend has not meaningfully improved during Lee's 7-year tenure. Severe protection-of-life failure.
FBI UCR/NIBRS; TBI Crime Statistics
-2
Homicide rate relative to national average
TN homicide rate ~8-9/100K, significantly above national ~6.3. Memphis consistently among highest homicide rate cities. Nashville also elevated. ~35-40% above national average.
FBI UCR; CDC WONDER
-1
Homicide clearance rate
TN homicide clearance rate ~45-50%, near national average. Memphis PD clearance has been problematic. Statewide average middling.
FBI UCR Supplementary Homicide Reports; TBI
0
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
Lee signed $230M school safety package post-Covenant. Operation Relentless Pursuit equivalent through TBI. Law enforcement staffing near 2.3/1,000. Some recruitment challenges in major metros.
FBI LEOKA; BJS CSLLEA
+1
Drug overdose death rate trend
TN has among highest overdose death rates nationally (~40-45/100K vs national ~33). Fentanyl crisis devastating. Rate has increased significantly during Lee tenure. Rural eastern Tennessee hit hard. Despite some interdiction efforts, outcomes very poor.
CDC WONDER; NCHS; TN DOH
-2
Emergency management preparedness
TN EMA adequate. March 2020 Nashville tornado response effective. COVID-era management standard. Wildfire/flood response in eastern TN adequate. No EMAP accreditation but meets most FEMA SPR targets.
FEMA SPR; TN EMA
+1
Preventable mass-casualty event response
Covenant School shooting (Mar 27, 2023) — 3 children and 3 adults killed. Lee called special session (Aug 2023) proposing temporary gun removal for mental health emergencies but no Republican would sponsor it. Session passed only minor measures (gun safe ads, SRO funding). Most significant prevention failure during tenure.
Covenant School shooting; Special Session Aug 2023
-1
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
TN structurally deficient bridges 3.8% (below national 7.5%). Roads generally adequate. TDOT Build With Us program accelerating highway projects. I-24 Nashville-Murfreesboro Choice Lanes ($2-5B P3). Infrastructure in good condition.
FHWA NBI; ASCE TN; TDOT
+2
Water and dam safety compliance
TN water systems mostly compliant. TVA manages major dams. State dam safety program adequate. No major contamination events during Lee tenure. Standard compliance.
EPA SDWIS; TN TDEC; TVA
+1
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
TN uninsured rate ~10.5%. Has NOT expanded Medicaid (TennCare waiver). ~300K+ in coverage gap. Rural hospital closures (15+ since 2010). Life expectancy 73.8 years — among worst nationally. Healthcare access poor.
Census ACS; KFF; CMS TennCare
-1
Maternal mortality rate
TN maternal mortality rate ~30-35/100K, above national average. Significant racial disparities. Post-Dobbs near-total ban with no rape/incest exceptions complicates maternal health. Concerning outcomes.
CDC WONDER; NCHS; TN DOH
-1
Infant mortality rate
TN infant mortality rate ~6.7/1,000 live births, above national ~5.6. Significant racial disparities. Among higher rates for a non-Deep-South state. Persistent problem.
CDC WONDER; NCHS; TN DOH
-1
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
TN has Castle Doctrine + Stand Your Ground + no duty to retreat + civil immunity (TCA §39-11-611). Full self-defense protections. Lee maintained strong framework.
TCA §39-11-611; NRA-ILA
+3
Death penalty procedural safeguards
TN retains death penalty with mandatory appellate review. Multiple execution methods available (lethal injection, electric chair, firing squad added 2025). Post-conviction DNA access. Standard safeguards. No wrongful executions documented.
DPIC; TCA §39-13-204
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
TN suicide rate ~17-18/100K, above national ~14. 988 integration completed. Some TDMHSAS programs but outcomes poor. Rural access limited. Rate not improving.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP TN; TDMHSAS
-1
911/emergency response time adequacy
TN urban EMS meets NFPA standards in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga metros. Rural coverage adequate for state geography. Appalachian eastern TN has longer response times. Standard performance.
NFPA; TN EMS registry
+1
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
TN PDMP operational. I-40/I-65 corridor interdiction ongoing. But overdose deaths remain among highest nationally (~40-45/100K). TN Opioid Abatement Council receiving settlement funds. Despite investment, outcomes very poor.
SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; TN Board of Pharmacy PDMP
0
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
TN has ~450,000 veterans. State veteran services include homes, cemeteries, benefits assistance. VA healthcare available in Nashville, Memphis, Murfreesboro (Alvin C. York). Standard services. Veteran-friendly tax environment (no income tax).
VA SAIL; TN Dept of Veterans Services
+1
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
TN Dept of Agriculture/DOH food safety program meets federal standards. No major outbreaks linked to state inspection failures. Standard performance.
FDA Conformance; TN DOH
+1
Workplace fatality rate
TN workplace fatality rate ~4.5-5.5/100K FTE, near national average. Construction and manufacturing sectors primary risk areas. TOSHA (TN OSHA state plan) compliance adequate.
BLS CFOI; TOSHA
0
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
TN has DV programs through TDMHSAS and DCF. Some shelter capacity gaps in rural areas. DV fatality review board operational. Average performance.
NNEDV; TN DCF; TDMHSAS
0
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
CoreCivic (private prison HQ Nashville) penalized $44.78M since 2022 for contractual shortfalls at Trousdale Turner. In-custody conditions concerns. State corrections system faces staffing challenges. Lee's administration enforced contract penalties but underlying conditions problematic.
BJS Mortality in Prisons; TN DOC; CoreCivic penalties
-1
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
TN meets most NAAQS. TVA coal plant legacy creates some concerns. Air quality generally good. Superfund cleanup ongoing at multiple sites. Standard environmental health.
EPA Green Book; TN TDEC
+1
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
TN traffic fatality rate ~1.5-1.7/100M VMT, slightly above national average. Nashville metro growth creating congestion safety issues. Standard traffic safety performance.
NHTSA FARS; TDOT
0
Sanctity of life legislative framework
Lee signed and defended most comprehensive pro-life framework: near-total ban (trigger law, TCA §39-15-213, effective Aug 2022) — no exceptions for rape/incest. Class C felony for providers (3-15 years). Only exception: to prevent death or serious impairment. AG Skrmetti defended through all federal litigation.
Guttmacher; TCA §39-15-213; AG Skrmetti defense
+3
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Allowed 2022 law criminalizing public sleeping without signing it; 2025 encampment clearing bill advancing.
WBIR, Nashville Banner 2025
+1
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
TN gaining 42,000-68,000+ net domestic migrants annually. Strong population growth.
TN State Data Center 2025-2026
+2
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
$175M in law enforcement grants (2025), $100M Violent Crime Intervention Fund (2022), $30M recruitment bonuses.
TN Governor's Office 2025
+3
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
Vetoed bill expanding parole board denial powers to protect 2021 Reentry Success Act achieving lowest recidivism rate in TN history.
TN Lookout, WSMV 2025
+1
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
Signed bathroom bill requiring separation by biological sex in educational housing (2025).
NBC News, WBBJ 2025
+2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
Signed Jillian's Law for involuntary commitment of incompetent defendants (2024). But TN has only 6 state beds.
NPR 2024, TN Lookout
+2

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (I-X); 14th Amendment
Score: 56 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
Lee signed permitless carry HB 786 (Apr 2021, effective Jul 2021). Handgun carry without permit for adults 21+. Strong 2A commitment — maintained even under Covenant School shooting pressure.
HB 786 (2021); TCA §39-17-1307; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No semi-auto restrictions beyond federal law. No assault weapons ban. Lee actively resisted calls for restrictions after Covenant School shooting. Maintained 2A framework under extreme national pressure.
TN Code; NRA-ILA; post-Covenant legislative records
+3
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions in TN. No new restrictions enacted despite national pressure post-Covenant.
TN Code; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
TN has NO red flag/ERPO law. Lee proposed temporary gun removal for mental health emergencies during Aug 2023 special session but no Republican would sponsor it. Legislature rejected any ERPO framework. Full due process maintained.
TN Legislature special session records Aug 2023; NRA-ILA
+3
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
TN enacted campus free speech protection law (FORUM Act, 2017, predecessor). Lee maintained. Protects invited speakers, bans free speech zones at public universities. FIRE rankings show improved campus speech climate.
