wednesday, may 9 news summary

8/2/2019 Wednesday, May 9 News Summary

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Civil Service Reform Comes to Tennessee (Governing)The Volunteer State is creating a personnel environment more akin to the private sector. On April 24, TennessGov. Bill Haslam signed the Tennessee E xcellence, A ccountability and Management (TEAM) Act into laushering in a new era of civil service reform m arked by the executive branchs increased control over the hirand firing of its state workers. Like other states that have implemented civil service reform -- including FloridGeorgia and Indiana -- Tennessee will create a personnel environment more akin to the private sector. Once fimplemented, the TEAM Act will create two service divisions: "executive service," made up mainly of senior-lepositions, and "preferred service," mostly comprised of middle management and front-line employees. Thoseexecutive service will remain at-will, meaning they can be fired at any time for any reason; while thosepreferred service (formerly known as career service) will maintain a streamlined appeals process for wrong

termination.http://www.governing.com/topics/public-workforce/col-civil-service-reform-tennes see.html

Gov. Bill Haslam says he won't twist arms to push agenda (Times Fre

Press/Sher)Republican Gov. Bill Haslam says it's simply not his way to bully lawmakers into going along with his agenda apoints to successes in this year's General Assembly as proof it isn't always needed. "It's not my style to trytwist every arm we can and get one more vote than the other side," Haslam said Tuesday as he discussed tyear's legislative session with the Chattanooga Times Free Press. "I don't think long-term that's how gogovernment works." Haslam saw some proposals shot down in the Republican-controlled legislature this yemost notably an effort to grant local school systems more flexibility on teacher salaries and average class siz

It died amid concerns that it would embolden county commissions to cut local education budgets. But Haslapointed to any number of legislative successes in areas including civil service reform. The governor's list aincludes passing a budget that cuts taxes and government, despite the loss of up to $900 million in federevenue, overhauling some state boards and commissions, promotes government efficiency and sets up nstate education accountability standards.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/haslam-says-he-wont-twist-arms/?loc al

Haslam expects to sign municipal referendum bill (Commercial Appeal/Locker)Gov. Bill Haslam said Tuesday he expects to sign into law the bill allowing referendums this year on establishnew municipal school districts in the Memphis suburbs. The governor said in an interview with The CommercAppeal, however, that he would have preferred more time for suburban residents to review the TransitiPlanning Commission's recommendations on the design of the new countywide school district before they vo

The state legislature approved House Bill 1105 last week before adjourning for the year. It authorizes tsuburban cities to hold referendums and school board elections this year, before the state ban on new municischool districts is lifted in Shelby County in August 2013. The governor has until Tuesday to sign, veto or lebecome law without his signature. He said last week a veto was "doubtful." He said Tuesday: "I would anticipsigning it. It has been my strong wish to let the T ransition Planning Com mission's work come to fruition and (let that be considered and understood exactly -- and if the suburban towns are voting to set up their own distrto have them at least consider what the new district is going to look like. That felt really, really important to me.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/08/tennessee-gov-bill-haslam-expects-sign-municipal-r/(SUB)
http://www.governing.com/topics/public-workforce/col-civil-service-reform-tennessee.htmlhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/haslam-says-he-wont-twist-arms/?localhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/haslam-says-he-wont-twist-arms/?localhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/haslam-says-he-wont-twist-arms/?localhttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/08/tennessee-gov-bill-haslam-expects-sign-municipal-r/http://www.governing.com/topics/public-workforce/col-civil-service-reform-tennessee.htmlhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/haslam-says-he-wont-twist-arms/?localhttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/haslam-says-he-wont-twist-arms/?localhttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/08/tennessee-gov-bill-haslam-expects-sign-municipal-r/


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Castalian Springs history research project takes flight (Tennessean)Gov. Bil l Haslam announced on Wednesday a grant for the Tennessee Historical Commission to fund airborne research project with the hopes of discovering more historic sites in Castalian Springs and gainingdeeper understanding of the areas existing ones. The project, which is being done through the FullerLaboratory for Spatial Technology at Middle Tennessee State University, hopes to locate prehistoric villagearchaeological mound sites, Civil War-era fortified sites and Zeiglers Station, a settlement that was destroyedNative Americans in 1792. The labs director said that project will also study existing historic sites. Were not ju

doing the archaeological sites the prehistoric Native American sites, said MTSU professor Zada Law. addition, to the Native American settlement, were looking at the historic sites of Wynnewood, Fort BledsCragfont and Hawthorne Hill. The grant was announced one day after the State House and Senate issuedjoint resolution to declare their opposition to the proposed rock quarry in Castalian Springs.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120506/GALLATIN01/305060093/Castalian-Springs-history-research-project-takes-flight

