(NASHVILLE, TN), January 25, 2012 -- State Senator Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville)  announced today she has filed legislation that would give teachers protection from civil liability when disciplining students as long as they follow the established school discipline policy.  The bill aims to give teachers the ability to manage their classroom without fear of being sued for either disciplining students or referring them to the principal, when acting in conformity with those policies.

 “As I have listened to teachers I have found that many fear that the appropriate management of classroom discipline may result in false lawsuits brought against them,” said Senator Gresham.  “This hampers student progress and puts teachers at an unfair disadvantage in achieving their evaluative goals.  This bill would give teachers the ability to manage their classrooms without fear of being sued, as long as they are following the school’s policies when disciplining a student.”

Local Boards of Educations must clearly establish a written discipline policy and all employees must receive instruction annually on its provisions.  The policy must include methods of dealing with acts of school violence and disciplining students with disabilities.

Upon removing a student from the classroom, the teacher would file a brief report with the principal regarding the behavior for which the discipline was applied.  The bill specifies that a principal may not return a student to the classroom when there are three documented removals.  If the principal does not comply, the teacher would then have the right to ask the Director of Schools to review the record and determine the appropriate action.

 “There must be an orderly classroom for students to learn,” added Senator Gresham.  “Teachers must have the authority to discipline students who are disorderly.  I look forward to discussing this legislation with my colleagues as it goes through the legislative process and believe it will benefit both students and teachers in Tennessee.”   

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(NASHVILLE, TN), January 23, 2012 -- "I am very pleased to see that Claiborne and Jefferson Counties are among the 15 applicants receiving grants to lessen the effects of motor oil on our environment,” said Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill), who serves on the Senate Energy and Environment Committee.  “This grant will be of great assistance in these efforts.  I congratulate our local officials and appreciate Governor Haslam and Commissioner Martineau for their work in securing these grants.”

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Haslam Announces $189,550 in Used Motor Oil Collection Grants

Grants will help encourage proper collection of Used Motor Oil across Tennessee

 NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau today announced $189,550 in collection grants to establish, upgrade and expand used motor oil collection centers in 15 communities across Tennessee.

“It’s important to educate citizens on the proper disposal of used motor oil, and the use of these convenient community collection centers can have a direct impact on the water quality of our lakes, streams and groundwater in Tennessee,” Haslam said.

Tennesseans who change their own motor oil generate more than one million gallons of used oil each year, which can pollute soil and water and interfere with the operation of sewer systems when not properly disposed. The General Assembly authorized the Used Oil Collection Act of 1993 to assist local communities in collecting used oil and reducing its negative effects on the environment. Tennessee’s Solid Waste Management Act requires counties to have at least one place in the county where used oil can be properly disposed.  Used oil collection grants are funded by a two cent deposit on every quart of oil purchased in the state. 

The first priority for grant funding is to establish collection sites in underserved areas. Other grants will fund improvement or replacement of equipment in existing public and private facilities. Equipment purchased through Oil Collection Grants can include containers, used oil burners, containment structures, shelter covers and other items.

The used oil collection grants announced today include: 

 
Anderson County
 Anderson
 $9,700
 Tank, heater
 
Carter County
 Carter
 $27,500
 Tanks, HD crusher, heater, pump, absorbent
 
Chester County
 Chester
 $11,650
 HD crusher, heater, pump
 
Claiborne County
 Claiborne
 $11,300
 Heater, absorbent tank, canopy, pad
 
Henderson County
 Henderson
 $14,000
 Tank, pad, crusher, heater, pump, absorbent
 
Jackson County
 Jackson
 $5,000
 Tank, canopy, pad, pump, absorbent
 
Jefferson County
 Jefferson
 $7,500
 Heater, absorbent
 
Knox County
 Knox
 $22,600
 Tank, canopy, absorbent
 
Bi-County Solid Waste Management Montgomery County
 Montgomery
 $5,000
  Absorbent
 
Marion County
 Marion
 $14,500
 Tank, canopy, pad, HD crusher, heater, pump, absorbents
 
Roane County
 Roane
 $24,600
 Tank, absorbent, pad
 
Smith County
 Smith
 $11,100
 Tank, canopy, pad, absorbent
 
Union County
 Union
 $5,700
 Crusher, pump, absorbent
 
Washington County
 Washington
 $12,400
 Tank, canopy, pad, absorbent
 
Weakley County
 Weakley
 $7,000
 Heater
 
 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL
 
 $189,550
 
 

Visit www.tn.gov/environment/swm/oil or call toll-free at 1-800-287-9013 for more information concerning used oil collection centers, operating hours, requirements for collection locations that accept commercial used oil and other facts about used oil.

