Madison County, Tenn. – On Wednesday, the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators visited the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Jackson (TCAT) for the next stop on its statewide listening tour. The free, open‑to‑the‑public town hall gave residents a direct platform to share the daily challenges they face, from education and employment to public safety and health care.
Purpose of the tour
Chairman Representative Jesse Chism explained that the tour’s primary goal is to gather ideas that will inform the caucus’s priorities when the General Assembly reconvenes for the 2027 session. “The genesis of our statewide tour is more of a listening tour. We want to hear the needs of people from all over the state so that when we go back into legislative session, we’ll be equipped with the concerns of our constituents,” Chism said.
Community response
Attendees voiced a range of concerns. Many highlighted the need for stronger job‑training programs tied to local industry, while others called for expanded broadband access in rural parts of West Tennessee. Parents raised questions about school funding and the availability of after‑school programs, and several seniors emphasized the importance of affordable health‑care services.
Local business owners also participated, urging the caucus to consider tax incentives that could attract new manufacturing and logistics firms to the region. Their remarks aligned with the broader economic development goals the state has pursued in recent years.
Previous stops and upcoming events
The listening tour began two weeks ago, with stops in Chattanooga, Nashville, and Clarksville. Each town hall attracted a diverse crowd of constituents, community leaders, and advocacy groups. The next scheduled stop is in Memphis, where the caucus will again open the floor to public input before heading back to the Capitol.
Legislative outlook
Representative Chism noted that the feedback collected will help shape a legislative agenda focused on equity, economic opportunity, and public‑service improvements. He emphasized that the caucus intends to translate community input into concrete bills and policy proposals, reinforcing the principle that elected officials are servants of the people.
While the tour is nonpartisan in its format, the Black Caucus remains a key voice within the Republican‑leaning Tennessee House, advocating for policies that support families, strengthen local economies, and uphold individual liberty.
How to stay involved
Residents who could not attend are encouraged to submit comments through the caucus’s official website or contact their local representatives directly. The caucus plans to publish a summary of the listening tour findings on its website after the Memphis stop, providing transparency and a roadmap for upcoming legislative action.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