TN gets a B - in small-business friendliness (Nashville Business Journal)Tennessee gets a B-minus in terms of friendliness to small business in a new survey sponsored by the EwMarion Kauffman Foundation and professional services website Thumbtack.com. Tennessee scored As in eiof 12 categories, including hiring costs, regulations and tax code. The state scored a B for its ease of startinbusiness and its overall health and safety. Tennessee ranked at No. 17 and 18 for last year's growth rate and

current economic health, respectively. Tennessee ranked 30th for business owners' optimism for the future.Within the state, East Tennessee was found to be the most friendly toward small business, followed by MidTennessee. The Greater Nashville area received an overage B grade. Thumbtack.com's findings are based otwo-month survey of 6,000 small-business owners across the country.http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/05/08/tn-gets-a-b--in-small-busin ess.html

Construction clears governor, staff out of Capitol (Associated Press)Gov. Bill Haslam has relocated to temporary office space while the state Capitol gets renovated. The governand his staff of about 35 have moved to the 27th floor of the Tennessee Tower across the street while the worcompleted. The about $15 m illion project is scheduled to completed in December. The work on the 150 -year-building includes upgrades and repairs to heating and air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems. Aaffected by the Capitol renovations are the offices of the House and S enate clerks and the state's treasu

comptroller and secretary of state. Construction fencing is going up around the Capitol grounds, and all pubentrances will be locked for the duration of the project.http://www.wdef.com/news/state/story/Construction-clears-governor-staff-out-of-Capitol/WinMBo7CcU6DFpA7Klu-DA.cspx

TN revenue $190M more than budgeted (Associated Press)The state has collected $190 million more than budgeted so far this fiscal year. Finance and administratiofficials reported Tuesday that April collections were 9.6 percent over those in April a year ago. The figure w$1.4 billion, or $83 m illion more than budgeted. Sales tax collections for April recorded their 25th straight moof growth dating back to April 2010. On an accrual basis, April is the ninth month in the fiscal year that ends June 30. General fund collections beat projections by $83 million in April and by $400 million for the year. Trevised 2011-12 budget assumed an overcollection of $210 m illion for the year.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS0201/305090122/TN-revenue-190M-more-than-budgetedodyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Tennessee tax collections up 9.7 percent in April (Memphis Business Journal)Tennessee continued to see improved tax collections in April, the Tennessee Department of FinanceAdministration announced Tuesday. According to Finance Com missioner Mark Emkes, the state collected $1billion in tax revenue last month, up 9.7 percent over a year ago and $82.8 million more than officials hbudgeted. "Sales tax collections recorded the 25th consecutive month of positive growth dating back to Apri2010," Emkes said in a news release. "In addition, corporate Franchise and Excise tax collections continue tovery encouraging, but the Hall Income Tax recorded a negative growth over last April and fell considerably shof the budgeted estimate. "Uncertainty surrounding the outcome of Supreme Court review of the fede
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120506/GALLATIN01/305060093/Castalian-Springs-history-research-project-takes-flighthttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120506/GALLATIN01/305060093/Castalian-Springs-history-research-project-takes-flighthttp://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/05/08/tn-gets-a-b--in-small-business.htmlhttp://www.wdef.com/news/state/story/Construction-clears-governor-staff-out-of-Capitol/WinMBo7CcU6DFpA7Klu-DA.cspxhttp://www.wdef.com/news/state/story/Construction-clears-governor-staff-out-of-Capitol/WinMBo7CcU6DFpA7Klu-DA.cspxhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS0201/305090122/TN-revenue-190M-more-than-budgeted?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS0201/305090122/TN-revenue-190M-more-than-budgeted?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120506/GALLATIN01/305060093/Castalian-Springs-history-research-project-takes-flighthttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120506/GALLATIN01/305060093/Castalian-Springs-history-research-project-takes-flighthttp://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/05/08/tn-gets-a-b--in-small-business.htmlhttp://www.wdef.com/news/state/story/Construction-clears-governor-staff-out-of-Capitol/WinMBo7CcU6DFpA7Klu-DA.cspxhttp://www.wdef.com/news/state/story/Construction-clears-governor-staff-out-of-Capitol/WinMBo7CcU6DFpA7Klu-DA.cspxhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS0201/305090122/TN-revenue-190M-more-than-budgeted?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS0201/305090122/TN-revenue-190M-more-than-budgeted?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNews


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healthcare reform act, resolution of the federal budget and European financial crises, along with the potentialrising inflation, the volatility of gas prices and corporate tax collections, altogether requires us to be prudentthe remainder of this year."http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2012/05/08/tennessee-tax-collections-up-97.html

TN to get $5M more in Abbott Labs case (Tennessean/McClain)Tennessee A ttorney General Bob Cooper and Health Care Finance and Administration Deputy Commissio

Darin Gordon said Tennessee w ill receive at least $5 million more as part of a settlement over how Abbott Lamarketed the drug Depakote. The money is on top of nearly $2 million designated for Tennessee as part oconsumer protection agreement announced on Monday in connection with the same case. It involved the usethe drug for off- label uses not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The agreement resolvallegations by Tennessee, several other states and the federal government that Abbott Laboratories illegamarketed Depakote, leading to false claims to Medicaid and other federal health-care programs.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/BUSINESS05/305090126/TN-get-5M-more-Abbott-Labs-case?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

State commissioner visits Vietnam vets (Times-Gazette)More than 60 attended this month's Vietnam Era Veterans meeting at the American Legion Center. Many-BeGrinder, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, was guest speaker. Military fam

Grinder, who spent 35 years in the Tennessee Army National Guard, comes from a long line of military servituHer family has heeded the call to serve for generations, including her mother, husband, herself and her childrHer daughter-in-law, Billie Jean Grinder, even gave her life in service more than two years ago in Iraq. "She wdoing what she wanted to do," explained Grinder. "She didn't do it for the honor or the glory. It's our responsibithat those who have given their lives for our country did not do so in vain. We owe a debt of gratitude to thothat have served and their families that have been left behind." State help G rinder went on to delineate wexactly the state's Department of Veterans Affairs does. They aren't the same as the U.S. DepartmentVeterans Affairs -- they don't run the medical centers or make judgment on disability claims that are filed. Thare veterans' advocates, so if there is a problem getting medical appo intments or filing disability claims, they cassist with those things.http://www.t-g.com/story/1846336.htm l

BTW graduate featured in documentary (WMC-TV Memphis)

Former Booker T W ashington High School student Christopher Dean will be featured in a new documentary. TWKNO/PBS documentary is entitled American Graduate: The Tennessee Story. Tennessees First Lady CrisHaslam will host the half-hour documentary. The PBS documentary will also focus on the high school droporate in the U.S. and the state of Tennessee. American Graduate: The Tennessee Story will air statewThursday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. In 2011, Dean and the BTW class of 2011 welcomed President Barack Obamakeynote speaker for their graduation. Dean delivered the introduction speech for the President during ceremony.http://southmemphis.wmctv.com/news/arts-culture/74435-btw-graduate-featured-documentary

I-75 slope failure in Campbell County one of worst in state (News-Sentinel/JacobThe evolving slope slide under Interstate 75 in Campbell County is one of the worst in the state in more than tdecades and is being exacerbated by rainfall, a state geotechnical engineer said Tuesday. Sometime af

