News

NASHVILLE, Tenn., August 17, 2011 -- State Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and Representative Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma) were recently named by the Marshall County Republican Party as “Legislators of the Year.”  The presentation was made by GOP Chairman Billy Spivey and Vice-Chairman Janet Heckle.

Ketron is Chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus and Matheny is Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives, placing both lawmakers in top leadership posts in the Tennessee General Assembly.  Both legislators were first elected to the legislature in 2002. 

“Both of these legislators are grounded in the conservative principles that have made our nation the greatest nation on earth – limited government, free enterprise, individual freedoms and traditional values,” said Spivey.  “They have a tremendous list of accomplishments in the General Assembly.  We particularly wanted to recognize them, however, for their work on the anti-terrorism law passed this year which spells out their sacrifices in standing up for the safety of Tennesseans.”

The “Material Support to Designated Entities Act of 2011” now makes the provision of “material support” a Class A felony and helps to close the prevention gap left by a post 9-11 anti-terrorism statute passed in 2002.   The bill supports the work of the Joint Terrorism Task Force in continuing the collaboration between federal and state law enforcement authorities.

“We are honored to be recognized by this distinguished group from Marshall County,” said Ketron and Matheny.  “This show of support is greatly appreciated.”   

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