Having spent Feb. 27 – March 2 in Washington, D.C., at the APPA’s annual Legislative Rally, TVPPA Communications/Government Relations Director Phillip Burgess offers these takeaways for the Valley’s municipals:
• TVPPA asked leaders to oppose any reforms that would remove the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds and to support (1) proposals allowing expansion of municipal broadband and (2) the information-sharing mechanism of the Cybersecurity Act of 2015 to help further identify and protect the electric grid against cyber threats.
• TVPPA expressed its concern to Valley congressional leaders that a backlog of political appointees by the Trump administration also could delay nominees for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors, which is already down to six members. The terms of two additional board members are scheduled to expire in May, which could leave the TVA board without a quorum.
• The Association also recommended that potential nominees to the TVA board adhere to principles that support the public-power business model, least-cost planning and affordable power, and independence from any conflicts of interest. TVPPA noted its relationship with TVA has seen improvement under the leadership of President/CEO Bill Johnson.
Burgess was joined on his trip to the nation’s capital by TVPPA Marketing Manager Tim Daugherty and Member Services Coordinator Kari Crouse.