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(NASHVILLE, TN), January 24, 2012 -- State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) today issued an invitation to local students to experience the legislature in action as a page in the State Senate.  Page duties consist of anything from making copies, running errands, to distributing legislative information to members of the General Assembly.  They report to the Chief Clerk of the House and Senate.

"This is the best civics lesson I can imagine," said Senator Yager. "Student pages are right there with us on the Senate floor. They get a unique front-row view of the lawmaking process."

Students wishing to be considered as a Senate Page can contact Senator Yager at:
1 800 449-TENN ext. 11449 or at (615) 741-1449.  The email address is senator.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov and the mailing address is 6 Legislative Plaza, Nasvhille, TN 37243.

“I hope many local students will take advantage of the opportunity to serve as a Senate page,” Yager concluded.  Yager represents District 12 in the State Senate which consists of Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Rhea, Roane, and Scott Counties.  Pickett County will also be added to District 12 as a result of the reapportionment legislation passed earlier this year.

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(NASHVILLE, TN), January 23, 2012 -- State Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) was pleased that today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in United States v. Jones held that warrantless GPS monitoring of suspects is a violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution against unreasonable search and seizure.  Kelsey announced that he will introduce legislation in the 107th General Assembly to further curtail the use of GPS monitoring by Tennessee law enforcement.

“I am pleased that the Supreme Court has ruled this practice unconstitutional,” said Senator Kelsey.  “The Court’s unanimous decision in this case affirms the dangerous infringement on citizens’ rights under our federal Constitution.”
 
The Supreme Court ruling said that the installation of a GPS tracking device on a vehicle by law enforcement requires a warrant, resolving conflicts among lower courts regarding the matter. Monday's ruling applies directly to tracking devices that police install on a person's car or other property. “The government's physical intrusion on the Jeep for the purpose of obtaining information constitutes a search under the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures," said Justice Scalia, who wrote the main opinion for the court.

“We must guard against unchecked government intrusion,” Kelsey continued.  “Our Constitution and legislatures must remain vigilant in protecting against such abuse. The Court has ruled appropriately.”

The decision can be found at:  http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/10-1259.pdf

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(MURFREESBORO, TN), January 23, 2012 –  “After careful consideration, I have decided not to enter the Congressional race for the new 4th District in Tennessee. 

I have grown up believing that elected office is still one of the best ways a person can contribute to our society; and service in the United States Congress is certainly the pinnacle of civic responsibility.  The most important step in launching any campaign, however, is to evaluate the impact it will have on your family.  My family is my inspiration and support.  My father, who was my best friend passed away 11 months ago.  I made a promise to him that I would take care of my mother, my family and the business that he started 43 years ago. 

Another factor which has significant weight in this decision is that my leadership position in the Tennessee Senate affords me the opportunity to positively impact the future of my district and our state.  It has taken us years, working together in the legislature, to move Tennessee forward in becoming one of the best states in the country to live and work.  I am honored to have played a role in these changes but feel my work is not done here.  I can be much more productive by being 1 of 33, instead of 1 of 435 and starting at the bottom. 

This decision-making process has been very beneficial.  Running for Congress has been a public service in which I have aspired since I was young.  Sometimes in life we discover that what we always thought we wanted, when weighed against other factors, is not the most important priority in your life.  Running for Congress is just that scenario for me. 

I will commit to join with Congressman Scott DesJarlais, or our Republican nominee, as we work for the betterment of our great State.” 

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Senator Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) represents Senate District 13 in the Tennessee General Assembly which is currently comprised of Lincoln, Marshall, and Maury Counties, and part of Rutherford County.

