MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam has finally found a Senate sponsor for his Insure Tennessee proposal just days before the start of a special legislative session to take up the matter.
Haslam said Thursday that Republican Sen. Doug Overbey of Maryville agreed to carry the measure after Senate Republican leader Mark Norris of Collierville declined his usual role of handling the governor’s legislation.
The state Legislature goes into special session Monday to take up the proposal that has been met with some skepticism among Republicans because it would draw down $1.4 billion per year in federal money available under President Barack Obama’s health care law.
Under new estimates released Wednesday, about 280,000 low-income Tennesseans would be expected to enroll in the first year at an annual cost of about $4,700 each.
Haslam on Thursday wrapped up a statewide tour to promote his proposal. He began his day in Johnson City, followed by stops in Sparta and Murfreesboro. The governor earlier visited hospitals in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Clarksville, Memphis and Jackson to discuss his proposal.