friday, april 27 news summary

8/2/2019 Friday, April 27 News Summary

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FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

Leadership, strategy changes at TN Technology Development Corp. (N. B

Journal)The Tennessee Technology Development Corp. and s tate government have unveiled a five-year strategic planpush Gov. Bill Haslam's agenda on business innovation. TTDC will become the "lead advocate for the statinnovation agenda," according to a news release from the state's Department of Economic and CommunDevelopment. The new initiative comes as Leslie Wisner-Lynch, TTDCs interim president and CEO , anticipastepping down by May 31 to pursue other opportunities. The state announced the program, dubbed LaunchTas the R epublican governor holds an annual innovation conference in downtown Nashville. The following excerpts from today's announcement:

http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/04/26/haslam-hagerty-launchtn-wisner-l ynch.html

LaunchTN plan to create jobs (Tennessean/McClain)Gov. Bill Haslam and the nonprofit Tennessee Technology Development Corp. touted the potential benefits ofive-year program announced Thursday designed to help rising entrepreneurs create more jobs. The initiatidubbed LaunchTN, anoints the Tennessee Technology Development Corp. as a key advocate for the stagovernments agenda to promote innovation as way to build a workforce of the future. LaunchTN is anotpiece in our plan to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high-quality jobs, Haslam saThis initiative will help set Tennessee apart as a state where entrepreneurship and innovation are valued as keconomic development tools. The program was announced during a two-day Governors Innovation Conferenthat continues today at the War Mem orial Auditorium and the nearby Sheraton hotel.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/BUSINESS01/304270054/LaunchTN-plan-create-jobs?

odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

State leaders announce new economic initiative (Nooga)State leaders announced a new five-year economic initiative called LaunchTN on Thursday. LaunchTNanother piece in our plan to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the S outheast for high-quality jobs, Gov. Haslam said in a prepared statement. This initiative will help set Tennessee apart as a state whentrepreneurship and innovation are valued as key economic development tools in our effort to make our steven more business-friendly. The Tennessee Technology Development Corporation will be the lead advocfor this program.Under LaunchTN, the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation will also develop and begin a nGovernors Fellows Program, which aims to bring together high-profile, successful business people with risentrepreneurs for mentorship opportunities.

http://www.nooga.com/155035/state-leaders-announce-new-economic-initiative/

Domestic violence center helps victims move on with lives (Tennessean/Haas)Charmaine Bradford endured more than a year of the abuse. He controlled her, threatened her. Pushed hchoked her. And she thought she had no w ay out. I felt as though I had no one but the Lord, she said. On A29, 2011, she says the Lord saved her when her boyfriend pulled a 12-gauge shotgun, told her she would neleave him and fired a shot into her face. He racked another shell and fired a second shot into her shoulder as stried to call 911. She collapsed into a bloody heap, able to see her own skin and bone hanging from her bodyGov. Bil l Haslam, who attended the opening, has focused mainly on harsher punishments for repeoffenders with mandatory jail sentences, a measure that is awaiting state senate approval. On Thursday,
http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/04/26/haslam-hagerty-launchtn-wisner-lynch.htmlhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/BUSINESS01/304270054/LaunchTN-plan-create-jobs?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/BUSINESS01/304270054/LaunchTN-plan-create-jobs?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.nooga.com/155035/state-leaders-announce-new-economic-initiative/http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/04/26/haslam-hagerty-launchtn-wisner-lynch.htmlhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/BUSINESS01/304270054/LaunchTN-plan-create-jobs?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/BUSINESS01/304270054/LaunchTN-plan-create-jobs?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.nooga.com/155035/state-leaders-announce-new-economic-initiative/


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acknow ledged after the ceremony that while the state is helping the Family Safety Center with funding to tune of $78 ,000, victims services arent likely to get any more m oney this year. I think obviously were in tlast stages of working out this years budget and so I dont know that therel l be any change this yeaHaslam said. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS01/304270065/Domestic-violence-centerhelps-victims-move-lives

New Resource for Domestic Violence Victims (WREG-TV M emphis)

Many of Gwen Tu rners scars are physical. I have scars I will take to my grave. I have cigarette burns my backside. I have 20 percent of hearing in one ear, Turner said. But Turner said her emotional scars deep.It was not easy to tell somebody Im getting beat for breakfast lunch and dinner, she said. I lived undthis mask for over 20 years. My parents never knew. But eight years ago Gwen went from victimsurvivor. Today she works helping other women at Shelby Countys new Family Safety Center. Its a plawhere victims of family violence can find easy access to all the agencies they need when coming forward a victim of abuse. I want w omen to know you can get out, you can remain beautiful ,and you can makenew life for yourself. So thats the reason the Family Safety Center was so needed, she said. TennessGovernor Bill Haslam w as on hand for the Fam ily Safety Centers grand opening. We rank 5th in the natthat are homicide victims killed at the hands of men and that is why facilities like this one and what we adoing with domestic violence penalties are so important, Haslam said. He promised $78,5000 in Financsupport from the state.http://wreg.com/2012/04/26/new-resource-for-domestic-violence-v ictims/

State tests count more than ever (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Hardy)Standardized tests have put pressure on teachers, school districts and states for years. But this year, somethat pressure is on the backs of Tennessee students. New legislation requires schools to factor test results istudents grades. While its been a long-standing practice for high school students, this is the first year the tehave counted for elementary students, who take assessments in grades four through eight. Educators have trto raise student test scores since the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act and its str ingent benchmarks wimplemented. Now students are sharing some of that burden. Now everybodys involved and everybodys gostake, said K irk Kelly, director of accountability and testing for Hamilton County Schools. Theyve always hapersonal stake, but now its going to impact them in some way. In the past, end-of-course exams have counfor 20 percent of a students grade in each tested course. This year, that percentage increases to 25 percent ostudents second-semester grade when high schoolers take their exams in early May.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/27/state-tests-count-more-ev er/?local

State Assigns More Than 200 Top Teachers to Ease Transition to Standards (TNRThe Tennessee Department of Education is putting the work of the Common Core transition into the handsthose who know best the states top teachers. As Tennessee gears up to implement the Common Core StStandards in grades 3-8 math next school year, more than 200 teachers from across the state will spend thsummer as Core Coaches, helping colleagues in their districts navigate the transition to the rigorous standarThis is an exciting moment for Tennessee as we take the important concepts of the Common Core StStandards directly to classroom teachers where they will have the biggest impact for children, said Emily Bartoassistant commissioner for curriculum and instruction for the Tennessee Department of Education. More th400 teachers applied to be Core Coaches, and the 205 chosen went through a rigorous application process.http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/04/26/state-assigns-more-than-200-top-teachers-to-ease-transition-to-ne w-standards/

Tennessee gets grant for college readiness (Commercial Appeal/Roberts)To help 7th-graders be prepared, stay in Tennessee and six other states have been awa rded competitive grato coach students who typically do not go to college into the ranks. The state received $29.5 million in a Gear grant from the U .S. Department of Education. The money w ill be used over seven years to help 7,500 studentsnext fall's seventh-grade class get to college and stay beyond the first year, according to Troy Grant with tTennessee Higher Education Commission. "We are m apping out the process now for how schools will apply,"said. The announcements will be made in late summer. Other recipients are Arizona, Connecticut, NoCarolina, Nevada, Texas and New Mexico. In Tennessee, schools will be expected to show not only how thwill help students be academically ready for college, but also how they will provide mentors and help with A
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS01/304270065/Domestic-violence-center-helps-victims-move-liveshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS01/304270065/Domestic-violence-center-helps-victims-move-liveshttp://wreg.com/2012/04/26/new-resource-for-domestic-violence-victims/http://wreg.com/2012/04/26/new-resource-for-domestic-violence-victims/http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/27/state-tests-count-more-ever/?localhttp://tnreport.com/blog/2012/04/26/state-assigns-more-than-200-top-teachers-to-ease-transition-to-new-standards/http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/04/26/state-assigns-more-than-200-top-teachers-to-ease-transition-to-new-standards/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS01/304270065/Domestic-violence-center-helps-victims-move-liveshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS01/304270065/Domestic-violence-center-helps-victims-move-liveshttp://wreg.com/2012/04/26/new-resource-for-domestic-violence-victims/http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/27/state-tests-count-more-ever/?localhttp://tnreport.com/blog/2012/04/26/state-assigns-more-than-200-top-teachers-to-ease-transition-to-new-standards/http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/04/26/state-assigns-more-than-200-top-teachers-to-ease-transition-to-new-standards/


