(NASHVILLE, TN),  January 3, 2012 - State Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) today introduced legislation that offers low-income mothers an incentive to seek necessary prenatal care for their unborn infants. SB 2173 would establish a pilot project to determine the effect on infant mortality of providing low-income mothers with $50 for each prenatal visit during pregnancy. The pilot project will be administered by the Department of Health in the three zip codes in Shelby County with the highest rates of infant mortality.

The legislation is the eleventh in a series of announcements by Kelsey in his “12 for '12” initiative for the next legislative session, which is set to reconvene a week from today.

“The problem of too many babies dying before their first birthday is one of the greatest tragedies in our state.  We have to make a change in our proposed solutions to the problem,” said Sen. Kelsey.

Tennessee has a higher infant mortality rate than 42 other countries around the world. The infant mortality rate in Shelby County is 12.6 deaths per 1000 births.  That number is almost twice the national average and 50% higher than the state average.  The average infant mortality rate for the worst three zip codes in Shelby County is 21.1 deaths per 1000 births. 

Prenatal care is already offered for free to all mothers in Tennessee through TennCare; however, it is not being widely utilized.  This bill will help encourage utilization of free prenatal care in the zip codes where it is most needed.

Kelsey’s proposed pilot program would be administered by the Department of Health and target the three worst zip codes in Shelby County.  According to a recent Shelby County Department of Health report, those zip codes are 38103, 38016, and 38114. The Department is directed to record the effects of the incentive on the infant mortality rate these zip codes.

Kelsey said the bill will not only help babies receive a healthy start in life but will also save money for taxpayers.  TennCare can expect to pay approximately $100,000 in medical expenses for every prematurely born child, with extreme cases costing us much as $1 million.

“The human and financial costs of infant mortality in Shelby County are staggering,” said Senator Kelsey.  “Every child deserves a chance at a fulfilling and healthy life.” concluded Kelsey.

###

(NASHVILLE, TN) December 22, 2011 - State Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) announced today he has introduced legislation that would reform the way pensions are calculated for new state employees. The plan would be offered for new state employees but not for local government employees or for education workers. Kelsey said the proposal would establish a privately managed cash-balance plan to eventually replace the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System defined benefits plan, participation in which would continue to remain available for current employees.

The legislation is the tenth in a series of announcements by Kelsey in his “12 for '12” initiative for the next legislative session, which is set to reconvene January 10, 2012.

“It’s time for the General Assembly to discuss the future of state pensions,” said Senator Kelsey.  “State leaders, Democrat and Republican alike, have done a great job of giving us a retirement system that is currently fiscally sound.  But changes need to be made if we want Tennesseans to say the same thing of current leaders thirty years from now."

 The cash balance plan would guarantee full funding of the state pension system for current state employees.  New state workers would receive 6% to 15% of their salary in a personalized account guaranteed to be there when they retire.  The accounts would be aggregated and professionally managed for employees to reduce risk of loss.  The Treasurer would choose among competing fiscally sound money managers for the one who guarantees the highest annual rate of return for workers.  Therefore, risk in the market would be born by the fund manager rather than workers.

 The state contribution for new employees would begin at 6% but rise to 15% as the funds which are necessary to pay pensions under the old system decrease.

 In the last decade, at least 12 states have introduced some kind of defined-contribution plan such as a 401(k). Michigan and Alaska now require all new hires to join the defined contribution plan. Oregon, Utah, and Indiana require workers to participate in a “hybrid” defined benefit-defined contribution plan. An additional eight states have retained their defined benefit plan and simply offer the defined contribution plan as an option to their employees.

 Among the criticisms of the traditional defined contribution plan is that proper management requires a great degree of financial literacy by the employee.  That employee alone faces the risk of poor investment returns, the risk that they might outlive their assets, and the risk that inflation will erode the value of their income in retirement.

 "This plan would ensure that our state employees are not alone in planning for their retirement,” concluded Kelsey.

###

 

(NASHVILLE, TN) – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) said today he has great concern regarding the $2.1 billion recommendation to fund capital improvements and capital maintenance made by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) on Tuesday.  McNally said the recommendation is overly ambitious given Tennessee’s current finances, and that he would be very concerned about some of the alternative financing methods which have been discussed in conjunction with the plan.

“Tennessee must continue to employ the prudent fiscal practices which have helped us remain one of the best financially managed states in the nation,” said McNally.  “I am very concerned about any plan that could endanger our bond rating.  We have been very careful in the way Tennessee handles debt and the bond rating companies recognize this fact.  This is not the time to depart from those conservative financial practices that have helped us navigate through one of the toughest recessions in our nation’s history.”

