Tennessee legislative staffers to stop working from home

The Tennessee state capitol building is located in Nashville, at the intersection of Charlotte Avenue and 7th Avenue North. It occupies the highest point in Nashville, a hill once known at Cedar Knob. The structure was designed by architect William Strickland who is buried at the north façade of the capitol building.
state capitol tennessee house of representatives / Getty Images — The Tennessee state capitol building is located in Nashville, at the intersection of Charlotte Avenue and 7th Avenue North. It occupies the highest point in Nashville, a hill once known at Cedar Knob. The structure was designed by architect William Strickland who is buried at the north façade of the capitol building. state capitol tennessee house of representatives / Getty Images The Tennessee state capitol building is located in Nashville, at the intersection of Charlotte Avenue and 7th Avenue North. It occupies the highest point in Nashville, a hill once known at Cedar Knob. The structure was designed by architect William Strickland who is buried at the north façade of the capitol building. state capitol tennessee house of representatives / Getty Images

By Associated Press April 29, 2020 1 min read

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee’s legislative staffers are being called back to work in Nashville after spending nearly six weeks working from home due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Staffers are being asked to return to Cordell Hull, the state’s legislative office building, starting May 4.

“In preparation for our return to operations at the Cordell Hull Building, your health continues to be of primary concerns to us,” said Connie Ridley, legislative administration’s director, in a Tuesday email. “Our Speakers receive regular updates from top health officials concerning conditions and will continue to provide you with relevant information.”

The Republican-dominant Legislature is scheduled to return June 1 after abruptly recessing in March because of the coronavirus. Lawmakers passed a drastically reduced spending plan for the 2020-21 fiscal year in anticipation of potential shortfalls, but they may need to tweak it further.

The building will remain largely closed to visitors and lobbyists unless they have appointments. Legislative staffers are asked to maintain social distancing guidelines and new cleaning procedures have been implemented.