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preparation and college applications. To qualify, at least 50 percent of a school's students must qualify for freereduced-price lunches.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/27/tenn-gets-grant-for-college-re adiness/(SUBSCRIPTION)

Governor Signs Saggy Pants Bill (Associated Press)A proposal that would prohibit students from dressing in an "indecent manner" at school has been signed by governor. Gov. Bill Haslam signed the measure this week. The legislation prohibits students from exposi

"underwear or body parts in an indecent manner that disrupts the learning environment." A stricter version of proposal failed to pass the Legislature three years ago. That measure targeted individuals who wear pants belthe waistl ine and imposed a fine of up to $250 and 160 hours of community service. Under the currlegislation, school districts would decide a less severe punishment. The Republican governor earlier this m ocited coverage of the saggy pants bill as an example of what he called the media's failure to pay attentionsubstantive measures.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/27/governor-signs-saggy-pants-bill/

Rogersville woman charged with TennCare fraud (Johnson City Press)A Hawkins County woman has been arrested for TennCare fraud after allegedly "doctor shopping" to acquirpainkiller, using the state's insurance program to pay for the drugs. Lisa Faye Burchfield, 54, of 1712 East MStreet, # C, Rogersville, was arrested Wednesday by the Hawkins County Sheriff's Office. A warrant for harrest was obtained following an her indictment by a g rand jury. A press release from the state says Burchfie

"is accused of fraudulently using TennCare to obtain controlled substances by seeing more than one doctororder to get prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone, and using TennCare to pay for the drugs."http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=99948#ixzz1tElPmWZJ

Rogersville woman charged with doctor shopping (WVLT-TV Knoxville)A 54 year-old Hawkins Co. woman is facing up to two years behind bars after being accused of "docshopping," according to the Office of Inspector General's office. Lisa Faye Burchfield is accused of going frdoctor to doctor to get prescriptions for the painkiller Hydrocodone and using TennC are to pay for the drugs,OIG spokesperson explained. The unauthorized use and abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public heaand criminal threat, Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. We are committed to ensuring TennCbenefits are used properly and we will continue to aggressively go after anyone who is misusing this vprogram. The OIG estimates that since February 2005 it has investigated cases that have led to the over $3

million in restitution and recoupment to TennCare and helped save the program over $173 m illion.http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/Rogersville_woman_charged_with_doctor_shopping_149122955.ml?ref=955

Tick-borne Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases jump in T

(Tennessean/Wilemon)Cases of tick-borne Rocky Mountain spotted fever are up 533 percent this spring compared to the same perlast year, the Tennessee Department of Health said Thursday. The state agency is advising people to take exprecautions when outdoors. A mild winter and a warmer-than-normal March brought out ticks earlier this yeWeve documented 38 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, compared with only six by the same time year, said Abelardo Moncayo, with the agencys division of communicable and enviromental diseas

Symptoms usually appear two to 14 days after a bite from an infected tick. They begin with fever and headacOther symptoms include vomiting, muscle pain, lack of appetite and severe headache. Later-stage symptoinclude rash, abdominal pain, joint pain and diarrhea. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be a severe or evfatal illness if not treated in the first few days of symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease ContrDoxycycline, the first-line treatment, is most effective if started before the fifth day of symptoms. Parents aurged to check children for ticks after they have played outdoors.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS21/304260116/Tick-borne-Rocky-Mountain-spotted-fever-cases-jump-TN?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

TBI to accept unwanted prescription drugs Saturday (City Paper)On Saturday the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will have a collection point at its headquarters for anyo
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/27/tenn-gets-grant-for-college-readiness/http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/27/governor-signs-saggy-pants-bill/http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/27/governor-signs-saggy-pants-bill/http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=99948#ixzz1tElPmWZJhttp://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/Rogersville_woman_charged_with_doctor_shopping_149122955.html?ref=955http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/Rogersville_woman_charged_with_doctor_shopping_149122955.html?ref=955http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS21/304260116/Tick-borne-Rocky-Mountain-spotted-fever-cases-jump-TN?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS21/304260116/Tick-borne-Rocky-Mountain-spotted-fever-cases-jump-TN?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/27/tenn-gets-grant-for-college-readiness/http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/27/governor-signs-saggy-pants-bill/http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=99948#ixzz1tElPmWZJhttp://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/Rogersville_woman_charged_with_doctor_shopping_149122955.html?ref=955http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/Rogersville_woman_charged_with_doctor_shopping_149122955.html?ref=955http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS21/304260116/Tick-borne-Rocky-Mountain-spotted-fever-cases-jump-TN?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS21/304260116/Tick-borne-Rocky-Mountain-spotted-fever-cases-jump-TN?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews


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who wants to properly dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications. As part of tNational Prescription Drug Take-Back Day sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration the free event be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 901 R.S. Gass Blvd. in Nashville. There, the public can anonymously drop unwanted prescription drugs for safe disposal that would otherwise be potentially dangerous if left in a mediccabinet. In October, more than 377,000 pounds of prescription medications were collected nationwide at 5,3take-back sites across the U.S. The take-back initiative is meant to prevent prescription drug diversion and timproper disposal of prescription drugs.http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/tbi-accept-unwanted-prescription-drugs -saturday

Unicoi welcome center to be named for late Rep. Whitson (Johnson City Press)Those close to him and those who worked with him agree that the efforts of the late Zane Whitson weinstrumental in bringing a Tennessee welcome center to Unicoi County. Later this week, the facility that Whitsworked to bring here will officially be nam ed for him. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and tTennessee Department of Transportation have announced that a public rededication ceremony in honorWhitson will be held this Friday at the Unicoi County Welcome Center beginning at 11 a.m. A plaque that reaZane Whitson Welcome Center has been mounted adjacent to the centers main entrance ahead of tceremony. State officials are set to give remarks at Fridays event, but on Tuesday, local officials and fellegislators who worked w ith Whitson, as well as family mem bers, took time to reflect on Whitsons work and man himself. The consensus among them is that the naming of the welcome center in Whitsons honordeserved. I think its very well-deserved, said Don Whitson, Zane Whitsons brother. I think he earned it wwhat he did for the area and fighting for that. He died before it was ever built, but he sure put in a lot of effortit.http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=99916#ixzz1tEljc2kT

House OKs Haslam budget, minus projects (Associated Press)The House on Thursday passed Gov. Bill Haslam's $31.4 billion spending plan after rejecting efforts to restofunding for several programs and to make a greater reduction in the state's sales tax on groceries. The chamvoted 66-30 to pass the bill. It excludes $125,000 for the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, $200,000 in "semoney" to help Somerville plan a higher education facility, and five other projects that are in the Senate versof the budget. The Senate has yet to vote on its version, and the two chambers will have to reconcile differenbefore the measure can head to H aslam for his signature. Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Colliervcalled the disagreement a "misunderstanding" over whether projects are local or regional in nature. "If they doget comfortable that those are significantly important projects, then we'll go to a conference committee," sNorris, R-Collierville. "It's no big deal. Just takes more time. " Haslam in January presented his spendproposal that called for raises for state employees, more spending on construction on college campuses and cu ts on food and esta tes.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/27/house-oks-haslam-budget-minus-projects/(SUB)

