(Nashville) – Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville) today appointed local State Senator Randy McNally to the Lottery Stabilization Task Force.  The Task Force will make recommendations to keep the program viable on a long-term basis to ensure scholarships are there for students who earn them.

“I am very pleased to be appointed to this committee,” said Senator McNally, who also serves as Senate Finance Chairman.  “Keeping our promises to students who are receiving lottery scholarships should be priority.  In order to achieve this goal, we must make sure the fund is stable, especially during the current economic climate.  I look forward to working with this Task Force to maximize our potential to give students every opportunity we can to gain or hold a lottery scholarship.”   

“It is critical that the lottery scholarship program be run in a fiscally responsible manner so our best and brightest students will have a scholarship opportunity in Tennessee,” said Lt. Governor Ramsey (R-Blountville).  “Higher education is a key component to job creation and creating new jobs is my highest priority.  I am confident this group will provide solutions which will keep the scholarship program healthy over time.”

The members appointed by Lt. Governor Ramsey are:

Dr. Claude Pressnell, Jr., President of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association
Dr. Rich Rhoda, Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and Interim Executive Director of the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.
Chancellor Charles Manning, head of the Tennessee Board of Regents
Dr. Jan Simek, Interim President of the University of Tennessee

Legislative members:
Speaker Pro Tem Jamie Woodson, Co-Chairman
Senator Dolores Gresham, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee
Senator Reginald Tate, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Education Committee
Senator Randy McNally, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee
Senator Douglas Henry, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee

Constitutional Officers:

Secretary of State Tre Hargett
Comptroller of the Treasury Justin Wilson
Treasurer of Tennessee David Lillard

(NASHVILLE, TN), March 31, 2010  --- State Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) today won passage of legislation in the State Senate to help ensure that school gyms are equipped with automatic external defibrillators (AED).  Overbey said having AEDs on school properties will dramatically reduce the fatality rate due to unexpected cardiac arrest.

“I am very pleased that this bill won unanimous approval in our State Senate,” said Senator Overbey.  “I am also pleased that it was amended to be named in memory of Tanner Lee Jameson, recognizing his life and the efforts his parents have made to save lives by placing defibrillators in schools across the region.”

Jameson died on June 26, 2009 when he collapsed during his middle school basketball game.  Since that time, his mother, Rhonda Harrill has made it her mission to ensure that AEDs are accessible during emergencies on school property.  It also prompted Harrill to bring the idea for legislation to Senator Overbey, and Representatives Bob Ramsey and Joe McCord.

According the American Heart Association “when CPR is performed correctly and an AED is used, survival chances almost triple compared to those who do not receive CPR or an AED.”  While most school-aged kids are not prone to cardiac episodes, many school staff members, parents, and visitors who attend school functions may be.  From 2001-2005, 5 students and 16 adults suffered cardiac arrest while they were on school grounds.

Senate Bill 2505 by Senator Overbey requires that gyms are the first place a school would place an automated external defibrillator (AED) device, since they are the most common gathering place for events, particularly involving athletics.  It also requires that they comply with current law in regards to instructing faculty members on the use of AEDs and CPR. 

“Hopefully, this legislation will help avert another tragedy,” added Overbey. 

The bill is pending action in the House Finance Ways and Means Committee where it will be under consideration next week.

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

(NASHVILLE, TN), March 29, 2010 -- The State Senate today approved a resolution that will allow Tennesseans to vote on a constitutional amendment to clarify the state’s prohibition of an income tax and a payroll tax in Tennessee.  The amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 763, sponsored by Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown), specifies that the legislature as well as Tennessee counties and cities shall be prohibited from passing either an income tax or a payroll tax, which is a tax on employers that is measured by the wages they pay their workers. 

“I am pleased this amendment has passed the Senate,” Kelsely added.  “This is the first step in allowing Tennesseans to vote once and for all to permanently ban an income tax and payroll tax.”

A payroll tax has been proposed in recent years by elected officials in Shelby County and elsewhere as a way around an income tax.  A state income tax proposal has repeatedly come before state lawmakers over the last several decades, including failure by only five votes in the House of Representatives in 2002.   In January, eight state lawmakers, seven of whom represent Shelby County, filed legislation, House Bill 3597, to implement a state income tax.  

“In these difficult economic times, the last thing Tennesseans need to be worrying about is having to pay a state income tax or a payroll tax,” Kelsey added. 
 