midnight Monday, a section of the embankment at the 143 mile marker already undergoing repairs slid, takwith it a lot of moisture-laden material and a portion of a stabilization wall already finished. "It's a slide withislide," said Saieb Haddad, geotechnical engineer with the Tennessee Department of Transportation. "I think rainfall made it happen." The new slide forced state officials to entirely close the southbound lanes of I-75 aclose one of the two lanes of northbound I-75. Southbound drivers have been shifted to a detour that leads ththrough LaFollette. "It's an interstate, so it has to be fixed as soon as it can," Haddad said. "Our goal is to havopen by the end of the week." M ark Nagi, regional spokesman for the TDOT, said authorities hope to reopen I sti ll featur ing a makeshift de tour by Thursday . T hat reopening would include two northbound lanes and osouthbound lane the configuration before the slide Tuesday.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/09/i-75-slope-failure-in-campbell-county-one-of-in/
http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2012/05/08/tennessee-tax-collections-up-97.htmlhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/BUSINESS05/305090126/TN-get-5M-more-Abbott-Labs-case?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/BUSINESS05/305090126/TN-get-5M-more-Abbott-Labs-case?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.t-g.com/story/1846336.htmlhttp://www.t-g.com/story/1846336.htmlhttp://southmemphis.wmctv.com/news/arts-culture/74435-btw-graduate-featured-documentaryhttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/09/i-75-slope-failure-in-campbell-county-one-of-in/http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2012/05/08/tennessee-tax-collections-up-97.htmlhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/BUSINESS05/305090126/TN-get-5M-more-Abbott-Labs-case?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/BUSINESS05/305090126/TN-get-5M-more-Abbott-Labs-case?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CNews%7Cphttp://www.t-g.com/story/1846336.htmlhttp://southmemphis.wmctv.com/news/arts-culture/74435-btw-graduate-featured-documentaryhttp://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/09/i-75-slope-failure-in-campbell-county-one-of-in/


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As Nuclear Plants Age, UT Gets Funds for More Nuke Research (WPLN-Radio)The University of Tennessee is one of more than a dozen schools that will get federal money for research inhow to m ake new nuclear plants more efficient. While progress on new reactors is slowand the current cropagingofficials at the Department of Energy says the US will need more nuclear scientists in the future. Itll years before any of the nuclear reactors in the pipeline start churning out power. Meanwhile, scientists are sdealing with issues created by the plants that are currently online. The biggest is finding a permanent home the toxic waste created in nuclear reactions. Deputy energy secretary Daniel Poneman says younger nucl

scientists will have to find ways to deal with these issues before nuclear power can grow again. Weve got to gthat piece of the equation right for nuclear to flourish. Frankly, bringing young students in with fresh ideas anewly-trained expertise can be part of the solution set.http://wpln.org/?p=370 17

Tennessee Tech policy violated First Amendment (Tennessean/Gang)Man wanted to share his religious beliefs All John McGlone wanted to do was share his Christian beliefs wstudents at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville. One on one. Instead, he was asked to leave campus by police simbecause he didnt give the university notice two weeks ahead of time, and he didnt disclose what he wantedtalk about. Now McGlone has won a case before the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled TennessTechs policy was unreasonable and violated the First Am endment. The decision could have implications public colleges and universities throughout the region as officials balance public access with the need to ke

