thursday, april 26 news summary

8/2/2019 Thursday, April 26 News Summary

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THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012

Governor's Innovation Conference reflects new era for TN startu

(TN/Underwood)If your neighborhood coffee shop lacks a few of its regular faces this morning, you can probably thank (or blamthe inaugural Governors Innovation Conference, a two-day venture capitalist and entrepreneur schmooze-fthat starts today in downtown Nashville. Actually, the term inaugural is a bit of a curveball. This will be fourth such conference hosted by the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation, a nonprofit organizatcreated in 1998 by legislative fiat to broker economic ties between educational institutions, startups ainvestors. Officially, the nam e change reflects this years involvement by G ov. Bill Haslam, who will speak at events keynote today. Unofficially, the new name serves as the latest signal of the growing importance

startups as well as the companies that fund them to the states economic future. Im pleased with tincreasing emphasis on the need for robust innovation-focused economic development initiatives in our statsaid Leslie Wisner-Lynch, president and CEO of the TTDhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/COLUMNIST03/304260064/Governor-s-Innovation-Conference-reflects-new-era-TN-startups?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|N ews|s

Haslam's Spending Plan Headed to Senate Floor (Associated Press)Gov. Bill Haslam's more than $31 billion spending proposal is headed for a vote on the Senate floor. Membersthe Senate Finance Comm ittee approved the plan 10-0 Tuesday night. It's expected to be voted on W ednesdThe plan seeks to phase out Tennessee's inheritance tax and lower the state's sales tax on groceries. Tinheritance tax currently applies to estates worth more than $1 million, and was paid by 845 estates in the lbudget year. Haslam's plan would bump that exemption up to $1.25 m illion next year and to $5 million by 20

The sales tax on food would be cut from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent. The proposal also calls for raises for stemployees and more spending on construction on college campuses.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/26/haslams-spending-plan-headed-to-senate-floor/

Penalties stiffened for domestic violence (Comm ercial Appeal/Locker)The state Senate gave final legislative approval Wednesday to a bill enhancing penalties for repeat domestviolence offenders. The bill was part of Gov. Bill Haslam's anti-crime legislative package and his administrathelped draft a compromise that led to its passage, so he will sign it into law later. SB 2251 provides at least days in jail and a fine ranging from $350 to $3,500 for those convicted of a second offense of violence involvinfamily member when bodily injury occurs. For third and subsequent convictions, the mandatory jail t iincreases to 90 days and a fine ranging from $1,100 to $5,000. "Tennessee is ranked second in the nationdomestic violence and is fifth in the number of women murdered by men as a result of domestic violence. T

legislation will help curb this despicable and ugly crime," said Sen. Doug Overbey, R-Maryville, its sponsor.co-sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said 52 percent of violent crimes reportedTennessee involve domestic violence.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/26/tennessee-legislative-briefs/(SUBSCRIPTION)

Senate approves increases in penalties for domestic assault (TFP/Sher)State senators took final action today on G ov. Bill Haslams proposed increases in penalties for repeat offendof domestic assault. The bill, part of Haslams anti-crime package, was approved on a 33-0 vote and is nheaded to the governor for his signature. It passed the House last week on a 97-1 vote. The legislation boojai l time and fines on second and subsequent conv ictions for domestic assault, imposing a mandatory 30-d
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/COLUMNIST03/304260064/Governor-s-Innovation-Conference-reflects-new-era-TN-startups?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/COLUMNIST03/304260064/Governor-s-Innovation-Conference-reflects-new-era-TN-startups?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/26/haslams-spending-plan-headed-to-senate-floor/http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/26/tennessee-legislative-briefs/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/COLUMNIST03/304260064/Governor-s-Innovation-Conference-reflects-new-era-TN-startups?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/COLUMNIST03/304260064/Governor-s-Innovation-Conference-reflects-new-era-TN-startups?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cshttp://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/26/haslams-spending-plan-headed-to-senate-floor/http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/26/tennessee-legislative-briefs/


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minimum sentence for second offenders in domestic assault cases and mandatory 90-day minimums for thand subsequent convictions. The bill originally was estimated to cost local jails about $8 million annually, whcaused local governments and their supporters to protest about unfunded mandates. But the legislation wamended to decrease jail time.http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/25/tennessee-senate-approves-increases-penalties-dome/?breakingnews

TN Senate passes drug-testing, domestic violence bills (Tennessean/Wilson)

As part of marathon end-of-session meetings Wednesday, the Senate passed separate bills requiring selpeople to take drugs tests as a condition for receiving welfare and elevating penalties for repeat domesoffenders. The drug testing bill must still pass the full House and its Finance committee, while the domesviolence legislation has passed in the H ouse and is headed to the governors desk. The drug testing legislatiwhich passed 24-9, would require those receiving benefits and suspected of drug use after a screening proceto take a drug test as a condition of receiving welfare benefits. After two or more failed tests and an attemptrehabilitation, these people would be temporarily ineligible for benefits for as long as one year. The legislatioriginally required all adult welfare recipients to take a drug test as a condition to gain unemployment benefThe legislation eventually was amended after constitutional issues were raised by multiple parties. Despite tchanges, Sen. Stacey Campfield, R-Knoxville, the bills sponsor, was still overwhelmed by what he called major legislative victory of the year. This has been one of those issues that has been around for so lonCampfield said. To finally hopefully get it out of the Senate and hopefully pass it into law is very due. This is oof the things I came to the Senate to do.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS0201/304260034/TN-Senate-passes-drug-testing-domestviolence-bills?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|N ews

Haslam signs civil service reform bill into law (Nooga)In a ceremony outside the state capital Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Bill Haslam signed legislation aimedreforming Tennessee's civil services into law. The bill, called the Tennessee Excellence, Accountability aManagement, or TEAM, Act, is designed to provide more flexibility for state agencies in the selection, retentand termination of government employees. Along with streamlining the process for hiring, retention and firing, bill allows for merit raises and pay decreases for both high- and low-performing workers. In a news releaHaslam said the bill was part of his efforts to build a "top-notch" workforce for Tennessee's future. "For decademployment decisions in state government have been based solely on seniority with job performance nevbeing considered, and employees have either received modest, across-the-board pay increases or nothingall," Haslam said. "No one has been able to convince me that is a good w ay to manage our employees and seour taxpayers. We have to do better."http://www.nooga.com/155005/haslam-signs-civil-service-reform-b ill-into-law/

Tennessee to business community: Innovate (Memphis Business Journal)Bill Hagerty, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, recencited a statistic he wants to help change. Tennessee is among the top 10 states nationally for research adevelopment expenditure, but among the worst in the country when it comes to related output. "Where wefocusing on now is sowing the seeds of long term growth and opportunity," he said in a recent interview with MBJ affiliate publication Nashville Business Journal. "That has a long-term horizon, it requires patience andrequires a clear plan." It's a major focus not only for the state department responsible for maintaining aattracting jobs to Tennessee but also top of mind for R epublican Gov. Bill Haslam, who will give the key naddress later this week at the annual Governor's Conference for Innovation. The annual meeting of minds, on by the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation, a quasi-governmental agency that administers investments in the INCITE co-investment fund, is aimed at helping shape the state's economic future throuvarious input as well as investor pitches and interactions with Tennessees investment community.http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2012/04/25/tennessee-to-business-community.html