There have been three cases before the Tennessee Supreme Court throughout the state’s history that have upheld that the income tax is unconstitutional.  The most recent case was decided in 1964, and this case has never been overturned.  However, attorney general opinion in 1999 opined that the tax is legal.

The opinion has prompted elected officials in Tennessee to continue to propose both an income tax and a payroll tax in recent years.
In order for a constitutional amendment to pass, it must first be approved by a simple majority in both the House and the Senate this year.  Then, it must be approved by a two-thirds vote in each chamber during the next General Assembly in 2011-2012.  After that the amendment would be placed on the next gubernatorial ballot for ratification by the people in November 2014.

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(NASHVILLE, TN), March 29, 2010 - State Senator Mike Faulk (R- Church Hill) said today that he has been informed by the Department of Education that federal Title II-D Education Technology funding has now been expanded to their e4TN online learning initiative.  The move will affect several schools in Grainger, Hancock and Hawkins Counties within the 4th Senatorial District, which Faulk represents.

"This action will provide students with more opportunities to access enrollment options through this program," said Senator Faulk.  "It will also provide needed support and resources to help them succeed."

The Department hopes to enroll 4000 students in e-Learning courses in 60 school districts across the state.  Through a competitive process, 60 school districts were awarded grants to begin e4000TN programs. The grant provides the districts serving high school students $10,000 to be used for personnel and equipment, and another $10,000 credit available to access current e4TN e-Learning courses.
 
School districts can utilize the grant funding to provide programs that include: distance learning opportunities; credit recovery; advanced credit; serving gifted, special education or English Language Learner populations; supplementing or driving Advanced Placement offerings; filling teacher shortages; or serving homebound students.

"This is a great opportunity to provide students with challenges another avenue to receive a quality education and to provide gifted students with advanced learning opportunities," added Faulk.  "I am very pleased to see students in several of our counties have a chance to participate in this program."

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     (NASHVILLE, TN), March 29, 2010 -- Tennessee is one of two states chosen today as winners for federal “Race to the Top” funds.  Tennessee will receive approximately $500 million and Delaware $100 million to implement their comprehensive school reform plans over the next four years.

     The two states beat out 14 other finalists who qualified to win the first round in the competition, after applicants were initially received from 40 states and the District of Columbia.

     “This is great news for Tennessee," said Speaker Pro Tempore Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville) who was part of the state’s five-member presentation team.  The team travelled to Washington to make the case that Tennessee had adopted significant education reforms and deserved to be one of the winning states.  “It recognizes the bold steps we have taken over the past several years and during our Special Session to improve student achievement in Tennessee.  These reforms help us to ensure Tennessee students are prepared for success in an increasingly global marketplace.” 

     "We received many strong proposals from states all across America, but two applications stood out above all others: Delaware and Tennessee," said U.S. Secretary of Education Anne Duncan in announcing the winners. "Both states have statewide buy-in for comprehensive plans to reform their schools. They have written new laws to support their policies. And they have demonstrated the courage, capacity, and commitment to turn their ideas into practices that can improve outcomes for students."

     The premise of the Race to the Top Competition is to reward states that show the greatest willingness to push innovative ideas to improve student achievement through greater testing standards, improved data collection and better teacher training.  Woodson said Tennessee met all that criteria, especially in the area of data collection as the state has the oldest and most robust student achievement data system in the nation.

     “Our data collection system is a model for other states,” added Woodson, who was Chairman of the Senate Education Committee before becoming Speaker Pro Tempore.  “In addition, we have passed significant, comprehensive education reforms over the last few years in other key areas like public charter schools, as well as implementation of initiatives like the Tennessee Diploma Project to get students ready for college.  It is rewarding to see the state nationally recognized for these efforts.”

     As the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Woodson spearheaded many educational initiatives, such as the reform of Tennessee’s funding formula for K-12 education, the expansion of Tennessee Public Charter Schools, and development of the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program.  Most recently, she has been a member of the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE); and played an integral part in the passage of legislation in the recent Special Session on Education to transform education in Tennessee. 

     The U.S. Department of Education will have about $3.4 billion available for the second phase of the Race to the Top competition.

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

(NASHVILLE, TN), March 25, 2010 -- The full Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Diane Black (R-Gallatin) that would require the Board of Medical Examiners to deny or revoke the license of any physician convicted of an offense which requires registration as a sexual offender.  The bill, Senate Bill 3362, provides for communications between the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) Sex Offender Registry and the Board of Medical Examiners within 30 days to assure notification is given upon registration of a convicted offender.