FORUM Act; FIRE campus rankings; TN higher ed policy
+2
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
TN has limited anti-SLAPP protections (TCA §4-21-1003). Narrow scope. Not comprehensive. No significant changes under Lee.
TCA §4-21-1003; PPP state ratings
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
TN has strong religious liberty protections via statute and state constitution. No state RFRA specifically but constitutional provisions robust. COVID-era: churches treated as essential services. Faith-based partnerships maintained. Lee is devoutly religious — consistent protections.
TN Constitution Art. I §3; Becket Fund
+2
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
TN relies on federal Carpenter standard. No comprehensive state electronic privacy statute. Standard protections. Not a legislative priority under Lee.
TN Code; EFF
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
TN has limited forfeiture reforms. Preponderance standard with some reporting requirements. Not among strongest reform states. No significant changes under Lee. Federal equitable sharing participation continues.
TN Code §40-33; IJ Policing for Profit
0
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
TN enacted statutory Kelo reform (2006) restricting economic development takings. Constitutional protections for property rights. Adequate post-Kelo protections maintained under Lee.
TCA §29-17; IJ Castle Coalition
+2
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
Lee aggressively cut regulatory burden. Right to Earn a Living Act. Fresh Start Act. TN repealed more licensing laws than any other state since 2016. Regulatory environment among most business-friendly nationally. CNBC #3 for business (2023).
TN regulatory data; CNBC rankings; Mercatus
+2
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
AG Skrmetti led multistate litigation: L.W. v. Skrmetti (trans minor care — SCOTUS upheld TN's SB1, Dec 2024), challenged Biden admin on immigration, student loans, Title IX. Active 10th Amendment posture. Lee supports AG's litigation agenda.
AG Skrmetti litigation; SCOTUS L.W. v. Skrmetti
+2
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
TN implemented race-neutral contracting and admissions consistent with SFFA. No DEI mandates in state agencies. Lee signed legislation banning DEI requirements at public universities. SFFA-compliant.
TN DEI ban legislation; SFFA compliance
+2
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
TN has state preemption of local firearms laws (TCA §39-17-1314). Comprehensive coverage preventing local gun control. Penalties for noncompliant localities. Lee supported framework.
TCA §39-17-1314; NRA-ILA
+2
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
TN Public Records Act (TCA §10-7-503) has 563+ statutory exemptions — not comprehensively reviewed since 1998. C+ FOIA grade. 'Citizen's only' state for records requests (non-residents can be rejected). Lee Company blind trust properly disclosed but franchise/excise tax rebate law required FOIA to identify recipients. Mixed.
TN Public Records Act; CPI/FOIA grades; TN Lookout
0
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
TN public defender system adequate in major metros (Nashville, Memphis) but chronically underfunded in rural circuits. Caseloads above recommended levels. Some improvement but long-standing systemic issues.
Sixth Amendment Center; TN Administrative Office of Courts
0
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
TN maintains cash bail with standard provisions. Pretrial services available in larger circuits. Criminal justice reform (Alternatives to Incarceration Act, Re-entry Success Act 2021) shows balanced approach. No extreme policy.
TN Code §40-11; pretrial justice data
+1
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
TN ranked among top states in economic freedom (Cato/Fraser). No income tax. Right to Earn a Living Act. Lowest regulatory burden among comparable states. CNBC #3 for business. Lee aggressively expanded economic freedom.
Cato/Fraser economic freedom; CNBC; Mercatus
+3
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
AG Skrmetti files pro-2A amicus briefs. Defends TN firearms laws in court. Lee publicly champions 2A even under Covenant shooting pressure. No anti-2A litigation. Strong pro-2A posture.
AG Skrmetti amicus filings; Bruen briefing
+2
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
Lee signed legislation banning DEI mandates at public universities — removes compelled ideological statements. No mandatory pronoun policies in state government. Anti-compelled-speech posture. Tennessee Three expulsions raised 1A concerns (speech in legislature) but expulsions were procedural (rules violations), not speech-based per majority.
TN DEI ban; Tennessee Three records
+2
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
TN has no significant interstate trade barriers. License reciprocity for military spouses. Business-friendly environment attracts interstate commerce. No protectionist regime.
