(NASHVILLE, TN), August 9, 2011 – State Senator Jim Summerville (R-Dickson) announced today that he is filing legislation to name a stretch of Highway 235 in Dickson County in memory of Field Training Officer Keith Bellar.  Deputy Bellar, of the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office, was killed in the line of duty after being shot on June 6 while attempting to assist in what he believed to be a traffic accident.

“There is no sacrifice greater than laying down one’s life for the safety of others, while working in their service,” said Senator Summerville.  “The legislation will permit us to name this highway in memory of Deputy Bellar’s service from a grateful community, so that his courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

The section named for Deputy Bellar will begin at 2370 Highway 235 to its intersection at Polly Willey Road.  Summerville said he expects the legislation will be among the first bills passed when the legislature reconvenes in January.  Signs will be erected upon passage of the bill.

Bellar started his law enforcement career as a Dickson County Sherriff’s Office Corrections Deputy in 2004 before being promoted to Patrol Deputy in 2004.  He had completed numerous training programs while employed by the Sherriff’s Office, including Terrorism Awareness for Emergency Responders and Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force.  He is survived by his wife Brandi Michelle Bradley Bellar; son, Jacob Claborne Bellar; parents, Ricky and Debbie Bellar;  brother, Chris Bellar; and grandfather, J.C. Bellar. 

###

(NASHVILLE, TN, July 26, 2011) – State Senator Jim Summerville (R-Dickson) said today that Tennessee’s upcoming Sales Tax Holiday is a good opportunity for consumers to make certain tax free purchases, especially parents who must purchase back-to-school supplies and clothing. The holiday is set to begin on Friday, August 5 at 12:01 a.m. and will continue until Sunday, August 9 at 11:59 p.m. 
 
“This holiday helps parents with the purchases needed to start the school year,” said Senator Summerville.  “It is very helpful and is especially timely in tough economic times.  Although it is timed for getting students ready for school, citizens of any age can also enjoy the benefits of the sales tax holiday through the purchase of tax exempt clothing items, personal home computers and many other supplies.”

During the holiday, clothing with a purchase price of $100 or less per item is exempt from sales tax.  School supplies exempted include items of $100 or less like binders, book bags, calculators, tape, chalk, crayons, erasers, folders, glue, pens, pencils, lunch boxes, notebooks, paper, ruler, and scissors.  Additionally, there is no requirement that purchases be made only for students. If an item is tax exempt, anyone may make the purchase tax–free. 

Computers with a purchase price of $1,500 or less, not for use in a trade or business, are also exempt from tax. Laptop computers, if priced at $1,500 or less, qualify as well as tablet computers. 

For more information, please contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue online at www.tntaxholiday.com or at www.TN.gov/revenue.  Citizens or merchants who have inquiries can also email salestax.holiday@tn.gov, or telephone 1 (800) 342-1003 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., CST, Monday through Friday.

###

(NASHVILLE, TN), April 18, 2011 --  The State Senate voted 24 to 8 today to give Tennesseans the opportunity to restore their voice in determining what state law should be regarding abortions.  The supermajority is two more votes than needed by the Senate to put the constitutional resolution on the ballot.  The measure, Senate Joint Resolution 127 sponsored by Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet), addresses a State Supreme Court decision in 2000 that struck down provisions in Tennessee law calling for women to receive “informed consent” information about the surgery and to wait 48 hours before they receive an abortion. 

The court also ruled against a state requirement that all abortions after the first trimester be performed in a hospital. That ruling made Tennessee more liberal than the U.S. Supreme Court required in Roe v. Wade and made the right to abortion a “fundamental right” in Tennessee.

“This resolution was a long time coming,” said Senator Beavers.  “I am very pleased it has finally passed.  It will enable Tennessee to begin the process to restore the right of the people to decide through their elected legislature regarding what Tennessee law should be regarding abortions within the bounds of federal court decisions.  The only way to restore the people’s voice is to change the Constitution and give the legislature authority to write commonsense laws.”

The resolution would allow citizens to amend Tennessee's Constitution to say that the right to an abortion is only protected under the U.S. Constitution as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court.  It would give the people the right, through their elected state representatives and senators, to enact, amend, or repeal statutes regarding abortion, including circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape, incest or life of the mother.  Beavers said the practical effect of the resolution would be to bring Tennessee back into a position of neutrality so the people’s elected representatives can decide within the bounds of federal decisions what protections can be put into place.

The bill is co-sponsored by Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown), Senator Mike Bell (R-Riceville), Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville), Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown), Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman), Senator Stacey Campfield (R-Knoxville), Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), Senator Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville), Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville), Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville), Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), Senator Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville), Senator Jim Summerville (R-Dickson), Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill), Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson), Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield), Senator Doug Henry (D-Nashville), and Senator Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge).

If approved by a super majority in the House of Representatives, citizens could expect to see the resolution on the ballot in November 2014.