TN House passes state budget (Tennessean/Sisk)The state House of Representatives passed the states $30 billion budget Thursday afternoon, after a lengand emotional battle over the fate of a youth prison. House lawmakers approved the 2012-13 budget 66-30almost a party-line vote, with Republicans on the winning end. Approval came after more than 3 hoursdebate, much of it over whether to go ahead with plans to close the Taft Youth Development Center in BledsCounty. The vote clears away a major hurdle to passage of the budget, but an even bigger one still lies aheaUnder pressure from Democrats and rank-and-file Republicans, the House budget leaves out several projects that appear in the Republican-authored Senate version. That could set up another running of the neaannual showdown between the two chambers over which projects get funded and which get left aside in tmeasure that ultimately goes to Gov. Bill Haslam for signature. The House-approved budget by and large follothe plan that Haslam presented in January. The governor called for across-the-board raises for state employethe restoration of $120 million in programs scheduled to be cut and putting $50 million back in the states raiday fund.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS0201/304260125/TN-House-passes-state-budget?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

House OKs Taft closure (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Sher)
http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/tbi-accept-unwanted-prescription-drugs-saturdayhttp://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=99916#ixzz1tEljc2kThttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/27/house-oks-haslam-budget-minus-projects/http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/27/house-oks-haslam-budget-minus-projects/http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/27/house-oks-haslam-budget-minus-projects/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS0201/304260125/TN-House-passes-state-budget?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS0201/304260125/TN-House-passes-state-budget?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/tbi-accept-unwanted-prescription-drugs-saturdayhttp://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=99916#ixzz1tEljc2kThttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/27/house-oks-haslam-budget-minus-projects/http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/27/house-oks-haslam-budget-minus-projects/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS0201/304260125/TN-House-passes-state-budget?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS0201/304260125/TN-House-passes-state-budget?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE


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A budget amendment aimed at blocking Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's closing of Taft Youth DevelopmCenter temporarily threw the House into a tizzy Thursday. But the effort to save Taft eventually failed on a 60vote. The Republican-controlled chamber also defeated several Democratic attempts to change the budget alater approved Haslam's proposed $31.4 billion spending plan on a 66-30 vote. The House version, howevhas ignited a furor in the Senate because it deletes several Senate Republican "pork barrel" projects. SenSpeaker Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, has accused House Republicans of going back on an agreement. Thacomplicating final passage of the 2012-13 budget by the Senate for the time being. Senators adjourned for tday without acting on the budget. Earlier in the House, Rep. Cameron Sexton, R-Crossvil le, pushed amendment restoring nearly $12 m illion in funding for Taft, a 96-bed facility in Pikeville, which em ploys about 1guards, teachers and other personnel. Haslam and Children's Services Commissioner Kathryn O'Day say Tafinefficient, has highest costs per day of the state's five youth development centers and its tough teen residecan be moved to the other four centers.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/27/house-oks-taft-closure/?local

House passes $31 billion state budget, still at odds with Senate (NS/Hum phrey)House Republicans on Thursday soundly defeated a raft of Democratic attempts to revise their plans for stspending of $31.4 billion in the coming year and, by a closer margin, put down a rebellion against closing the TYouth Center. The result was a 66-39 vote for HB 3835, the budget bill submitted by Gov. Bill Haslam. It includvirtually everything that Haslam wanted, along with some additions. The additions, however, are in conflict wSenate plans and leave uncertain the prospects for enactment of the budget in time to adjourn the 107th GeneAssembly this week as leaders had planned. The Senate will take up the budget today. As approvedcommittee, it includes several special projects that the House has axed. The longest debate in the House not the most heated came on an effort led by Rep. Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, to block Haslam's plansclose the facility for juvenile offenders in Bledsoe Cou nty. The governor says it will save taxpayer money to seyoung inmates at the center to other juvenile facilities across the state. Sexton and others argued that the mowill mean laying off about 150 employees who are running a facility that is designed for the "worst of the worjuvenile offenders and, at the same tim e, has the best success rate in rehabilitat ion.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/27/house-passes-31-billion-state-budget-still-at/

TN House, Senate at odds over $31B budget (Nashville Business Journal)Tennessee Senate Speaker Ron R amsey is accusing the House of deal breaking, after House members votednix several Senate-approved projects from the proposed $31 billion state budget, Knoxville News Sentireports. The House Finance Committee approved Wednesday several amendments from House SpeaEmeritus Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington, that nixed funding for local projects several members considered to "pork barrel." In retaliation, Ramsey said the Senate m ay now revisit the budget in search of other so-called loprojects that could be cut including $25 million for the West Tennessee Megasite. "(T)hey want local, wgive them local," Ramsey said in the News Sentinel. With the flare up over the budget, Ramsey said lawmakmay miss their goal of ending the legislative session by Friday.http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/morning_call/2012/04/tn-house-senate-at-odds-over -31b.html

Squabble Over State Spending on Local Projects Slows Down Budget Talks (TNRLegislative bickering over special pork barrel spending amendments to Gov. Bill Haslams proposed $million-plus budget brought progress on Tennessees state government spending plan to a temporary standsWednesday. Budget talks in the House ground to a crawl when Democrats on the chambers Finance Ways aMeans Com mittee began to challenge some of the funding requests made by R epublicans in the Senate. In fahints of what lay in store started to emerge Tuesday evening during a House finance subcommittee meetwhen Democratic Leader Craig Fitzhugh complained that Republicans seemed to be backtracking on their stadesire to avoid doling out greater-than-expected tax-collection revenues on spending projects that dont benthe state as a whole. Fitzhugh groused through his Tw itter account that a lot of additional spending had staraccumulating on the proposed budget that seemed to him geared toward delivering funds to pet projectsRepublican districts:http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/04/26/squabble-over-state-spending-on-local-projects-slows-down-bu dget-talks/

House Members Spar Over Budget Cut to Youth Development Center (WPL
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Radio)Debate on the state budget shuttered to a halt in the House today. The Governors proposed budget would cloTaft Youth Development Center, a maximum security facility in Bledsoe County. The cut upset Democrats arank-and-fi le Republicans. Republican Cameron Sexton tried to add back the funding for the Taft YoDevelopment Center in his district. Democrats and some Republicans voted with Sexton and refused to badown from the House Republican leadership. Finance Chairman Charles Sargent chided the offending membafter two test votes went against him. This may be fun and games to a lot of people. People need to st

studyingwhat theyre doing. Leaving the Taft Center open was favored by juvenile judges and by Tennessee Sheriffs Association. Representative Eddie Bass, a former sheriff, argued that Taft is the best amost secure facility for the worst of the worst inmates of the Childrens Services Department.http://wpln.org/?p=36613

House Republicans defeat accelerating cuts to sales tax on groceries (TFP/Sher)House Republicans today defeated Democrats efforts to accelerate cuts to the states sales tax on groceriThe proposal was tabled on a 62-33 vote. The bill dealt with legislation affecting the state budget. MinorLeader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, earlier argued for the amendment, saying he doesnt think Republican Gov. Haslams plan for reducing the states sales tax on groceries goes far enough. Haslam is proposing to cut the from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent in the budget taking affect July 1. Then, Haslam plans to reduce it anothquarter cent in the 2013-2014 budget. Fitzhughs plan reduces it to 5 percent this year and ultimately down t

percent over the next three years. Fitzhugh said the number of people affected by Haslam and felRepublicans proposals to eliminate the gift tax and phase out the inheritance tax doesnt compare to the million Tennesseans affected by the sales tax on food.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/26/tennessee-house-republicans-defeat-accelerating-cu/?local