Haslam 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 exposiunderwear or body parts in an indecent m anner that disrupts the learning environment. A stricter version of proposal failed to pass the legislature three years ago. That m easure targeted individuals who wear pants bel
http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/25/tennessee-senate-approves-increases-penalties-dome/?breakingnewshttp://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/25/tennessee-senate-approves-increases-penalties-dome/?breakingnewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS0201/304260034/TN-Senate-passes-drug-testing-domestic-violence-bills?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS0201/304260034/TN-Senate-passes-drug-testing-domestic-violence-bills?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.nooga.com/155005/haslam-signs-civil-service-reform-bill-into-law/http://www.nooga.com/155005/haslam-signs-civil-service-reform-bill-into-law/http://www.nooga.com/155005/haslam-signs-civil-service-reform-bill-into-law/http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2012/04/25/tennessee-to-business-community.htmlhttp://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/25/tennessee-senate-approves-increases-penalties-dome/?breakingnewshttp://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/25/tennessee-senate-approves-increases-penalties-dome/?breakingnewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS0201/304260034/TN-Senate-passes-drug-testing-domestic-violence-bills?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS0201/304260034/TN-Senate-passes-drug-testing-domestic-violence-bills?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.nooga.com/155005/haslam-signs-civil-service-reform-bill-into-law/http://www.nooga.com/155005/haslam-signs-civil-service-reform-bill-into-law/http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2012/04/25/tennessee-to-business-community.html


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the waist-l 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.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS0201/304260068/Haslam-signs-saggy-pants-bill

Lipscomb, Nashville State team up for dual enrollment program (City Paper)Lipscomb University announced a dual admission program with Nashville State Community College Tuesdmarking the first private school-community college program in the state. The program allows students

Nashville State to apply for the program and be admitted to Lipscomb upon completion of an associates degrWith the student being enrolled in both places, it allows us to monitor the students academic progress togetto help ensure they are on track to continue their education after they complete their associates degreeNashville State, said Aaron Burtch, director of transfer recruiting at Lipscomb, in a press release. We amaking a concerted effort to make the transition as smooth as possible for the student. According to a Lipsconews release, the program began taking applications in the fall and has admitted two students so far. MidTennessee State University announced a similar dual admission plan with Nashville State in March.http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/lipscomb-nashville-state-team-dual-enrollmen t-program

Old Tenn. newspapers now online at state archives (Associated Press)More than 60,000 pages of Tennessee newspapers dating from 1850 to 1876 are now online at the TennessState Library and Archives. Through a project called Ch ronicling America, selected papers from cities and tow

across the state are being converted to digital format and made available for free searching online. DozensTennessee newspaper titles have been scanned, indexed and posted on the Internet, with focus on the Civil Wera. It's through a partnership with the Library of Congress, the National Endowment for the Hum anities and University of Tennessee. The site is http://www.tn.gov/tsla/resources/index.htm .http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/26/old-tenn-newspapers-now-online-at-state-archives/

Shelby Farms Park officials raise objections to proposed parkway (CA/Charlier)A Memphis road project that has been a source of disagreement since Richard Nixon was president is aggenerating objections. The group operating Shelby Farms Park has sent a letter to the Tennessee DepartmenTransportation saying it "cannot at this time agree" that the design of the proposed Shelby Farms Parkway wcause only minimal harm to the 4,500-acre park. In response to the Supplemental Final Environmental ImpStatement for the road, the Shelby Farms Park C onservancy said the project could disrupt access into the p

and "connectivity" within it. The group also objects to tractor-trailers using the road, and it questions whether project will harm the source of Memphis' drinking water and create an increased flood risk. The group sentletter in advance of the conclusion today of a public-comment period on the environmental documeConservancy executive director Laura Adams said the letter is not an attempt to further delay the project, buget assurances that the road won't harm the park. "We still have some very serious questions that have not been answered," Adam s said.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/25/25parkwayweb/(SUBSCRIPTION)

TN judge won't hear cases until DUI charge is resolved (Tennessean/Gang)A Court of C riminal Appeals judge charged with drunken driving will not hear any cases pending the outcomehis criminal case, the courts presiding judge said W ednesday. Given that he has been charged in Knoxville wdriving under the influence of an intoxicant, Judge Jerry L. Smith has requested, and I have agreed, that he

not hear or be assigned any cases coming before the Court of Criminal Appeals pending resolution of charge, Presiding Judge Joseph M . Tipton said in a statement. Although the Tennessee Supreme Courts Coof Judicial Conduct states that judges shall respect and comply with the law, nothing in the rules precludthem from hearing cases when facing a misdemeanor charge. That decision would have been up to Tipton, coofficials said. Smith, 58, was on Cumberland Avenue in Knoxville about 11:40 p.m. Monday when a Knoxvpolice sergeant spotted his 2010 Subaru Forester with its rear hatch open and a piece of luggage about to fout, court records show. Sm ith had a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech and was unable to perform standfield sobriety tests, records say. He refused a blood alcohol test, according to court records. The judge facfirst-offense driving under the influence and implied consent violation charges, both misdemeanors.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS03/304260029/TN-judge-won-t-hear-cases-until-DUI-charge-resolved?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|N ews
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS0201/304260068/Haslam-signs-saggy-pants-billhttp://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/lipscomb-nashville-state-team-dual-enrollment-programhttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/26/old-tenn-newspapers-now-online-at-state-archives/http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/25/25parkwayweb/http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/25/25parkwayweb/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS03/304260029/TN-judge-won-t-hear-cases-until-DUI-charge-resolved?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS03/304260029/TN-judge-won-t-hear-cases-until-DUI-charge-resolved?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS0201/304260068/Haslam-signs-saggy-pants-billhttp://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/lipscomb-nashville-state-team-dual-enrollment-programhttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/26/old-tenn-newspapers-now-online-at-state-archives/http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/25/25parkwayweb/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS03/304260029/TN-judge-won-t-hear-cases-until-DUI-charge-resolved?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS03/304260029/TN-judge-won-t-hear-cases-until-DUI-charge-resolved?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews


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Loser Pays Rule for Lawsuits Passes State Senate (WPLN-Radio Nashville)State senators signed off today on a bil l to punish someone who brings a lawsuit that gets dismissed groundless. The proposal would force the loser to pay the other sides attorneys fees and court costs, up to $thousand. Backers say the measure will cut down on pointless lawsuits. But opponents have complained it coscare people away from suing, even if they have a valid case. A few Democrats also argued it could add mowork for some judges. They might want to throw a case out, but end up taking it just to keep from punishisomeone. The measure passed the Senate 17 to 12, with two Republican mem bers who are also lawyers join

Democrats in opposition. The measure now heads back to the state House to approve minor Senate changes.http://wpln.org/?p=365 27

Budget Deadlock Resolved GOPs Local Projects Cut Back (WPLN-Radio NashThe state budget is back on track after being put on hold for three hours Wednesday while House Republicaand Democrats negotiated out some local projects sometimes called pork barrel projects- that the Senhad slipped in. Former House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh asked the House Finance Committee to kill five projeadded by the Senate. After some Republicans voted with the minority Democrats, GOP leaders shut down committee and took the issue behind closed doors. They emerged late Wednesday afternoon and stripped othe controversial amendments. House D emocratic Leader Craig Fitzhugh said Democrats brought the motionskill the projects because a gentlemans agreement had fallen through. They were brought because of what

understood to be an agreement between the houseswas that we, you know, there werent going to be alocal projects. Now, that is not to say those local projects were not worthy. Several of the projects could thought of as regional, not local. House Republican Leader Gerald McCorm ick agreed, even as he read the lisdead projects. He regretted one in a state park.http://wpln.org/?p=365 53

