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Small business endorses Bill Ketron in Senate District 13 / NFIB/Tennessee supports pro-small business candidate in Nov. 2 general election

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:16:00 GMT

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 30, 2010 – The National Federation of Independent Business, Tennessee’s leading small business association, has endorsed incumbent Bill Ketron (Murfreesboro) in the race for the 13th Senate District.

The endorsement was made by NFIB/Tennessee SAFE (Save America’s Free Enterprise) Trust, which is comprised exclusively of NFIB members. The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 2. Senate District 13 includes Lincoln, Marshall, Maury and part of Rutherford counties.

“Senator Ketron is an outstanding supporter of small business in Tennessee,” said Jim Brown, state director of NFIB/Tennessee, noting his 100% NFIB Voting Record from 2009-10 and strong support for small business in committee. “Bill Ketron demonstrated outstanding leadership in achieving a bipartisan solution that will address unfair bidding and employee misclassification in the construction industry, while ensuring small subcontractors will be able to continue pursuing their livelihoods.”

“Bill Ketron consistently supports free enterprise in the Tennessee General Assembly and has earned the strong backing of the small business community in Senate District 13.”

Ketron said, “I am grateful for the support of NFIB, the Voice of Small Business. I am particularly pleased with the passage of Senate Bill 3591, which will protect thousands of small contractors and subcontractors, in the 2010 session. Tennessee is a great state in which to do business, but we must continue to cut red tape, keep taxes low and pursue commonsense tort reform to make our environment better for small business.”

NFIB’s endorsement is critical to the Ketron campaign. Small business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members and acquaintances to go to the polls. NFIB has pledged it will activate its grassroots network on behalf of the Ketron campaign. NFIB’s political support is based on the candidates’ positions and records on small business issues.

Local lawmakers Tracy and Marsh are very pleased with SMW Automotive Announcement

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:58:00 GMT

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.gov

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 27, 2010 -- State Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) and Representative Pat March (R-Shelbyville) said today they are very pleased with the announcement that SMW Automotive will be locating in Shelbyville. The local lawmakers have been working with state and local officials to help bring the production facility to Bedford County.
“Jobs are ‘priority number one’ as the economy continues to be sluggish and unemployment remains high,” said Senator Tracy. “We are very pleased that our county will receive 170 much-needed new jobs as a result of this new facility.”
“This announcement shows that Tennessee workers represent quality, pride, integrity, and innovation -- things that the world today needs and wants more of,” added Marsh. “These are our best competitive assets in drawing new jobs to our area.”

Tracy, who is Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee said he will continue to work to ensure transportation needs for the facility.

“Certainly one of the most important things we can do to draw new jobs is to keep Tennessee a business-friendly state in these difficult financial times,” added Tracy. “Businesses do not need additional taxation or more burdensome regulations. We are pro-growth and pro-business state and we must work to keep it that way.”

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Interview with Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris / Fighting Crime in the Bluff City; Operation Safe Community Needs Nashville's Help

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:12:00 GMT

Senator Southerland appointed to Special Committee studying a freeze on utility rates for senior citizens

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:09:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 24, 2010 – State Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) has been appointed by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey as a member of a special joint committee studying a freeze on utility rates for senior citizens. The eight-member Senate and House committee is charged with reporting their findings, including any legislative proposals, to the 107th General Assembly by February 1, 2011.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve on this committee,” said Senator Southerland, who is Chairman of the Senate Environment, Conservation and Tourism Committee. “Our senior citizens have many financial hardships and this is a matter that should be explored. This has been a very difficult year for many of them as temperatures in the winter and summer have been extremely harsh, increasing utility bills for many elderly citizens statewide.”

“I look forward to working with my colleagues in seeking solutions to help meet our senior citizens needs.”

Tennessee ranked by national online news outlet as having lowest debt in nation

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:32:00 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 17, 2010 -- A national news reporting and opinion website has listed Tennessee as the best state in the nation in terms of debt by ranking the volunteer state as having the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the nation. The Daily Beast, which is an online news and commentary outlet, released the state-by-state list in the wake of Congress’ passage of a $26 billion stimulus bill passed last week.

