Sen. Faulk and Rep. Faulkner announce local arts grant

(NASHVILLE, TN), June 29, 2009 – Local State Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill) and Rep. Chad Faulkner (R-Luttrell) announced today that Union County Government will receive a $500 grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.  The Tennessee Art’s Commission’s matching grant is made possible through an appropriation of funds by the General Assembly, federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by Tennesseans who buy specialty license plates.

"Grants like this enable local communities to promote the arts so that it will be part of the heritage for future generations of Tennesseans," said Senator Faulk. 

The Tennessee Arts Commission each year awards community grants based on a review process by citizen advisory panels.  The panels are made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate disciplines and are subject to a final review by the full 15-member Tennessee Arts Commission. 

Additional information is available at www.arts.state.tn.us.

###

Norris Announces Local Arts Grant

     NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) has released the list of grant award recipients from the Tennessee Arts Commission for Fiscal Year 2010 (July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010) in the 32nd Senatorial District.  These include the Covington Integrated Arts Academy in Tipton County.

In announcing the awards, Senator Norris emphasized the contributions the arts make to the quality of life in Tennessee communities.  Norris also pointed out that the Tennessee Arts Commission’s matching grants are made possible through an appropriation of state funds by the General Assembly, federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by Tennesseans who purchase specialty and collegiate license plates. 

Of the Commission, Norris said, “I am proud that, through minimal contributions from multiple sources, the Arts Commission is still able to provide great support to my district and all over the state.  The arts benefit us culturally and economically and are an important part of one’s education.  Ultimately, they help create ‘the Tennessee experience.’”

“This state is indeed fortunate to have elected leaders who support the work of the Tennessee Arts Commission in building better communities through the arts,” said Kim McClamroch, incoming chair of the Tennessee Arts Commission.

According to McClamroch, the Commission will award over 850 grants during Fiscal Year 2010.  These funds have a direct impact on communities across Tennessee, in both urban and rural areas, covering a wide range of categories.  The Commission’s allocation process involves a review by citizen advisory panels made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate arts disciplines and a review and final approval by the full 15-members Tennessee Arts Commission.

The Tennessee Arts Commission is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences that add value to the lives of every citizen and enhances the quality of life in Tennessee communities.  Additional information on grant programs offered by the Arts Commission is available at www.arts.state.tn.us.

A member of the General Assembly Arts Caucus, Senator Norris represents the West Tennessee Counties of Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale, and Dyer.

###

Norris Addresses Transportation Funding Issues in D.C.

     NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) returned from a whirlwind visit to Congress on behalf of the Council of State Governments yesterday.  He traveled to rally support for federal action on transportation funding.  The federal transportation trust fund, which finances the majority of Tennessee's transportation needs, will become insolvent in September.

"Gas tax revenues have plummeted," says Norris. "We're advised the federal fund needs in excess of $5 billion more just to get us to the end of the fiscal year."

The Surface Transportation Act of 2009 was unveiled by Representative James Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, last week. The bill went to markup yesterday (June 24) and could be voted on by the House by the end of July. The likelihood of Senate action this year is unclear.

Norris reported, "Our meetings with Department of Transportation officials and Senate staffers made clear that the White House does not want to act before the 2010 elections. Kicking that can down the road may cost an additional $13 billion just to shore up the trust fund."

Norris serves as Chairman of the Council of State Governments' Transportation Finance Committee and visited Washington at CSG's request. Norris and state legislative leaders from other areas of the nation met with House and Senate Transportation officials including a visit to the office of Tennessee Congressman John L. Duncan.

"I'm glad the General Assembly didn't authorize all the transportation bonds the governor asked for in next year's budget. The federal funds we need to pay interest may not be there," said Norris.  Bredesen had requested authority for $350 million in bonded indebtedness this year at a cost of $35 million per year to be paid from federal funds.

"Our state and national security, and our economies and quality of life, demand a functional transportation network. We are in danger of losing that now, and we are working on strategies to warn our constituents of the consequences," said Norris.

A member of the General Assembly since 2000 and a former chairman of the Senate’s Transportation and Safety Committee, Senator Norris represents the West Tennessee Counties of Dyer, Lauderdale, Tipton, and Shelby.

###

Norris Addresses Transportation Funding Issues in D.C.

     NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) returned from a whirlwind visit to Congress on behalf of the Council of State Governments yesterday.  He traveled to rally support for federal action on transportation funding.  The federal transportation trust fund, which finances the majority of Tennessee's transportation needs, will become insolvent in September.