TN budget delayed by bickering over pet projects (Tennessean/Cass)State budget dispute appears to be tied more to principle than actual money Final votes on the states $31 bilbudget were put off Wednesday after a revolt by some Republican House members over spending on pprojects by their counterparts in the Senate. Tennessee lawm akers delayed floor debates on the budget untileast today after a move initiated by Democrats to strip out half a dozen local projects that quickly drew tsupport of some rank-and-file Republicans. Democrats argued that the spending would violate an agreementhe House of Representatives not to fund any special projects this year. Several Republican members of

House Finance Committee sided with them, forcing House leaders to relent. Elected representatives are funin that they dont take orders very well, said House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga. Thsent a clear signal, and we responded to it. The fight scuttled plans to pass the state budget today, and it cocomplicate efforts to pass it by the end of the w eek. McCormick said the Senate had been told projects webeing stripped but had not signed off on the plan. The dispute involved a little more than $1.5 million in tospending far less than is typically inserted by lawmakers into the budget but the principle appearedovershadow the sums that would be spehttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS02/304260066/TN-budget-delayed-by-bickering-over-pet-projects?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAG E

Tennessee budget deal falls apart (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Sher)The Tennessee Legislature's $31.4 billion budget train came to a screeching halt Wednesday when a cha

opened up between House and Senate Republican leaders over a previously cut deal. The cause? About $2million in Senate Republicans' amendments for projects, some of them attacked by House m inority Democratsthe House Finance Committee on Wednesday as local "pork barrel" spending. Problems began when HouSpeaker Em eritus Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington, pushed an amendment deleting a $200,000 grant for a higeducation building in the hometown of Senate Education Commissioner Delores Gresham, R-SomervRepublicans sought to table the amendment. It failed, with several Republicans siding with Democrats. Tprompted Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, R -Chattanooga, to call for a b rief recess that stretched into sevehours as Republicans argued behind the scenes. When they returned, several projects were cut. And tstopped Senate Republican leaders' plans to pass the budget W ednesday night dead in its tracks.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/26/state-budget-deal-falls-apa rt/?local
http://wpln.org/?p=36527http://wpln.org/?p=36553http://wpln.org/?p=36553http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS02/304260066/TN-budget-delayed-by-bickering-over-pet-projects?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS02/304260066/TN-budget-delayed-by-bickering-over-pet-projects?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/26/state-budget-deal-falls-apart/?localhttp://wpln.org/?p=36527http://wpln.org/?p=36553http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS02/304260066/TN-budget-delayed-by-bickering-over-pet-projects?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS02/304260066/TN-budget-delayed-by-bickering-over-pet-projects?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/26/state-budget-deal-falls-apart/?local


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'Pork barrel' spending charge triggers budget blockage (News-Sentinel/Hum phreDemocrats' contentions that Senate Republicans had slipped "pork barrel" projects into the state budget deraplans for passage of the $31 billion plan Wednesday after House Republicans at least partially agreed with theThe House Finance Committee voted to strip $1.5 million in Senate-approved spending amendments from budget including $300,000 for Knoxvil le's E.M. Jell inek Center after a two-hour, closed-door Gconference triggered by House Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington. Senate Speaker Ron Ramsresponded by saying House leaders had broken a deal. In effect, House members said the same thing of

senators. Ramsey abruptly canceled plans for Senate floor action on the budget Wednesday night and indicathe Senate may retaliate by cutting projects favored by the House. "We're going into the cutting room," Ram ssaid, adding that the House move jeopardizes the goal of ending the 107th General Assembly by Friday a"we're prepared to come back next week." The dispute started in the House Finance Committee, which begwith Republicans killing Democratic budget proposals for increased spending in several areas. Democrcontend Haslam's budget leaves at least $214 million in surplus revenue unallocated and perhaps as much $400 million, if state tax collections continue at present rates.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/26/pork-barrel-spending-charge-triggers -budget/

Voter ID Law Tweaked (TN Report)Republicans threw a bone to opponents of Tennessees new voter ID law by allowing retired state employeesflash their old work IDs at the polls to vote. But the GOP-led Legislature which passed a law last yerequiring all voters to present a photo identification card before casting a ballot easily swatted off attem

from the minority party and other critics to fully repeal the law. The General Assembly has been considerthree bills that would open up the new voter ID law. O ne, HB3195, which won final approval Monday, would alstate workers to continue to show their employer ID card at the polls after retirement. The measure passed 90Monday in the House, following a 31-0 vote in the Senate earlier this month. Another, SB2267, would requadding photos to drivers licenses for people at least 60 years old, which are now processed without picturThe new IDs could then be presented at the polls. The Senate approved the bill 20-12, and the measure nawaits a vote in the House.http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/04/25/voter-id-law-twe aked/

House Votes to Require Older Kindergarten Students (Associated Press)The House has voted to approve a Repub lican bill aiming to require children to be older before they can enrokindergarten over Democrats' arguments that the m easure is aimed a t laying off teachers. The bill sponsoredRepublican Rep. Glen Casada of Franklin was approved on a 68-30 vote on Wednesday. Currently children m

be 5 years old by Sept. 30. The measure would move that cut-off to Aug. 31 in the school year beginning2013, and to Aug. 15 the year after that. Casada said he disputes a fiscal analysis that the change w ould aff4,200 children at an annual cost savings to the state of more than $21 million. Four-year-olds could qualify if thpass a maturity test. The companion bill is awaiting a Senate vote.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/26/house-votes-to-require-older-kindergarten-students/

TN House approves earlier cutoff for kindergarten (Tennessean/Sisk)The state House of Representatives passed legislation moving up the age cutoff date for kindergarten and pkindergarten by six weeks, a change that could affect thousands of parents annually. The House voted 68-30 House Bill 2566, which changes the eligibility date for starting school from Sept. 30 to Aug. 15. The changemeant to reduce the number of 4-year-olds who start kindergarten. The trend is to start children older, said measures sponsor, state Rep. Glen Casada, R-Franklin. Im simply doing what kindergarten teachers in t

state are recommending, which is let these children be 5 when they start kindergarten. The change placthe cutoff date for kindergarten in a closer alignment with the start dates for most Tennessee school districSupporters argued that children who start school at an older age are more likely to succeed, but Casaconceded there is no research that specifically backs that claim. About 4,200 students in Tennessee habirthdays between Aug. 15 and Sept. 30. Those students would still be able to start kindergarten at age 4, only if they can show on a test that they are prepared to start. The bill would go into effect for the 2013-14 schyear, but the cutoff date for that year would be Aug. 31. The Aug. 15 cutoff would go into effect in 2014-15.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS0201/304260069/TN-House-approves-earlier-cutoff-kindergarten

Tennessee House moves up kindergarten eligibility birth date (CA/Locker)
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The Tennessee House on Wednesday approved a measure that would mean most kids turning 5 after Aug. would have to wait a year before entering kindergarten in public schools in 2013. The cutoff date would moveAug. 15 beginning in 2014. The House approved the bill on a 68-30 vote, and it awaits a vote in the SenaCurrently, children may enter kindergarten if they turn 5 on or before Sept. 30 of the school term they're enteriHouse Bill 2566 as amended would move up the cutoff date in two phases: Children entering kindergarten wohave to be 5 years old on or before Aug. 31 for the 2013-14 school year, and on or before Aug. 15 for all schyears thereafter. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Glen Casada and Sen. Jack Johnson, Republicans from Frankcontains two exceptions: If the director of schools finds, through evaluation and testing, at the request of tparent or guardian, that a child who is 5 on or before Sept. 30 is "sufficiently mature emotionally aacademically," then the child may be permitted to enter kindergarten. Children who participated in a pkindergarten program during the 2012-13 or 2013-14 school years may enter kindergarten in the 2013-142014-15 school years respectively. Casada said he sponsored the bill after hearing from kindergarten teachthat many children are not ready for kindergarten. "But if you are ready, you can get in to kindergarten," if tchild passes the test.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/25/tennessee-house-moves-kindergarten-eligibilty-birt/(SUB)