Tennessee had a debt ratio of 1.95 as compared to Rhode Island, which was ranked as having the worst debt in the nation with a 21.54 percent ratio.

“We have worked very hard over the past two decades at keeping Tennessee as debt free as possible,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge). McNally has served on the Finance Committee for 20 years. “Like with family budgets, debt is one of the worst pitfalls in financial planning, particularly in lean economic times like we are currently facing.”

The online publication said the debt numbers were calculated by using U.S. Census data and past state debt increases or decreases to estimate current debt levels. Calculations were also based on information from an independent analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities utilizing baseline budget spending compared to expected revenue.

Many states were depending on passage of a second stimulus package by spending the funds before they arrive, even though the money had not been approved by Congress. Tennessee, rather, took a cautious approach by making spending provisions that were contingent upon passage of the federal bill. The congressional bill, H.R. 1586, was signed into law on August 10.

“We have taken a very fiscally prudent path in our state finances,” added Chairman McNally. “This includes our cautious approach to any further stimulus funds that might come to us through the FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentages) enhanced funding package. I appreciate the acknowledgement by this publication that shows our efforts to keep Tennessee out of debt.”

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Senators Ketron and Tracy ask for review of members appointed to state’s Board of Regents

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:13:00 GMT

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.gov

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 12, 2010 -- State Senators Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) said today they have asked Senate Education Chairman Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville) to schedule a meeting of the Senate Education Committee “as soon as practicable” to hear testimony regarding the appointments of the members of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). The call comes one week after the Board appointed John Morgan, Chancellor, despite a request from the Senate Education Chairman to broaden the search to consider applicants with advanced doctorate degrees and managerial experience in a higher education setting.

Ketron said Tennessee law requires appointed members “shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.” The Senate has not acted on the appointments in recent years. The law states appointments “shall be effective until adversely acted upon by the Senate.”

“We have a duty under Tennessee law to look at members appointed to the Board of Regents which was obviously put into place to explore their qualifications, education ideas and other relevant matters to that position,” said Senator Ketron, who is a member of the Education Committee. “Therefore, this is something that we have a statutory duty to examine. We have been far too lenient in this regard and need to take a look at these board members who are serving approximately 200,000 students across this state in a position of high authority.”

“I am very concerned about the Board’s action to drastically increase the new chancellor’s salary from $305,000 to $385,000 at a time when our state employees did not receive a raise and when we are looking at increased tuition rates for our students,” added Ketron, who is also Chairman of the legislature’s Fiscal Review Committee. The Fiscal Review Committee serves as the General Assembly’s watchdog on the state’s finances and contracts. “The legislature made many difficult cuts to state government programs this year. The public, rightfully, has a good reason to complain when such action is taken by a state government board or agency, especially when the education requirements for the position were lowered by the Board.”

The Tennessee Board of Regents supervises all public institutions of higher education in Tennessee not governed by the University of Tennessee system, including the state’s four-year institutions, community colleges, and the Tennessee Technology Centers. Unlike most states, the Board of Regent’s component institutions do not have their own board of directors or trustees at the campus level, leaving the TBR with the ability to hire or promote various positions in the state’s colleges and universities. There have been several attempts to combine the TBR with the University system, or replace it with a system under which each component school, or at least each of the universities, would have its own independent board.

“The Tennessee Board of Regents has a huge impact on our higher education system,” added Senator Tracy, who is also a member of the Education Committee. “Although the Senate cannot act as a body until next year on this matter, we are asking the Chairman to begin the process of looking at the members appointed as we are statutorily required.”

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Senator Tracy announces grant for Smyrna Airport

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:31:00 GMT

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.gov

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 12, 2010 -- State Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) said today he has been informed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) that a $1,161,000 grant has been approved for the Smyrna Airport in Rutherford County. Tracy is Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. The grant is available through TDOT’s Division of Aeronautics.

“Access to airports are essential to the economic development of our county, as well as use for local citizens,” said Gresham. “This grant will assist us in making needed improvements.”

Tracy said the funds from the aeronautics grants will be used for the design and rehabilitation of several taxiways. The grant was recommended by the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission.