TN licensing data; IJ
+2
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
TN repealed more licensing laws than any state since 2016. Right to Earn a Living Act. Fresh Start Act. HB 1859 (2024) further reduced criminal record barriers. Military spouse expedited licensing. National model for licensing reform.
IJ License to Work; Right to Earn a Living Act; Fresh Start Act
+3
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
TCRS pension ~100% funded — among best nationally. AAA credit rating all three agencies. Near-zero debt per capita ($250/resident bonded). No documented contract impairments. Exemplary contract compliance.
Pew pension data; TCRS; S&P/Moody's/Fitch
+3
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
TN jury trial access standard. No courthouse closures. Standard civil/criminal jury system. No significant issues.
TN court annual reports; NCSC
+1
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
SB 6002 (Jan 2025) creates CLASS E FELONY for officials adopting sanctuary policies — strongest anti-sanctuary law nationally. HB 2315 mandates ICE detainer compliance with funding penalties. E-Verify for 35+ employees. Full ICE cooperation. No benefits for illegal aliens. HB 749 invalidates out-of-state undocumented DLs.
SB 6002; HB 2315; HB 749; 8 USC §1373
+3
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
No action to eliminate qualified immunity; supported police through massive funding increases.
Tenth Amendment Center 2024
+2
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
Signed law requiring watermarks on absentee ballots, banning third-party election funding, requiring receipts from voter registration orgs.
Western Journal, FGA 2024
+3
Non-citizen voting prevention
TN requires government photo ID to vote. Special session on immigration included voter integrity measures.
WKMS 2024, TN SOS
+2
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Signed 4 anti-transgender sports bans including collegiate ban. Publicly stated transgender athletes will 'destroy women's sports.'
ESPN, Fox News, HRC
+3

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923), Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), Troxel v. Granville (2000)
Score: 24 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
TN has some parental rights protections in education code but no comprehensive Parental Bill of Rights statute enacted. Parents' rights recognized in common law. Lee supports parental authority generally but no omnibus bill.
TN education code; NCSL tracker
+1
Education choice — school choice programs
Lee signed Education Freedom Scholarship Act (Jan 2025 special session) — universal ESA/voucher for all TN K-12 students ($7,000/student). 10,000+ scholarships available. Fought 4+ years through litigation (TN Supreme Court upheld May 2023). Among most expansive school choice programs nationally.
Education Freedom Scholarship Act; TN Supreme Court ESA ruling; EdChoice
+3
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
TN requires parental consent for abortion (TCA §37-10-303). Standard parental consent for medical procedures. SB 1 (2023) banned gender-transition procedures for minors. Strong parental consent framework. However, Dr. Fiscus firing for sharing Mature Minor Doctrine guidance was controversial.
TCA §37-10-303; SB 1; Guttmacher
+2
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
Lee signed SB 1 (Mar 2023) banning puberty blockers, hormones, and surgical procedures for minors. SCOTUS upheld in L.W. v. Skrmetti (Dec 2024) — FIRST Supreme Court ruling affirming state authority to restrict gender-transition procedures for minors. National precedent-setting legislation.
SB 1 (2023); SCOTUS L.W. v. Skrmetti Dec 2024
+3
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
TN child maltreatment rate near national average. DCS handles cases but faces staffing challenges and high turnover. No significant improvement during Lee tenure. Standard performance.
ACF NCANDS; TN DCS
0
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
TN foster care system has standard CFSR performance — ~3-4 of 7 outcomes in conformity. Brian A. settlement agreement (federal oversight of DCS since 2001) continues. Average performance with federal compliance requirements.
ACF CFSR; TN DCS; Brian A. settlement
0
Foster care — permanency outcomes
TN foster care permanency outcomes near national average. ~8,000 children in care. Standard median time to permanency. Brian A. compliance requirements guide practice. Average outcomes.
ACF AFCARS; TN DCS; Brian A.
0
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
TN has strong anti-trafficking enforcement. TBI human trafficking task force. AG actively prosecutes. I-40/I-65 corridors monitored. Nashville-based enforcement operations. Enhanced penalties enacted. Good enforcement posture.
Polaris Project; TBI; TN AG; Shared Hope
+2
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
TN 4th grade NAEP reading: ~31% proficient (2022), slightly below national average (~33%). Average performance.
