(NASHVILLE, TN), May 18, 2012  -- Young Tennesseans can now start learning how to balance a checkbook, develop a household budget and plan for future expenses the same place they learn many other valuable skills – in the classroom.  The training is part of the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission efforts to teach financial literacy at a young age. 

The commission, which was created under legislation sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chairman Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville) to advance financial literacy education, is hosting a summit for teachers of elementary school students next month. At the summit, teachers will receive training on how to teach financial literacy skills to students and their parents.  In exchange for attending the free event, the first 100 teachers who register and submit a summit survey will receive a FREE $50 Amazon gift card.

“I am very pleased that we are working to provide financial literacy education training to teachers through this Commission,” said Gresham.  “It is a critical skill for our students, especially in Tennessee which has a high bankruptcy rate.  If we can teach children early how to manage money, this skill has a much greater chance of staying with them as they move into adulthood.  I encourage local teachers to attend the conference.”

The commission is a non-profit organization administered by the Tennessee Treasury Department.  The State Treasurer and Commissioners of Financial Institution and Education as well as six other Tennesseans from across the state sit on the board of the Commission.

“It is important that people begin developing good financial habits at a young age because those habits will substantially increase their quality of life throughout adulthood,” Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr. said. “One of the best ways to reach children is through their elementary teachers. This summit will give elementary teachers guidance on how to make financial literacy part of their classroom curriculums.  It will also offer the teachers opportunities to gain financial literacy that is applicable to their own lives.”

With topics being taught by financial literacy experts from across the state, the Teacher Summit will be full of timely and relevant topics.  From consumer protection to banking and credit workshops, these relevant sessions will be covered by professionals from the Tennessee Attorney General’s office, Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions, Tennessee Treasury Department, and several partners from the Jump$tart Coalition.

The summit will be held from 8:15 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. on June 14 at the Legislative Plaza in Nashville. Free parking and lunch will be provided.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the University of Memphis and can earn continuing education credits as permitted by their school districts.

To register online, teachers can visit www.TNFLC.org<http://www.TNFLC.org>. For questions, contact James Armistead at (615) 532-5892 or by e-mail at James.Armistead@tn.gov<mailto:James.Armistead@tn.gov>.

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 (NASHVILLE, TN), May 14, 2012 –  Acclaimed Rhea County artist Susan Cassidy Wilhoit’s “Magnificent Fifty Collection” of paintings were recently displayed in the legislative complex on Capitol Hill in Nashville.  State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) said her work was admired by lawmakers and thousands of visitors as it was prominently featured in the halls leading from the Legislative Plaza to the State Capitol Building.  

The collection captures the unique legacy of each state in her renditions of state capitol throughout the U.S.

“We were absolutely delighted that her work was showcased on Capitol Hill,” said Senator Yager.  “It makes it even more special that this nationally renowned artist was from our State Senate district in Rhea County.  Ms. Wilhoit’s work beautifully shows the pride of citizenship that citizens in each of the states have for the structures where democracy lives within its walls.  I know it was admired by all lawmakers, school children and the many guests who toured the Capitol complex during the showing.”

The Magnificent Fifty provides viewers a unique opportunity to compare and contrast the visions of individual states, while emphasizing the shared goals that make the nation strong.  Mrs. Wilhoit has displayed her paintings in numerous state capitols, as well as the U.S. Capitol, including her “Across the Generations” collection of Tennessee scenes which was featured in the Rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building.  The Tennessee State Legislature honored Mrs. Wilhoit with a Resolution, in January 2000, for the completion of the series commemorating Tennessee’s history through the portrayal of county landmarks.

“It was an honor to view her beautiful work,” added Yager.  “These paintings define what democracy means to this nation 50 times over.”
 
Susan Cassidy Wilhoit is a studio watercolor artist, living in Dayton and has been painting landscapes, architecture and still life for nearly thirty years. 

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(NASHVILLE, TN), May 14, 2012 – Legislation designed to wage a major attack on the growing problem of synthetic or “designer” drug abuse in Tennessee became effective today.  Governor Bill Haslam marked implementation of the new law, sponsored by Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet), in a ceremonial signing which took place in Bristol, Tennessee.  