 FROM SENATOR JIM SUMMERVILLE

(NASHVILLE, TN), January  15, 2011 --  The 107th General Assembly has begun as state lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to take the oath of office, elect officers and organize the business of the 2010-2011 legislative sessions. 

I was honored to be among the 17 State Senators who took the oath of office, which was the first order of business during the organizational session.  The second order of business was the election of Ron Ramsey as Lt. Governor.  I was also proud to cast my first vote in the State Senate for Lt. Governor Ramsey.  This will be the third term of office for Mr. Ramsey, who also serves as Speaker of the Tennessee Senate.

 The organizational week ended with the inauguration of Tennessee’s new governor, Bill Haslam.  I look forward to working with Governor Haslam over the next four years.    

General Assembly elects Comptroller Wilson and Treasurer Lillard

The opening organizational week was also marked by re-election of two of the state's three constitutional officers, Tennessee Treasurer David Lillard and Comptroller Justin Wilson.  The state’s Constitution provides that the legislature selects those offices in a joint session during the organizational period of each General Assembly, which occurred on Wednesday.  Secretary of State Tre Hargett does not stand for election until the 108th General Assembly convenes in 2013, as that office is elected for a four-year term. 

Among many other duties, the Comptroller audits state agencies and county governments to ensure they are run efficiently and in accordance with the purposes set by state law. The Treasurer accounts for the state's finances, including its investments and pension funds.  The three constitutional officers also serve on several key boards, such as the State Building Commission, which maintains all state-owned public buildings, and the Funding Board, which is responsible for projecting how much revenue the state will collect for budgeting purposes. 

I have known Comptroller Wilson for many years and know that he will continue to do an excellent job.

Committee Appointments Announced

Lt. Governor Ramsey announced Committee appointments on Thursday.  As a teacher, I was very pleased to be appointed to the Senate Education Committee.  The Education Committee reviews all legislation regarding K-12 schools and higher education.  Tennessee stands at a crossroads in education reform.  I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to improve the quality of education in our state.

I was also appointed to as Secretary of the Environment, Conservation and Tourism Committee and as a member of the Government Operations Committee.  The Environment Committee hears all matters concerning energy, forestry, natural resources, conservation, game, fish, mines and minerals.   The Government Operations Committee reviews all department and agencies of state government to improve efficiency and effectiveness.   

State's Finances is Top Issue

With organizational tasks out of the way, we can now get to work on the important issues facing Tennessee as we start this new legislative session.  Although the budget will be the predominant driver for legislative action this year, other key issues expected to be on lawmaker’s agenda in 2011 are unemployment and job creation, education, shoring up the state’s lottery scholarship fund, and immigration reform. 

Unlike Washington, Tennessee is constitutionally bound to balance the budget.  The current economic condition means lawmakers must be vigilant to make sure that taxpayer dollars are spent in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

The legislature will get a clearer budget picture when Governor Haslam presents his state spending proposal to the General Assembly, which is expected in late February or early March.  In the meantime, lawmakers will continue to look for ways to reduce the size of government and make it work more efficiently and effectively.  

In following, expect legislative efforts this year aimed at lessening the bureaucratic burden on our citizens and businesses, so we unleash the potential and the ingenuity of our citizens to grow Tennessee jobs.  Tennessee must be aggressive in bringing new jobs to the state.  This includes keeping Tennessee a business-friendly state by holding down taxes and government red tape.  Governor Haslam has announced that he will be proposing a job creation program during the 2011 legislative session. 

Expect economic development efforts to be focused on regional approaches with each area, or hub, having its own job creation strategy.  Also, expect an emphasis on job development in small towns, rural communities and agricultural areas which have been especially hurt by the recession and high unemployment rates.  I look forward to working with Governor Haslam to create jobs in our legislative district and will keep you informed on the progress of our efforts.

I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve you in our State Senate.  Please feel free to call me or email me on any issue of concern to you.  My email address is: sen.jim.summerville@capitol.tn.gov  My toll free legislative phone number is 1-800 449-TENN ext. 14499 and my local number is (615) 741-4499.   and my address is: 11 A Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243.   I look forward to hearing from you!

###

     (NASHVILLE, TN), January 11, 2011  -- State Senator Jim Summerville (R- Dickson) took the oath of office on Tuesday, January 11 in Nashville, representing the 25th Senatorial District which includes Dickson, Giles, Hickman, Humphreys, Lawrence, and Lewis Counties.  The oath was administered by Supreme Court Justice William Koch, Jr as the first order of business for the 107th General Assembly.

     “I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to represent the citizens of 25th District in the State Senate,” Senator Summerville said.  “I will work very hard to represent the people of this district and honor the oath that I have taken today as I fulfill the duties of serving as their voice on Capitol Hill."

     The freshman senator was elected to the seat in November.  The organizational session will end on January at the inauguration of Governor-elect Bill Haslam.  The legislature is expected to then recess for before beginning the regular legislative session to allow for office assignments and to await budget details.

###