House Gives Schools Leeway to Let 4-Year-Olds Start Kindergarten (WPLN-RadiThousands of Tennessee parents may be affected by a proposal to require their children to turn five a monearlier in order to start kindergarten. But the m easure also includes a maturity test that would allow four-yeolds to enroll. Under the proposed system, a youngster could start kindergarten if he or she shows the maturitya five-year-old on a standardized test. Representative John Forgety says that m akes more sense than requira child be past his fifth birthday on a particular date. There is no, to my knowledge, no absolute hard and fdate where all youngsters mature, acceptably and appropriately, to attend kindergarten. The East TennessRepublican is a former school superintendent in McMinn County. He says the proposed law would hkindergarten teachers who now struggle with youngsters who arent necessarily emotionally, experientiallyculturally as mature as they should be. The bill passed the House 68 to 30 and could be taken up by the Senwithin hours. Under the bill, a child turning five by August 31, 2013, would be eligible for kindergarten that yeCurrently the cut-off date is September 30th. In following years, the eligibility date would be August 15http://wpln.org/?p=365 34

Parent Grading Bill Passes Senate 27-0 (Associated Press)A proposal that would allow parents to grade themselves on how involved they are in a student's schperformance has passed the Senate. The legis lation sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey Germantown was approved 27-0 on Wednesday. The companion bill passed the House 94-2 earlier this weKelsey says the m easure will allow parents to do a self-evaluation of how involved they are in helping their chor children with things like homework, or how often they attend parent/teacher meetings. According to tNational Conference of State Legislatures, Utah passed legislation this year that creates an online survey whparents can evaluate their own involvement, but the school does not assign them a grade and it's voluntaAnother proposal that has been signed by the governor would encourage the state Department of Educationdevelop a parental involvement contract.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/26/parent-grading-bill-passes-senate-27-0/

Roll-your-own cigarettes, an apology, prescription drugs (NewSentinel/Humphrey)The Senate has approved legislation that would increase taxes on cigarettes made with "roll-your-own" machinto more closely align with taxes on packaged cigarettes. The sponsor of SB1738, Republican Sen. Jack Johnsof Franklin, said it is a "matter of simple fairness" to the manufacturers and sellers of regular cigarettes. As thinstand now, he said, a 10-pack carton of roll-your-own cigarettes, processed in about eight minutes withmachine, goes for about $25 compared with about $50 for manufactured cigarettes. Much of the Senate flodebate was devoted to when the proposed new law which still needs House approval should take effeUltimately, the senators settled on July 1, 2013. The bill was then approved, 25-5. Johnson said the delay woallow businesses owning the cigarette processing machines 85 of them statewide at last count reasonable time to prepare for compliance. Faison apology: Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, apologiz
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Wednesday for remarks made a day earlier during House floor debate over a bill dealing with "cyberbullyinDuring the debate on H B2641, proponents had cited cases of suicide by youths who were the target of bullyiFaison, while questioning the bill, had this comment:http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/26/legislative-notebook-roll-your-own-cigarettes- an/

Tax On Roll-Your-Own Tobacco Passes Senate (WPLN-Radio Nashville)Cigarettes from roll-your-own tobacco shops could soon be taxed at a higher rate under a bil l approv

yesterday by the state Senate. Roll-your-own shops sell raw tobacco, which is taxed at a lower rate, and thencustomers make their cigarettes using a machine in the store. Republican Jack Johnson held up a packMarlboros on the Senate floor, and told members theres little difference compared to roll-your-own cigarettebefore passing out some of both to colleagues. He says the bill aims to level the field for cigarette sellecompeting against roll-your-own. The proposal has come under fire from workers in roll-your-own shops, wsay the tax would put them out of business. Johnson told colleagues the measure didnt leave anyone happy, it passed the Senate 26 to 5, with just a handful of Democrats opposing. Meanwhile the House version has bottled up in committee for weeks.http://wpln.org/?p=365 39

Tennessee Senate passes synthetic drug legislation (Times-News)Two final legislative pieces creating new felony offenses for synthetic drug sellers, makers and distributo

unanimously passed in the Tennessee Senate Wednesday. The state Senate conformed to House-passversions of the synthetic drug bills sponsored by state Reps. Tony Shipley, R-Kingsport, and Jon Lundberg,Bristol. Shipley said he expected Gov. Bill Haslam to sign the bills immediately, with the legislation going ineffect in 14 days. A ceremonial signing of the bills by Haslam, Shipley added, is expected to be held in tKingsport area within the next 10 days. (Haslams) preference is to do it in a high school, Shipley said of tceremonial bill signings. Their similar bills addressed synthetic drugs like K-2 and bath salts sold in local heshops and convenience stores. While creating jail time and new fines, both bills also declared businesses sellsynthetic drugs to be a public nuisance.http://www.timesnews.net/article/9045801/tennessee-senate-passes-synthetic-drug-l egislation

Late Innings (Memphis Flyer)"As I said back in the very beginning, we're in this for the long haul!" That was Bartlett mayor Keith McDona ld

Nashville last week, responding to a question as to how he would react if his city was forced to remain within confines of the Shelby County Unified School District for at least a year before it could legally take stepscreate its own municipal school district. McDonald, along with Arlington mayor Mike W issman, Collierville maStan Joyner, and o ther suburban officials had just patiently sat through hearings of the House finance ways ameans committee, which ultimately would clear House Bill 3234/Senate Bill 2908 for passage. As originawritten by Senate majority leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville), its prime sponsor, the bill would have advanced date for suburban municipalities to become eligible for new school districts from the August 2013 date providin last year's Norris-Todd bill to January 1, 2013. Increasing bipartisan doub ts among legislators concerning effect of such a bill upon the rest of the state had caused it to be moderated, however, and the version juapproved by House Finance merely repeated the Norris-Todd eligibility date of August 2013.http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/late-innings/Content?oid=3170293

Gun R ights Advocates, Democrats Taking Shots at GOP (TN Report)The National R ifle Associations point man in Tennessee favors putting the states Republican leadership on spot for all to see regarding controversial gun-rights expansion measures in the General Assembly. This isissue that has been pending for four years, NRA lobbyist Darren LaSorte said of legislation designed to ensemployees can keep a firearm in their vehicle parked on their employers property during work hours, even if employer doesnt approve. Another bill bars a company or business owner from requiring that prospectemployees disclose if they own or carry a gun. Republicans on the House C alendar and Rules Comm ittee vo15-8 Tuesday to send the so-called guns-in-parking-lots or guns-in-trunks bills, HB3560 and HB3559, tosummer study committee, thus hoping to ensure their demise. Under pressure from businesses arguing agaithe bills, GOP leaders in both the House and the Senate have been trying for weeks to deep-six the legislatiLarge companies like Volkswagen and FedEx, as well as the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, haexpressed opposition to any gun-carry legal protections being extended onto a business-owners prope
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Universities and health care facility proprietors have joined in opposing the bills on safety grounds.http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/04/25/gun-rights-advocates-democrats-taking-shot s-at-gop/