"Gas tax revenues have plummeted," says Norris. "We're advised the federal fund needs in excess of $5 billion more just to get us to the end of the fiscal year."

The Surface Transportation Act of 2009 was unveiled by Representative James Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, last week. The bill went to markup yesterday (June 24) and could be voted on by the House by the end of July. The likelihood of Senate action this year is unclear.

Norris reported, "Our meetings with Department of Transportation officials and Senate staffers made clear that the White House does not want to act before the 2010 elections. Kicking that can down the road may cost an additional $13 billion just to shore up the trust fund."

Norris serves as Chairman of the Council of State Governments' Transportation Finance Committee and visited Washington at CSG's request. Norris and state legislative leaders from other areas of the nation met with House and Senate Transportation officials including a visit to the office of Tennessee Congressman John L. Duncan.

"I'm glad the General Assembly didn't authorize all the transportation bonds the governor asked for in next year's budget. The federal funds we need to pay interest may not be there," said Norris.  Bredesen had requested authority for $350 million in bonded indebtedness this year at a cost of $35 million per year to be paid from federal funds.

"Our state and national security, and our economies and quality of life, demand a functional transportation network. We are in danger of losing that now, and we are working on strategies to warn our constituents of the consequences," said Norris.

A member of the General Assembly since 2000 and a former chairman of the Senate’s Transportation and Safety Committee, Senator Norris represents the West Tennessee Counties of Dyer, Lauderdale, Tipton, and Shelby.

###

Sen. Faulk and Rep. Harrison announce local arts grants

(NASHVILLE, TN), June 25, 2009 – Local State Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill) and Rep. Mike Harrison (R- Rogersville) announced today that two organizations will receive arts grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission.  The Tennessee Art’s Commission’s matching grant is made possible through an appropriation of funds by the General Assembly, federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by Tennesseans who buy specialty license plates.

The grants will be awarded to Heritage Association of Rogersville at $5,800 and The Arts, Culture, Enrichment Council of Hawkins County at $6,400. 

"These funds enable us to promote the arts so that it will be part of the heritage for future generations of Tennesseans," said Senator Faulk. 

“I am sure these organizations will do a wonderful job in promoting the arts,” added Rep. Harrison.

The Tennessee Arts Commission each year awards community grants based on a review process by citizen advisory panels.  The panels are made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate disciplines and are subject to a final review by the full 15-member Tennessee Arts Commission. 

Additional information is available at www.arts.state.tn.us.

###

Sen. Crowe announces Local Arts Grants

(NASHVILLE, TN), June 23, 2009 – State Senator Rusty Crowe (R- Johnson City) announced today that several upstate arts organizations within Senate District 3, which he represents, will receive a combined $95,350 in grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission.  The grants include UMOJA / Unity Committee Inc. at $6,700, Johnson City Area Arts Council at $4,900, Johnson City Symphony at $12,000, Johnson City Area Arts Council at $15,250, International Storytelling Center at $52,500 and the Cloudland Elementary School at $4,000 

“We are delighted that the Tennessee Arts Commission allocated grant money for these worthy arts efforts in our area,” said Sen. Crowe.  “These grants will be used to promote the arts in our community.”   

The Tennessee Art’s Commission’s matching grants are made possible through an appropriation of funds by the General Assembly, federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by Tennesseans who buy specialty license plates. The Tennessee Arts Commission will award over 850 community grants for the 2010 fiscal year, totaling $7.6 million. The allocation process for the grants involves a review by citizen advisory panels made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate disciplines and a final review by the full 15-member Tennessee Arts Commission. 

"These funds enable us to promote the arts so that it will be part of the heritage for future generations of Tennesseans," added Crowe.  “I know that all of these groups will do a wonderful job in our area in promoting the arts.”

Additional information is available at www.arts.state.tn.us.

###

Legislature approves innovative bill to boost job growth in Tennessee

(NASHVILLE, TN), June 19, 2009 – Before adjourning the 2009 legislative session  Thursday, the General Assembly passed innovative legislation  designed to grow jobs through a program that would provide capital to small businesses.  The bill, sponsored by Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) and Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), creates the TNINVESTCO Program to provide benefits to small, medium-sized, and start-up businesses that do not enjoy the same economic development incentives that have been provided to the larger companies that invest capital in Tennessee. 

“The overwhelming majority of jobs in this state are created by small businesses,” said Senator Overbey.  “We are a state of entrepreneurs, but there is a lack of adequate capital to take those ideas and grow a business.  This bill will give them that opportunity.”