“I’m very pleased that this grant will enable us to make these improvements,” added Tracy. “We will continue to work to bring our tax dollars back to Rutherford County.”

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Recycling group applauds Tennessee for enacting legislation protecting the environment by keeping harmful mercury out of landfills

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:35:00 GMT

Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 11, 2010 – The Association of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers (ALMR) today applauded legislation sponsored by Senate Environment and Conservation Chairman Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) and State Representative David Hawk (R-Greeneville) to keep toxic mercury-added consumer products from being improperly disposed in landfills in Tennessee. The new law, Public Chapter 840, provides assistance through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for tanning bed facilities and large employers to recycle mercury containing products, which are predominantly fluorescent light bulbs.

“The ALMR applauds Tennessee for enacting this important law to keep harmful mercury out of the garbage and protect the environment,” said Paul Abernathy, Executive Director of the ALMR." The ALMR is a national organization that assists government and business with outreach and education for the promotion of mercury recovery from wastes. “We appreciate Senator Southerland and his colleagues’ efforts to help the business community become compliant and divert these wastes into recycling programs.”

“Improper management and disposal of these bulbs have been releasing mercury into the environment,” said Senator Southerland. “This causes hazardous contamination of land and waterways, which places our children’s future in danger.”

Health problems associated with mercury exposure include digestive, cardiovascular, nervous system and kidney-related illness. Experts maintain yearly usage of mercury containing lamps is in excess of one billion nationwide.

Other lighting products, besides fluorescent light bulbs, containing mercury includes high intensity discharge bulbs and projector lamps. In addition, the waste also includes many common materials like batteries, some electronic equipment, switches and thermostats. Abernathy said the legislation does not impose any hardship on businesses or the state government because there are already complete programs available through recycling facilities.

“All these items are easy to keep out of the environment by sending them to authorized recyclers. There are cost-effective recycling programs for business of all sizes” said Steve Barnett of Southeast Recycling Technologies, Inc. “Any costs for recycling light bulbs are very small compared to huge energy savings from using mercury bulbs in the first place” said Barnett, whose company services the entire state and southeast region.”

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Senator Yager and Rep. Faulkner announce Energy Efficient School grant for Campbell County School

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:16:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 4, 2010 – Local State Senator Ken Yager and Representative Chad Faulkner announced today that LaFollette Middle School in Campbell County has been awarded $9,800 in grant incentive funds from Tennessee's Energy Efficient Schools Initiative. The funds will be used to install energy efficient HVACs at LaFollette Middle School.

“This grant is especially needed this year as the extreme weather has put a strain on school budgets to keep up with utility costs,” said Senator Yager. “The funds will help us be ready for any future needs like this by improving energy efficiency in our schools.”

The General Assembly is recognized for the legislation that is assisting all school districts to become more energy efficient, resulting in lower operating costs and creating a healthier and safer learning environment. The Initiative is also retaining and creating jobs in Tennessee, both in the manufacturing sector in Tennessee as well as equipment vendors, contract labor for equipment installation, local equipment sales, etc.

“This program has enabled many schools across our district to acquire energy efficient equipment,” added Rep. Faulkner. “The result will be savings to the taxpayers over the long run.”

For more information about the Energy Efficient Schools Initiative, please visit www.tn.gov/eesi.

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SENATOR MARK NORRIS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF SOUTHERN LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:42:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / CONTACT: COLLEEN COUSINEAU
or JONATHAN WATTS HULL 404/633-1866

(CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA), August 3, 2010 -- Delegates to the 64th Annual Meeting of The Council of State Governments’ Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) today elected Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, chair of the Conference.

Senator Norris is the first Tennessee Senator to serve as SLC chair since 1988. Delegates from SLC’s 15 member states unanimously elected Norris to succeed Speaker Robert W. Harrell, Jr. of South Carolina, the previous chair of the Conference. Speaker Richard Thompson of West Virginia was chosen chair-elect. Representative Billy Broomfield of Mississippi was elected Vice Chairman.

