Senator Jessie Seal and Representative Dennis Powers honored Ruthie Cooke with a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly at the Union County Business & Professional meeting in June. Ruthie was recognized for having served as secretary of the Republican Party for over 35 years.

The legislators informed the audience of several recent laws enacted that will affect the Union County Business Community as well as its citizens in general. Senator Jessie Seal serves District 8 including the counties of Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Jefferson, Sevier, and Union. Senator Seal worked to enact legislation related to municipal oversight, agency resignations, electronic filing of reports by health departments and increased training for constables. Representative Dennis Powers serves District 36 including Campbell, Union, and part of Claiborne counties.

Powers carried and enacted Union County legislation that allows virtual school students the opportunity to participate in sports in their local school district as well as several bills effecting bank fees. He is also largely responsible for the establishment of the TCAT and WSCC on the UCHS campus. On the Education Freedom Act, the law that gives public money to private schools, Senator Seal opposed the act while Representative Powers supported the act.

The UCB&PA meets the second Tuesday of the month. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, August 12, at Maynardville City Hall Community Room at noon.