“I am very pleased this legislation has been signed into law,” said Senator Beavers, who is Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  “This is a huge problem in Tennessee as we see more and more people show up in emergency rooms across the state due to the powerful and harmful effects of these drugs.”

The products, which imitate dangerous illegal substances, are often sold under the guise of “bath salts” or “plant food” but are comprised of a class of chemicals perceived as mimics of cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine.  The effects include impaired perception, reduced motor control, disorientation, extreme paranoia and violent episodes.  Experts say the long-term physical and psychological effects of the drug are unknown but warn they could be severe.  

Beavers said the General Assembly has passed laws previously to ban the chemical compound used in synthetic drugs; however, unscrupulous chemists manufacturing the drugs continue to modify molecules in the organic compound to avoid prosecution.  By the time a new synthetic drug is discovered and banned, another altered form of the compound has taken its place.

Senate Bill 3018 attacks synthetic drug abuse by defining it to capture any analogues, which are chemical compounds having a similar structure to the banned drug.  This legislation creates a new Class D felony offense for a person to knowingly manufacture, deliver, dispense or sell a controlled substance analogue.  The proposal elevates penalties upon a second or subsequent violation to a Class C felony.  If the violation involves the delivery, dispensing or sale of a controlled substance analogue to a minor, the offender will be punished one classification higher than the punishment for delivering, dispensing or selling to an adult.  The bill also creates a new Class A misdemeanor offense for a person knowingly possess or casually exchange under a gram of a controlled substance analogue.

“This legislation defines synthetic drugs in a way that helps to ensure that manufacturers or drug dealers cannot skirt the law," added Beavers.  "Our law enforcement authorities have told us these dangerous drugs have the potential to eclipse meth if we do not get a handle on it.  This bill will take a major step forward in defining these drugs so we can prosecute those who are manufacturing and marketing it to Tennesseans.  Hopefully, it will save many lives.”

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Sen. Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) sponsored a repeal of the refundable tax credit available to film productions under TCA § 67-4-2109(j). The repeal will mean an additional $2 million in funding for the Tennessee Film/TV Incentive Fund .

Norris said the move makes TFEMC the “one-stop shop” for film incentives in the state and ends a complex system of incentivizing productions through both TFEMC grants and refundable tax credits issued by the Department of Revenue.

"We recognize the importance of the film industry not only to the economy of the state but to the welfare of countless Tennesseans whose livelihoods depend on it,” Norris said. “This new program simplifies, streamlines and strengthens our commitment to the film industry."

Changes made to the Tennessee Film/TV Incentive Fund grant formula by the TFEMC are designed to promote the development of indigenous production and attract independent filmmakers by streamlining the incentive delivery process.

Under the new program, projects with budgets over $200,000 will be eligible to receive grants equal to 25 percent of their qualified Tennessee expenditures. Previously, the combined grant and tax credit system awarded a 17 percent grant and 15 percent refundable tax credit only to productions with budgets over $1 million.

“As part of Governor Haslam’s Jobs4TN economic development plan, the entertainment industry was identified as one of the key industries in which the state has a clear competitive advantage,” Bill Hagerty, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, said.  “I would like to thank Sen. Norris for his vision on this bill and members of the General Assembly for their support.”

The TFEMC is part of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd.

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Sen. Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) sponsored a repeal of the refundable tax credit available to film productions under TCA § 67-4-2109(j). The repeal will mean an additional $2 million in funding for the Tennessee Film/TV Incentive Fund .

Norris said the move makes TFEMC the “one-stop shop” for film incentives in the state and ends a complex system of incentivizing productions through both TFEMC grants and refundable tax credits issued by the Department of Revenue.

"We recognize the importance of the film industry not only to the economy of the state but to the welfare of countless Tennesseans whose livelihoods depend on it,” Norris said. “This new program simplifies, streamlines and strengthens our commitment to the film industry."

Changes made to the Tennessee Film/TV Incentive Fund grant formula by the TFEMC are designed to promote the development of indigenous production and attract independent filmmakers by streamlining the incentive delivery process.

Under the new program, projects with budgets over $200,000 will be eligible to receive grants equal to 25 percent of their qualified Tennessee expenditures. Previously, the combined grant and tax credit system awarded a 17 percent grant and 15 percent refundable tax credit only to productions with budgets over $1 million.