Gun lobby out to end Rep. Debra Maggart's career (Tennessean/Hall)'Crucifix' email clarified, criticized Gun advocates are envisioning the end of a top Tennessee HouRepublicans career after she helped scuttle a bill that would have allowed employees to bring guns to work long as they kept them locked in their cars. Theyre still hoping lawmakers will bring the bill directly to the floor

which would take a two-thirds vote after Rep. Debra Maggart, R-Hendersonville, blocked it in the calendcommittee. Maggart, who is chairwoman of the House Republican Caucus, consistently voted with the gun lobin the past, but her latest move is one the National Rifle Association will remember when its time to hand ogrades and endorsements, a spokesman for that group said. Maggart has a challenger in Augusts Republicprimary. When a legislative body goes through the process and attempts are made to prevent legislation frobeing heard on the floor, that will definitely be a factor when we do grades and endorsements, said Chris Cthe NRAs chief lobbyist. Its not just votes that are taken into consideration. The Tennessee FirearAssociations executive director was more direct in an inflammatory email he spent part of Wednesday clarifyinhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS0201/304250143/Gun-lobby-out-end-Rep-Debra-Maggartcareer?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|N ews

TN, other states push for abortion restrictions (USA Today)

New restrictions on abortion are sweeping through legislatures from Virginia to Arizona, and voters in sostates could see proposed constitutional amendments on November ballots that would define life as beginningconception. The 2012 anti-abortion push is not as heavy as last year, when legislators in 24 states, many elecin the 2010 Republican tide, passed a record 92 laws restricting abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institua group that conducts sexual and reproductive health research, policy analysis and public education. Tabortion rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America is tracking 235 bills in legislatures that it says would restabortion and says a dozen have passed so far this year. Some proposals put new restrictions on when womcan have abortions. Some prevent insurance coverage of abortions. Some are aimed at funding or activitiesthe reproductive health organization Planned Parenthood, which provides abortions as one of a broad arraywomens health services. We are s till feeling the ramifications of the 2010 election and what happened in 201said Elizabeth Nash, state issues manager for Guttmacher.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS02/304260077/TN-other-states-push-abortion-restrictionsodyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Henry Returns to Legislature After Hospital Tests (Associated Press)State Sen. Douglas Henry has returned to the Legislature. The Nashville Democrat was in the Senate FinanCommittee on Wednesday. The 85-year-old lawmaker was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center Tuesday for tests after he experienced high blood pressure and felt dizzy in a caucus meeting. Henry has beestate senator since 1970. His District 21 seat represents southwestern Nashville, including some of the citwealthiest neighborhoods.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/26/henry-returns-to-legislature-after-hos pital-tests/

Charlie Daniels Honored by Tenn. Lawmakers (Associated Press)The Tennessee Senate paid tribute to country music legend Charlie Daniels Wednesday m orning. Daniels sa

the national anthem before being honored with a resolution. Daniels is best known for his 1979 hit "The DeWent Down to Georgia." The Charlie Daniels Band earned a Grammy for best country vocal for the sonDaniels suffered a mild stroke while snowmobiling in Colorado in 2010. The 75-year-old told The AssociaPress on Wednesday that he's glad to be honored by his state and that he's feeling "real good."http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/26/charlie-daniels-honored-by-tenn-lawmakers/

Permits: State Capitol set for $9.3 million rehab (Nashville Business Journal)A $9.3 million construction permit has been issued for interior rehab work at the Tennessee State CapitHardaway Construction Corp. is leading the work, according to the Metro permit. The work includes plumbiheating and cooling and electrical upgrades to property at 600 Charlotte Ave. Meanwhile, Metro Nashville halso issued a $3.7 m illion permit for construction of a 26,700-square-foot, three-story administration building
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Harpeth Valley Utilities District R.C. Mathews Contractor is leading the work at 5838 River Road.http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/04/25/permits-state-capitol-set-fo r-93.html

Synthetic Drug Debate Focuses On Chemistry (WTVF-TV Nashville)A battle has been won in a Nashville courtroom for the m anufacturers of synthetic drugs. On Monday, a lomarket owner won a four month delay after questions arose over the chemistry of a product sold at a Lebanmarket. Something police called synthetic marijuana, but a defense attorney said was just potpourri. When

undercover Metro Police officer bought what he believed to be an illegal synthetic drug at this market Lebanon Pike he probably never thought he'd run into a legal battle. Defense Attorney Fletcher Long got a fmonth delay in the prosecution of the market owner while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation tested for illechemicals in the product that was labeled potpourri. Police said it was synthetic marijuana. Long said when TBI tests the potpourri they w on't find anything illegal. "These officers don't have any back ground in chem isHow do they know? And even a showing of probable cause still requires the entrance of proof," said Long. another example of what seems to be the never ending battle to remove synthetic drugs from marketsTennessee.http://www.newschannel5.com/story/17759864/synthetic-drug-debate-focuses-on-chemistry

Nashville launches online tool to assist residents during disaster (Tenn./Cass)Map will show evacuation routes, emergency shelters Whenever a weather em ergency or some other kind

disaster hits Nashville from now on, residents will have an online tool to help them navigate the situation, MaKarl Dean announced Wednesday. Dean said the Nashville Emergency Response Viewing Engine, or NERVwill allow residents to type in an address and see w here roads and schools are closed, how to evacuate an aand where emergency shelters and food, water and clothing distribution centers are located. During the flothe public really sought out road closure information, and it was challenging to provide real-time updates usiour traditional communication tools, the mayor said. If you are trying to seek shelter or reconnect with fammembers during an emergency, the last thing you need is to get blocked by road closures or to spend timfiguring out detours. The program, which also will include a Twitter feed and news releases, is availablemaps.nashville.gov/NERVE. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS01/304260031/Nashville-launches-online-tool-assist-residents-during-disaster?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRO NTPAGE

Bradley County 911 faces revenue crisis (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Leach)Bradley County 911 has requested $351,000 in local government funding to help it through ongoing reven

shortfalls. Earlier this week, Bradley County 911 Director Joe Wilson met with the Bradley County Commissregarding money problems facing the county's 911 communication center. The imminent challenge will finishing its books in the red for three consecutive years and possibly having to accept state-mandated oversithrough Tennessee's Emergency Com munication Board for being a "distressed district," said Wilson. If revenudon't increase, layoffs and reductions in service likely would be the result of state oversight, said Wilson, whhe described as a "terrible scenario." "We're really proud of what we've got right now and the services we provthe citizens," said Wilson. In a letter addressed to the County Commission, Cleveland City Council aCharleston City Commission, Wilson proposed to get the 911 center past this year through proportionate fundbased on how the three bodies currently fund dispatcher salaries: 49.5 percent each for Bradley and C levelaand 1 percent for Charleston. The percentages amount to $173,745 each for Bradley County and C leveland, a$3,510 for Char leston.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/26/bradley-county-911-faces-revenue-crisis/?local

Commissioners, sheriff wrangle over Sullivan budget shortfall (Times-News)After about an hour of what turned out to be little more than they said, they said, and nothing resolvmembers of the Sullivan County Commissions Budget Committee and staff from the Sullivan Countys SheriOffice agreed Wednesday to get together again sometime to discuss how to cover a shortfall in county fundfor the sheriffs office and jail. They on the Budget Committee were represented largely by CommitChairman Eddie Will iams. They with the sheriffs office great in numbers in the audience wrepresented, at least in speech, primarily by Sheriff Wayne Anderson. Both sides said they are gung ho to wtogether. Both sides said they expected the other to come forth with a plan. Williams said the county onwidely believed to have reserve funds at or near $30 million has depleted that surplus below the ponecessary to provide cash flow throughout the annual budget cycle.http://www.timesnews.net/article/9045807/commissioners-sheriff-wrangle-over-sullivan-budge t-shortfall
http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/04/25/permits-state-capitol-set-for-93.htmlhttp://www.newschannel5.com/story/17759864/synthetic-drug-debate-focuses-on-chemistryhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS01/304260031/Nashville-launches-online-tool-assist-residents-during-disaster?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS01/304260031/Nashville-launches-online-tool-assist-residents-during-disaster?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/26/bradley-county-911-faces-revenue-crisis/?localhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/26/bradley-county-911-faces-revenue-crisis/?localhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/26/bradley-county-911-faces-revenue-crisis/?localhttp://www.timesnews.net/article/9045807/commissioners-sheriff-wrangle-over-sullivan-budget-shortfallhttp://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/04/25/permits-state-capitol-set-for-93.htmlhttp://www.newschannel5.com/story/17759864/synthetic-drug-debate-focuses-on-chemistryhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS01/304260031/Nashville-launches-online-tool-assist-residents-during-disaster?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS01/304260031/Nashville-launches-online-tool-assist-residents-during-disaster?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/26/bradley-county-911-faces-revenue-crisis/?localhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/26/bradley-county-911-faces-revenue-crisis/?localhttp://www.timesnews.net/article/9045807/commissioners-sheriff-wrangle-over-sullivan-budget-shortfall


