Also read
* Full text of Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s annual budget address* Haslam unveils $34.8 billion budget, $261 million in new funds for K-12 education* Haslam budget provides funding for UTC’s Lupton Library, Fine Arts Building renovations* Haslam says surplus-rich budget presents ‘unique’ opportunity to advance education, other areas
NASHVILLE — Citing last July’s attack killing five U.S. service members in Chattanooga, Gov. Bill Haslam Monday night reminded state lawmakers and other Tennesseans how state priorities “can change in a single instant.”
“Part of transforming state government means being responsive to ever changing landscapes whether that’s higher education and economic development or safety,” Haslam said during his annual State of the State address. “Our world can change in a single instant, as we found out last year in Chattanooga.
“None of us will soon forget the tragedy of last July and the loss of military lives on Tennessee soil,” Haslam said. “We also won’t forget how that community responded, surrounding the families of Marine Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan, Marine Staff Sergeant David A. Wyatt, Marine Sergeant Carson A. Holmquist, Navy Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Randall Smith and Lance Corporal Squire K. Wells, and reminding everyone just what it means to be Chattanooga Strong.”
Haslam recounted how the response was summed up for him following the attack by Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez.
“For me, it was summed up the next morning in a hospital visit with a police officer shot while responding,” Haslam said. “When I thanked him, he simply said, ‘I was just doing my job for a place that I love.'”
Haslam noted his proposal requests funding for homeland security upgrades for the state Military Department.
“In the days and weeks following any difficult time, as you search for things to renew your faith and optimism, Tennesseans don’t disappoint,” Haslam said.