Tennessee has one of the lowest per capita debts in the country.  The THEC proposal could more than double the state’s current debt.  Earlier this month, Moody’s Investor Services removed the negative outlook placed earlier this year on Tennessee’s Aaa (Triple-A) General Obligation Bond Rating.  Moody’s said the outlook was revised from negative to stable in order to reflect the relatively lower level of risk posed by federal downsizing and U.S. spending cuts in Tennessee. 

McNally said he does not favor the state borrowing for capital maintenance, which is normally paid for on a yearly basis.  In addition, McNally said he would oppose any plan that finances the bond issuance beyond the customary 20 years, an 11 percent rate generally paid on capital outlay projects, and a level principal amortization.

Payment installments under a level payment amortization plan as opposed to a level principal amortization are apportioned unequally between interest and principal, with the early years going almost entirely towards payment of the interest. It is only in later years, when most of the interest has been paid off, that the principal balance is reduced significantly.

 “We have capital project and maintenance needs in our colleges and universities.  However, we cannot resort to any financing plan that could endanger our bond rating or our ability to keep the state on good financial footing.”

###

 

(NASHVILLE, TN)  – State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) announced today that he will sponsor prescription drug abuse legislation in the 2012 legislative session to require doctors, pharmacists or their designees to check the state’s Controlled Substance Monitoring Database before prescribing or filling prescriptions for scheduled drugs.  In addition, a separate bill being drafted by Senator Yager would require that anyone who picks up a prescription for a scheduled drug must show photo identification.

 

Yager was the sponsor of legislation passed in the 2011 legislative session that will go into effect January 1 cracking down on prescription drug abuse at pain clinics in Tennessee.  That law required the Department of Health, in concert with the doctors, nurses and physician assistants, to establish rules to govern the operation of clinics, including personnel, patient records, data collection and reporting, inspections, health and safety requirement and patient billing.  Beginning 2012, no pain management clinic will be allowed to operate without a certificate from the Department of Health, which can deny one to an applicant who has committed a felony or a misdemeanor related to the distribution of illegal prescription drugs or a controlled substance. 

 

“Tennessee ranks second in the nation in regard to the overutilization of prescription pain medications,” said Senator Yager.  “It is important that we continue to take steps to address this huge health and public safety issue in our state.  The current state database is under utilized and closure of this loophole will strengthen our fight against the tragic epidemic of prescription drug misuse.”

 

Tennessee established a program to monitor the prescribing and dispensing of Schedule II, III, IV & V controlled substances with adoption of the “The Controlled Substance Monitoring Act of 2002.” With few exceptions, any health care practitioner that dispenses controlled substances to their patients for them to take home and any pharmacist who dispenses controlled substances must submit information regarding that transaction to the  database.  The database includes basic patient information, the identity of the prescribing practitioner, the pharmacy that filled the prescription, and the name, amount and form of medication that the patient received.  Although the database requires doctors, pharmacists or their designees to report, there is currently no requirement that they check the database before prescribing or dispensing scheduled drugs to patients.   

 

“We have a database in place to guard against abuse," Yager added   " We have a reporting requirement in place to guard against abuse.  However, we are missing the most critical step in the process which is to tap into this information being reported to make sure that the patient is not doctor shopping for controlled substances or abusing prescription drugs.  This legislation makes that next critical step.”

 

Three categories of commonly abused prescription drugs are opioids, central nervous system depressants and stimulants.  Opioids include hydrocodone (Lortab, Lorcet, Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet), oxymorphone (Opana), morphine (MS Contin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), methadone, fentanyl, and codeine.  Central nervous system depressants include such drugs as Valium, Xanax, Klonopin and phenobarbitol; while stimulants include drugs such as Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall and Dexedrine. 

 

Statistics from the Tennessee Drug Diversion Task Force show that 56 percent of patients who received opioid prescriptions have filled another opioid prescription within the previous 30 days.  Young adults ages18 to 25 have the highest annual rates of prescription drug abuse.

 

The second bill sponsored by Yager requires a person who picks up a prescription to show photo identification if the drug is a scheduled controlled substance.  The identification requirement would help identify individuals who present a fraudulent prescription.

 

“Requiring photo ID to pick up these scheduled drugs should be a huge deterrent to fraud,” added Yager.  “This requirement will give law enforcement and prosecutors more information regarding those who are abusing these drugs.”

 

“There isn’t a family in my district – or the state of Tennessee – that hasn’t been touched prescription drug abuse.   In East Tennessee alone, 1500 people have died from overdoses in just the last 10 years.  These bills will give additional tools in the fight to eradicate this scourge,” Yager concluded.