House approves procedural bill on municipal school districts (C. Appeal/Locker)The state House of Representatives approved one of two municipal school district bills Thursday night aftevigorous debate that included assertions it will lead to racial re-segregation of schools in Shelby County. T he won Senate approval April 2, but goes back to that chamber for likely approval of a House amendm ent that altits effective date. Also, a House-Senate conference committee agreed Thursday on a separate bill to allreferendums this year in the Memphis suburbs on creating new municipal school districts. It is expected to voted on today. Despite the rhetoric, Senate Bill 2908 as approved Thursday night appears to be a backstoplast year's Norris-Todd law lifting the state's ban on new municipal school districts in August 2013 -- the sa

time specified in Norris-Todd. Although the Senate-approved bill lifts the ban on Jan. 1, 2013, the Houamendment lifts it "from and after the effective date of the transfer of the administration of the schools inspecial school district to the county board of education...."http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/26/tennessee-house-approves-procedural-bill-municipal/(SUB)

AG Selection Measure Falls Short (TN Report)A handful of state Senate Republicans jumped ship and joined ranks with Democrats this week to narrowdefeated a GOP-driven measure to change how the state picks its top lawyer. The proposed constitutioamendment would have stripped away the Supreme Courts power to appoint the attorney general and given ithe governor and the Legislature. The measure fell short by one vote Monday after three Republicans voagainst the bill and another two refused to weigh in. This system, whether you agree with it or dont, h

functioned well, and its not time to amend it, said Sen. Doug Overbey, R-Maryville, who voted against tmeasure. As others have said, if it aint broke, dont fix it, and I respectfully submit thats the best responseproposals that would change our Constitution. The attorney general is too far removed from the people asthe Supreme Court, which handpicks the AG, said Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, the measures sponsor. Tarrangement makes for a conflict of interest any time the attorney general argues before the states highecourt, she said.http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/04/26/ag-selection-measure-falls -short/

Judicial selection plan gets House approval (Associated Press)A proposal to change the Tennessee Constitution to give the legislature power to reject the governoappointments to the state Supreme Court cleared the House on Thursday. The House voted 70-27 in favor of resolution. The Senate passed the m easure 23-8 earlier this week. Under the current Tennessee judi
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selection method, a commission nominates appeals judges and Supreme Court justices, the governor appoithem and voters cast ballots either for or against keeping them on the bench. The resolution would have to again approved by both chambers by a two-thirds majority within the next two-year General Assembly beforcould be put before the voters in 2014.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/27/house-oks-haslam-budget-minus-projects/(SUBSCRIPTION)

Backers of Judge Am endment Expect Fight Over Popular Elections (WPLN)A proposal that would allow legislators to confirm appointed judges is alive for next years General AssembHouse leaders also expect one last try to create a com pletely different system. The House approved RepublicJon Lundbergs proposal for a constitutional amendment. It would allow the governor to appoint, and legislature confirm, appellate judges. To be on the ballot beforeTennessee voters in 2014, the legislature wohave to approve the amendments language again next year. But Representative Lundberg told his colleagthat the he also expects to see a push nex t year for a system that would mandate the direct election of judgewould expect the next session, several bills to be introduced to change the way we do this, right now, electionA bill to enact popular election of appellate judges died of neglect in the House this year. But election of judgesa key rallying point for conservatives, and is expected to be used as an issue in Republican legislative primarthis August.http://wpln.org/?p=365 89

Imitation Drug Bills Headed to Governor (Associated Press)Proposals that increase penalties for making or selling imitation drugs are headed to the governor for signature. Both proposals, which are similar, unanimously passed the Senate on Wednesday. The measurwhich are part of Gov. Bil l Haslam's crime package, were also unanimously approved in the House. Oimitation drug authorities are trying to crack down on is called bath salts. Sponsors say the drug is not markefor ingestion and can be purchased in convenience and tobacco stores. The bills would allow authoritiesdeclare the stores where the drugs are sold as public nuisances.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/27/imitation-drug-bills-headed-to-governor/

Religious Debate in State House Precedes Idling of Anti-All Com ers Bill (WPLN)The state House Thursday night debated how to protect Christian groups from having to follow a university rintended to prevent discrimination. Both sides claimed Jesus Christ was on their side. But the sponsor fina

dropped the bill into parliamentary limbo. Vanderbilt earlier this year told campus organizations they coulddiscriminate when students wanted to join. Christian groups said it kept them for being sure their members aleaders followed the faith. Republican Mark P odys proposed law just told public schools under the statcontrol they couldnt have such a rule. On the House floor Republican Bill Dunn of Knoxville offered amendment to force Vanderbilt a private school to follow the legislatures wishes too. He points out that university receives state-funded scholarship money. Dunn also took a dig at Vanderbilt for exempting greorganizations from the policy. And I think Vanderbilts a perfect example of a place where, We dont really caif we screw the religious organizations, but w ere gonna ma ke sure we take care of our fraternities and sororitbecause that means something to us.http://wpln.org/?p=366 32

State House Poised for Fight Over Vandy Rule (WPLN-Radio Nashville)Vanderbi lt University s controversial a ll-comers rule remains under f ire in Tennessees House

Representatives. The policy says campus groups must include members regardless of their beliefs for exama religious group would have to let atheists join, and be eligible for leadership. The House is poised for a votebar public universities from adopting all-comers rules of their own. Now a proposed add-on would specificatarget Vanderbilt a private school by threatening to cut off money from lottery scholarships. KnoxvRepublican Bill Dunn complains the all-comers rule isnt applied evenly, exempting greek organizatioFraternities and sororities have some power. And they dont want to make certain groups mad, and so theywilling to go ahead and do things that will hurt some little religious organizations. The House hasnt yet approvthe amendment targeting Vanderbilt, but a vote failed to kill it ou tright.http://wpln.org/?p=366 19

Senate OKs Change in Kids Entry Date to Kindergarten (WPLN-Radio Nashville)The state Senate Thursday night passed a proposed law to change the eligibility date for a child to en
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kindergarten. Under the bill, which now goes to the governor for his signature, a child would have to turn 5 yeold by August 31st in order to start kindergarten that fall. Currently children born in September can qualify. NSeptember birthdays will be in the next years class. However, the law change also lets children as young as fenter kindergarten if they score well on a standardized maturity test.http://wpln.org/?p=366 30

Bill Seeks to Get Tennesseans Off Unemployment (Associated Press)A proposal to help Tennesseans get off unemployment and find a job has passed the Senate. The legislatio

called the "Tennessee Works Act," was unanimously approved 33-0 on Wednesday. The companion billawaiting a vote in the House Finance Committee. The bill creates a pilot program to provide employers wgrants to pay for training expenses for recently laid-off workers or workers whose jobs have gone overseas.order to continue receiving the grant funds, employers agree to hire a portion of the employees trained. Tsponsor of the legislation, Democratic Sen. Andy Berke of Chattanooga, says the bill is proof that Republicaand Democrats "can work together to make Tennessee an even better place to work, play and live."http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/27/bill-seeks-to-get-tennesseans-off-unemployment/

Unemployment Overhaul Clears Senate (WPLN-Radio Nashville)The governor could soon sign off on a bil l to overhaul state unemployment compensation. YesterdTennessees Senate passed the measure, which House members had already approved a week ago. Under tbill, people collecting unemployment could lose it for a few reasons if they turn down a job offer to avoid a d

test, for instance. Those whove been out of work for awhile would also have to start looking for jobs that pay lethan their old one.http://wpln.org/?p=366 26

Welfare Drug Testing Bill Passes Senate (Associated Press)A measure to require drug testing as a condition for receiving welfare has passed the Senate. The measusponsored by Republican Sen. Stacey Campfield of Knoxville passed 24-9 Wednesday. The legislation requinew welfare applicants to undergo a special screening process. If suspicion is raised after the screening, ththe applicant would be drug tested. The proposal differs from an original version that would have requirblanket testing. The state's attorney general opined that approach would be unconstitutional because it woviolate applicants' rights not to be drug tested unless there is suspicion they are using drugs.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/27/welfare-drug-testing-bill-passes-senate/