NCES NAEP 2022
0
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
TN 8th grade NAEP math: ~25% proficient (2022), slightly below national average (~26%). Average performance.
NCES NAEP 2022
0
Parental curriculum transparency
TN has some parental transparency provisions. Textbook review processes exist. Lee signed age-appropriate materials legislation. Standard protections with some enhancement.
TN DOE; state education code
+1
Social media — minor protections
TN enacted some social media protections for minors. Parental consent provisions for youth social media accounts. Not as comprehensive as FL/TX models but above baseline.
TN social media legislation; NCSL tracker
+1
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
TN juvenile jurisdiction to 18. DCS juvenile justice programs operational. Some mandatory transfer for violent felonies. Alternatives to Incarceration Act (2021) shows rehabilitation focus. Standard framework.
TN DCS juvenile justice; JJDPA compliance
+1
Child poverty rate and state response
TN child poverty rate ~17-19%. No income tax helps. Cost of living advantage (RPP ~91-93). TANF/child care subsidies operational. Standard federal programs. Average performance.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
0
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
TN has subsidized adoption + recruitment programs. Faith-based agency protections maintained. Standard adoption support framework. No major changes under Lee.
ACF AFCARS; TN DCS; Dave Thomas Foundation
+1
Homeschool rights and protections
TN homeschool law allows notification-only registration. No curriculum mandates for church-related homeschools. Testing or evaluation options exist but flexible. Tim Tebow Act (sports access). Favorable homeschool environment.
HSLDA; TCA §49-6-3050
+2
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
TN ICAC task force operational (TBI-led). AG has prosecution program. Mandatory reporting compliance standard. Adequate enforcement.
ICAC; NCMEC; TBI; TN AG
+1
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
Post-Covenant: Lee signed $230M school safety package. SRO funding expanded. Threat assessment teams enhanced. School hardening grants. However, no gun legislation passed despite calling special session. Safety investment without addressing access to weapons.
$230M school safety; Covenant response; Special Session Aug 2023
+2
Children's mental health services access
TN school counselor ratio ~400-500:1. TDMHSAS children's programs operational. Some crisis services. Ratio above recommended 250:1. Average access.
ASCA; TDMHSAS
0
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
TN has religious + medical exemptions for school vaccinations. No philosophical exemption. However, Lee FIRED state vaccine chief Dr. Michelle Fiscus (Jul 2021) for sharing Mature Minor Doctrine legal guidance — TDOH halted ALL youth vaccination outreach during pandemic. State settled Fiscus lawsuit for $150K (Nov 2023). Parental choice respected but firing vaccine chief was harmful.
TN DOH; Fiscus termination/settlement; NCSL vaccination data
+1
Child care affordability and access
TN child care subsidy program operational. DCS childcare programs. Some child care desert concerns in rural eastern TN. Average accessibility for comparable state.
ACF CCDF; TN DHS
+1
Education — teacher quality and retention
Teacher Paycheck Protection Act: minimum salary from $35K (2019) to $50K by 2026-27 — largest raise in TN history. Retention improving with pay increases. Vacancy rate ~6-8%. Still some shortage areas (STEM, special ed, rural).
NCES; TN DOE; Teacher Paycheck Protection Act; NEA salary rankings
+1
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
TN child food insecurity ~16-18%. School meal participation adequate. Standard federal programs operational. Average performance.
USDA ERS; Feeding America
0
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
TN family court system has statutory criteria + timely judicial review + appointed counsel. Brian A. settlement provides additional federal oversight of DCS practices. Standard due process protections.
TCA §37; ABA Center on Children and Law; Brian A.
+1
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
TN OSEP determination: 'Needs Assistance.' Most districts compliant but some gaps. ESA/voucher program provides special-needs families additional choice. Standard compliance.
OSEP determinations; TN DOE ESE
0

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Sworn oath: 'faithfully discharge the duties of office'
Score: 72 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
TN maintained structural surplus every year under Lee. FY2022 revenues exceeded estimates by $2.6B, FY2023 by $1.8B. Zero budget gimmicks. No income tax. Conservative forecasting creates annual surpluses. National model fiscal management.