 

 

                                                                                                                           

###

 

 

(NASHVILLE, TN), December 22, 2011  --  “This is tremendous news for both Rutherford County and all of Middle Tennessee.  I look forward to working with the Governor and our local officials in completing the legislative action on this matter in our 2012 General Assembly.  I am pleased that the State of Tennessee and Amazon could partner with us to showcase what a great place Tennessee and Rutherford County is to do business and raise a family.”

###

 

The text of the release from Governor Haslam is below:
Announce Amazon Will Build Two New Fulfillment Centers in Tennessee, Creating Over 1,300 Jobs / New Fulfillment Centers to be Located in Wilson and Rutherford Counties, Bringing $135 Million in New Investment to Tennessee
 
Nashville, TN – Dec. 22, 2011 – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced Amazon’s plans to open two new fulfillment centers in Tennessee, creating over 1,300 new jobs and $135 million in investment in the state.  Together with existing facilities in Wilson, Hamilton and Bradley Counties, Amazon will now be creating more than 3,300 jobs and more than $270 million in investment in Tennessee.
 
"This is exciting news for Middle Tennessee and the entire state as Amazon continues to grow and expand its presence here," Haslam said.  "We appreciate the company's significant investment and ongoing partnership to create and grow Tennessee jobs."
 
“We’re thrilled to create more than 1,300 additional jobs in Tennessee and are thankful to Governor Haslam and state, county and local leaders for their continued commitment to Amazon jobs and investment,” said Dave Clark, vice president, Amazon North American operations.  “We’re proud to call Tennessee home and look forward to serving our customers from these new facilities in Murfreesboro and Lebanon.”
 
As a growing member of the Tennessee community, Amazon also announced that it is donating $20,000 to the Books from Birth Foundation for its chapters in Wilson, Rutherford, Bradley and Hamilton counties – the locations of Amazon’s current and future fulfillment centers.  Books from Birth is a nonprofit organization committed to helping preschool children develop their love of learning and reading.
 
“Today is another great day in Murfreesboro,” said Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg. “I am so proud and excited that Amazon has chosen Murfreesboro as its site of choice for one of their newest facilities. Having Amazon create so many new jobs here will be a great boost to our economy, and will provide our citizens the opportunity to have good quality jobs with a well known, respected, growing company.”
 
“Having a household name like Amazon in Rutherford County just adds to our county’s portfolio of top corporate entities in our area,” said Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess. “With the national and global economies struggling to recover, this proves that Rutherford County is a destination for jobs and we wish Amazon great success in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County.”
 
 “On behalf of Lebanon, TN, I want to thank Amazon and their partners for their confidence and commitment to our city,” said Lebanon Mayor Philip Craighead.  “This would not have been possible without the cooperation of the City Commission and its many city of Lebanon staff members, along with the contributions and financial support from the State of Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority.  We look forward to growing this new partnership for the benefit of our citizens, our city and for Amazon.”
 
“I’m pleased to see the city of Lebanon and Wilson County work together on such an important project and I look forward to welcoming Amazon and their operation to Wilson County,” said Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto.  “I want to thank the Wilson County Commission, the Industrial Development Bond Board and the office of the Joint Economic and Community Development Board of Wilson County for their support and efforts in bringing another internationally known corporation to the community.  A project of this nature only occurs when governments, the community and the company work together for the betterment of all.” 
 
Amazon’s new facilities are expected to be completed next fall.  Amazon Fulfillment Centers in Tennessee are operated by Amazon.com.dedc LLC.
###
 
About Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. The new latest generation Kindle is the lightest, most compact Kindle ever and features the same 6-inch, most advanced electronic ink display that reads like real paper even in bright sunlight. Kindle Touch is a new addition to the Kindle family with an easy-to-use touch screen that makes it easier than ever to turn pages, search, shop, and take notes - still with all the benefits of the most advanced electronic ink display. Kindle Touch 3G is the top of the line e-reader and offers the same new design and features of Kindle Touch, with the unparalleled added convenience of free 3G. Kindle Fire is the Kindle for movies, TV shows, music, books, magazines, apps, games and web browsing with all the content, free storage in the Amazon Cloud, Whispersync, Amazon Silk (Amazon's new revolutionary cloud-accelerated web browser), vibrant color touch screen, and powerful dual-core processor.
 
Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.it, and www.amazon.es. As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, inventory, government regulation and taxation, payments and fraud. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
 
 

 

(NASHVILLE, TN), December 21, 2011 – Several  key laws sponsored by Senate Judiciary Chairman Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) will take effect on January 1 as the new year begins.   This includes major legislation implementing a statewide electronic tracking system to curb meth production in the state.  The system, called NPLEx (National Precursor Log Exchange), will monitor and block illegal purchases of over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE), a key ingredient in methamphetamine production.

“Meth is a growing and costly scourge on too many communities in our state,” said Senator Beavers, prime sponsor of the bill.  “While it robs users of their health and cognitive abilities, it robs children of any chance of a normal childhood.  Meanwhile, the byproducts of the drug’s production are quickly and quietly ravaging our environment.  This new law is a huge step in attacking the meth problem we face in Tennessee.”

Roberts, who co-sponsored the bill said, “Previously, there was no mechanism in place in Tennessee to block illegal PSE sales in real time, with pharmacies and retailers having to rely on handwritten, paper logbooks to track purchases.  As a result, criminals learned to circumvent the system.  This new law addresses the problem on the front end so we can curb the meth production in our state.” 

The new law requires that as of January 1, 2012, all pharmacies must use NPLEx, which exports the data to law enforcement.  NPLEx must have a stop sale mechanism in place by that time for potential purchasers over the allowable purchase limit and anyone on the meth offender registry. 

Another key law co-sponsored by Beavers and Roberts that is set to take effect January 1 is the “E-Verify” system to ensure that new hires are in the state legally.  The new law calls for businesses with over five employees to obtain a copy of his or her driver’s license or utilize the E-Verify system.  The measure would penalize businesses for violation of the law with escalating consequences for repeated offenses.  It also provides a mechanism for small businesses without Internet access to call the Department of Labor for verification assistance. 

“This new law helps ensure that those who are working Tennessee are here legally,” said Senator Roberts.  “The E-Verify system has been highly successful in localities where it has been used.”

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.  Fifteen states, including five which are adjacent to Tennessee, require the use of E-Verify for public and/or private employers.  The E-Verify system is 97.4 percent accurate.   

“Federal contractors or subcontractors have been required to use E-verify since 2008 to determine employment eligibility of employees performing direct work,” added Beavers.  “I am very pleased that both of these new laws will be enacted as we ring in the new year.”

Also set to take effect as we ring in 2012 is a new law to enhance the voting procedure for those serving in the military by ensuring Tennesseans abroad who do not receive their official ballot in time can participate in an election.   Tennessee ranks among the top states in the nation in the number of military personnel.  The new law, co-sponsored by Beavers and Roberts, requires that the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot is accepted for all elections in which a person is eligible to vote; and may be used simultaneously for registration and an absentee ballot request.

Finally, legislation sponsored by Beavers will take effect on January 1 to require the testing of a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) level in cases where the driver has previously been convicted of a DUI or when there is a child present in the vehicle.  Tennessee’s DUI law already requires BAC testing when there is serious bodily injury to a victim or death.  This measure simply puts these two additional conditions into the law when testing must be performed, whether or not the driver consents.   The test results may be offered into evidence, subject to the rules of evidence. 

###

 

(NASHVILLE, TN), December 21, 2011— “Legislators have been listening to teachers regarding this matter very carefully.  The Governor has now kicked it up a notch with this announcement.  It matters who leads.”

###

Find a copy of the Release from the Governor's office below:

HASLAM ANNOUNCES FORMAL REVIEW OF TEACHER EVALUATIONS
Calls upon independent organization and department to take a closer look
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced that 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 is asking the state Department of Education to formalize a review process, which the department has already begun.
Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) and Rep. John Forgety (R-Athens) are sponsors of a resolution that outlines the review process for the department, which the governor said the administration supports.

“There has been a lot of discussion about teacher evaluations over the past several months,” Haslam said. “As we continue to have conversations with educators, I see a lot of value in reviewing the process both from an external and internal perspective and to compare observation results with student achievement data at the end of the year.

“These evaluations were a critical piece of the Race to the Top initiative, and it is important for Tennessee to maintain strong accountability measures as we build upon our momentum to improve education. As we work through this first year of implementation, I do not support legislative changes during this session. It is appropriate to give the process time to work and to learn more about what changes might be necessary.”

Haslam was joined for the announcement in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the Capitol by Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman, SCORE president and CEO Jamie Woodson, and key legislators including Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville), House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville), Sen. Delores Gresham (R-Somerville), chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Rep. Richard Montgomery (R-Sevierville), chairman of the House Education Committee and Tracy and Forgety, sponsors of the resolution.

SCORE’s report will be due to the state Board of Education and Department of Education on June 1, 2012.