“As part of Governor Haslam’s Jobs4TN economic development plan, the entertainment industry was identified as one of the key industries in which the state has a clear competitive advantage,” Bill Hagerty, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, said.  “I would like to thank Sen. Norris for his vision on this bill and members of the General Assembly for their support.”

The TFEMC is part of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd.

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(NASHVILLE, TN), May 1, 2012 – State Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) announced today that the budget approved by the General Assembly yesterday contains $2 million to allow schools statewide to tap into $5.5 million in available federal funds for a total of $7.5 million.  The federal funds available to school districts are intended to pay for the infrastructure necessary to enable educators and students to participate in Internet and telecommunication connectivity at schools. 

“There are many advanced education programs available to students through telecommunications,” said Senator Tracy, who is a member of the Senate Education Committee.  “These funds will go far in helping us to get the infrastructure needed to advance education programs for Tennessee students through this state-of-the-art technology. 
 
Federal funding under the program is used for infrastructure connections (wiring, routers, and other equipment necessary to make the connection to the Internet or telephone/fax line).  Recipient school districts must “partner” with the federal government by paying a portion of the costs.  The funds provided in the budget will assist local schools in that effort.

“Local schools are strapped for funds to tap into these grants,” added Tracy. “I am very pleased this money is available to help them and to widen the range of capabilities that are available to our students.”

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(NASHVILLE, TN), May 3, 2012  -- State Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill) said today that Claiborne County is set to benefit from a historic preservation grant.  A $16,740 grant will be forthcoming for brick and stone work restoration and repairs to shutters and windows for the historic Claiborne County Jail.

“We are very pleased to get this grant,” said Senator Faulk. “This will do far to help make needed repairs.” 
 
The grants are a result of the federal National Historic Preservation Act, which allocates federal dollars to worthy projects based on a number of strict criteria.  The grants are administered by the Tennessee Historical Commission, which awards them based on the applicant's ability to demonstrate the purpose of preserving archeological sites, historic districts and structures. 

Two other East Tennessee historical grants include:

• East Tennessee Development District - $32,000 to fund a preservation specialist staff position for the East Tennessee Development District.
• First Tennessee Development District - $25,000 to fund a preservation specialist staff position for the First Tennessee Development District. 

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(NASHVILLE, TN), May 1, 2012 – Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) today released information he received from the Tennessee Department of Transportation regarding state road projects in Sumner and Robertson Counties which are included in  the proposed comprehensive multimodal program for 2013-15.  The plan includes a Weigh Station for Robertson County to begin in 2014 and preliminary engineering work on 12 miles of road between Exit 96 and Exit 108 on I 65 to begin next year.

“I am very pleased that many road projects have been included in the Department of Transportation’s plans for the next several years,” said Senator Roberts.  “This is important to many citizens in our area due to an increase in traffic.  When completed, these projects should help relieve congestion and make our roads safer.”

The projects include:
State Route 49 in Cheatham-Robertson Counties / Improvements / Right-of-way to begin 9.5 miles in 2015
I-65 in Robertson County / Weigh Station / Construction to begin in 2015
State Route 41 in Sumner and Robertson Counties / US-31 W / South of State Route 109 to the Kentucky state line / Right-of-way to begin on .5 miles in 2013
I-65 in Sumner and Robertson Counties / Preliminary Engineering on 12.0 miles from Exit 96 to Exit 108 to begin in 2013.
1-65 in Robertson and Sumner Counties / Proposed Interchange at 1-65 from existing State Route 109 to I-65 / Construction will begin on .8 miles beginning in 2014
State Route 65 / US 431 / Construction of 2.1 miles from Walling Road to State Route 11 (US-41) in Springfield to begin in 2015.

Good roads are essential to our citizens, both for safety and economic development,” added Roberts.  “I am very pleased that we have been able to secure these projects for future development.”

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(NASHVILLE, TN), May 1, 2012  --  “"Better schools, safer streets and a sound economy. These have been my focus during the 107th General Assembly,” said Senator Norris.  “Our crime package this year completes several years of successful efforts to crack down on repeat and violent offenders, gangs and domestic violence.”