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Cuts to Montgom ery County budget requests begin, will continue (Leaf ChronicleFive patrol deputies were approved by the county Budget Committee Wednesday during a daylong meetmarked by deep cuts to budget requests. The Sheriffs Office had requested 11 deputies. Requests for 14 otnew positions across the county were denied, but the Sheriffs Office secured added, if truncated, manpower wbroad support. We know that public safetys priority No. 1, County Mayor Carolyn Bowers said. Expanddemands pushed the committee to fund two full-time emp loyees for the county clerks office, the only other n

positions approved for the next fiscal year. I know were going to sustain that growth, County Clerk KeJackson said. Weve done everything that we know to do at this point without adding manpower. The $million RichEllen Park project was split into two parts, with $3 m illion set to be spent on excavation in 2013 aconstruction planned for the following fiscal year. Including the RichEllen Park cuts, capital project requests wcut from almost $11.5 million to $5.8 m illion.http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20120426/NEWS01/304260011/Cuts-Montgomery-County-budget-requests-begin-will-continue

Plaintiffs: County failed to provide adequate notice for mosque site plan (DNJ)Land that Ronald Todds family once farmed for 94 years wil l soon be home to the Islamic CenterMurfreesboros new mosque, but he says the government never told him that. Todd, who still lives nearby awho is one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit over the county Planning Commissions site plan approval for the mosq

said the government didnt make an effort to inform him about the mosque the way the county does in sendihim a property tax bill every year. Are we in a secret government or a public government? Todd asked from twitness stand during the first day of a two-day non-jury trial in Rutherford County Chancery Court Wednesday. I wasnt born yesterday. I want to know who my neighbors are. Asked by the countys defenattorney if Todd complained about the county approving Grace Baptist Church being built on Veals Road befthe mosque came next door, he said he did not. Testimony in the case against the approval process over tmosque, specifically the countys public notice about the agenda item, continues at 8:15 a.m. today. Plainthope to void the May 2010 m eeting where the mosques plans were approved.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120426/NEWS01/304260013/Plaintiffs-County-failed-provide-adequate-notice-mosque-site-plan

Democrats hear encouragement (Times-Gazette)Bedford County Democrats heard a message of encouragement Tuesday night, even in a t ime whRepublicans have dominated statewide and federal races across Tennessee. "I do think there's a lot of positivto the Democratic Party right now, and there's a lot we can be proud of," said local party member Mark Farrwho em ceed the party's annual banquet Tuesday night at the American Legion center on Kingree Road. Ndistrict State Sen. Eric Stewart of Winchester, a Democratic candidate for the 4th District U.S. HouseRepresentatives, had been announced as the keynote speaker for the event, but was detained in Nashvillethe General Assembly works on the state budget. His finance director, Jake Dunavant, spoke on his behStewart, the nephew of local educator Kay Prince, is running to unseat incumbent Republican Rep. ScDesJarlais of South Pittsburg. Bedford County, which had been in the 6th District, is moving into the 4th Disteffective with this year's election cycle.http://www.t-g.com/story/1841534.html

Alexander comments on college tuition rates, VP vetting process (Nooga)Reaching back to his experience as former national education secretary, Tennessee governor and presidentthe University of Tennessee, Sen. Lamar Alexander offered his insight on what could be done to stave increasing tuition rates at the nation's public schools Tuesday. Alexander's comments were made on the "DaRundown with Chuck Todd," a political talk show broadcast on MSNBC, the same day as President BaraObama began a three-state tour of universities, calling on Congress to prevent rates on nearly 7 million studloans from doubling.During brief remarks, the senator said he thought the m ajority of college students didn't realize the ties betwestudent tuition rates and costs associated with health care to states. "The reason tuition is going up primariland this didn't start with President Obama, but he's made it worseis because the federal governmentdropping these huge Medicaid costs on states," Alexander said. "I know this as a former governor. And the k

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of money that you want to put in the University of Tennessee or California instead goes to Medicaid, and then university raises tuition to make up for it."http://www.nooga.com/154999/alexander-comments-on-college-tuition-rates-vp-vetting -process/

Tire damage gets attention in 3rd District race (Times Free-Press/Carroll)A staffer for U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann ended up with a damaged tire at a recent campaign event opponent Scottie M ayfield, and officials said video evidence shows the culprit came from Mayfield's b

Mayfield is challenging Fleischmann in T ennessee's 3rd Congressional District Republican primary. Officials ssurveillance cameras captured the incident at the Roane County Courthouse, where M ayfield brought campaign bus tour early Tuesday. A Kingston, Tenn., Police Department report indicates that a man "came fra tour bus," walked up to Fleischmann campaign manager Tyler Threadgill's 2005 Audi, knelt down near the rear wheel and "[appeared] to be fooling with the w heel." "It was found that the man did cut the tire stem causthe tire to go flat down the road," according to the report. "The man is caught on video, and it is being determinwho he is. The man left the vehicle and entered the courthouse and was caught on video there as well." KingsAssistant Police Chief Gary Nelson said he saw the video and wrote the police report. He said Mayfield's bwas the only bus he saw in the courthouse footage.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/26/tire-damage-gets-attention-in-3rd-district-r ace/?local

Domestic violence law jeopardized by partisanship (Tennessean/Bewley)Angel has chilling memories of the domestic violence she says shes experienced most of her life, beginning wan abusive father and continuing with a husband who beat her and later, a violent fiance. The 43-year-Nashville wom an said that when her fiances latest assault broke her neck in four places, she decided it was tito leave. Angel, who asked that her last name not be used because she fears for her safety, called a crihotline run by the YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee and moved into the groups shelter for victimsdomestic violence. Now she lives in an apartment in Nashville with her children and works as a nursing assist all with the help of a YW CA transitional housing program, which will subs idize her rent until Decem ber. WhI moved into my apartment, it was a powerful feeling, a feeling of security, said Angel, who was contacted wthe help of the YWC A. Im living so free and independent now . The transitional housing program that helps pAngels rent is one of dozens of Tennessee programs funded through the Violence Against Women Act, the year-old domestic violence law at the center of a partisan dispute in Congress.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/NEWS0201/304250153/Domestic-violence-law-jeopardized-by-partisanship?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|N ews

