NASHVILLE— Following Governor Bill Lee’s final State of the State address tonight, the Tennessee Democratic Party said the governor’s portrayal of Tennessee does not reflect the daily reality facing working families. While the governor claimed Tennessee is leading the nation, families across the state continue to struggle with rising costs, low wages, and an affordability & healthcare crisis.

“After fifteen years of complete Republican control, Tennessee families are literally paying the price. Housing, groceries, electricity, and child care are at or near record highs, nearly half of Tennessee families cannot afford the basic cost of living, wages and investment for our public schools remain among the lowest in the nation. 

Yet Republicans have built a system where billionaires and corporations are put above the real needs of working families. Instead of taking meaningful action, Governor Lee has tried to paint a pretty picture. Tennesseans see right through this. We are living the real State of our State each and every day. Democrats believe government should lower costs, protect our communities, and fight for working people,” said Chair Rachel Campbell, Chair of Tennessee Democratic Party.