(NASHVILLE, TN) -- It was a busy week on Capitol Hill as lawmakers prepared and finalized their legislation in anticipation of the General Assembly’s January 26 bill deadline. The Senate’s eight standing committees are up and running.   One such committee was the Education Committee where the teacher evaluation system was debated.

The Senate Education Committee heard testimony regarding legislation that would give the State Board of Education the option to allow principals and teachers producing superior student growth to use those scores to comprise 50 percent or more of their evaluations.  Senate Bill 2165  would change the present system where students’ value added growth is 35 percent of a teacher’s evaluation score, with another 15 percent tied to some other measure agreed upon by the teacher and his/her supervisor to evaluate student achievement.  A vote on the bill was deferred as discussion on the plan continues.    I have signed on as a co-sponsor to this bill with Sen. Mike Faulk in response to the many concerns expressed by teachers throughout the district.   If there are legitimate additional tools to demonstrate teaching effectiveness, then we should consider them. 

Reforming the state’s teacher evaluation process was an important part of Tennessee’s receiving $500 million in federal Race to the Top funds, which was based on four pillars:  enhancing standards and assessments, improving the collection and use of data, increasing teacher effectiveness, and turning around struggling schools.  The changes to the evaluation system were made during the administration of former Governor Phil Bredesen and approved by the Legislature in January 2010.  The subsequent evaluation process was designed by teachers and other education practitioners, who were integral in designing the evaluative tools.   However, unintended consequences have occurred during the implementation of the new law.  Many teachers and principals argue that the new rules are excessively burdensome and take time from teaching.

House Joint Resolution 523 has also been proposed urging the department to “follow through and fulfill its publicly stated plan to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and future revision” of the evaluations.  I am a co sponsor with Sen Tracy on this resolution.   As a result of the resolution, Governor Haslam announced there will be both an external and internal review of the new teacher evaluation system.  He has charged the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) with conducting an independent, third-party evaluation and has asked the state Department of Education to formalize a review process, which the department has already begun.  The Department of Education anticipates making modifications to the evaluation system after the reviews are complete.  

I am pleased that both the Commissioner and Governor are listening to the concerns of my constituents. Expect discussions on the new evaluation system to continue in the Education Committee during the 2012 legislative session. 

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 (NASHVILLE, TN), January 19, 2012  – State Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill) has passed a resolution in the State Senate honoring Volunteer High School Marching Band and congratulating them for winning four first place trophies at the 2011 U.S. Scholastic Band Association Tennessee State Championship.  Senate Joint Resolution 489 congratulates the 103 Volunteer Falcon marchers who participated in the event.

“The Volunteer High School Marching Band serves as the golden standard among its peers in the Tennessee and across the nation,” said Senator Faulk.  “Each one of these young women and men should be recognized for their commitment and hard work.  I am very proud of these young men and women, their parents, and their directors for achieving this honor.”

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 (NASHVILLE, TN), January 19, 2012 -- State Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) and Representative Richard Montgomery (R-Sevierville) said today’s announcement regarding the partnership of Dollywood Theme Park and Gaylord Entertainment to build a water and snow park in Nashville is good news for tourism in Tennessee.  Overbey and Montgomery joined Parton, Governor Bill Haslam, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker and Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer for the announcement from the two great names in entertainment on Thursday at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

“This is great news for tourism in Tennessee,” said Senator Overbey.  “What is good for tourism in Tennessee, is good for all parts of the state.  If visitors come to Nashville, they will find their way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and to Dollywood.” 

The $50 million water and snow park will be located in the 114-acre family entertainment zone which is adjacent to Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville.  The Dollywood-Gaylord joint venture is expected to create 450 jobs and attract 500,000 visitors in its first year.

“This is a perfect example of two major tourism businesses coming together with the support of the Governor and making jobs happen,” said Rep. Montgomery.  "It is exciting to know this is the first step in many more expansions as they have done at Dollywood over the years.  Any time you bring people into Tennessee, they will come to see the beautiful Smoky Mountains.”

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(NASHVILLE, TN), January 19, 2012  --  “I am very pleased that these jobs are coming to Hawkins County,” said Senator Mike Faulk.  “I congratulate Ware Manufacturing and all our state and local officials who helped secure these jobs.  We will continue to make job creation our top priority.”

