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

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

Two other East Tennessee historical grants include:

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

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(NASHVILLE, TN), April 26, 2012 -- Major legislation sponsored by Representative Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol) and Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill) attacking the growing problem of synthetic or “designer” drug abuse is now on its way to Governor Bill Haslam for his signature.  The bill was approved by a unanimous vote in the Senate on Wednesday as the General Assembly worked to wrap up the 2012 legislative session.
 
Lundberg said the products are sold under the guise of “bath salts” or “plant food” but are comprised of a class of chemicals perceived as mimics of cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine.  The effects include impaired perception, reduced motor control, disorientation, extreme paranoia and violent episodes. 

“It is the imitation process that is declared illegal under this bill,” said Representative Lundberg.  Faulk added: “The synthetic drug problem was rampant in the Commonwealth of Virginia and when they passed this law the distribution moved across the line into Tennessee.  That is why it has become such a plague on Northeast Tennessee.” 

Senate Bill 2280 makes it a Class E felony to possess, use or sell synthetic substances intended to imitate controlled substances.  The General Assembly has passed law previously to ban the chemical compound used in synthetic drugs; however, unscrupulous chemists manufacturing the drugs continue to modify molecules in the organic compound to avoid prosecution.  Law enforcement officials have testified that by the time a new synthetic drug is discovered and banned, another altered form of the compound has taken its place.

“This approach makes it easier to prove,” added Faulk.  “We believe in many instances this bill alone will dry up a lot of vendors whose distribution of this drug is filling emergency rooms in northeast Tennessee on a nightly basis due to the adverse reactions to these bath salts and synthetic drugs.”

“Synthetic drug products, which have become increasingly popular among teens and young adults, are sold at a variety of retail outlets like convenience stores, smoke shops and over the Internet.  Poison centers, hospitals and law enforcement officers in Tennessee report a sharp increase in the number of persons who have suffered harmful effects from using various synthetic drug products,” added Representative Lundberg.

 Experts say the long-term physical and psychological effects of the drug are unknown but warn they could be severe.    

The bill will become effective immediately upon the Governor signing the bill.

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(Nashville, TN) March 8, 2012 – Senator Mike Faulk announced today during one of his Student Town Hall meetings that he will not be a candidate for reelection to the State Senate.

“My ailing mother and my business need me more than the Senate needs me. Most folks understand the need to care for a gravely ill parent," Faulk said. "Being at her side is a higher priority of mine than campaigning for reelection for the next 8 months."

In regard to his business, Faulk added: "For the past three years, having time to work in my business after first doing my Senate responsibilities has been a struggle. As a solo attorney, I need to work much, much more over the next four years to keep my business going."

Faulk also noted his term-limits pledge was a part of his decision. "As Candidate Faulk, I told folks I’d serve a term or two. I'll be keeping that promise by becoming Citizen Faulk,” said the Senator.

“Serving in the State Senate has been the highest honor of my lifetime. Every single day I’ve learned something new about the special privilege I’ve been given. I will be eternally grateful for that privilege,” Senator Faulk added.

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(NASHVILLE, TN), March 5, 2012  –   State Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill) today praised the efforts of  the Claiborne County Emergency Management Agency and Director David Breeding in responding to the onslaught of storms and tornadoes that swept through the county on Friday. 

“Our local emergency personnel worked very effectively in responding to the storms on Friday,” said Senator Faulk.  “I want to thank Director Breeding and the members of his team for their rescue efforts after the storms hit.  I also appreciate the cooperation of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), the Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division for their role in responding to the storms. 

The agencies worked with local officials in providing manpower and equipment needed to get to the destroyed homes.  The rescue efforts were assisted by the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team and the American Red Cross.
 
“In disasters like this, our agencies skills are tested and I am pleased to say that they responded beautifully to this storm.  We also see the best of our Tennessee volunteers who come to assist in times like these.  I know many of our citizens affected by the storms are grateful to all who responded in their time of need.”

Faulk said he would be working with state and local officials as the damage is assessed to see if federal relief funds can be tapped for those who suffered damage.

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 (NASHVILLE, TN), February 22, 2012 --   The Tennessee Senate State & Local Government Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill) designed to help Tennessee's growing grape farming industry.  Senate Bill 3552 would improve the market for Tennessee grapes as state experts estimate 90 farms would seek permits authorized upon implementation of the proposed law, with an additional 15 expected to follow each year afterwards.

“Tennessee farmers in the grape-growing business will get a boost when we pass this legislation,” said Senator Faulk.  “It will allow grape growers to add a new dimension of agri-tourism to their farm sales.  It will also boost state and local sales tax revenues.”

The legislation would allow grape farmers to contract with wineries in the state to custom crush the farm’s produce turning it into wine labeled with the farm and winery’s logo. Tennessee wineries currently pay a premium of 240 percent for Tennessee grapes compared to similar grapes from out-of-state.

The measure now heads to the Senate Finance Committee, its last stop before reaching the Senate floor.

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