students safe. In light of the decision, public colleges and universities throughout the state would be wisereview their policies, said Gene Policinski, executive director of the Nashville-based First Amendment CentPeople have a right to speak on public property, and the government can intrude only in the narrowest of wahe said. Anytime government asks us in advance to specify the kind of speech we are engaged in, that raisewarning flag for the courts, Policinski said. Government ought not to be in the business of saying, You casay that. Karen Lykins, Tennessee Techs associate vice president for communications, said the universcould not comment on the case since it was sent back to the trial court. McGlones lawsuit is seeking unspecifdamages. Attorneys for the Tennessee Board of Regents are reviewing the federal appeals court decision, ssaid.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS03/305090115/Tennessee-Tech-policy-violated-First-Amendment?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Death toll soars on Tennessee's roads (Tennessean/Haas)Alarmed Tennessee officials seek ways to improve safety Please dont tell me hes dead. Susan C olpleaded with grief counselors at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Wednesday after rushing there to see son, who had been in a m otorcycle crash. Im so sorry, a counselor responded. No, dont tell me that, pleasCollier pleaded. Her son, Bradley Collier, 35, of Nashville died after his motorcycle smashed into the back otruck. Her family had only learned two weeks ago that the Iraq war veteran had bought the bike. They hpleaded with him to reconsider. He had returned from the w ar significantly disabled after being injured first bsnipers bullet and then an exploding grenade. But he was headstrong. Today, the injured war hero is amomore than 300 people who have died on Tennessee roads since Jan. 1, a startling 13 percent increase over tsame time last year, after years of general declines in traffic fatalities. State officials have been unable to find adefinite trends in the crashes in terms of whether speed or alcohol have played major factors.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS21/305090123/Death-toll-soars-TN-roads?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Lacey Act Rewrite Finds Sympathy from Lawmakers (WPLN-Radio Nashville)An environmental law that has Nashville-based Gibson Guitar mired in legal trouble was up for debate Tuesdin Washington. A House subcommittee heard arguments for and against the Lacey Act. Legislation called RELIEF Act would rewrite the century-old law, which only recently began governing the importation of woMusical instruments are the concern of the bills sponsors, which include Rep. Jim Cooper. The NashvDemocrat says artists fear their guitars could be confiscated when they reenter the U.S. if they cant documthat all of the wood was legally harvested. Helping musicians like Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs is the primaimpetus of our legislation. The Justice Department has w ritten a memo saying it has no intention to go aantique instruments. Testifying before lawmakers, Adam Gardner frontman of the band Guster said Coopelegislation weakens protections against illegal logging. Lacey does not pose a threat to m usicians. A number
http://wpln.org/?p=37017http://wpln.org/?p=37017http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS03/305090115/Tennessee-Tech-policy-violated-First-Amendment?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS03/305090115/Tennessee-Tech-policy-violated-First-Amendment?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS21/305090123/Death-toll-soars-TN-roads?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS21/305090123/Death-toll-soars-TN-roads?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://wpln.org/?p=37017http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS03/305090115/Tennessee-Tech-policy-violated-First-Amendment?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS03/305090115/Tennessee-Tech-policy-violated-First-Amendment?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS21/305090123/Death-toll-soars-TN-roads?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGEhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS21/305090123/Death-toll-soars-TN-roads?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE


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misleading claims have been raised by RELIEF advocates that simply are not true.http://wpln.org/?p=370 34

Study: Tennesseans increasingly skip dr's visits because they lack $ (CA/Sells)Cost kept a larger percentage of Tennesseans out of the doctor's office from 2000 to 2010 than it did citizensany other state, according to a new study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban InstituAbout 857,000 Tennesseans between the ages of 19 and 64 said in surveys over the last decade that they didgo the doctor because they couldn't afford it. The number grew 10.8 percent from 2000 to 2010, higher grow

than any other state. "Tennessee was seeing increases in unmet need in particular for both the insured auninsured that were large relative to the national averages," said study co-author Steve Zuckerman. "But tdeterioration for the uninsured was particular pronounced." The study, released Tuesday, said 55.6 percentuninsured Tennesseans skipped a doctor visit in 2010 because they couldn't afford it and 12.6 of those winsurance did the same. The study did not offer any reasons for increases in unmet medical need in any staBut Gordon Bonnyman, executive director of Nashville's Tennessee Justice Center, said they are directly linkto TennCare cuts.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/08/study-finds-tennesseans-increasingly-skip-doctors/(SUB)

Dean Says Teacher, Police Layoffs Just the Reality Without Tax Hike (WPLN)Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has spent the last week going to bat for his property tax increase. He says talternative is laying off policemen and teachers. The additional 53-cents what amounts to $16 a month o

$150,000 home is a few cents shy of triggering a referendum where voters would have to sign off. But tmayor still has to get the Metro Councils approval. Im not saying that there is every little bit of fat cut out of government and theres not areas that wouldnt benefit from being cut, but you cant find the amount of monthats needed for the government to continue to operate.http://wpln.org/?p=369 68

Dean's tax increase: Where your dough would go (Nashville Business Journal)Mayor Karl Deans proposed 53-cent tax increase is rapidly becoming the top Metro N ashville topic, and it's aon the lips of many business people mulling its impact both on their pocketbooks and the city at large. Tmayor's office estimates the increase on homeowners and businesses would mean about $100 million in nrevenue. Dean says it will stave off cuts and allow critical investments. While we await more of the debateunfold, here's a look at what the increase would go toward: Schools 23 cents of the increase would toward school operations, and Dean has made paying teachers better and hiring more of them a top priority

his budget. Debt 11 cents of every dollar will go toward debt service. Dean and his advisers say Metro hbeen prudent with taking on new debt and staved off a previous tax increase by refinancing but socritics have said the mayor has been too willing to go that direction.http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/2012/05/mayor-karl-dean-tax-increase-tenne ssee.html