Spinal Injection Rule Nears Passage (WPLN-Radio Nashville)A proposed new law could put a rift between doctors and those considered mid-level providers such as nurpractitioners and physician assistants. The state Senate today approved tighter rules over who can ginjections near a patients spine to treat pain. Some see the issue as a turf fight between doctors and thsurrogates. Lawmakers supporting the measure say mid-level providers might lack proper training for spiinjections. So the bill would require supervision from a physician. Critics argue it will make such treatment harto get in rural areas, because fewer providers will offer it. The measure passed the Senate 20 to 10, and coube up for a vote in the House soon.http://wpln.org/?p=365 85

Portion of Tennessee 385 will be named for Governor Winfield Dunn (C. Appeal)To most, it's known as Nonconnah Parkway. But that's not its name. Or one of its four names. Tennessee 385the eastern semicircle roadway linking the Memphis suburbs -- was given a fourth name Thursday, thanks to

state Senate bill: the Governor Winfield Dunn Parkway. It's in honor of the former Memphis dentist who in 19was elected Tennessee's first Republican governor in 50 years. Which name is correct depends on where yare on the roadway. The stretch from U.S. 51 at Millington to near Arlington is designated as Paul W. BaParkway, named for a prominent M illington and Shelby County business and government leader. The sectbetween I-240 in Southeast M emphis to Collierville is designated as B ill Morris Parkway a fter the former SheCounty mayor and sheriff. It was first known as Nonconnah Parkway. And the portion between U.S. 70 neArlington and U .S. 72 at C ollierville is named for Dunn. Part of the section is still under construction, but stretch between I-40 and Macon Road is open.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/26/portion-tennessee-385-will-be-named-governor-w infi/(SUBSCRIPTION)

Campfield alleges 'crony capitalism' in grants bill (News-Sentinel/Humphrey)
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Sen. Stacey Campfield cast the sole vote against Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to begin giving corporations cagrants for expanding or locating in Tennessee after declaring they could be a step toward "crony capitalism." Tbill (HB2344) was approved by the Senate 29-1 and now goes to the governor for his signature. It was approv96-0 in the House. The "FastTrack" grants would be in addition to tax credits and infrastructure improvementhat no go to companies moving into Tennessee. Campfield, R-Knoxville, defined crony capitalism in a flospeech as "when governments start using taxpayer dollars to gamble with." Couching some of his commentsthe form of questions to the bill's sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of C ollierville, Campficompared the proposal to the national controversy over Solyndra Inc., which received huge federal grants athen went bankrupt. "We (Republicans) all yelled and screamed that was crony capitalism," he said. "Now it's oturn at the trough and we're doing the exact thing with straight cash giveaways."http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/27/legislative-notebook-campfield-alleges-crony-in/

Mallicote kicks off bid to oust Shipley from Tenn. House seat (Times News)Republican Ben Mallicote kicked off his Tennessee 2nd House District campaign Thursday by getting pubsupport from Kingsport Mayor Dennis Phillips and former Alderman Ken Maness. Mallicote, a former Kingspalderman, also attacked his G OP primary opponent two-term incumbent Kingsport Republican state RTony Shipley in front of about 50 supporters at a rally held at the Kingsport Higher Education Center. Manea retired radio executive who also serves as chairman of the Tri-Cities Airport Commission, said the legislatneeds young leaders like Mallicote. Were not as young as we used to be, Maness said. For some reastheres been a vacuum in leadership at different levels. ... Were at a difficult crossroads in our state and ocommunity, and we need young leaders with excitement and ideas. Sullivan County Sheriff Wayne Anderswas also among the supporters wearing a Mallicote for State Representative button. But both Maness aPhillips noted its tough to run against an incumbent. Phillips added Mallicote has been part of the communleadership team moving Kingsport forward.http://www.timesnews.net/article/9045867/mallicote-kicks-off-bid-to-oust-shipley-from-tenn-h ouse-seat

Storm rattles Franklin park (Tennessean/Young, Cook)The storm rushed through in a matter of seconds at Franklins Jim Warren Park on Thursday. Chris Holt was jgetting his wife, Leslie, and their two children into their pickup truck to head home after umpires called off the rof his sons baseball game when the storm came out of nowhere, he said. There was a lot of debris flyiaround. It wasnt really circular at first, but within a matter of seconds, it became more concentrated, intodefined cone, and a m aple tree disintegrated before my eyes, he said. It lasted for about 20 seconds, and thI heard two booms. The boom s, it turned out later, were two vehicles overturning, according to Franklin policemother and her small child were inside one of the two vehicles and suffered minor injuries, said Franklin PolSgt. Charles J. Warner. They were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Eric Stuckey, Franklins administrator, said several other people reported a few scrapes and bruises, but they were not serious enoughwarrant a trip to the hospital. It came with very little warning, he said. There were intense winds, and Im nsure if there was a tornado or straight-line winds or what, but I feel blessed that there wasnt more damagemore injuries than there were. Stuckey said about 200 people were at the baseball fields for Thursday nigames. All four of the fields had games going just before the storm moved through about 7 p.m.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/NEWS01/304270052/Storm-rattles-Franklin-park?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

TN consum ers happier, but fret about what's ahead in 6 months (TN/McClain)MTSU survey shows mixed outlook on U.S., local economy Talk about a split personality, but at least its larga more optimistic one. Middle Tennessee residents appear to be of two minds about the economy, based results of the latest M iddle Tennessee State University survey of consumer attitudes. Overall, consumconfidence is up sharply from January based on a survey of 404 randomly selected residents of DavidsoWilliamson and Rutherford counties done M onday and Tuesday this w eek. And a few m ore people polled stheyre w illing to make major purchases right now -- an upbeat sign that should please retailers hungry for saand government agencies anxious to bring in tax revenue. Here are some numbers: Overall outlook: An index184 based on answers to 11 questions about the U.S., local and personal economic trends. Thats up fromscore of 151 in January and good news. B etter off or not: When asked if the U .S. business conditions wouldbetter in six months, 33 percent said, yes. But thats down from a 36 percent yes response three months aScore th is as mixed resu lts.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/BUSINESS01/304270066/TN-consumers-happier-fret-about-what-s-ahead-6-months?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s
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10/17

Krelstein Out, Winchester In as Commission Changes Redistricting Lawyers (MFThe still unresolved question of how to redistrict the Shelby County Commssion, which has dragged on months and tied commissioners and various county support staffs in knots, has r isen to an even mcomplicated level. Lawyer Ron Kreslstein, the special attorney hired at years end by Shelby County AttornKelly Rayne to represent the County Commission in pending hearings before Chancellor Arnold Goldin, hbeen asked to withdraw. The action came as a result of a vote by the Commission last month insisting t

requirements of the county charter be defended in court. Krelstein had indicated that he intended to make case for acceptance of a single-member redistricting plan, 2-J, on the grounds that it had earned at least sevvotes on three different readings, which is all that state law requires. The county charter, however, specifies tthe final vote be a super-majority, or 9 votes. Hence Krelsteins departure. The new attorney handling tCommissions case is Rick Winchester, who has indicated, in a memorandum to Mark Allen of the couattorneys staff that he will defend the charters stiffer requirements.http://www.memphisflyer.com/JacksonBaker/archives/2012/04/26/krelstein-out-winchester-in-as-count y-commission-changes-redistrict ing