"We also passed a balanced budget that is fiscally responsible and added to our state’s Rainy Day Fund.  Tennessee has turned a critical corner. Ten years ago we stood our ground against the income tax. Today, we have cut taxes -- killing the death tax, eliminating the gift tax, and reducing the sales tax on food. We've turned a critical corner at a critical time with a renewed sense of confidence in our destiny."
 

 
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(NASHVILLE, TN), May 1, 2012  --  “Tennesseans expect their state government to be responsive and to live within its means.  The budget we passed is balanced, is $1 billion less than the current year -- but maintains essential core services to many Tennesseans who need them.   Nobody got everything they wanted but the final product was a responsible budget that is reflective of what the citizens of this state asked us to do.” 

“Legislation passed this year continues that focus by working to make state government more efficient and effective, and strives to create a business climate that invites jobs to our state.  We also passed significant legislation to curb prescription drug abuse and stop the flow of synthetic drugs into Tennessee.”

“I am very pleased with the work of this General Assembly.  In the end, we all worked together for the benefit of all Tennesseans.”

 
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 (NASHVILLE, TN), April 27, 2012 -- The Senate passed and sent to the House of Representatives a $31.1 billion budget today for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, which will begin on July 1.  The budget, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville), spends $31.1 billion, nearly $1 billion less than the almost $32.1 billion budget estimated for the current budget year.  The proposal also incorporates $50 million in tax cuts for Tennesseans. 

The legislation makes deeper cuts to the budget sent to the Senate by the House of Representatives on Thursday by further reducing local appropriations that do not have statewide application.   In addition, the Senate appropriations bill gives the House another option for a budget with more moderate cuts if they so choose, a step that would avoid the need for a conference committee if Representatives choose not to accept the additional cuts.  Norris said the budget was cautiously optimistic, as he pointed to a recent poll conducted by MTSU which says that although Tennesseans are more upbeat in general, they are on edge regarding the future. 

“This is an upbeat budget despite some of the difficulties we’ve encountered in making the adjustments,” said Leader Norris.  “We have a third disappointing claims report in terms of unemployment claims and negative data in terms of durable goods orders. But most disturbingly, perhaps, were comments made on April 25th by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernake who said the size of the fiscal cliff that the federal government faces is such that there is no chance that the fed could or would have any ability whatsoever to offset that effect on the economy.  This is in addition to comments made on April 26th by U.S. Treasurer Timothy Geithner who yesterday warned the economy will encounter a fiscal cliff at the end of the year.”

“Although most people may not be following Bernake and Geithner, they do have a sense that there is a little uneasiness about what the future may hold,” Norris continued.  “Tennesseeans are upbeat but on edge.  With this budget we are upbeat too, but on guard.  This budget reflects a renewed sense of confidence in our destiny and a renewed sense of responsibility to safeguard as best we can against the inevitable uncertainty of life in the 21st century.”
 
The budget as further cut by the Senate includes:
--$60 million increase in the Rainy Day fund and over $50 million in reduced taxes
--$160 million in salary improvements, including a 2.5 percent raise for all employees, $30 --million for salary market adjustments and $5 million for step raises
--$59 million for economic development
--$80 million for public safety and corrections programs
--$547 million for capital outlay, including $335 million for higher education, the first   significant investment in 5 years
--Restores $125 million of the core services that were scheduled to go away July 1

Separate tax cut legislation also advanced through the Senate as members voted to phase out the state’s inheritance tax and to reduce the sales tax on food.  Senate Bill 3762, sponsored by Leader Norris, takes the first step in a four-year process to phase out the state’s inheritance tax, also called the death tax.

“I am thinking about the family farms in Tennessee and the folks who paid taxes many, many times over to hang on to them,” said Norris.  “And, when the patriarch or the matriarch of that family farm passes, they are going to lose it all because they have to pay again.  That’s why we call it the death tax.  It is the death tax to those folks who stand to lose everything when that moment of truth comes along.”

Similarly, Senate Bill 3763, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville), would reduce the state portion of the sales tax on grocery food from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent, with the goal of lowering it to 5.0 percent in three years. 

“This lowers food tax by phasing it in, just as we are endeavoring phasing out the inheritance tax.  It enables us to properly balance priorities as we move forward to stay optimistic but on guard.  One thing is certain as we leave here with a balanced budget, and that is people will be paying less in taxes and we will be living better,” he concluded. 

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