Norris is an attorney with the law firm of Adams and Reese LLP. He has served in the Tennessee Senate since 2000 and has served as Senate Majority Leader since 2007. He currently serves as chairman of the Senate Rules Committee and is a member of the Finance, Ways and Means Committee; Ethics Committee; and State and Local Government Committee.

Senator Norris will preside over all Executive Committee meetings of the SLC and guide the Conference in major policy deliberations. The 65th SLC Annual Meeting will be held in Memphis, Tennessee on July 16-20, 2011.

Founded in 1947, the Southern Legislative Conference is one of four regional legislative offices operating under The Council of State Governments. The mission of the Southern office is to foster and encourage intergovernmental cooperation among its 15 member states, the largest regional coalition with common interests and goals served by the offices of the Council. By working together within the SLC and participating on its committees, Southern state legislative leaders are able to speak in a distinctive, unified voice to address the issues that affect their states and the greater region.
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Senator Overbey announces major bond money has been approved for Blount County Schools

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:21:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 3, 2010 – Local State Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) today announced that the Tennessee State School Bond Authority (TSSBA) has given approval for $15,016,740 in bonds for school construction loan money for two projects in Blount County, including $13,422,294 for Prospect Elementary School.

“I am very pleased that these funds have been made available for this needed construction project in Blount County,” said Senator Overbey. “It will be a great educational asset to our county. I also appreciate the action of the state’s Bond Authority in approving this project, including the support of our Constitutional officers who are members of that board, Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Treasurer David Lillard and Comptroller Justin Wilson.”

The other project approved by the Bond Authority was for $1,300,000 for HVAC renovation at Carpenters Middle School.

The loan funds, which are being made available through the state’s Qualified School Construction Bond program, will be used to build, renovate and repair schools in Tennessee. Overbey has fought for a more equitable approach in the state’s educational funding formula, including discussions with the state’s Constitutional officers, to ensure that Blount County gets its fare share of state education dollars.

Money from the bond program can only be used for new construction, rehabilitation or repair of public school facilities; land acquisition for qualified school construction projects or purchase of equipment used in connection with qualified projects. The loans will be repaid at a very low interest rate. Last year, the TSSBA provided $177 million in Qualified School Construction Bond loans to 13 local governments. Those loans are being repaid over 17 years at an interest rate of 1.515 percent.

“The low interest rates available through this program are as good as school districts are likely to find anywhere,” Treasurer Lillard said. “The needs of some of our school districts are substantial. I am glad that this type of financing is available to meet those needs.”

“I commend the General Assembly for creating this program,” Secretary of State Hargett said. “Our legislators recognized the importance of creating a valuable new funding source for our schools.”

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Senator Faulk announces major bond money has been approved for Hawkins County Schools

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:28:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 2, 2010 -- State Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill) today announced that the Tennessee State School Bond Authority (TSSBA) has given approval for $2,357,669 in bonds for school construction loan money for Hawkins County schools.

“I am very pleased that these funds have been made available for needed school construction projects in Hawkins County,” said Senator Faulk. “These funds will help with needed improvements.”

The bonds will include $569,400 for Surgoinsville Elementary School; $514,970 for Carter’s Valley Elementary School and $713,850 for Church Hill Elementary School. Projects still under review but provisionally approved are $133,650 for Keplar Elementary; $131,850 for McPheeter’s Bend Elementary; $78,450 for Mooresburg Elementary; $86,350 for St. Clair Elementary and an additional $82,920 for Church Hill Elementary in a second part of funding for that school.

The loan funds, which are being made available through the state’s Qualified School Construction Bond program, will be used to build, renovate and repair schools. Some of the individual projects within school districts are still under review to ensure they comply with the program’s guidelines.

Money from the program can only be used for new construction, rehabilitation or repair of public school facilities; land acquisition for qualified school construction projects or purchase of equipment used in connection with qualified projects. The TSSBA will invest the proceeds from the bond sale in the State Pooled Investment Fund and distribute them to the school districts to cover expenses related to their construction projects. The loans will be repaid at a very low interest rate.

Last year, the TSSBA provided $177 million in Qualified School Construction Bond loans to 13 local governments. Those loans are being repaid over 17 years at an interest rate of 1.515 percent.