Pools may close instead of installing pricey chairlift (Tennessean/Williams)Hotels say m easure to add lifts for disabled is too costly Some pools and spas, including the whirlpool at Courtyard Marriott Hotel downtown, m ay close rather than comply w ith a federal rule that all public pools and tubs must install an expensive chairlift for the disabled. Hotel operators are crying foul because they say theare less costly fixes that work just as well as the lift equipment federal officials want installed by May 21. Theyseeking a delay of at least six months. Its going to cost hotel operators nearly $1 billion to comply with therules, and in many cases, the answer will be to fill in the pools and take out the hot tubs rather than adding lifts, which can cost $12,000 or m ore each (to install), said Greg Adkins, president of the Tennessee HospitaAssociation, which represents hotel owners. The rules are being issued by the U.S. Justice Department unthe Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA and they will affect more than 300,000 pools and spas arouthe country. Advocates for the disabled favor the governments initiative and say theyre opposed to any stepshotel operators to delay things. The rules were written in 2010.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120426/BUSINESS01/304260063/Pools-may-close-instead-installing-pricey-chairlift?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Ne ws|p

States Up the Online Ante (Wall Street Journal)Push to Sell Lottery Tickets on the Web Faces Resistance From R etailers, Casinos The director of the New YState lottery said a few months ago he had cleared hurdles in his quest to sell lottery tickets over the Internet, bnow that plan is stalling. When the U.S. Justice Department in December narrowed its interpretation of the 5year-old Wire Act, saying it banned only sports betting and not other forms of online gambling, the decisisparked hope in state capitals that lotteries could start selling tickets online and lead a charge into onli

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gambling. But the convenience-store lobby in New York protested the state's plan, and now the plan is unreview as the governor's office re-examines state gambling policy. Lottery directors in other states also asparring with store owners fearful of losing customers who buy tickets. The battle is one front in a broadstruggle among state lotteries, casino operators, Internet companies and convenience stores that codetermine how an expected wave of legal online gambling takes shape in the U.S.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303978104577362121444589922.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Drug Database Dilemma (Stateline)Dr. Shawn Jones, an ear, nose and throat surgeon in Paducah, Kentucky, was conducting a routine offappointment when he got a phone call from a worried pharmacist. The pharmacist had just receivedprescription from Jones for 90 Percocet pain pills, an unusually large order for a doctor who rarely prescribmore than 20 pills at one time. Jones asked the pharmacist to fax over the prescription, and he immediatrecognized it as a forgery. It was for a female patient he hadnt seen in five years. She had somehow gotten hof one of his prescription pads. Jones asked the pharmacist to delay filling the prescription, went back to texam room and talked with a policeman who happened to be in the office at the time. The policeman called inthe precinct to have the woman arrested. Under Kentuckys current prescription drug laws, only a vigilapharmacist could have stopped these fraudulent prescriptions. The regulations dont allow physicians to m ontheir own prescribing habits to check for fraud, and the Kentucky board of medical licensure can look upprescribing record only if a formal complaint against a physician is filed.http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/drug-database-dilemma-8589 9382817

Education Slowdow n Threatens U.S. (Wall Street Journal)Throughout American history, almost every generation has had substantially more education than that of parents. That is no longer true. When baby boomers born in 1955 reached age 30, they had about two yemore schooling than their parents, according to Harvard University economists Claudia Goldin and LawrenKatz, who have calculated the average years of schooling for native-born Americans back to 1876. In contrawhen Americans born in 1980 turned 30 in 2010, they averaged about eight months more schooling than thparents. This development already has broad ramifications across the U.S. job market: Those with only a higschool diploma had an 8% unemployment rate in March, roughly double that of college graduates, who had4.2% unemployment rate. Workers with bachelor's degrees earn 45% more in wages on average than thosedemographically similar high-school graduates. And in today's highly automated factories, many manufacturedemand the equivalent of a comm unity-college degree, even for entry level workers.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304177104577307580650834716.html?mod=ITP_pageone_0(SUBSCRIPTION)

Postal Rescue Passes Senate (Wall Street Journal)The Senate approved a bill that would avert closings of post offices and distribution centers for two years acontinue Saturday mail delivery. It also would trigger early retirement for as many as 100,000 postal workers,part of a plan to save $20 billion a year at the financially distressed U.S. Postal Service. But a congressiorescue of the 237-year-old service remains in doubt as another bill languishes in the H ouse. Senators voted 637, on a bipartisan basis, for the legislation, which took shape during months of negotiations. ThirteRepublicans, mainly centrists and lawmakers from rural states, voted with the Democratic majority, while fDemocrats, who voiced concerns about the impact on rural states, joined most Republicans in opposing the bRepublicans in general were critical of the bill's impact on the federal budget deficit. Under the bill, the earetirements would save $8 billion a year, and the Postal Service would receive $10.9 billion from the UTreasury, money the service has overpaid to the federal employee pension system. The bill would allow currPostal Service retirees to opt out of the federal employee health-benefits system and use Medicare, whichgenerally cheaper, as their primary source of health-care coverage. It also would allow the Postal Service to up its own health-care plan if management and labor unions agreed to do so.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304811304577366341665567810.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Nuclear Renaissance Leader Powers Through Cost Overruns (WPLN-Radio NashFor all the talk of a nuclear renaissance in the U.S., only one reactor is technically under construction right no

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Watts Bar has a nearly 40 year history. And the Tennessee Valley Authoritys effort to complete a second reacon site isnt going well. Last years nuclear meltdown in Japan sent shockwaves through the world of atompower, but it wasnt enough to kill the buzz thats been going since Congress passed new nuclear incentives2005. In February, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted the first construction license in more than years. But that plant hasnt gotten out of the ground. Watts Bar Unit 2 in Spring City, Tenn., has been out of ground for decades, but crossing the finishing line is getting even m ore expensive. The TVA board will be askThursday to approve an extra $2 billion and a three year extension to finish the reactor. That would nearly doubthe original budget and push a five-year timeline to eight. TVA once had an ambitious plan for 17 reactors. like many utilities around the country, it walked away in the 80s. Power demand was down, and fears of nuclehad grown after the disaster at Three Mile Island. But three-quarters of the work at W atts Bar had been done.http://wpln.org/?p=365 58

TVA Board, Watchdogs to Weigh In on Watts Bar Cost Overruns (WPLN-Radio)The board of the Tennessee Valley Authority will be asked Thursday morning to approve a near-doubling of tbudget to complete a second nuclear reactor at Watts Bar. TVA has already spent the $2.5 billion originaprojected to finish the East Tennessee power plant. Watchdogs plan to comment at the meeting in GreeneviTennessee, and basically say we told you so. Activists argue that they suspected from the beginning that Twould need more money and more time to revive the stalled reactor. Stephen Smith is executive director of Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and says the extra $2 billion being requested could have been spent something else. They could be putting that money into energy efficiency investments. They could be investingcleaner technologies that in the long run are going to be cheaper overall, and much less risky. TVA CEO ToKilgore has been dismissive of calls for greater investment in solar and wind power, saying theyre still nowhnear cost-competitive with nuclear, even in spite of the cost overruns. And while natural gas is cheap right nohe says it wont be forever.http://wpln.org/?p=365 24

UT honored for purchase of green power (Knoxville News-Sentinel)Earlier this month, the University of Tennessee received kudos for m aking the largest purchase of green powin 2011 from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Last year, UT purchased nine m egawatt hours of green powThat's the equivalent of eliminating the yearly greenhouse gas emissions from 1,535 passenger vehiclaccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Representatives from UT, including sustainabmanager Gordie Bennett and students Maria Rosales and Nick Alderson, accepted an award on behalf of university in Memphis. UT was one of several regional businesses, entities and local power distributrecognized for their leadership roles in TVA's Green Power Switch program. "This program is successful othrough the efforts of local distributors of TVA power and people and businesses who commit to making tregion a little bit 'greener' each month," said Patty West, TVA's director of renewable energy programs. Over tpast seven years, UT has used funds from a student environmental fee to gradually increase the amountgreen power it purchases.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/26/ut-honored-for-purchase-of-green-power/