The bill, SB 1203, authorizes tax incentives for private investors to create a pool of capital totaling $120 million.  That money will be divided among  professional investment firms.  These Tennessee-based firms will then invest the money in small businesses  located and headquartered in Tennessee.  The money must remain invested in Tennessee for ten years.

“This would be an instant opportunity to help soften the blow of unemployment in my area,” Ketron said.  “There are many small businesses in our state that are on the edge of doing something big, but don’t have the capital.  With the downturn of the economy, banks are reluctant to lend money, even though stimulus funds were provided for that purpose.  This bill provides a viable alternative for them to get the capital needed to grow and create jobs.”

Ketron said a company is poised to bring in over 2,000 jobs into Rutherford County to retrofit energy efficient LED lighting if venture capital is available through this program.  The company, currently located in Washington State, would relocate to Tennessee due to this program and the new green energy initiatives sweeping the nation.   

Under the plan, investors receive a tax credit against insurance premiums taxes that spread over years three through ten of the program.  Even though the capital will be available for small businesses immediately, there are no tax credits for investors until 2012.  Capital returned to the state must first go to the General Fund.  Once enough money has been repaid, the remaining funds will be deposited in the Rural Opportunity Fund.

“Throughout the ten years the money is invested and even beyond, the state will reap the benefits of job growth from these small businesses,” added Overbey.   “This is a great opportunity for economic development in our state.”

“Additionally, experts in this field have told us that this legislation will be a model for other states.  It’s great for Tennessee to be a leader in looking after and assisting small and start-up businesses,” Overbey said.

###

Public charter school bill approved by Senate
Bill now goes to the governor

(NASHVILLE, TN), June 18, 2009 -- Major education reform legislation that strengthens Tennessee’s public charter school law was approved by the State Senate today and sent to the governor for his signature.  The legislation, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville) widens eligibility, clarifies funding and addresses rules for renewal of the public charter schools. 

Previously, Tennessee had one of the most restrictive public charter school laws in the nation.  The bill also puts into place a process so the best practices gained from the “laboratories of learning” go into traditional school programs.

“A one size fits all strategy for education shortchanges students and their families,” said Woodson.  “Effective and accountable public charter schools are a vital component to a broad strategy to offer excellent public education for the children of our great state.”
 
Charter schools are public schools that are given flexibility to operate without the constraints of some of the rules and regulations normally imposed on traditional schools.  In exchange for this flexibility, they are held accountable for performance through a charter, which is an agreement between the local education agency (LEA) and the charter school.  It requires a strenuous approval process by the LEA and an equally tough renewal process of the charter every five years.

The legislation, SB 2133, addresses four provisions in the current charter school law.

• Eligibility -- Currently, public charter school enrollment is limited primarily to failing students and those from failing schools.  This legislation permits “at-risk” children (as defined by free and reduced-price lunch) to attend charter schools in those systems that have 14,000 or more students and three or more schools which do not meet adequate yearly progress benchmarks.  In addition, school boards can opt by a two-thirds vote to allow students who are “at risk” to be eligible to attend charter schools.

• Caps -- Currently public charter schools are limited to 50 statewide, with a cap of 35 in Memphis and 20 in Nashville.  This bill says that converted charter schools do not count against the cap, clarifying in law what the Attorney General has already opined.  In addition the number of charter schools statewide would be limited to 90. 

• Renewal process – Currently, the charter agreement between the LEA and the charter school is renewed every five years.  This measure would change the renewal period from five to ten years, with an interim report every five years.  It also establishes the required documentation needed during the renewal process.

• Funding – Currently a public charter school receives the per pupil expenditure of state and local dollars.  Although it mentions appropriate federal dollars, interpretations vary from one LEA to the next.  This legislation defines the state and local charter school facilities funding responsibilities and clarifies the LEAs must allocate all appropriate federal funds, including Title I and ESEA funds, to the charter schools. 

“We now have a much improved public charter statue which provides on strong option in our portfolio of strong public choices for Tennesseans,” Woodson concluded.

###

Norris Strengthens “Crooks with Guns” Law

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- The General Assembly has approved two pieces of legislation cracking down on violent crime in Tennessee, building on the “Crooks with Guns Law,” before adjourning the 2009 legislative session.  Both bills were sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville).

“Tennessee ranks second in the nation in the number of violent crimes,” said Norris, who sponsored the original Crooks with Guns Law.  “This legislation would work to keep those offenders off the street so that they are no longer a danger to the public.”  Sixty-seven percent of those convicted of violent crimes are re-arrested within three years of being released from prison.  The recidivism rate increases to 80 percent when you move past the three-year mark.

