From the Floor

Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris announces 2011- 2012 State Appropriations for Dyer County

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:35:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), November 2, 2011 – Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) announced today that Dyer County will receive approximately $79.395 million in state appropriations in the 2011-12 budget year which began in July. Also, Dyer County will receive a portion of the federal funds included in Tennessee's $30.8 billion budget as adopted by the 107th General Assembly.

In addition to serving as Senate Majority Leader, Norris is a member of the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee. He also sponsored the appropriations bill which funds Tennessee’s state budget.

Listed budget appropriations for Dyer County in the following general categories are: $30.379 million for education (kindergarten through 12th grade); $6.4 million in shared state tax collections; $25.659 million for health and social services; $5.19 million for justice and public safety; $3.82 million for recreation and resources development; $6.079 million for economic development and higher education, $1.59 for transportation and $260,000 for capital outlay.

     “Dyer County will see an overall increase of $2.82 million over last year and is $9.365 million more than the 2009-10 budget year,“ said Senator Norris. “I am very pleased we have this increase at a time when the state budget has decreased.”

     The state budget was reduced $1.2 billion from the 2010-11 budget, which is a decrease of 3.8 percent.

     The county-by-county statistics are prepared by the Office of Legislative Budget Analysis, which works in concert with state finance officials in gathering the detailed information.

Senator Norris represents Senate District 32, which is comprised of Dyer, Lauderdale, Tipton, and part of Shelby County.

###

NOTE TO MEDIA: The full report can be found at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/joint/staff/budget-analysis/county-reports/counties11/Dyer.pdf

Roberts Reports: Sumner, Robertson Counties receive public safety grants

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:10:00 GMT

October 21, 2011 – I am very pleased to announce that Sumner and Robertson Counties were the recipient of numerous public safety grants this past week totaling over $91,800. These grants help fund a variety of enforcement, legal and educational initiatives across the state, including first responder equipment purchases, DUI prosecutors, speed enforcement, and child passenger safety training. They are issued to agencies that successfully applied for assistance based on need.

Those agencies receiving high visibility grants of approximately $5,000 include the Coopertown Police Department, the Greenbrier Police Department, Millersville Police Department, Sumner County Sheriff’s Department, Volunteer State Community College Campus Police and the Westmoreland Police Department .

Other grants included a substantial $47,290 grant for our Sumner County Drug Court and $19,514 for the White House Police Department’s efforts to protect citizens from those who drink and drive.

The Sumner County Adult Drug Court represents the coordinated efforts of the judiciary, prosecution, defense bar, probation, law enforcement, treatment, mental health, social services, and child protection services to actively and forcefully intervene and break the cycle of substance, abuse, addiction, and crime. It links the resources of the criminal justice system, substance abuse programs, and other agencies. Officials say the program has increased treatment participation and decreased criminal recidivism. I am pleased they will receive this grant to aid them in their efforts.

I am also pleased the White House Police Department has received funds to help them in their efforts to rid our streets of drunk drivers. This is a major public safety issue for Tennessee. We must do everything possible to rid our streets of those who drink and drive, including providing greater resources to help law enforcement patrol our roads.

I congratulate all of our local law enforcement officials for the hard work done to secure these grants. It should help upgrade their efforts to make our roads safer and protect our citizens.

In other good news this past week, I received a report showing that during the fiscal year 2011-2012 both Sumner and Robertson Counties share of Tennessee’s budget has increased. Sumner County will receive $9,957,800 more than in the 2010-2011 budget year. Robertson County will receive $7,408,200 more than in the 2010-2011 budget.

This is at a time when the state budget was reduced $1.2 billion from the 2010-11 budget, which is a decrease of 3.8 percent.

The county-by-county statistics are prepared each year by the Office of Legislative Budget Analysis, which works in concert with state finance officials in gathering the detailed information. Citizens can review the full report at http://www.capitol.tn.gov/joint/staff/budget-analysis/county-reports/counties11.

It is very important that we bring our citizen’s tax dollars back to Sumner and Robertson Counties and I will continue to work to do just that.

###

Senator Crowe receives prestigious award for his efforts on behalf of citizens with mental illness

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:20:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), September 23, 2011 – State Senator Rusty Crowe (R- Johnson City) has been named 2011 “Legislator of the Year” in Tennessee for his efforts on behalf of citizens with mental illness. The award “in recognition of his dedication to the health and mental health of the people of Tennessee” was announced today by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a nationwide advocacy group.