TN freshmen donate to colleagues (Tennessean/Bewley)Tennessees first-term H ouse members are donating thousands of dollars to other freshmen lawmakers, a m opolitical experts say may help them advance up the rungs of party leadership. Republican Rep. S tephen Finc

of Frog Jump has donated more to his fellow freshmen than all but two other first-term lawm akers, accordingdata published Thursday by the Capitol Hill newspaper P olitico. Finchers political action committee, calFunding Republicans Supporting Opportunity and Growth (FROG) Jump PAC, has given $22,500 to freshmsince December, campaign finance records show. Finchers campaign committee contributed an additio$6,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee last year to help fund other Republicans racRepublican Rep. Scott DesJarlais of Jasper ranked sixth in contributions to his fellow freshmen, accordingPolitico. His recently launched PAC, called TN 4U PAC for the 4th District D esJarlais represents, dona$11,000 to first-term Republicans in March. Rep. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, hasnt used her PAC to donateindividual candidates, but she donated $50,000 to the NRC C through her cam paign committee. Federal electrules dont limit how much candidates can contribute to party comm ittees.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS/304260124/TN-freshmen-donate-colleagues?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Alexander pushes funding plan to revive work on Chickamauga lo

(TFP/Flessner)Work on the stalled replacement lock at the Chickamauga Dam in Chattanooga could be revived next yeaCongress adopts a Senate plan to change the way the Army Corps of Engineers funds its inland waterwprojects. But without earmarks to designate funding and without the change in a House-passed budget planstill will require congressional conferees and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to agree to reactivate the stallock project. U.S. Sen. Lam ar Alexander, R-Tenn., said Thursday an alternative method of funding a m ajor coproject on the Ohio River could free up money to revive work on a new and bigger Chickamauga lock. Under new funding formula included in the energy and water funding bill for fiscal 2013, Alexander said the fede

government would assume a bigger share of the ongoing work on the Olm sted Lock and Dam on the Ohio RivThat project is absorbing virtually all of the money in the Inland Waterways T rust Fund, leaving projects like lock replacements at the Chickamauga and Kentucky locks without any money to proceed. "This bill will freean additional $72 million for the construction and maintenance of our nation's locks and dams, many of whhave been long waiting for funding, particularly Chickamauga lock," Alexander said in a statement. "It wunacceptable to me that Chickamauga lock could close because of the failure of the Inland Waterways TrFund, and this is a good first step to better managing the funhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/27/alexander-plan-to-revive-work-on-chickamauga-lock /?businesstnvalley

Scottie Mayfield apologizes after son admits slashing tire (TFP/Carroll)

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Scottie Mayfield apologized to U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann "and to the voters" after his 33-year-old sconfessed to slashing a Fleischmann staffer's tire at a Mayfield campaign event. "I am truly sorry aembarrassed," wrote Mayfield, who's challenging Fleischmann in Tennessee's 3rd Congressional DistRepublican primary. "This kind of activity has no place in campaigns and we are regretful that it happened." TMayfield campaign initially denied having anything to do with the incident, and the well-known dairy executissued a public apology at the same time the Kingston Police Department on Thursday charged his son withmisdemeanor -- two facts Fleischmann campaign spokesman Jordan Powell cited in dismissing ScoMayfield's atonement as "politically motivated." "Is he apologizing because he's sorry or because his son gcaught?" Powell said. Police charged Michael Mayfield with vandalism under $500 after he confessed, officisaid. The incident was caught on video. Mayfield strategist Tomm y Hopper recently promised that the campawould abstain from "political games" and "silly and childish attempts to diminish the other guys" after anotvideo -- "Scottie Mayfield Struggles to Answer Basic Questions" -- anonymously was uploaded to YouTube lweek.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/27/mayfield-apologizes-after-son-admits-slashing -tire/?local

Health Insurers to Pay Rebates (Wall Street Journal)Health insurers are expected to give rebates of more than $1 billion to consumers and employers this yeunder a provision of the federal health overhaul that forces them to offer refunds if they don't spend enoughthe premium dollars they take in on health care. An early picture of the effects of the requirement, one of taspects of the health law that drew the most concern from the insurance industry, is emerging from nanalyses based on estimates that insurers filed w ith state regulators. The nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundatiwhich calculated total rebates at $1.3 billion, says that around $426 million will go to people who bought thown health plans; $541 million will go to large employers; and $377 million to small businesses. In a separanalysis based on the same filings, Goldman Sachs analyst Matthew Borsch estimated the total rebatesaround $1.2 billion. Insurers must tell the federal government this June exactly how much the rebates will be, athey are expected to go out by August. People with individual insurance may get rebates in the form of checksdiscounts against future premiums. Rebates for group p lans are expected to go to the employers, and a sharesupposed to be passed through to employees.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303990604577367783583660086.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1(SUBSCRIPTION)

As Gridlock Persists, States Get Creative in Funding Renewable Energy (StatelinHawaii in recent years has been good to the solar industry, and thats not just because the states geograppromises a steady supply of rays. Aided by a slew of generous tax credits to homeowners and companiincluding up to 35 percent returned to homeowners w ho buy and install solar energy units, solar business on islands is booming. The number of installations of solar energy projects doubled between 2009 and 2010 ahas since continued to grow. Those projects account for some 15 percent of construction spending in the staputting about 2,000 Hawaiians to work. Meanwhile, the cost of manufacturing and installing solar pancontinues to fall, as solar technology slowly gains a foothold in the national energy market. And in a state timports most of its energy, with residents paying several times the national average for oil and natural gas, temergence of a domestic fuel source is good news. But despite those gains, neither solar nor wind power is on equal footing with fossil fuels. And growth in the renewable energy sector could soon fizzle. Amid Hawaongoing budget issues, lawmakers arent sure they can afford to keep offering such generous incentives for sopower. In 2011 alone the state gave up about $40 million in revenue through the tax credit program.

http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/as-washington-gridlock-persists-states-get-creat ive-in-funding-renewable-energy-85899383075

Board of Cash-Strapped TVA Approves Extra $2 Billion for Nuclear Plant(WPLN)The board of the Tennessee Valley Authority spent Thursdays meeting hearing about low power demand atight finances. Then they voted unanimously to spend an additional $2 billion completing a nuclear reactorSpring City. TVAs management described to the board a diet program to get through what they call a roupatch. Mild weather has led to lower electricity sales, which is good for consumers but bad for TVAs bottline. To conserve cash, the agency is scaling back some of its construction projects, but not Watts Bar UnitEven though it is wildly over budget, TVA board chairman Bill Sansom sees a prudent investment. And he sahes a little puzzled why he and fellow board members thought it could be done for $2.5 billion originally. Wmissed the mark to start with. We recognized it and I think weve fixed it. You can comment on the m oney all y

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want to and I know it is big money but its still a good project for TVA to do. Opponents to moving forwawith Watts Bar asked the board to consider solar and natural gas instead. But Sansom says TVA needs monuclear power to balance its energy mix and help weather cost fluctuations of any on e source.http://wpln.org/?p=36580

Former TVA Chairman calls for end to nuclear building program (TFP/Sohn)TVA, under fire for nuclear construction overruns, is on a road to having its first ever net loss year, its board w

told Thursday. "TVA expects to end fiscal year 2012 w ith revenues between $500 m illion and $600 million beplan," Chief Financial Officer John Thomas said, blaming unusually mild weather and a slowly recovereconomy for sluggish power sales. In addition, the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the utilitpresident and CEO were put on the defensive by public criticism of its $2 billion cost overrun on the Watts BUnit 2 reactor and its "nuclear addicted" management. S. David Freeman, a former TVA board chairmimplored the agency "to just stop" its nuclear building program because it is too costly. And at least two membof the public called for CEO Tom Kilgore to be replaced as the utility took criticism for Watts Bar, tree cuttinew recreation fees, energy policies and safety concerns. But the board voted unanimously to continue with completion of the second Watts Bar Nuclear Plant reactor, despite the delays and cost overruns. BoChairman Bill Sansom defended the nuclear construction, a much criticized right-of-way tree-cutting prograincreased recreational fees and Tom Kilgore.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/27/former-chairman-s-david-freeman-blasts-tva/?l ocal