No tax hike in Chattanooga mayor's budget (Times Free-Press/Hightower)For the second year in a row, Chattanoogans won't be staring at a property tax increase. The $209 millbudget for next year is $8 m illion more than this year's and includes more than $2.8 m illion in pay raises for cemployees, city records show. "There w ere no surprises," said Councilwoman Carol Berz, chairwoman of City Council's Budget and Finance Comm ittee. Chief Finance Officer Daisy Madison took about 45 m inutes toover the budget with the council Tuesday during a Budget and Finance Committee meeting. Her staff handed binders of the more than 200-page budget to council members. The budget includes $2.8 million for pay rais

$1.6 million for fire and police pensions, $276,383 for gang initiative operations and $100,000 for the OfficeSustainability. Seventeen new positions are also included -- 15 firefighters and two gang task force m embersbut nothing for additional police, Madison said. About $1.2 million of the $2.8 million is set aside for tChattanooga Police Department's career ladder, Madison said.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/no-tax-hike-in-mayors-city-budget/?local

Andy Berke m akes cam paign plans for Chattanooga m ayor offic

(TFP/Hightower)State Sen. Andy Berke, D-Tenn., said there was a moment Tuesday morning when he had to take a breabefore taking the podium inside the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. "This is a big moment for me," Berke s
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afterward. "This is a big moment for my family." Berke announced he will run for Chattanooga mayor in tMarch 2013 election. Standing in front of a cheering crowd of almost 150 people packed inside the center, said he wanted to "build bridges." "We have an opportunity to come together anew," Berke told the crowd. Beis the first person to announce publicly intentions of running for mayor. Other nam es floated for the city's top include City Council Chairwoman Pam Ladd; Hamilton County Commissioner Warren Mackey; Roger Tudexecutive director of Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee; Citizens to Recall Mayor Littlefileader Jim Folkner; longtime city employee Guy Satterfield; and former mayoral candidate Rob Healy. ToWomack, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker's chief of staff, announced Monday he would not seek the seat. Kim Whexecutive director of River City Co., also has said she would not seek it, and businessman Greg Vital droppout of consideration and is running for Berke's old seat.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/berke-campaign-plans-chattanooga-mayor-official/?local

Berke makes mayoral candidacy official (WRCB-TV Chattanooga)State Senator Andy Berke is setting his sights on Chattanooga government. More than a hundred peopgathered at the Chattanooga Theatre Center Tuesday morning, as Berke officially announced his candidacy mayor. Berke says he sees a lot of potential for economic success in Chattanooga, and there are a lot of factthat play into make Chattanooga the best city it can be. "W e have to make sure that people w ant to live here athat we have a quality of life and that certainly includes crime. So these issues are tied together. If we cenhance our quality of life here in Chattanooga, we're going to have great success for our citizens," Berke saHe served as a state senator for the past five years. Earlier this year he announced he would not seek election. Chattanooga City Council Chairwoman Pam Ladd has also been m entioned as a probable candidateMayor. On Tuesday evening, she told Channel 3 she is interested, but still mulling it over. She said she hastimetable or deadline for her decision on whether or not to toss her own hat into the ring, but realizes the clockticking.http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/18193219/berke-makes-mayoral-candidacy-official

Bradley County: Tax flap threatens future ventures (Times Free-Press/Leach)Bradley County commissioners say the county can't afford to lose more revenues in a sales tax dispute wCleveland and still participate in joint capital projects with the city. County commissioners voiced support lMonday -- but w ithheld a vote -- for a resolution that states the county will be unable to join the city in any maprojects "due to a potential loss of sales tax revenues." "The facts are that without some of that sales trevenue, we -- the County Commission -- do not have the money to participate in some projects we wootherwise participate in," Commissioner Ed Elkins said. The rift between the county and city involves a 19agreement between the two on the division of sales tax. At stake is nearly $900,000 a year, accordingprevious statements by City Manager Janice Casteel. According to the agreement, local schools get half sales tax revenue with the county receiving a two-thirds share based on student populations. However, tcounty only receives one-third of the other half of sales tax revenue because m ost sales are made within the cAfter a Chancery Court ruling upheld the 1967 agreement when it was challenged by the city, the Cleveland CCouncil voted 4-3 to take the case to the Tennessee Court of Appeals.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/tax-flap-threatens-future-ventures/?local