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The text of the release from Governor Haslam is below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2012                                                                    Media Contact:  Shannon Sumrall, ECD
                                                                                                Office: (615) 253-4897
                                                                                                E-mail:  shannon.sumrall@tn.gov

GOVERNOR HASLAM, COMMISSIONER HAGERTY ANNOUNCE
EXPANSION OF WARE MANUFACTURING
Pet Products Manufacturer to Create 33 New Jobs in Hawkins County

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty today joined with local officials and Ware Manufacturing, Inc. representatives to announce the company’s decision to expand its Surgoinsville facility. The expansion represents an investment of nearly $1.4 million and the creation of 33 manufacturing jobs in Hawkins County.

“I am encouraged to see companies continue to expand and grow in Tennessee, and I am certain it is because of the skilled, available workforce and business-friendly environment we have here in our state,” Haslam said.  “Expansions like this bring us one step closer to our goal of becoming the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

“Gov. Haslam’s Jobs4TN economic development plan calls for our department to focus on the expansion of existing businesses within the state as job creators,” Hagerty said. “Ware Manufacturing, Inc.’s decision to expand in Tennessee underscores the fact that we have the right strategies in place, and I appreciate the company’s expanded investment in our state.”

Ware Manufacturing, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of pet products with facilities in Surgoinsville, Tenn. and Phoenix, Ariz.  The company’s Surgoinsville facility is located in the Phipps Bend Industrial Park.

“Ware Manufacturing, Inc. is pleased to announce this additional investment in our Surgoinsville, Tenn. facility,” Stephen Ware, president, Ware Manufacturing, Inc., said.  “We recognize and appreciate the hard work and efforts of our employees and look forward to continual success in Tennessee.”

"It is great to see Ware Manufacturing, Inc.’s business growing,” Lynn Lawson, industrial developer for Hawkins County, said.  “The expansion will give the company additional manufacturing and inventory space to accommodate its growth. The additional employment is a big plus for Hawkins County and the area in general."

“We have worked with the principals at Ware Manufacturing, Inc. for the past few months, and I was pleased when the decision was made to expand their business here at Phipps Bend Industrial Park,” Larry Elkins, chairman, Hawkins County Industrial Development Board, said.  “Speaking on behalf of both the Hawkins County Industrial Board and the Phipps Bend Joint Venture, this represents our continuing efforts to not only attract new industrial prospects to the area, but to foster growth and expansion of established industries as well.”

“TVA is pleased to be a partner with the state of Tennessee and local community economic development leaders to assist Ware Manufacturing, Inc. as their company expands and add jobs,” John Bradley, senior vice president of Economic Development, Tennessee Valley Authority, said.

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), January 19, 2012  --- State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) and Representative Ryan Haynes (R-Knoxville) today announced they have filed legislation to disqualify elected or appointed officials from receiving judicial diversion for crimes committed during their term of office. 

Judicial diversion is the process in criminal law when a person pleads guilty to a crime and can later have the charge removed (or expunged) from their record following a period of probation.  It is granted by the judge, hence its name “judicial.” 

“The public office is a public trust,” said Senator Yager, who is Chairman of the Senate State and Local Government Committee.  “Public officials ought to be held to a higher standard.”

A person is eligible for judicial diversion in Tennessee if they do not have a previous class A misdemeanor, felony conviction, or never received diversion or had their record expunged before.  Those charged with a class A felony, a class B felony, a sexual offense, or a DUI are not eligible for judicial diversion under state law.  Senate Bill 2566 would simply add a criminal offense committed by an official in the executive, legislative or judicial branch to the list of those which are ineligible for judicial diversion, if the crime was committed in their official capacity or involve the duties of their office.

“Accountability is a term that is thrown around a lot in public service these days. Unfortunately, not many take it seriously and that has to change,” said Haynes. “A law like this would go a long way towards restoring the faith Tennesseans once had in their elected officials. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard and I think this is a strong first step towards raising the bar in Tennessee.”

“Criminal acts conducted by public officials during the course of duty should not be eligible for judicial diversion.  We must hold our public officials accountable for the trust they have been given.  This legislation helps ensure that,” Yager concluded. 

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