The action comes after a mother in Middle Tennessee learned her child’s family practice physician was listed on the state’s Sex Offender Registry.  He obtained a medical license in Tennessee in 1992 after being turned down by two other states.  The state Board of Medical Examiners later renewed his license, even with knowledge that he was on the sex offender registry before acting last week to revoke it.
 
“Sex offenders should not have direct contact with patients in the practice of medicine,” said Senator Black.  “This legislation gives the Board direction to make sure this does not happen in Tennessee.”

The bill also requires the Medical Examiners to make sure that no existing physician is currently listed on the Registry.

“This requirement ensures that we have a complete review and comparison to make sure there is no stone unturned in working to protect children as well as adults ,” added Black.  “I am very pleased the Senate has unanimously passed this bill.”

This bill is pending action in the House Judiciary Committee, where it is sponsored by Representative Debra Maggart (R-Hendersonville).

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

 (NASHVILLE, TN), March 24, 2010 -- Fueled by the recent passage of  federal healthcare legislation in Congress, Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville), Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and members of the Senate Republican Caucus held a press conference on Wednesday urging the state's House of Representatives to take immediate action to pass the Tennessee Health Freedom Act.  Passage of the bill, which is pending action in the House Industrial Impact Subcommittee, would put Tennessee into position to join the Virginia and Idaho legislatures on the front lines in filing legal action to support the rights of citizens within their boundaries not to participate in the massive government takeover of the nation's health care system.

The Tennessee Health Freedom Act was approved in the State Senate on February 18 by a vote of 26 to 1, with 5 members abstaining.  

“This legislation has become vital to challenge the massive unfunded mandate that has been passed down to the states,” said Senator Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, who is sponsor of the bill.  “Never in history has the federal government mandated that Tennesseans buy anything.  This is kind of equivalent to the federal government saying you have to buy a General Motors car because we bailed ‘em out and we have an interest in it. If the people of Tennessee don’t want federal health care, then this will be the way for them to choose other avenues.”

The legislation, Senate Bill 3498, prohibits the federal government from imposing fines or penalties on a person’s decision not to participate in the federal plan.  Due to constitutional restraints, the bill does not “nullify” the federal law, as it would still allow individuals the option to participate in a federal program. However, it acknowledges the right of Tennesseans to refuse to participate in a government-run health insurance program.  It also calls on the state’s Attorney General to take action in the defense or prosecution of rights protected under this legislation.

Earlier this week Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey renewed his efforts to get Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper to join his colleagues in at least 13 other states in legal action on the matter.  Ramsey had already asked Cooper to make preparations for protective legal action when the federal health care bill was approved by the United States Senate in December.

“The United States Constitution does not give the federal government the authority for this massive power grab that will reduce individual liberty and strangle state government finances," Ramsey said. "Politicians in Washington may have temporarily lost their minds but we still have our sanity out here in the states and we need to take action to protect our citizens from these mandates.”

“The federal healthcare law is an unprecedented encroachment on the personal liberty of  our citizens, added Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville).  “Tennessee cannot sit idly by and allow the rights of our citizens to be violated by this mandate.”

The federal action is expected to cost Tennessee more than $200 million annually.  It comes at a time when the state is in its 21st consecutive month in which sales taxes have recorded negative growth.  

“Tennessee is suffering great financial hardship in these economically challenging times,” added Norris.  “We cannot print money like the federal government.  This federal mandate will be devastating over the long run, eating up any expected growth money we might be able to gain upon economic recovery.  This means we will not be able to make any future improvements in critical state needs like education and public safety because Congress has tied our hands with their massive healthcare program.”

The Industrial Impact Committee amended the bill with a procedural amendment and delayed further action on the measure until next week. 

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

 (NASHVILLE, TN), March 24, 2010 -- Legislation that would significantly boost the city of Jonesborough’s tourism and economic development efforts has overcome it first hurdle with passage by the Senate State and Local Government Committee and is now headed to the Senate Finance Committee for its toughest test.  The bill, sponsored by Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), Representative Matthew Hill (R-Jonesborough) and Representative Dale Ford (R-Jonesborough), would establish a “Courthouse Square Revitalization and Tourism Zone” within 700 feet of the square in which sales and use tax revenue would be returned to help the city to improve infrastructure and marketing to bring more tourists to the area.