“I am very honored to receive this award,” said Senator Crowe, who is Chairman of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. “I appreciate this recognition and am glad to partner with NAMI to help improve healthcare services for those who suffer from mental illness in Tennessee.”

Tennessee’s Deputy Director of NAMI, Roger Stewart, praised Crowe for sponsoring legislation that calls for training police officers to respond to calls involving a person with a mental illness. The new law, which took effect in April, requires annual training for police also include the proper procedures for responding to mentally ill persons.

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country. The organization is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life for persons of all ages who are affected by mental illnesses.

###

Ketron pleased E-Verify is signed into law

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:53:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), June 8, 2011 – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has signed into law legislation sponsored by State Senators Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and Representative Joe Carr (R-Lascassas) calling for Tennessee employers to use the “E-Verify” system to ensure that new hires are in the state legally.

"This bill represents significant progress in addressing illegal immigration in Tennessee,” said Senator Ketron. “With unemployment at 9.6 percent, illegal workers definitely have an impact on our job market. It also has implications for our border security and places additional burdens on taxpayers for government services.”

The legislation requires businesses with over five employees to obtain a copy of a new employee’s driver’s license or utilize the E-Verify system, but provides a safe harbor for employers who use E-Verify if the worker is later found to be in the country illegally. E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration, allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees by entering their name and a social security number. It is free to employers in all 50 states, including Tennessee where more than 4,000 businesses have voluntarily participated in the system. The E-Verify system is 97.4 percent accurate.

The signing of the new Tennessee law comes after the Supreme Court ruled in May in favor of an Arizona law that requires businesses to verify the employment eligibility with E-Verify. The practical effect of the decision is to uphold the right of states to require employers to use the E-Verify program.

There are more than 140,000 illegal immigrants in Tennessee, with over 110,000 in the state’s workforce according to conservative estimates. “

“This new law provides an avenue to stop the influx of illegal aliens who come here fraudulently for employment. I am very pleased Governor Haslam has signed this bill into law.

###

Rhea County Schools to receive $95,000 in Department of Education Grants to prepare students for high-skill, high-wage or high-demand occupations

Wed, 04 May 2011 21:42:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), May 4, 2011 -- State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) and Representative Jim Cobb (R-Spring City) said today that Rhea County Schools will receive $95,000 in Department of Education grants for the 2011-2012 school year to help prepare students for “jobs of the future.” The grants will be distributed as part of the Southeast TN Consortium to support their proposal to develop professional learning communities.

“We are very pleased our county has received this grant,” the lawmakers said. “It will help prepare our students for jobs of the future as we work to bring new jobs to Rhea County. We congratulate our local school officials for their efforts to secure these grants which will pay off for their students over the long run.”

The purpose of the grant is to prepare “Career and Technical Education” (CTE) students for high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand occupations and emerging opportunities. It also supports linkages between secondary and post secondary career and technical education programs.

Rhea County was one of only twenty-one school districts who were awarded the funds. Districts were awarded on a competitive basis and will receive grant awards ranging in from $5,000 to $100,000 based on their proposal. The schools will use the funds towards such initiatives as developing secondary to post-secondary transition programs, implementing new or innovative programs of study that include STEM and Green technology, integrating rigorous standards and learning communities built on First to the Top initiatives, and increasing enrollment and completion of non-traditional students in career and technical education. ###

Tennessee Senate Designates May 13-20 ‘Jeff Byrd Week’

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:13:00 GMT

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville) today spoke from the well of the state Senate following the reading of a resolution honoring his late friend, Jeff Byrd, the longtime president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, with a week in his honor.

“Anybody who knew Jeff Byrd will never forget him,” said Ramsey. “I have never seen anyone become a member of a community as quickly as Jeff Byrd did in Bristol.”

“If Jeff Byrd had a fault, it was that he couldn’t say no,” Ramsey added. “He was always looking to help others and challenging those around him to do the same.”

The resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 89, designates March 13-20 as Jeff Byrd Week in Tennessee. Rep. Jon Lundberg (R- Bristol) also spoke from the well in honor of Mr. Byrd.

“I am sorry for those of you who didn’t know Jeff,” said Lundberg. “He inspired not only me but everyone he touched.”

Ramsey and Lundberg were joined in the well by Mr. Byrd’s widow Claudia Byrd, his sister JoJo Davis and daughter Belton Caldwell.

