NASHVILLE — As a winter storm swept across Tennessee, communities once again relied on the dedication of linemen, emergency crews, public workers, volunteers, and neighbors who stepped up, often in dangerous conditions, to keep Tennesseans safe and connected. 

The storm follows the start of the 2026 Tennessee legislative session, where state priorities will shape recovery efforts across Tennessee.

“Tennesseans showed up for each other, as they always do in a crisis. But this moment also lays bare the consequences of more than 15 years of Republican control at the state level, including a road improvement backlog of tens of billions of dollars.

Instead of preparing for increasingly severe weather events by investing in resilient infrastructure and emergency preparedness, Tennessee Republicans continue to make their priorities clear: giving away billions to corporations, attacking vulnerable communities, and letting kids go hungry. Meanwhile, federal emergency support has been absent under the Trump administration, leaving local communities to shoulder the burden alone.

Families are dealing with missed work, damaged homes, and ongoing financial strain, all during an affordability crisis that is already squeezing working people across the state. Tennessee Democrats remain focused on putting working people first, protecting all of our communities, and ensuring no family or worker is left behind,” said Rachel Campbell, Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party.