Former TVA Chair Pleads with Board to Walk Away from Nuclear Again (WPLN)A former chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority says the federal utility has had a love affair with nuclpower that should end. David Freeman addressed the board at its meeting Thursday morning. The 86-year-Freeman says TVA still feels compelled to be the countrys leader in nuclear power. But he says thats not in interest of its 9 million rate payers. Just recognize that there is an influence on you here that is not business-liand I know it. I felt it when I was on the board. Freeman was appointed to head the TVA board by PresidJimmy Carter, and ultimately oversaw the scrapping of plans for a fleet of reactors that would have been tcountrys largest. TVA has since restarted work on a few, including Watts Bar Unit 2, which is a couple billdollars over-budget. Freeman says TVA should instead consider more natural gas plants, solar power aenergy efficiency.http://wpln.org/?p=365 76

Asurion to Add 500 Jobs Downtown (WPLN-Radio Nashville)Assurion, which already has a staff of 2,400 in Tennessee, says it will add more jobs in in downtown NashviThe cell phone insurer moved its headquarters to Nashville from California in 2003, setting up shopGrassmere Park, near the Nashville Zoo. In announcing the additional jobs Monday, Asurion officials say tcompany will keep its headquarters at that location, while opening what it calls a technology products officethe SoBro area of downtown, with more than 500 new employees. The company will move into the old RaglaBuilding, which originally housed a wholesale grocery distribution business. In a statement, Mayor Karl Desays Asurions growth downtown reflects a positive impact from construction of the nearby Music City Center athe extension of Korean Veterans Boulevard. Asurion also operates two technology and logistics centersSmyrna.http://wpln.org/?p=365 83

Asurion bringing 500 jobs to downtown (Nashville Post)Mayor Karl Dean and Asurion CEO Sean McKinless held a joint press conference Thursday morning in SoBrRagland Building announcing that the company plans to bring jobs to downtown. Asurion will lease the 92,00square-foot building. Housed there will be what were described as 500 hi-tech professionals. AccordingMcKinless, these positions will include positions such as management and coders, among others. TGrassmere-based company will both migrate some positions from the company's other offices in town as wellbring in new positions as well. Asked about the breakdown between migrations and new hires, McKinless toreporters that plans were still being formulated. The expansion comes following a 2010 announcement whAsurion unveiled a five-year plan to keep the company's headquarters in Nashville as well as add 500 jobs othe, at the time, next five years. According to McKinless, the company is trending ahead of that projection, havalready added 200 jobs since the announcem ent.http://nashvillepost.com/news/2012/4/25/update_asurion_bringing_500_jobs_to_downtown

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Erlanger begins search for CEO (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Martin)Erlanger trustees approved resolutions to establish a search comm ittee for a new CEO and hire a consultteam to address operational improvements during their monthly meeting Thursday evening. Neither resolutincluded an estimated cost. The public hospital has had a difficult financial year, losing $17 million in the last nmonths. It expects to lose more money in April. Former CEO Jim Brexler resigned in December, and CharleseWoodard-Thompson has served as interim CEO. Dr. Phyllis Miller, who will lead the search committee, sa

board members had hoped the hospital would be on better financial footing before they began their search fonew CEO but realize the need to move ahead. Weve been working behind the scenes for three to four monnow and hope to have our first meeting next week, Miller said. The search committee will have eight or nmembers recommended by Miller and appointed by Board Chairman Ron Loving who will come from board, medical staff and academic staff associated with the University of Tennessee College of MedicineChattanooga.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/27/erlanger-begins-search-ce o/?local

County moves closer to selecting architect for school (Times Free-Press/Haman)With one new elementary school already under way, Hamilton County Superintendent Rick Smith took a mastep Thursday toward beginning another one to replace East Brainerd Elementary School. A majority of councommissioners signaled that they'll vote officially next week to form a committee to pick an architect to design

school. Commissioners Chester Bankston, Greg Beck, Tim Boyd, Jim Fields and Larry Henry said they suppselecting an architect. Gary Waters, who oversees facilities for the school system, said school administratwant to bring in an architect to recommend which buildings to replace or keep at the 20-acre site of the formDavid Brainerd School on Igou Gap Road. More than 700 students are enrolled on both campuses of EBrainerd Elementary, and Smith said he expects more growth. "We are seeing significant growth in the eastepart of the county," Smith said. "We feel confident a second school is necessary." The site, which the coupurchased last March for about $3.4 million, houses East Brainerd Elementary's fourth and fifth grades. Mosthe site's buildings are less than 10 years old, and some commissioners think there are more pressing couneeds than replacing relatively new buildings.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/27/county-moves-closer-to-selecting-architect -for/?local

Knoxville Chamber backs education spending plan (News-Sentinel/Flory)Proposal would require tax increase Knoxville's business establishment has lined up squarely behind an efforboost education spending. The board of the Knoxville Cham ber voted Thursday to support an education budproposal that would likely require a tax increase. The Knox County school system is seeking a budget increaof $48 million which includes a $35 million boost above the natural revenue growth that would enhaninstructional technology, add instructional time, expand performance pay for teachers and fund capimprovements, among other things. The plan is controversial because it would likely require a tax increase, aKnox County Mayor Tim Burchett has said he won't approve the request, although the mayor supports the $million in natural revenue growth. School Superintendent Jim McIntyre told the Chamber board on Thursday tthe initiative was a bold proposal, but not a "break-the-bank" proposal. He said the plan envisions providingdigital device to all of the school system's students, and is an important investment in the future of the counchildren.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/27/knoxville-chamber-backs-education-spending-plan/

Panel hears plan to close 21 Memphis schools (Comm ercial Appeal/Kelley)The Transition Planning Commission stepped carefully into the thorny thicket of school closings at its reguweekly meeting Thursday. Reviewing a proposed recommendation from its Logistics Comm ittee -- closing unidentified 10 elementary, seven middle and four high schools in northwest and southwest Memphismembers of the commission planning the transition to a consolidated county school system recognized that process would be painful but it would help the district stay within its anticipated budget of $1.23 billion. No formvote was taken on the proposed recommendation, which, if ultimately approved by the TPC, would go to unified school board in late June as part of the commission's first draft of its overall plan. TPC chairwomBarbara Prescott praised the Logistics Committee, headed by Richard H olden, for taking on the weighty apolitically explosive task of finding ways to cut the new school district's costs so that investments could be m a

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in a new "world-class educational system." School closing decisions, under the proposed policy, would be bason a school's population com pared to its capacity, its academic performance, the condition of the building andproximity to schools that would receive the displaced students.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/26/panel-hears-plan-close-21-memphis-schools/(SUB)

Ambitious Educators (Memphis Flyer)KIPP Memphis, which currently educates 500 students in grades five through nine at two schools, has embark

on an ambitious expansion plan that will include opening 10 collegiate schools educating roughly 4,500 studein North and South Memphis by 2016. Were currently operating two schools, and we definitely felt like wneeded to broaden our impact based on the need here in Memphis, said KIPP Memphis executive direcJamal McCall. KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) currently operates a middle and high school, and in lsummer w ill open a second middle school as well as its first elementary school, with new schools slated to opat the start of each school year through 2016. When the expansion is complete, KIPP will have two elementatwo middle and one high school in North Memphis, each with a counterpart in South Memphis. KIPP is apartnering with Porter-Leath a Memphis nonprofit organization serving at-risk children and fam ilies to opepreschool inside KIPPs collegiate middle school at 230 Henry Ave. Porter-Leath employees, who will prepa100 4-year-olds for kindergarten, will staff the preschool, slated to open in August.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/27/ambitious-educators/