The original “Crooks with Guns” legislation made it an additional offense to be armed with a firearm when committing or attempting a list of dangerous felonies like aggravated and especially aggravated kidnapping, burglary, stalking, carjacking, voluntary manslaughter, and certain drug crimes. 
   
Senate Bill 672 would add a minimum of three years to the sentence of a violator who possesses a firearm during the commission of attempted first-degree murder, to be served after the sentence for the underlying offense.  If a violator possesses a firearm during the commission of the attempted first-degree murder and has a prior felony conviction, then a mandatory minimum of five years would be added to the sentence.  In addition, if a violator possesses a firearm during the commission or attempt to commit a dangerous felony or attempting to escape, then a mandatory minimum of six years is added to the sentence to be served after that of the underlying offense.  A prior felony conviction from this would add 10 years onto the sentence. 

The General Assembly also approved another Norris bill aimed at keeping repeat violent criminals convicted of aggravated burglary behind bars longer by counting each felony committed within a 24-hour period as a separate offense.  Under current law, with few exceptions, felonies committed within a 24-hour period constitute one conviction for the purpose of determining prior convictions by the court.  This bill, Senate Bill 2115, requires all aggravated burglaries that a defendant commits within a 24-hour period to be counted as separate prior convictions for purposes of determining whether the defendant is a multiple, persistent, or career offender under the Criminal Sentencing Reform Act.

“Both of these bills aim to provide safety to our citizens by keeping violent repeat offenders locked up,” Norris added.  “We must make public safety a priority of state government so our citizens feel secure in their own communities.”

First elected to the General Assembly in 2000, Senator Norris represents the West Tennessee Counties of Shelby, Lauderdale, Tipton, and Dyer.

###

Senate Finance Committee passes fiscally responsible budget/
West Tennessee megasite funded under plan

(NASHVILLE, TN), June 12, 2009 –  The Senate Finance Committee has approved a fiscally responsible budget for the 2009-2010 budget year that borrows less, has a little more protection for the Rainy Day (savings) Fund and is closer to balancing recurring and nonrecurring expenditures.  The plan, as amended by Senate Republicans, also cuts several of the governor’s proposed tax hikes, including one on cable television boxes and a measure to increase taxes on business phone rates.

On job growth, the legislation, as amended by the Finance Committee, fully funds Haywood County megasite and Solar Farm in West Tennessee, as well as economic development projects set to establish manufacturing facilities in the state including Volkswagen, Hemlock and Wacker. 

 “We face many economic challenges in West Tennessee,” said Senator Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville).  “I appreciate my colleagues support of the megasite project, which is an investment in our district’s future.  At the same time, I remain concerned about the debt incurred in the budget package.  The amendment adopted by our Finance Committee does drastically trim this indebtedness back.”

The vote came after Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz told lawmakers that there was a continued decline in Tennessee’s revenues in May.  Goetz said sales taxes collected in May were 11 percent lower than the yearly average of 7 percent and franchise and excise tax collections were down 40 percent for the month.  Goetz said the revenues fall short of the governor’s revenue predictions for the budget, which were based on the most optimistic end of the state’s Funding Board predictions.  The Funding Board consists of the state’s top economic advisors.

“This is a ‘truth or consequences’ budget,” Gresham added.  “We must face the truth about our budget and the serious economic condition of our state or we will face serious consequences next year.  There is a big risk if the legislature acts as if there is not a problem.”

The plan prioritizes education by fully funding the Basic Education Program, the state’s funding formula for K-12 education.  Pre-K would be kept at the same level of funding under the plan.  It also funds Tennessee’s higher education at the highest level of funding to draw down approximately $500 million in federal stimulus available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  In addition, it fully funds lottery scholarships to provide students with the opportunity to receive a college education.
 
Republicans say a list of capital projects will be restored if state fiscal stabilization funds from the federal stimulus package are available or if other federal reimbursement match increases free up state dollars.  Last year, the legislature appropriated cash to fund the projects.  However, the governor held them after revenues plummeted.  This year, he proposed the $168 million in cash previously approved by the legislature for those projects be used to plug the gap in the state budget.   In turn, the governor recommended the state incur debt to fund the projects.

The action will keep Tennessee from putting these building projects on the state credit card at a time when economic conditions are unstable.   The plan uses the debt service on those bonds, at $23 million per year, for other critical budget purposes like helping the most vulnerable citizens in Tennessee, mentally ill and dependent and neglected children in need of services.

Other highlights of the budget, SB 2355, include:

###