Residents voice support for Knox Schools funding plan (News-Sentinel/Donila)A multimillion dollar proposal that local educators say will lead to better schools but increased taxes receivoverwhelming support Tuesday night from roughly 150 residents during a Knox County Commission meetdesigned to seek more information about a budget the county mayor recently shot down. "The children in ocounty deserve the best we can give them," said Gerry O'Farrell. "I don't see this as money being thrown aproblem. It looks to me as being a carefully planned investment. I do not believe this will solve all problems but I think this is a very, very important step to take." At issue is the Knox County BoardEducation's request for an annually recurring $35 million to create a broad, long-term plan that targets a numof educational investments, including technology and additional instructional time in the classroom. CouMayor Tim Buchett last week unveiled his overall $673.7 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, whbegins July 1. It includes a $13 million increase for the school system to cover natural growth, but he declinedfund what supporters of the proposal have called a "bold" and "ambitious" plan. He said it would requireproperty tax increase, something he's adamantly against.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/09/residents-voice-support-for-knox-schools-funding/
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No-tax-hike budget recommended in OR (Knoxville News-Sentinel/Fowler)The no-tax-hike budget proposed by Oak Ridge City Manager Mark S. Watson faces intense scrutiny and freading in an Oak R idge City Council meeting Monday. But there's an intensely debated issue debt paymeon the city's $66 million renovation of its high school that leaves vast uncertainties and for months has beehot-button topic in the city. City Council and the Board of Education remain deadlocked over exactly how tIOU is to be repaid. "We are going to pay our debt, regardless," city finance director Janice E. McGinnis sTuesday. Watson said a $2.9 m illion payment on the school debt is due by June 30. The final figure will likely

less, he said, because some of the bonds have variable interest rates. "We have funds and bond reservavailable while the school and city sort stuff out," he wrote in an email Tuesday. "Funds are not a problem tyear and next." Other than that impasse, Watson describes his fiscal plan as a "pretty boring budget." "If youseen last year's budget, you've seen this year's budget," he told council members Monday.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/09/no-tax-hike-budget-recommended-in-or/

Proposed Kingsport budget includes small hikes in water, sewer fees (Time

News)City Manager John Campbell is proposing a balanced budget for the next fiscal year with no property tincrease and a 2 percent pay raise for city employees. However, the proposed budget does call for small hikesthe water and sewer rates and the hiring of three part-time employees in the public works department. Anot

item of note, Campbells proposed budget includes no decision on how much m ore money, if any, to give to Kingsport City School system, which has requested an additional $2.4 million from the city to balance its bud $520,000 of wh ich would go toward the operational costs of the new STEM platform school. Campbpresented his proposed fiscal year 2013 budget to the Board of Mayor and A ldermen during a special calworksession Tuesday afternoon. The BM A has discussed the citys capital improvement plan and KCS budgeprevious m eetings. Tuesdays meeting included an overview of the citys general fund (administration, police, and parks and recreation) water and sewer funds and small m iscellaneous funds, such as solid waste, fleet arisk management. (The budget) has been a tough process; tougher this year in some ways, Cam pbell said.http://www.timesnews.net/article/9046354/proposed-kingsport-budget-includes-small-hikes-in-water- sewer-fee

Knoxville City Council hints at support for hybrid pension plan (N-S/Witt)It's not making a dent in the $138 m illion that the city owes to the unsustainable city employees pension fund,

Knoxville C ity Council is slightly closer to putting a referendum before voters this fall. On Tuesday council toostraw poll that showed support for what they've called a hybrid plan, which would change the retirement acost of living adjustments and other costly details of the employees pension fund to save money. "In ordersupport the hybrid plan," said Councilman Duane Greive, "I need to know what the hybrid plan is. I think we hato do the nuts and bolts." Greive, Finbarr Saunders and Marshal Stair voted for a defined contribution plan, kof like the 401(k) m any workers get in private enterprise. M ark Campen abstained, while Daniel Brown, NDella Volpe, Brenda Palmer, Nick Pavlis and George Wallace voted for the hybrid plan. The point of discussions is to deal with the underfunded retirement plan for the city employees, which must be paid to tlevels promised to retirees. After the so-called Great Recession, the markets holding the m oney for the penstook such a tremendous hit that it's expected to cost the city $14.4 million to match the fund's needs in 2012-an increase of $2.2 million from the current fiscal year.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/08/knoxville-city-council-hints-at-support -for-plan/

