(MURFREESBORO) State Senator Shane Reeves gives an update on this past week's activities in the General Assembly, but most of the focus was on the tragic storms that swept alongside the state capital early Tuesday (3/3/2020) morning.

Tornadoes

The storm hit Benton county, Nashville, Wilson and Putnam counties and brought major destruction to homes and businesses. It claimed the lives of 24 people across four counties.

Senator Reeves said, "My prayers go out to the families and loved ones affected by the storm. I want to thank all the first responders and volunteers who answered the call to help. These Tennesseans proudly demonstrated true Volunteer spirit."

Coronavirus

In light of the recent diagnosis of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our state, the TN Department of Health has developed a page with information, prevention tips, and updates on the virus. The Department also launched a Tennessee Coronavirus Public Information Line in partnership with the Tennessee Poison Center which will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. CST daily. The hotline number is
877-857-2945.

Senator Reeves noted, "This week, I introduced Senate Bill 2124 to the Senate Government Operations Committee on Wednesday. This legislation establishes a Tennessee Rare Disease Advisory Council. The council will make treatment recommendations to TennCare and other public and private agencies providing services for persons diagnosed with chronic, complex and rare diseases like hemophilia, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease or cystic fibrosis."

He concluded, "I was able to recognize members from Leadership Rutherford during the Senate Health & Welfare Committee during their visit to the Capitol. Leadership Rutherford is a personal development program designed to motivate participants to develop and enhance the quality of their leadership in addressing pertinent community needs. I was a proud graduate of this program in 1997."