Local lawmakers weigh in on state mandates, hospital closures, and a new juvenile facility in Jackson
JACKSON, Tenn. — Immigration was one of the big topics at Friday’s Capitol Talk. Sen. Ed Jackson (R-District 25) and Rep. Johnny Shaw (D-District 80) addressed multiple issues impacting local communities.
Shaw raised concerns about how new state laws are affecting law enforcement at the local level, saying officers are caught between conflicting state and federal mandates.
“Our local law enforcement shouldn’t have to sign an agreement to break the law just to arrest somebody,” Shaw said.
Rural hospital closures driving healthcare push
Access to rural healthcare emerged as a central issue. More than 14 hospitals have closed across Tennessee over the last decade. Jackson said lawmakers are working to reopen shuttered facilities.
“What we’re trying to do is reopen some of these hospitals that closed — like in Decatur County, in Perry County. We just opened the one in Brownsville, in Haywood County,” Jackson said.
Shaw said state funding is being directed toward a rural health initiative, but expansion of Medicaid coverage is not part of the plan.
“Right now, they are sending money for a rural health initiative, and there’s not going to be any expansion on Medicaid at all,” Shaw said.
New juvenile detention center planned for East Jackson
Jackson announced plans for a new juvenile detention center in East Jackson. West Tennessee currently has only 11 beds for minors awaiting adjudication for serious crimes.
“We got to take care of these juveniles and make sure that they’re taken care of properly, and give them the resources that they need to maybe straighten their life out,” Jackson said.
Shaw addresses political representation ahead of seat transition
As Shaw prepares to leave office, he addressed political representation and equal voting rights for his district.
“We want to keep the seat blue. It started blue — so that African Americans, in particular, people of color, can have equal representation,” Shaw said.
Shaw also stated he will not support Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic, who announced plans to run for the seat as a Republican.
“I am not supporting my mayor Julian McTizic. I am not,” Shaw said.
For more local news, click here.