TN CAFR; NASBO; TN F&A
+3
State credit rating stability
TN maintains AAA from S&P, Aaa from Moody's, AAA from Fitch — all three with stable outlook. Among only ~13 states with triple-AAA. Maintained throughout entire 7-year tenure. No downgrades.
S&P; Moody's; Fitch
+3
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
Rainy Day Fund reached $2.2B (FY2026) — 9.2% of state tax revenues, exceeding statutory 8% target by ~$295M. State could run 30+ days on reserves alone. Among strongest reserve positions nationally.
TN State Treasurer; NASBO; Pew
+3
Pension system funding responsibility
TCRS funded ratio ~100% — consistently ranked top 5 nationally. 290,000+ members covered. No contribution holidays or deferrals. Lee maintained fully funded status through market volatility. Exemplary pension management.
TCRS ACFR; Equable Institute; Pew pension data
+3
State debt burden
TN ranks #1 nationally in low per-capita state debt ($1,952 total govt debt/capita). Bonded debt under $250/resident. No GO bonds for operations. Among 5 lowest debt states nationally.
Reason Foundation; TN Comptroller; Census
+3
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
TN state employee headcount below national median per capita. Workforce stable. No major efficiency reforms but lean government maintained. Standard performance.
Census ASPE; BLS CES
+1
Inspector General / state auditor independence
Comptroller Jason Mumpower elected by legislature (independent of governor). All audit reports published. GFOA Certificate for 44th consecutive year. Lee generally responsive to audit findings. Strong independent oversight framework.
TN Comptroller; GFOA; ALGA
+2
Ethics violations and personal scandals
Lee Company (governor's former business) placed in blind trust — proper disclosure. 2024 franchise/excise tax rebate law broadly benefited Lee Company but applied to all qualifying businesses. No ethics complaints upheld. No personal scandals. Clean but some conflict-of-interest perception.
TN Ethics Commission; TN Lookout; financial disclosure
+1
Executive order restraint
Lee's EOs within constitutional bounds. COVID-era EOs standard — no extreme lockdowns. Mostly used for administrative function. No EOs struck down by courts. Measured use.
TN EO database; court records
+2
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
Lee maintained COVID emergency powers longer than some R governors but within TN statutory framework. Legislature did not challenge. General compliance with limits. No court challenges to emergency powers.
TN emergency statutes; legislative records
+1
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden across 7 years. R supermajority (75-24 House, 27-6 Senate) consistently aligned. Lee used veto sparingly — strong alignment reduced confrontation. Effective executive-legislative cooperation.
TN Legislature records; NCSL veto data
+3
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Lee's judicial appointments followed TN Judicial Selection Commission process. All appointees met TN Bar standards. Conservative judicial philosophy consistently applied. No appointees removed for cause.
TN Judicial Selection Commission; TN Bar
+2
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Most legislation implemented within timelines. ESA voucher delayed 4+ years by litigation (upheld May 2023, implemented Jan 2025). SB 1 (trans care ban) implemented on schedule. Some implementation delays on school safety measures. Standard execution.
TN agency rulemaking; legislative oversight
+1
Federal fund utilization — grant management
IIJA: $7.3B highway formula funds. ARPA: $3.73B deployed. BEAD broadband: $813M approved (Aug 2024). Single Audit adequate. Ford BlueOval City attracted significant federal EV incentives. Strong federal fund capture for a low-tax state.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse; USAspending; NTIA BEAD
+2
Public approval as competence indicator
Lee won reelection with 64.9% — very strong mandate. Approval mid-to-high 50s. Popular in deeply R state. Business community strongly supportive. Some national criticism over Covenant response but limited in-state impact.
TN SOS 2022 results; Morning Consult; TN polls
+2
State IT security and data protection
TN CISO appointed. No major breaches of state systems reported. Standard cybersecurity framework. Adequate investment. data.tn.gov portal maintained.
NASCIO; TN state IT
+1
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
FY2026 budget includes $500M+ for capital projects. TDOT Build With Us program. I-24 Choice Lanes ($2-5B P3) advancing. State Building Commission oversaw $1.4B in active projects (2024). Strong capital execution.
