Tennessee’s GOP-controlled General Assembly has adjourned for the year, concluding months of tense political infighting that ultimately doomed Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s universal school voucher push. But the session also ended Thursday with outrage from Democrats and gun control advocates over the last minute approval of a bill allowing some teachers to carry firearms in public schools. While Lee was unable to find consensus on his voucher pitch, the governor was able to secure a deal on the eye-popping $1.9 billion tax cut and refund for businesses. The amount is almost 4% of the state’s $52.8 billion budget — which largely does not contain tax breaks for most Tennesseans. Read moreTennessee lawmakers adjourn after finalizing $1.9B tax cut and refund for businesses
The Federal Trade Commission has voted to restore rules to prevent broadband internet providers such as Comcast and AT&T from favoring some sites and apps over others — for instance, by slowing or blocking certain content or by offering higher speeds to customers willing to pay extra. The move Thursday effectively reinstates a “net neutrality” order the commission first issued in 2015 during the Obama administration. Under then-President Donald Trump, the FCC overturned those rules in 2017. The telecommunications industry opposed the latest change, as it has before, declaring it an example of unnecessary government interference in business decisions. Read moreNet neutrality restored as FCC votes to regulate internet providers
President Joe Biden has arrived in New York state to celebrate a tech company’s plans to build a campus of computer chip factories made possible in part with government support. The initial phase of the Micron Technology project would open the first plant in 2028 and the second plant in 2029, with more time expected for the next two factories to be completed. The Democratic president has a great economic story to tell voters a decade from now — less so in 2024. Staring down a rematch with Republican Donald Trump, Biden is asking voters to believe in a vision for the U.S. economy that's still largely a promise. Read moreBiden celebrates computer chip factories, pitching voters on American 'comeback'