“This bill would represent an investment in the future of Jonesborough by providing the funds needed for infrastructure and marketing to attract more visitors to our area and put the city on the map as a international destination for our Storytelling Festival,” said Senator Crowe.  “It has the potential to create up to 30 new businesses with 124 new full-time, year-round jobs, and could increase retail sales to local businesses by 140 percent by 2014.  It is truly an economic development bill for this county and its surrounding area and would provide much more revenue back to the state to make up for any temporary loss.”

“I was very pleased with the reception we got with the Senate State and Local Government Committee, who approved this bill unanimously,” said Jimmy Neal Smith.  “I appreciate our legislative delegation taking this bill to the legislature for consideration.” 

Smith, Mayor Kelly Wolfe and City Manage Bob Browning are working with the local legislative delegation in support of the legislation.

The bill would allow the city to capture $1.5 million in state tax revenues.  The funds would help the town collect the $10 million needed to install storytelling-related programming, services and marketing; boost economic development in the Revitalization Zone, and assist with marketing for the city to draw more visitors to Jonesborough.  That investment would be matched by $7 million in supplemental funds from private gifts, loans, foundation grants and government corporation money to:

• Design and install a full range of additional community improvements including the purchase and renovation of the Old Jackson Theatre as a 300-seat venue for storytelling performances and mini-conferences

• Provide renovation and equipment updates for the McKinney Center in the old Booker T. Washington School and home for the Mary B. Martin Program for the arts
• Construct a proposed Jonesborough Visitors and History Center
• Revitalize and landscape the downtown business districts

   

“We have data to show the state that this project will provide great financial viability as we expect to make up for any loss in money within the first five years of implementation,” added Crowe.  “Jonesborough is one of the most charming towns in America, and is rich in history and tradition.  We can utilize the success of the Storytelling Festival to expand it and draw other markets associated with tourism like small corporate retreats, mini-conferences, educational forums, weeding and reunions and other meetings and events.  Hopefully, our Finance Committee will also see the economic development value of this Revitalization Zone and approve this legislation.”

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(March 23, 2010, NASHVILLE, TN) – State Senator Jim Tracy and Representative Pat Marsh, both of Shelbyville, have passed a bill that aims to increase efficiency within state government departments. House Bill 3007 won approval from an overwhelming majority in the State House of Representatives late last week, and from the State Senate Monday evening. The bill is now on its way to the Governor for his signature.

Specifically, the bill encourages departments within state government to take comments and suggestions from both employees and the public on how to improve efficiency. As the state struggles with a budget gap, Representative Marsh stressed the importance of all departments operating as efficiently as possible using innovative techniques.

“As a business owner, I know that there is always room for improvement,” said Representative Marsh. “Departments that implement this will essentially have a ‘suggestion box’ that they use to improve efficiency and save money, which is critical right now.”

Further, each department is encouraged to add a public comment portal to their individual websites to facilitate suggestions from the general public. As departments implement the program, they will be required to report back to the General Assembly on the success of the plans during the annual budget hearings in Senate and House committees.

“The public comment aspect of the bill is very important. Our departments utilize dollars provided by the taxpayers, so it makes perfect sense to allow them have input. It is important for state government to do all it can to improve efficiency, and reject the out-of-control spending mentality that is currently taking over Washington, D.C. Tennessee can set the standard for economic efficiency with this legislation,” Senator Tracy concluded.

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 (NASHVILLE, TN), March 16, 2010 – Tennessee’s “wounded warriors” could receive help with the cost of rehabilitation, readjustment and treatment  under legislation sponsored by State Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) and Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) which was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee, which is chaired by Tracy.  The bill authorizes creation of a specialty “Volunteer Wounded Warriors” license plate that could be purchased by Tennessee drivers upon registration of their vehicle with proceeds going to help defray the cost of treating veterans.

“This license plate will not only show our soldiers that we appreciate the sacrifices they make for our freedom, it will assist them with services they need” said Chairman Tracy.  “I am very pleased that our committee has approved this legislation.”

The bill, Senate Bill 3416, would give first priority to providing assistance to members of the Tennessee National Guard wounded in conflicts in federal service and then to all other disabled veterans in the Armed Services.  Any remaining funds could be used for other honorably discharged veterans.  The license plates will be designed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and if approved, could be ready for sale as soon as this summer.

The State of Tennessee offers more than 90 specialty license plates for Tennessee motorists to display on their registered motor vehicles. These plates represent colleges and universities, special interest organizations, professional organizations and other topics. Most of these plates are readily available at the local county clerk's office.
 
 
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