State Senator Page Walley, who represents Wayne County in the State Legislature, paid a visit to Wayne County on Wednesday, January 4. Several local officials, business owners, and concerned citizens attended to learn more about Senator Walley and to address concerns about things going on in our county. The meeting was held at the courthouse on the square, now known as the Wayne County Administrative Building.
Although Wayne County is still in the 26th Senate District, State Representative Joey Hensley no longer represents our county due to the redistricting that took place in the legislature last year. Senator Walley now represents Wayne County in the State Legislature.
Senator Walley began by addressing the crowd and telling them a little bit about himself. He was born and raised in LaGrange, TN, and now lives in Savannah, TN when he is not in Nashville at the State Capitol. He is married to his wife Terry, and they share three children and four grandchildren. He is a clinical psychologist and a licensed minister in addition to his role in the Tennessee State Senate.
“My main focus is on opportunities for the people in my district,” said Senator Walley. “I consider my top four issues to focus on as opportunities, prosperity, safety, and protecting our freedoms.”
Senator Walley gave an update on important issues that he will be addressing during this session of the General Assembly, with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services being high on that list. An audit by the Tennessee Comptroller found that “the safety, permanency, and well-being of Tennessee’s most vulnerable children is in jeopardy” by the department’s failure to address ongoing needs. The three main findings of the audit were issues with staffing, child placement, and repeat historical audit findings. DCS has requested a $156 million budget increase for the 2023/2024 fiscal year to increase salaries for DCS case managers; update the Tennessee Family and Child Tracking System (TFACTS); and improve foster care, residential services, prevention services, and adoption services.
Another topic that will be addressed is a possible expansion of the 2022 Truth in Sentencing law, which requires a person convicted of certain offenses to serve 100% of the sentence imposed before becoming eligible for release. This year, the legislature may consider strengthening that law to close loopholes and add offenses required to serve 100% of their sentences.
Next, Senator Walley answered questions from the audience. A family member of two residents at Boyd Cottages Assisted Living spoke about the recent situation at the facility involving burst water pipes and no hot water for several days. Senator Walley assured her that the situation had been resolved.
Another citizen brought up the topic of Wayne Medical Center. A decision will have to made soon by the County Commission as to whether the hospital will remain where it is and have major renovations, or if a new facility will be built. Senator Walley said that rural hospitals like ours are high on his list of priorities. He said that four hospitals in his district had recently closed, and whatever decision the County Commission makes about Wayne Medical Center, he will do everything possible to keep the hospital doors open.
Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Director Christine Chapman asked the senator what his goals are for the coming year. Senator Walley listed his main goals as industry, education, hospitals, and broadband internet access.
Before closing, Senator Walley reiterated a point that he had brought up earlier. “The State of Tennessee has millions of dollars in surplus due to prudent fiscal management, in addition to people moving to Tennessee from other states and paying taxes,” said Walley. “I want to see those surplus funds divided and distributed to local governments.”
In closing, Senator Walley asked that anyone with questions or concerns to contact him by email at [email protected], or by phone at 615-741-2368.