Charter school officials try again (Jackson Sun)Connections Preparatory Academ y officials arent wasting any time reapplying to open a public charter schooJackson-Madison County and have already resubmitted a letter of intent to apply one week after the state uphthe local boards decision to reject their application. The state m ust receive letters of intent by Aug. 2. Accordto the letter, Connections officials are proposing to open the school in the 2013-14 school year. Bochairwoman Helen Owens said supporters of the school planned to continue the process of seeking approvaopen the school. Last year, Jackson-Madison County Schools administrators, including Superintendent BudWhite, reviewed Connections application and recommended that the local school board deny the applicatbecause they argued the charter school would create financial hardship for the district. White also questioned tacademics, finances and structure of the proposed school. White and his team gave the application a score20.6 out of a possible 100 points.http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120427/NEWS01/304270015/Charter-school-officials-try-again

Police arrest 10 in meth probe (Jackson Sun)Drug agents have arrested 10 people and are searching for one person in a pseudoephedrine diversoperation that was performed W ednesday in cooperation with local pharmacies. The operation, conducted by Jackson-Madison County Metro Narcotics Un it, targeted people purchasing pseudoephedrine for the purposemanufacturing methamphetamine, according to a news release. Pseudoephedrine is the primary ingredientdecongestant cold medicines that have to be purchased through a pharmacy and not over-the-counter. It is athe most common essential precursor chemical used in the manufacture of meth, a schedule II controlsubstance, the release said. The release said cases were developed against eight of those arrested on chargof promotion of meth manufacture, which is a class D felony, and the other three were arrested on chargesdrug or paraphernalia possession. In addition to the pseudoephedrine products, amounts of meth, m orphine adrug paraphernalia were recovered in the investigation. Investigators are seeking Tracey Lee Chambregarding this investigation. She is a 29-year-old white female with blonde hair and blue eyes. Chamblissapproximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 125 pounds.http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120427/NEWS01/304270013/Police-arrest-10-meth-probe

Florida: State Worker Drug Tests Struck Down in Florida (USA Today)A federal court in Miami ruled Thursday that Gov. Rick Scotts order to randomly test a majority of staemployees for drugs is unconstitutional, saying there is not a compelling enough reason to do so. In her ruliFederal District Judge Ursula Ungaro said the governors policy constituted an unreasonable search and seizand must be stopped. Last March, Mr. Scott, a former health care executive, ordered random drug testing about 80,000 state employees who work for the 15 agencies that report to him. He suspended the testing in Jubecause of the lawsuit. Judge Ungaro said Mr. Scott had overreached in his executive order because there wno evidence of a large-scale problem and no urgent reason to mandate drug tests. The governors drug testrequirement does not identify a concrete danger that must be addressed by suspicionless drug-testing of st

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employees, Judge Ungaro wrote. And the governor shows no evidence of a drug-use problem at the coveragencies. Mr. Scott objected to the ruling on Thursday. Testing workers for drugs, he said, is reasonable apractical.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/27/us/court-rules-florida-governors-drug-testing-order-unconstitutiona l.html?ref=todayspaper(SUBSCRIPTION)

OPINION

Bill Hagerty: Entrepreneurs will flourish under new state programs (Tennessean)In Tennessee, we have a long, proud heritage of entrepreneurism. Entrepreneurs are the true job creators; tlifeblood of Tennessees economy and critical to the nations long-range success. Companies like FedeExpress, Hospital Corporation of America, Petsafe, Dollar General and Autozone demonstrate the abilityTennesseans to create enormous entrepreneurial value. These companies have changed the courseAmerican business. Under Gov. Bill Haslam, our department added an entrepreneurism agenda to our economdevelopment mission. More than 86 percent of all jobs in Tennessee are created by existing Tennessbusinesses. We must keep that pipeline of native companies full with start-ups that may be the next FedExHCA. The headroom created by our departments record-breaking job-creation numbers in 2011 freed up resources to address that challenge. Key pieces of our agenda to spur greater entrepreneurism in Tennessare beginning to make a difference.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120427/OPINION03/304270035/Entrepreneurs-will-flourish-under-new-state-programs?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Editorial: Tougher laws for domestic abusers long overdue (Jackson Sun)According to national crime reports, Tennessee ranks second in the nation in domestic violence and fifth in tnation in the number of women m urdered by men as the result of domestic violence. One would think it would relatively easy to pass tougher domestic violence criminal penalties in Tennessee. But that is not the casFortunately, Gov. Bill Haslams administration helped negotiate a compromise on proposed domestic violenlegislation that led to its passage this week. Given the states grim reputation for domestic violence, and all typof criminal violence, Haslam included tougher criminal penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders in 2012 legislative anti-crime package. It called for significant increases in fines and jail time for repeat domesabusers. Who could argue against that? It turns out that many lawmakers and local officials opposed tproposal because of the increased cost to local jails for housing the abusers. What seem ed to matter most in tsituation was the cost of running local jails, not the safety of Tennessees women.http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120427/OPINION/304270001/Our-View-Tougher-laws-domestic-abuserslong-overdue

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Editorial: Help for vets facing charges (Commercial Appeal)Creating a Veterans Court: There may be other ways to help veterans charged with crimes beyond creatinspecial court for them. Military veterans who undergo the stress of repeated combat can leave service wmental health issues. It's estimated that some 20 percent of combat veterans, researchers said, suffer from potraumatic stress disorder. Others suffer varying degrees of brain damage resulting from combat injuries. Thoconditions can manifest themselves in dom estic violence, assaults, alcohol and d rug abuse, or worse. It's in tcontext that a coalition of veterans and their advocates is seeking $100,000 from Shelby County to creat

special Veterans Court program to help former warriors who are facing criminal charges. The money would used to fund the salaries of a full-time staffer and a part-time staffer for one year. After that, organizers hopeget grants or state appropriations. General Sessions Criminal Court Judge Bill Anderson, who supports tconcept, would handle all the veterans' cases in addition to other duties. Supporters said the court would nota get-out-of-jail-free card, but would serve as a way to more efficiently funnel needed services to the vets. Thowho fight for our country deserve all the thanks, consideration and care we and the government can give. Bwith the smorgasbord of veteran and support services available to veterans, it seems reasonable to questwhether a special veterans court also is needed.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/27/editorials-help-for-vets-facing- charges/(SUBSCRIPTION)

Pam Strickland: Lawmakers avoid the important matters (News-Sentinel)If all goes well, and well is certainly in the eye of the beholder, the Tennessee Legislature will be wrapping up

2012 session and heading home this week. Yet for most of time its members have been in Nashville jabberthis year, it seems they've been dealing more with fantasy than they have reality. That sense has truly bedriven home by some stark headlines about Tennessee realities in the last few weeks. It started with Forbearlier this month with "The Most Unfair Cities to be a Working Woman: Gender Pay Gap by the NumberWritten by staff reporter M eghan Casserly, the ForbesWoman story had analyzed data from the Am ericCommunity Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, using the earnings for full-time, year-round female workersranked Knoxville as the city with the third-widest gender wage gap in the country. Other cities in the Top 10 aNo. 1, Stamford, Conn.; No. 4, Baton Rouge, La.; and No. 7, Tulsa, Okla. One of the factors considered weducation. Then earlier this week, News Sentinel health reporter Kristi L. Nelson came back from last weeAssociation of Health Care Journalists national conference in Atlanta with a story headlined: "Report shows between money, education and life expectancy: Some Tennessee counties like Third World."http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/27/pam-strickland-lawmakers-avoid-the-important/

Editorial: Transparent governm ent has no price (Daily News Journal)The intent of government should be to provide as much public notice as possible about government meetingsnot to save money. By turning its legal ads and public notices into a financial issue six years ago, RutherfoCounty government put itself in a precarious situation. County Mayor Ernest Burgess acknowledged this wethat the county de

friday, april 27 news summary

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