Perry Kleinlein –
Last night I was offered the honor of sitting in on the Govcab’s budget meeting. After editing articles all day about controversies that arose among the White Senate, Lobbyists, and Govcab, I was eager to cover the event.
A pile of snacks, pizzas, and some energy drinks scattered about the table signified the delegates’ preparation for a long night of hard work. Fatigue and delirium were setting in, and the Govcab members were not overly optimistic after the disapproval they faced earlier that day. However, behind the exhausted glaze over their eyes, each delegate had a spirit of determination towards passing the budget successfully.
A Spotify playlist entitled “Don’t Pass the Budget” is made, and a document “Overturn the Veto of the Overturned Budget” is shared. Making light of the challenges they’ve faced so far, the Govcab is ready to face their biggest challenge yet.
“If you don’t laugh about it, you’ll cry about it, and crying isn’t fun,” says Cade Miller, Head Lobbyist who has been invited to collaborate with the Govcab.
Even with their frustration with how events have played out at the conference, I notice a collective caution in the Govcab. In organizing the budget, members are meticulous in their funding calculations, considering other delegates’ skeptical attitudes and ensuring that their descriptions of where the money is going and how it will be used are thorough.
10:59 – Around an hour into the meeting, my writing is interrupted by a notification reminding me of my AP Macroeconomics homework that’s due in two hours, prompting me to begin tracking the time.
11:03 – Gov. Markwei says, “my eyes are so sore right now.” I can relate.
Accumulated exhaustion from the conference is apparent in every face in the room, but the pressure of writing this budget drives the delegates to push through.
11:08 – Cade asks, “can I be completely honest with you?” to Gov. Markwei. “One of the main reasons I’m here is due to the confidence of my lobbyists; some of them believe they will be spending the morning opposing this budget, by some I mean all of them… I’m here to make sure this budget reflects what my lobbyists’ value as much as possible”
Cade’s statement sparks discussion about resistance to Govcab earlier that week and throughout the conference. Gov. Markwei explains, “the oppositions we’ve been facing haven’t been spirited, they’ve been detrimental.”
11:13 – From here on, it was difficult to transcribe every conversation because there were so many going on at once. As the delegates worked diligently, a state of productive delusion set in. Gov. Markwei would occasionally start laughing maniacally.
11:23 – The mood of the room becomes serious as an Conference Staff announces that she has new information to share.
Allison Jennings emails a document to Gov. Markwei and anticipation fills the room. It’s the budget crisis. Gov. Markwei reads the document: the Russia and Ukraine conflict has created detrimental damage to Tennessee’s government and economy, creating even more detrimental challenges for our Govcab’s budget. A recent cyberattack has cut access to one-half of Tennessee’s rainy day funds. Additionally, the conflict caused a shortage in both oil and gas, causing an increase in prices and a 15% increase in demand for the limited resources. The Govcab is assigned to solve three problems facing the state: they must accommodate for inaccessible rainy day funds, cover project costs to regain access to the rainy day funds and heighten cybersecurity for future protection, and adjust demand to account for inflation of gas and oil. I am again reminded of my Macro homework’s approaching deadline.
11:33 – I learn that, contrary to rumor, Govcab was not put on trial for an abuse of power. A lot of false rumors have been spreading about Govcab, so don’t believe all that you hear.
11:55 – listening in on conversations between Govcab members, I learn that this meeting is a pivotal moment for them – obviously because creating a budget is their job, but also because their unity is important now more than ever. While previously, Govcab members could focus on their individual tasks, here, collaboration and cooperation are vital. Some delegates are seemingly getting to know each other for the first time. The Govcab as a whole has adopted a surprisingly optimistic attitude; as soon as any problem arises, delegates immediately offer their insight and assistance.
12:01 – It’s officially my last day at the conference. The Govcab members are occupied, but for me, an outsider looking in, I feel somber. Most of the members of Govcab are seniors; this night, or morning, marks the beginning of their last day ever at yig. After all of their hard work, this year and at past conferences, the Govcab is approaching the finish line.
12:06 – The gas and oil crisis is solved and so is the rainy day fund problem. Sen. Markwei recruits Cade to draft a bill that would establish cybersecurity infrastructure. This legislation will address the Russia-Ukraine crisis in full, offering solutions to all three tasks assigned to the Govcab.
I conclude my stay in the Govcab budget meeting with reflection. After seeing first-hand the diligence, cooperation, and innovation of the govcab members, they have gained my upmost respect. As delegates navigate their last day at the conference, they should consider the democracy they value. Remember the purpose of this conference; the actions we take here reflect our values of government and mirror the fate of our future. Whether in agreeance with the budget or not, delegates should advocate respectfully for what they believe in, remaining mindful and appreciative of the hard work the Govcab has put into it. Remember, dissent is necessary for the progression of democracy, but unfounded animosity is detrimental.
Department of Public Information 