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Gov. Bill Haslam begins health care drive, says state could end Insure Tennessee if it doesn’t work
Tennessee Gov. Bill HaslamFalling gasoline prices are putting more money in the pockets of most Americans, but few are benefiting more than Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam who Forbes magazine says is now the richest politician in America.
As oil prices have fallen in the past year, Forbes estimates that Gov. Haslam’s personal wealth more more than doubled since August, from $980 million to an estimated $2 billion.
Haslam’s father, Jim Haslam II, started Pilot Oil Co. in 1958. Under the leadership of Bill Haslam’s brother, Jimmy, the company — now known as Pilot Flying J — has grown annual revenues to $38 billion. Forbes said Bill Haslam owns 15 percent of his family’s privately-held business.
“Cheap unleaded means more people filling up — and a greater chance for gas stations and truck stops to profit off fuel, plus ancillary goods and services,” Forbes said in a story written by reporter Dan Alexander.