ASCE TN; TDOT; State Building Commission
+2
Disaster fund readiness
TN has adequate disaster fund for risk profile. March 2020 Nashville tornado response funded without general fund raids. FEMA cost-share met. Standard disaster finance capacity. Not hurricane-exposed so lower requirement.
FEMA; TN EMA; disaster appropriations
+1
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
TN paid $351.9M in fraudulent UI claims (Apr 2020-Mar 2021). Improper payment rate 39.84% — well above national average. Post-hoc controls improved but initial pandemic response was very poor. Trust fund solvent but fraud rates were significant.
DOL UI; TN TDOL; DOL OIG
0
Medicaid program integrity
TennCare (Medicaid waiver since 1994) operates with managed care integrity. Standard PERM compliance. No major sanctions. Has NOT expanded Medicaid but existing program managed adequately. ~1.6M enrollees.
CMS PERM; TennCare; state MFCU
+1
Election administration — constitutional compliance
TN requires photo voter ID. Paper ballot audit trail in most counties. Post-election audits. Standard election administration. Non-citizen voting prohibited by statute. No major election administration failures.
TN SOS; EAC EAVS; TCA §2-7-112
+2
Transparency — state budget accessibility
data.tn.gov open data portal with education, transportation, health, corrections datasets. Comptroller publishes all audit reports. F&A budget documents published. But 563+ statutory exemptions to Public Records Act and 'citizen's only' restriction on requests limit transparency.
PIRG; data.tn.gov; TN Public Records Act
+1
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
Lee balances federal compliance with state sovereignty. AG Skrmetti leads multistate litigation on 10th Amendment issues. Immigration enforcement cooperates with federal law. SCOTUS win on L.W. v. Skrmetti affirmed TN's sovereignty on trans minor care. Strong balanced posture.
Federal court records; SCOTUS; AG Skrmetti
+2
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
LG Randy McNally (also Lt. Gov./Senate Speaker) in place. Clear succession under TN Constitution. COOP plan current. Standard succession framework.
TN Constitution succession; TN EMA
+2
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
TN Central Procurement Office manages contracts. CoreCivic penalized $44.78M for contract shortfalls — shows enforcement. Lee Company blind trust properly disclosed. No major procurement scandals. Standard integrity with CoreCivic enforcement showing accountability.
TN CPO; CoreCivic penalties; TN Ethics Commission
+1
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
TN gas tax 27.4 cents/gallon, moderate nationally. No increase under Lee.
TN TDOT FY25
+1
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
TN electricity 13.88 cents/kWh (below national avg). TVA raised rates 9.75% in 2023-2024. Governor has limited control over TVA.
EIA, ThinkTN 2025
+1
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
No forced green energy mandates. TVA maintains diverse portfolio including nuclear and hydro.
ThinkTN 2025
+2
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
TN effective property tax rate 0.45-0.49%, well below national median. No state income tax.
Tax Foundation, TN Comptroller
+2
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
TN consistently ranked top business climate. Lowest tax burden in nation. 170,000+ jobs created since 2019.
TN Governor's Office; Tax Foundation
+2
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
TN Municipal League cites ongoing unfunded mandate concerns.
TN Municipal League
+1
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
No income tax, low property taxes, strong job growth.
TN Governor's Office 2025
+2
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Called special session Jan 2025 for immigration enforcement. Signed law making it felony for officials to vote for sanctuary policies.
WBIR, TN Lookout Jan 2025
+3
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
Moderate funding for homelessness services but no comprehensive accountability framework.
WBIR, WPLN 2024
+1
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
2025 DOT encampment clearing bill advancing with 72-hour notice requirement.
Nashville Banner, Fox17 2025
+2
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
Net domestic migration +42,389 (2025), 4th highest nationally.
TN State Data Center 2026
+2
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
$32B capital investment since 2019. Fastest-growing economy. No significant business exodus.
TN Governor's Office
+2
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
No specific action on removing rogue prosecutors.
TN Lookout 2025
0
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
Signed absentee ballot watermark law, banned third-party election funding.
Western Journal, FGA
+2
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
No evidence of weaponizing state agencies against political opponents.
TN Lookout 2025
+1
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
First state to ban TikTok on state devices (Dec 2022). Banned TikTok on university networks. Banned DeepSeek/Manus AI.
TN Governor's Office 2025
+3
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