This past month I introduced my first piece of legislation since taking office in January. Along with Scott DesJarlais, and Senators Alexander and Corker, I have introduced a bill to roll back an unfunded mandate on local Tennessee counties.

New standards put forth by the Federal Highway Administration would require Tennessee counties to update and replace road signs by 2015 and 2018. The Tennessee County Highway Officials Association estimates this accelerated schedule could cost local governments $50 million.

My legislation would wave the new timeline, and allow local governments to meet the new standards when they replace signs at the end of their natural life cycle.

The federal government is once again placing an undue burden on states when they can least afford it. While this Administration, and their departments, might have the mindset of “tax, borrow, spend”, local governments cannot do the same. At a time when they are working to be fiscally responsible, and balance their budgets, the federal government is telling them to spend money they don’t have. I am proud to join with Senators Alexander and Corker to put an end to this unfunded mandate. Washington politicians should take a clue from local and state officials, and get to work on balancing their budget – instead of telling states how to spend their money.

As always please feel free to contact me; I greatly enjoy hearing directly from those of you whom I serve. Also, visit www.chuckforcongress.com to learn more about what I am doing.

Thanks for your support, and I ask for your continued prayers.

-Chuck