Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Corecivic is one of the state’s largest donors to state lawmakers and has recorded a recent tax refund from Tennessee. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Tennessee’s private prison operator lost nearly $45 million in state payments over three years for failing to meet contractual requirements, but he fell a great wind as part of the state’s business tax cut agreement.

Brentwood-based Corecivic Inc. and its affiliate Corecivic TRS LLC & Subs received more than $10,000 rebates for more than three years of tax rebates after lawmakers approved an estimated $1.9 billion franchise and excise tax cuts in 2024, according to newly released records.

Due to the wide range of payments, citizens cannot know exactly how scientific or 16,000 companies the state has returned to. Lawmakers have approved categories under $750 on the list from $750 to $10,000 and more than $10,000.

Although Corecivic is one of the state’s largest donors to lawmakers’ biggest donors, although we know that legislators are not based on campaign contributions. At least that’s what they say to us.

Tennessee has collected $44.78 million in penalties for private prison operators over three years

This week’s listing release was discussed a bit about whether it was transparent enough, especially as the exact amount has not been refunded and will be posted on the state website for just 30 days.

Aside from that debate and argument about whether this tax credit is a giveaway to make the rich richer, it shows that many business entities have gotten what is called an old double dip.

For example, consider smileedirectclub. The company landed a $300,000 grant from the state in 2017, and hit a major $10 million hit from Tennessee in 2019, blessing Gov. Bill Lee’s blessing to expand Nashville. However, the company, which had a strong teeth, struck Skid, filed for bankruptcy in 2023 and then closed. But while it’s no longer working, SmileDirect is withdrawing more than $10,000 in refunds from the state.

This list has been long for businesses that have received state grants over the past decade and is now tax refunds.

FedEx won a $10 million grant in Shelby County in 2019 with a $44 million investment, while Hancook Tire landed $6 million in 2022 with a $601 million project in Clarksville. Also, don’t forget Ford Motor Co., Ltd., which receives $1 billion worth of incentives in Blue Val City in western Tennessee and withdraws more than $10,000 under the new scheme (I mean the law). Production in electric truck factories operates more than a year behind schedule, primarily due to concerns regarding the EV industry.

Lee Company, the world’s top business, receives the largest tax rebate in Tennessee

The discussion focuses on whether these things create business-friendly states, whether Tennessee is donating during the economic recruitment war or simply to corporate welfare.

The conservative Beacon Centre will issue its annual pork report declaring the largest recipient of the government’s large state. In December, I asked three finalists last year to weigh the weights from last year. The Memphis Area Transit Authority spends tens of millions of people on Grizzlies Suites and downtown offices. Lebanon City Council approval for $1.5 million for an unnamed restaurant. Also, $80,000 is heading towards the old stadium at the same time as the new $2.3 billion Titan Stadium from state and local taxpayers.

The franchise tax axis on business assets was not reduced. But if it’s not a giveaway, what? After all, these companies knew the rules when they started, and letters to the state by companies challenging the constitutionality of franchise taxes on property can be considered a form of fear tor.

One lawmaker said this week that it is not a giveaway when he considers money to be part of a corporation and handed over to the government in the form of taxes. That asks for a question, but what about the sales tax that millions pay each time they buy a bacon package? Where is your love for little people?

Some may say, “What does love do with that?”

Will “Schwin Annigan” end?

Former Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwin failed to list a new company called the New Horizon Blueprint Group in her federal disclosure form, and disbanded it shortly before the US Senate held a confirmation hearing for its appointment as assistant secretary to the U.S. Department of Education.

Records show that she launched Florida LLC, along with former director of Florida Palm Beach County School District, Donald Phenoi in February after President Donald Trump nominated her for the post. Schwin’s sister took over the company before disbanding in late March, raising doubts about the timing.

Usually, people don’t start businesses after being nominated for federal employment. Also, don’t forget to place them in the conflict of interest disclosure form.

Online education publication The74 reported that failing to disclose businesses that never actually happened could cause Schwin’s problems at Thursday’s hearing.

Former Tennessee education leader promises she will cut conflict

But if the Senate looked at her history and not just her work resume, it would be the least of her problems.

She spent most of Thursday boasting about the benefits that Tennessee students made during her tenure. But Schwin also had some hiccups in her days working here for Governor Bill Lee.

The Tennessee Department of Education has signed a $8 million contract with TNTP, the teacher training company that employed her husband in 2021. She had to sign an ethics agreement that promised not to talk to him about TNTP.

Lawmakers also passed a law that removed the board of education from the textbook approval process, as they felt Schwin was directed at businesses that support the business. Furthermore, the education department saw the departure of experienced people during his tenure.

This list may continue.

Not everyone in Washington, DC values ​​conflicts of interest and questionable business transactions. Those are the current situation. But at some point, the public rebels against this type of corruption and arranges pockets for someone else.

What’s next for Sexton?

When Chip Saltman posted a photo of Crossville’s video shoot, he sparked speculation about the political future of house speaker Cameron Sexton, saying people should “continue to chusing” for “a massive announcement.”

Does this mean that Sexton will leave Nashville and return to Cumberland County? That’s possible.

A wonderful day of photography @csexton25 This weekend at Crossville
A big announcement comes
stay tuned pic.twitter.com/mpro14jd1n

– Chipsaltsman (@chipsaltsman) June 2, 2025

Perhaps Sexton will announce his intention to run for Congress on behalf of Rep. John Rose, who is running for governor.

The observation deck asked if Sexton was considering running a district 6 seat more than a year ago. His response was that Rose held the post. At that press conference, other House Republican leaders laughed and wondered why they weren’t asked the same question. Maybe because no one cares?

But recently, state Sen. Johnny Garrett, of Goodlettville, said he is considering seeking a seat in District 6. We haven’t heard much about it since. (Garrett said he and his family were praying and thinking about the decision Friday morning.) When you think about it, we haven’t seen much from the rose either.

Either way, we will spend the night watching X (formerly Twitter) and see Sexton’s upcoming declaration. It can cause a greater ripple effect than Mississippi runs backwards.

“Take me into the river, drop me in the water, wash me off, wash me off.” *

*Speaks “Take me to the river”