🌨️ Winter Storm Fern damages? Apply for relief

💬 Nashville’s Language Accessibility

Nashville is home to people who speak many different languages, but most city services still operate primarily in English. On today’s podcast, community organizer Shun Ahmed discusses what’s working, what’s not, and why equal language access for all Nashvillians is more important than ever. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• The Metro Human Relations Commission has launched a language assessment survey to better understand how the city can eliminate barriers. [Nashville.gov]

🌨️ Winter Storm Individual Assistance Approved

People in 29 counties, including Davidson, impacted by Winter Storm Fern can now apply for individual FEMA disaster relief. The costs of temporary housing, home repairs, and replacing belongings are all eligible expenses that FEMA may cover. While the Trump administration quickly approved Tennessee’s disaster declaration, FEMA aid has been slower to arrive amid cuts. [WPLN]

• Here’s where you can apply. [Disaster Assistance]

🏳️‍⚧️ Bill To Track Transgender Healthcare Passes

Yesterday, a bill requiring the Tennessee Department of Health to list the number and type of gender-affirming treatments across the state on a public website passed the legislature. It now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law. [Nashville Scene]

• This was one of a slate of bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community that were proposed at the beginning of this session, though some have now failed. [🎧 City Cast Nashville; 🔐 The Tennessean]
• Also on Monday, the state House narrowly passed a bill to expand private school vouchers to 35K, though they added a new amendment to help track the immigration status of public school students. It now heads to the Senate for consideration. [Chalkbeat Tennessee]

🏫 MNPS Board Votes on Proposed Budget

Tonight, the MNPS board will vote on a proposed budget, with time for public comment. Partly due to private school vouchers and state-authorized charter schools, state funding for MNPS schools has decreased, with Nashville taking on a greater share of the budget. The proposed budget includes salary step increases, expanded before and after-school care options, and security improvements. [Nashville Banner]

• Voters will cast their ballot for four MNPS board seats during the May 5 Davidson County Primary Election. Here’s a rundown of who’s running. [Nashville Banner]