“The low interest rates available through this program are as good as school districts are likely to find anywhere,” State Treasurer David Lillard said. “The needs of some of our school districts are substantial. I am glad that this type of financing is available to meet those needs.”

Senator Faulk announces major bond money has been approved for Jefferson County High School

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:22:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 2, 2010 -- State Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill) today announced that the Tennessee State School Bond Authority (TSSBA) has given approval for $10,710,000 in bonds for school construction loan money for Jefferson County High School.

“This is a needed school construction project for this county and its students,” said Senator Faulk. “I am very pleased it has been approved.”

The loan funds, which are being made available through the state’s Qualified School Construction Bond program, will be used to build, renovate and repair schools. Money from the program can only be used for new construction, rehabilitation or repair of public school facilities; land acquisition for qualified school construction projects or purchase of equipment used in connection with qualified projects.

Last year, the TSSBA provided $177 million in Qualified School Construction Bond loans to 13 local governments. Those loans are being repaid over 17 years at an interest rate of 1.515 percent.

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Woodson Tours Select Specialty Hospital

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:16:00 GMT

(KNOXVILLE, TN ), July 27, 2010 – Speaker Pro Tempore Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville) greeted patients on Thursday June 24, 2010, at Select Specialty Hospital - North Knoxville . Senator Woodson participated in a tour of the hospital, met with hospital staff and spoke with patients about the role long-term acute care has played in their recovery process. She also thanked the staff for their dedication and commitment to the provision of quality care and compassionate service to these very ill patients.

There are two Select Specialty Hospitals (SSH) in Knoxville , both of which operate as hospitals within hospitals. The SSH North Knoxville hospital is located within Mercy - St. Mary’s Hospital on Oak Hill Avenue and the SSH Knoxville hospital is located within Fort Sanders Regional Hospital on Clinch Avenue . Select Specialty Hospitals have been serving the long-term acute care needs of the Greater Knoxville area for 10 years.

“I was very impressed with the dedication and commitment to patient care that I saw in this facility,” said Senator Woodson. “These specialty hospitals are very important to many area citizens and their families. I was also humbled to speak to several patients about their care and uplifted by an attitude of hope and perseverance.”

The Select Specialty Hospitals in Knoxville treat patients who require a longer acute care hospitalization for critical and complex medical and surgical conditions. Both hospitals are fully staffed by physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, case managers, physical and occupational therapists, dieticians and pharmacists. Patients benefit from an integrated approach of physician and nursing care, focused respiratory services and individualized therapies. A variety of programs and services are offered, including those focused on Pulmonary/Ventilator Weaning, Infectious Disease and Complex Wound Care.

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Tax Holiday set for August 6 – 8 / Norris says holiday has been very successful

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:37:00 GMT

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DARLENE SCHLICHER
July 23, 2010 615- 741-6336

(NASHVILLE, TN, July 23, 2010) – Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) today encouraged consumers to take advantage of the August sales tax holiday set to begin August 6 in Tennessee. Norris was a key supporter of the initiative passed by the General Assembly in 2005.

“This holiday has been very successful since its implementation five years ago,” said Leader Norris. “It should stimulate sales for local businesses, while providing citizens much-needed sales tax relief. It is also very helpful for parents who need to buy items as students head back to school next month.”

Norris, who also led the fight to provide property tax relief for senior citizens through a Constitutional Amendment, said this year’s sales tax holiday is set to begin on Friday, August 6 at 12:01 a.m. and ends Sunday, August 8 at 11:59 p.m.

During the holiday, clothing and school supplies with a price of $100 or less per item, and computers with a price of $1,500 or less per item will be exempt from the state sales and use tax. Clothing includes shirts, dresses, pants, coats, gloves, hats and caps, hosiery, neckties, belts, sneakers, shoes, uniforms and scarves. School supplies include items used by a student in a course of study. It also includes binders, book bags, calculators, tape, chalk, crayons, erasers, folders, glue, pens, pencils, lunch boxes, notebooks, paper, ruler, and scissors.

For more information or for details on exempted items consumers and retailers can visit the Sales Tax Holiday Web site at http://tn.gov/revenue/salestaxholiday.
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