Last week TMEPA held its annual Legislative Rally and Reception at the Hermitage Hotel in Downtown Nashville. Managers, board members and employees of municipal electric systems from across the state came to Nashville meet with their legislators and discuss the many issues important to us this legislative session. While in Nashville, TMEPA’s Legislative Committee and Board of Directors met to go over the year’s bills, identifying the most important to focus our efforts. The luncheon was highlighted by Reps. Kevin Brooks, Dan Howell and Mike Carter speaking to attendees, three legislators who have fought for years for the constituents to have the option of municipal broadband. After getting fired by the speakers and briefed on the year’s most important bills and issues, rally attendees meet with legislators in their offices throughout the afternoon. Everyone reassembled back at the Hermitage Hotel for the evening’s reception, held in honor of the members of the General Assembly. As usual, the reception was the highlight of the day’s activities, and this year saw one of the best turnouts of legislators and staff in some time. TMEPA left an impression just as the General Assembly ramps up to tackle many issues important to municipal electric utilities. As we often say, any success our association may have is only due to those contacts from back home that our TMEPA members have with their legislators.