“He wouldn’t like the attention,” said Mrs. Byrd said of her husband. “But he would be humbled and honored by this great recognition.”

The resolution, once passed, will be framed and presented to the family prior to the annual spring race at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Longtime sponsor Food City has renamed the March 20 race the Jeff Byrd 500.

Following a career as a sportswriter at the Winston-Salem Journal, Byrd moved to the sports marketing department of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company eventually rising to the level of vice-president of business development before departing to become vice-president and general manager of the speedway.

In 2002, Byrd was promoted to president and general manager and under his direction the race track grew from 67,000 to 160,000 seats eventually becoming what some describe as a “Roman coliseum” of racing.

In addition to serving as an elder at the First Presbyterian in Kingsport, Byrd was active in numerous civic and charitable organizations. Byrd along with his wife started the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children' Charities, a non-profit agency dedicated to aiding children in need in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

The full resolution honoring Byrd can be seen here.

Senator Yager asks governor to include full funding for York Institute in state’s budget

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:54:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), February 11, 2011 – Local State Senator Ken Yager said today he has asked Governor Bill Haslam to include recurring funding at the present level for York Agricultural Institute in the state’s 2011-12 budget. Yager has fought for restoration of state funding for the 700-student high school located in Fentress County for the past two years.

Last year, the Bredesen Administration recommended the Legislature cut the $2.3 million in essential funding for the school. However, the funds were restored on a non-recurring basis under action led by Senator Yager.

“We must keep the commitment made 85 years ago to World War I hero Sargent Alvin York to fund the school he struggled to build,” said Senator Yager. “I will continue to fight for full funding of this school and for it to continue on a recurring basis so we don’t have to go this uncertainty every budget year.”

York Agricultural Institute was started by Sargent Alvin C. York shortly after World War I as a model for rural education for the impoverished children in upper East Tennessee. In 1925, the state committed to support the school and has provided funding since that time. As a State Special School, York has received additional state funding over the support generated by the current Basic Education Program with the fiscal year 2011-12 budget appropriating an additional $2.3 million.

“Any cuts in this funding would create a great financial hardship for residents of Fentress County who are already suffering from high unemployment and job loss,” added Yager. “I am hopeful that the governor will recognize the historic, economic and educational importance of this institution as we consider this year’s budget.”

###

Senator Mike Bell takes oath of office

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:34:00 GMT

NASHVILLE, TN), January 11, 2011 -- State Senator Mike Bell (R-Riceville) took the oath of office on Tuesday in Nashville as the 107th General Assembly was gaveled into session. The oath was administered by Supreme Court Justice William Koch, Jr. during the organizational session which is expected to end on Saturday after the inauguration of Governor-elect Bill Haslam.

"Taking the oath of office is an incredibly humbling experience,” said Senator Bell. “The people of the ninth district have entrusted me with a very important job, and I will work every day to earn the trust of all the people that I represent.”

This will be Bell’s first term in the State Senate. He served two terms in the House of Representatives before being elected to the State Senate last November.

The legislature will recess for three weeks after the organizational session ends before beginning the regular legislative session to allow for office assignments and to await budget details.

###

Senator Ferrell Haile takes oath of office

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:09:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), November 29, 2010 -- State Senator Ferrell Haile (R- Gallatin) took the oath of office on Monday in Nashville, representing the 18th Senatorial District which includes Sumner and Robertson Counties. The oath was administered by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey.

Governor-elect Bill Haslam, Congressman-elect Diane Black, Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Comptroller Justin Wilson also attended the event, in addition to several members of the State Senate.

“I am very honored to have the opportunity to represent the citizens of Sumner and Robertson Counties in the State Senate,” Senator Haile said. “I will do my best to honor the oath that I have taken today as I fulfill the duties of serving the citizens of this district in the interim."

Senator Haile was appointed by the Sumner County Commission on Monday, November 22 after the resignation of Senator Diane Black and will serve the 18th Senatorial District until the general election is held for the seat on March 8. Black resigned after being elected on November 2 to Congress.

Haile, a pharmacist, is a resident of Sumner County and is co-owner of Perkins Drugs in Gallatin. He is also a cattle farmer.

The legislature is set to convene in organizational session on January 11 at noon.