###

 

(NASHVILLE, TN), December 21, 2011  --  “I want the teachers in the 4th senatorial district to know that their elected officials are listening to their concerns and that we are going to get this right.”

“Teachers are a critical component in student achievement.  We must ensure that our system evaluates them fairly.  I thank Governor Haslam and Commissioner Huffman for their efforts to see that this occurs.”

 
###

Senator Faulk represents Senate District 4, which is comprised of Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, and Union Counties.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

THE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR IS AS FOLLOWS:

 HASLAM ANNOUNCES FORMAL REVIEW OF TEACHER EVALUATIONS

Calls upon independent organization and department to take a closer look

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced that 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 is asking the state Department of Education to formalize a review process, which the department has already begun.

Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) and Rep. John Forgety (R-Athens) are sponsors of a resolution that outlines the review process for the department, which the governor said the administration supports.

“There has been a lot of discussion about teacher evaluations over the past several months,” Haslam said. “As we continue to have conversations with educators, I see a lot of value in reviewing the process both from an external and internal perspective and to compare observation results with student achievement data at the end of the year.

“These evaluations were a critical piece of the Race to the Top initiative, and it is important for Tennessee to maintain strong accountability measures as we build upon our momentum to improve education. As we work through this first year of implementation, I do not support legislative changes during this session. It is appropriate to give the process time to work and to learn more about what changes might be necessary.”

Haslam was joined for the announcement in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the Capitol by Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman, SCORE president and CEO Jamie Woodson, and key legislators including Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville), House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville), Sen. Delores Gresham (R-Somerville), chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Rep. Richard Montgomery (R-Sevierville), chairman of the House Education Committee and Tracy and Forgety, sponsors of the resolution.

SCORE’s report will be due to the state Board of Education and Department of Education on June 1, 2012.

###

(NASHVILLE, TN), December 21, 2011— “We know that the classroom teacher is the most important factor in boosting student achievement.  Therefore, the teacher evaluation process must be the best system possible in order to ensure it is both fair and productive in increasing teacher effectiveness.  I appreciate Governor Haslam and Commissioner Huffman for continuing their efforts to make improvements to this process for the benefit of Tennessee teachers and students.”

###

THE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR IS AS FOLLOWS:

 HASLAM ANNOUNCES FORMAL REVIEW OF TEACHER EVALUATIONS

Calls upon independent organization and department to take a closer look

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced that 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 is asking the state Department of Education to formalize a review process, which the department has already begun.

Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) and Rep. John Forgety (R-Athens) are sponsors of a resolution that outlines the review process for the department, which the governor said the administration supports.

“There has been a lot of discussion about teacher evaluations over the past several months,” Haslam said. “As we continue to have conversations with educators, I see a lot of value in reviewing the process both from an external and internal perspective and to compare observation results with student achievement data at the end of the year.

“These evaluations were a critical piece of the Race to the Top initiative, and it is important for Tennessee to maintain strong accountability measures as we build upon our momentum to improve education. As we work through this first year of implementation, I do not support legislative changes during this session. It is appropriate to give the process time to work and to learn more about what changes might be necessary.”

Haslam was joined for the announcement in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the Capitol by Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman, SCORE president and CEO Jamie Woodson, and key legislators including Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville), House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville), Sen. Delores Gresham (R-Somerville), chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Rep. Richard Montgomery (R-Sevierville), chairman of the House Education Committee and Tracy and Forgety, sponsors of the resolution.

SCORE’s report will be due to the state Board of Education and Department of Education on June 1, 2012.

###

(NASHVILLE, TN, December 21, 2011) – State Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) and Representative Matthew Hill (R-Johnson City) today congratulated Fairmont Elementary for being chosen as a 2012 national “distinguished school” in the category of “exceptional student achievement.”  Fairmont was among only four Tennessee Title I schools receiving the honors and one of two in the state to receive national recognition.
 
Title I is a distinction given to schools that serve a large population of economically disadvantaged students.

 “This is another very prestigious award for Fairmont,” said Senator Crowe.  “I congratulate Principal Carol McGill, the teachers, parents and students for their hard work.”

“This is a major achievement and we are very proud of this accomplishment,” added Rep. Hill.  “I congratulate the excellent work done by the teachers at this school and know that it will benefit these students for many years to come.”

Fairmont Elementary will receive $5,000, and represent Tennessee at the 2012 National Title I conference in January in Seattle, Washington.

Fairmont Elementary was one of only six schools recently chosen as a 2011 “Blue Ribbon School,” an award given in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education’s No Child Left Behind program to honor those schools which attain high academic goals and for their efforts to close achievement gaps. 

###