Asurion, Dean schedule 'expansion announcement' (Nashville Post)Mayor Karl Dean and Sean McKinless, senior vice president of global operations at Asurion Corp., hascheduled an expansion announcement for 10 a.m. on Thursday at SoBros Ragland Building. The RaglaBuilding is located at Second Avenue South and Korean Veteran Boulevard. A m ajor renovation of the buildiwhich rises five stories and contains about 42,000 square feet, was completed in 2010. Asurion, worlds largprovider of wireless handset insurance and wireless roadside assistance programs, had 2010 profits of $1million on revenues of $4 billion and early this year paid its private-equity owners a $1 billion dividend. Tcompany has its international headquarters in Grassmere, its North American headquarters in Kansas City aoffices in California, Georgia, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia as well as various foreign countries. The compahas in recent years added hundreds of local jobs and been one of Nashville's more prominent economdevelopment success stories. But it also has had to resolve a number of legal cases and faced complaints fromnumber of its customers.http://nashvillepost.com/news/2012/4/25/asurion_dean_schedule_expansion_announcement

Asurion to expand into downtown's Ragland Building (Nashville Biz Journal)Nashville-based Asurion plans to expand into downtown's Ragland Building at 300 Second Avenue South,

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company is expected to announce Thursday. Asurion, which provides mobile phone insurance plans for somethe nation's top carriers, had been scouting Music City for about 100,000 square feet to accommodate expansion. The company will occupy the Ragland Building and the connected XO Communications buildiaccording to commercial real estate sources. The Ragland Building, originally built in 1930, went through a mumillion dollar renovation in 2010, w hich included installation of several green aspects, including an eneefficient heating and cooling system and insulated glass. The expected announcement will be made 10 aThursday at the Ragland Building, where Nashville Mayor Karl Dean will be joined by Sean McKinless, senvice president at Asurion, according to a Metro news release. The rapidly expanding company has previousaid it plans to create more than 500 jobs in Nashville in the coming years. A year ago, when the compaexplored moving its headquarters out of Nashville, it was awarded $12.4 million in local and state incentivesstay and create hundreds of jobs.http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/04/25/asurion-to-expa nd-into-downtowns.html

Logistics company to add jobs to meet demands of production increase (Nooga)Chattanooga company Team 3 Logistics will add 150 jobs to meet the needs of the Volkswagen productiramp-up. Team 3 provides warehousing, transportation, packaging and manufacturing support for the automotindustry. Team 3 will have 350 full-time employees by the end of April, Don Friddell, director of marketing the company, said in an ema il. We plan to add 150 [more full-time jobs] by July. The company w as founded2009 and is a joint venture between Wolfsburg, Germany-based Schnellecke Logistics and Chattanooga-basKal-Serv, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kenco Logistic Services LLC. Since 2010, Team 3 Logistics has servVolkswagen, providing plant site logistics as it ramped up its critical pre-series warehouse operations. Team staff has gone up and down since it started in 2009, Friddell said. Most of the 350 positions have been rechires to support our new internal logistics agreement with VW. At the end of January, leaders announced tthey were adding 200 employeesin addition to the 2,500-member workforce it already employedto keep with production increases from 31 to 35 cars per hour.http://www.nooga.com/155022/logistics-company-to-add-150-jobs-to-meet-demands-of-vw-production-increas

Report: Tennessee 5th in green jobs (Nashville Business Journal)Tennessee was fifth in clean energy jobs in the nation in the first quarter, according to a new report. The UDepartment of Energy highlighted a report today from Environmental Entrepreneurs, which highlights mthan 2,500 new green jobs in Tennessee during the first quarter, citing activity by solar manufacturer WackChemie and Nissan North America for its Leaf. Tennessee ranked behind Connecticut, Illinois, California aIndiana in job creation by new or ongoing projects. "Not only are these jobs creating new economic opportunitin Tennessee, but also better-paying ones," the report said. Gov. Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, made solar aother renewable energy a major economic development priority, both in terms of recruitment and subsidyvarious ventures. Tennessee has continued to wrestle with that legacy the most recent example beingdebate over a tax break to renewable energy with some Republicans questioning the wisdom of investment.http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/04/25/green-department-of-energy-tenne ssee.html

Schools decision draws criticism (Times-Gazette)Two members of Bedford County Board of Education criticized School Superintendent Ray Butrum and schboard chairman Barry Cooper on Thursday night for committing to an educational software package prior to fiapproval by the board. The board was asked on Thursday night to approve a three-year agreement wCurriculum Advantage Inc. of Lawrenceville, Ga., for its Classworks software for grades K-8. The bundle includpractice and review software, assessment, m anaged services and professional development, and technsupport. The contract will total $503,289 over a three-year period. Early payment The software package hbeen mentioned at previous school board meetings, but not formally voted upon. Butrum said the school systhad been preparing to adopt the Classworks package for the next school year and the next fiscal year. But company told the school system that if it could make a payment during the current fiscal year, training teachers could start immediately. State approval to allow line-item shifts in the county's Race To The Tbudget, as well as a refund from the county's previous software provider, provided enough money to go aheand make that payment.http://www.t-g.com/story/1841475.html

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OPINION

Editorial: TCAP time is more important than ever (Jackson Sun)Area public school students in grades 3 through 8 are in the midst of taking the Tennessee ComprehensAssessment Program (TCAP) tests this week. This is an especially important year for the tests, and we weach student and their teachers the best of luck. This is the first year that TCAP test results will be figuinto student grades and teacher evaluation scores. The new rules created a heightened sense of awareneabout the importance of TCAP results. They also sets the stage for a higher level of accountability for studeand for teachers. As part of Tennessees education reform legislation passed in 2010, student test resubecome more than mere statistical measures of education success. This years scores also will have real-

consequences when it comes to student report cards that go home to parents, and to teachers who will have scores factored into their evaluations. For students, this years TCAP results will count as 15 percent of thsecond semester grades. The reasoning behind including student TACAP scores is that if teachers are goingbe held accountable for TCAP results in a meaningful way, so should students. We cant argue with that logIncluding the test results sends a message to students and to parents that these tests matter, and should nottaken lightly. Students should be prepared, fed a good b reakfast and come to school fully aware that test resuwill impact their grades.http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120426/OPINION/304260001/Our-View-TCAP-time-more-important-thanever

Frank Cagle: Banning Baggy Pants (Metro Pulse)Ill be the first to admit that some legislators in N ashville and in state capitols across the country have be

proposing controversial bills to provide solutions for problems that dont exist. But I would point out that itpossible for serious people in the Legislature to be doing important work while the clowns are out in the hgetting all the press attention. I rise today, however, to defend a bill that has met with almost universal derisand has often been used as an easy example of frivolous meddling. Im talking about the baggy pants bill. Ymight think a law to stop schoolchildren from wearing their pants hanging off their hips was the idea of an uptiwhite Republican who hates hip hop. Joe Towns, the principle sponsor of the legislation, is a black Democralegislator from Memphis. Why has he pursued this idea for some years? The style of pants around the butt wseveral inches of underwear sticking out the top began in prisons and jails, where inmates are not allowed beIs it a good thing if our high school students look at convicts as role models? That they want to identify with thuand drug dealers, cause its, like, cool? It seems a trivial thing unless you think about it. Baggy pants wont you a job. It wont help you have an attitude conducive to learning in school. It is a way of identifying with loserhttp://www.metropulse.com/news/2012/apr/25/banning-baggy-pants/

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thursday, april 26 news summary

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