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Tennessee ranks 2nd in analysis of state finances | Tennessee

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-04-15 12:38:00

(The Center Square) – Tennessee ranks second for its economic outlook in an annual analysis of the fiscal health of the 50 states.

The 18th annual Rich States, Poor States from the American Legislative Exchange Council shows Tennessee moved to the second spot after ranking 6th in 2024 and 13th in 2023.

The Volunteer State received its highest marks for its tax policies. The state has no income tax or estate/inheritance tax. Tennessee also received the top mark for its minimum wage, which is at the federal level of $7.25 an hour.

Tennessee’s high sales tax rate placed it at 44th, its worst rating. The sales tax rate is 7%.

The state’s economic performance ranking was 12th among the 50 states, according to the report.

An analysis of Tennessee’s gross domestic product for 2013 to 2023 showed it was 76.25%, 10th in the country.

The state welcomed 405,833 new residents between 2021 and 2023, ranking it seventh among the states, according to the report.

“As Washington attempts to tackle debt and dysfunction, the states remain America’s last line of defense for fiscal responsibility and economic growth,” said ALEC President and Chief Economist Jonathan Williams. “Rich States, Poor States once again illustrates that Americans vote with their feet – leaving high-tax, high-regulation states in favor of those embracing low taxes, balanced budgets, and worker freedom. The states leading our rankings thrive because they put the people first.”

Utah took the top spot in the report, with Indiana, North Carolina and North Dakota rounding out the top five. The bottom five states are Illinois, California, New Jersey, Vermont and New York.

The report was co-authored by Reagan economist Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, policy expert Stephen Moore, and ALEC president and chief economist Jonathan Williams.

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

Mobile opioid addiction treatment in Tennessee requires workarounds, for now  

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wpln.org – Blake Farmer – 2025-09-15 04:27:00

SUMMARY: Belmont University is launching two mobile units funded by $6.4 million in opioid settlement money to provide harm reduction and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, focusing on transient and unhoused populations. MAT, which uses drugs like buprenorphine (Suboxone), eases withdrawal symptoms and lowers overdose risk but can’t be dispensed outside clinics under Tennessee law. The mobile teams offer wound care, primary care, and mental health services, connecting patients to brick-and-mortar clinics for treatment and transportation. Security concerns also limit on-site dispensing. Similar mobile MAT efforts in Tennessee and Rhode Island highlight regulatory and community challenges.

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

STUDY: 14% of Tennesseans feel lonely

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www.wkrn.com – Pat O’Donnell – 2025-09-14 13:40:00

SUMMARY: A study by mental health provider A Mission For Michael found that 14% of Tennesseans feel lonely, with 4.6% (261,451 people) reporting they are “always lonely.” The highest chronic loneliness rates are in Haywood and Lewis counties (5.5%), while Williamson and Hamilton counties have the lowest (4.4%). Loneliness varies across Tennessee, and persistent loneliness can severely impact well-being. Executive Director Anand Mehta emphasized the importance of professional support to help individuals cope and connect. Nationally, Tennessee ranks low in loneliness compared to Mississippi (71%) and other states. The study used surveys and county health data for comprehensive analysis.

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Immigrant detainees begin arriving at former prison in rural Tennessee town

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wpln.org – Tony Gonzalez – 2025-09-14 04:18:00

SUMMARY: Immigrant detainees have begun arriving at the West Tennessee Detention Facility in Mason, a former prison converted into an ICE detention center operated by CoreCivic. The facility reopened after Mason officials approved agreements with ICE and CoreCivic despite public opposition. The prison, closed in 2021 under a Biden administration order, was reopened following Trump’s reversal to support mass deportations. CoreCivic claims the center will create nearly 240 jobs and generate significant tax revenue for Mason, a financially struggling majority-Black town. However, concerns persist over detainee mistreatment, with CoreCivic facing fines and lawsuits related to abuse and understaffing at Tennessee prisons.

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