###

SENATOR TRACY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL TEEN DRIVER SAFETY WEEK

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:58:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), October 18, 2010 — Tennessee Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) announced today his support for the goals of National Teen Driver Safety Week. The week, promoted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is observed the third week of October each year and will be held October 17 to 23, 2010. Tracy said the week marks an increase in intensive programming used to educate teens on the risks associated with driving and to encourage them to drive more safely and with fewer distractions.

According to NHTSA, in 2009 there were 5,623 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes involving 15-20 year old drivers. Tracy was the sponsor of legislation passed in 2009 which prohibits sending or reading text messages on public roads and highways while the driver is operating a motor vehicle in motion. Over two-thirds of those under the age of 24 who were polled have admitted to sending text messages while driving.

“Despite what they may think, teens are not invincible,” said Senator Tracy. “We need to better inform students of the severity of a vehicle crash and the very real consequences to themselves, their passengers, and others on the road for operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner. In addition to driver error and speeding, distracted driving is a key component in a vehicle crash.”

Surveys also show that when asked about avoiding distractions while driving, 71% of teens recall their parents telling them to pull over to talk on the phone or to refrain from using the phone all together. Despite having conversations about the dangers associated with distracted driving, one-third of teens said they have used their phone while driving in the past three months.

“We must reinforce the idea that once a vehicle is in motion, the driver must devote his or her full attention to the task at hand – operating that vehicle safely,” added Tracy. “We need to support efforts to effectively educate teens and families about ways to address increased safety measures for teen drivers, which is what this initiative does. I encourage all parents to talk to your teen about safe driving habits and be a positive role model for your young driver. No family should have to incur the heartache that so many families across the country feel every year.”

# # #

To learn more about National Teen Driver Safety Week
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Teen-Drivers

Fighting Crime in the Bluff City; Operation Safe Community Needs Nashville's Help

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:01:00 GMT

Senator Overbey receives award for his efforts on behalf of citizens with intellectual disabilities

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:15:00 GMT

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

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 24, 2010 – State Senator Doug Overbey (R- Maryville) has been named “Legislator of the Year” in Tennessee for his efforts on behalf of citizens with intellectual disabilities. The award was presented to Overbey on Thursday at the Annual Awards of Excellence sponsored by the Tennessee Network of Community Organizations (TNCO) in Murfreesboro. The state advocacy group honors a Senator and Representative each year for their work in furthering and/or bettering the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through legislative initiatives.

“This award is a great honor and I am humbled to receive it,” said Senator Overbey. “I am very pleased to partner with TNCO to work towards progress to expand opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities.”

TNCO is a statewide organization comprised of not-for-profit organizations, such as Sertoma and the Douglas Adult Cooperative, whose missions are to assist those with disabilities. “TNCO and its constituent members do an excellent job in representing the needs of our citizens with disabilities before the legislature.” Senator Overbey added.

In accepting the award, Overbey said, “Although others are more deserving of this recognition, I’m truly touched and grateful. Receiving this award means more to me than you will ever know.”

Overbey was the sponsor of major legislation this year which prevented potentially catastrophic cuts to Tennessee hospitals as a result of budget cuts proposed earlier this year in the state’s 2010-2011 budget. Last year, he was co-prime sponsor of legislation to rename the state’s Division of Mental Retardation Services the “Division of Intellectual Disabilities.”

Senator Overbey receives award for his efforts on behalf of citizens with intellectual disabilities

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:07:00 GMT

In accepting the award, Overbey said, “Although others are more deserving of this recognition, I’m truly touched and grateful. Receiving this award means more to me than you will ever know.”

Senator Tracy announces Energy Efficient School grant for 2 Rutherford County Schools

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:54:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 16, 2010 – Local State Senator Jim Tracy announced today that Rutherford County has been awarded $23,655 in grant incentive funds from Tennessee's Energy Efficient Schools Initiative. The funds will be used to install energy efficient lighting at Oakland Middle School and Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School.

“This grant is especially needed this year as the extreme weather has put a strain on our school budgets to keep up with utility costs,” said Senator Tracy. “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.

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

# # #

Senator Overbey announces major bond money has been approved for Sevier County School

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:19:00 GMT

(NASHVILLE, TN), August 3, 2010 – Local State Senator Doug Overbey today announced that the Tennessee State School Bond Authority (TSSBA) has given approval for $14,373,944 in bonds for school construction loan money for Northview Academy in Sevier County.

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

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 Sevier County gets its fare share of state education dollars.

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 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.”

###