States Scramble to Regulate Fracking (Stateline)Vermont lawmakers last week m ade an em phatic statement on the issue of fracking: Not in our state, at least yet. In the final vote of its legislative session, the states House of Representatives overwhelmingly approvedbill that would make Vermont the first state to ban hydraulic fracturing, the controversial method used to extrnatural gas stored in shale deposits. The practice, commonly known as fracking, involves blasting millionsgallons of water mixed with sand and toxic chemicals deep into wells, freeing the gas. Vermont doesnt have aproven natural gas reserves, but geologists say that a shale formation in the states northwest corner is similarthe gas-rich shale across the border in the Canadian province of Quebec. The possibility that the state sits asome natural gas adds meaning to a vote on an issue thats been hotly debated across the country and hgrown increasingly politicized. This year alone, 24 states have considered at least 127 bills dealing specificwith hydraulic fracturing, according to the National Conference of S tate Legislatures. At least seven states ha
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enacted regulatory laws, although none is as strict as the one in Vermont. Meanwhile, rulemaking continuesthe agency level in several other states. Proposed rules deal with a range of issues, including chemdisclosure, protection of water quality and fees on the industry.http://www.stateline.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-scramble-to-regulate-fracking-858 99385716

Tennessee gets D+ for workplace support of new parents (Nashville Biz Journal)Tennessee received a D+ today from the National Partnership for Women & Fam ilies. The grade is for the stat

lack of support and protection for working parents that have recently had a child, the group said. "The birth ochild should be a joyous event for new mothers and fathers, not the cause of financial hardship or devastatioNational Partnership President Debra Ness said in a news release. "Sadly, as this report shows, tens of millioof working parents throughout the country have no access to paid leave when a child is born and few if any otworkplace protections beyond the minimum standards set by federal law. At a time when the majority of womare both caregivers and breadwinners, America's families expect and deserve much better." According to tgroup, women make up 48 percent of the workforce in the state, and 67 percent of Tennessee children livefamilies in which all parents work. More than 96,600 Tennessee w omen gave birth in 2009. Tennessee receivsome points for giving workers a longer period of leave to care for new babies than the 12 weeks provided federal law. The Volunteer State also got points for laws that provide nursing mothers with reasonable bretimes and/or a place other than a bathroom to express breast milk.http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/women_of_influence/2012/05/tenneessee-employers-almost-flunk-in.html

Manufacturing's long-term shift to South appears over, report finds (CA/Bailey)Electrolux's move from Canada to Memphis notwithstanding, the long-term shift of manufacturing to the Soended in 2000-2010, according to a new report that studied the geography of manufacturing in the U.S. TBrookings Institute Metropolitan Policy Program report -- "Locating American Manufacturing: Trends in Geography of Production" -- also found that manufacturing for most metro areas, not including Memphis, fainto one of six broad categories: computers and electronics; transportation equipment; chemicals; machinefood production; and low-wage m anufacturing. Of the 366 metro areas studied, Mem phis is one of 120 whmanufacturing is diversified instead of specialized into one of the six clusters. In fact, of the top 100 metro areaMemphis is one of just six cities where "miscellaneous" is the No. 1 type industry, comprising 13.9 percent of city's industrial jobs. The paper industry is second at 12.8 percent and machinery is third at 10.5 perce"Miscellaneous" industries include m edical equipment and supplies, jewelry and silverware, sporting and athlegoods, toy and gam e manufacturing, office supplies except paper and sign m anufacturing.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/09/end-of-a-trend/(SUBSCRIPTION)

Erlanger, assessor seek budget increases (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/HamaErlanger hospital's interim chief executive officer asked Hamilton County commissioners to restore the full million they used to give the hospital for treating the poor and uninsured. The full $3 million for indigent cpreviously came through a sales tax agreement between the city and county, with each entity contributing $1million. When that agreement ended last year, the county no longer picked up the city's share and the cdeclined to contribute $1.5 m illion. President and CEO Charlesetta Woodard-Thompson appeared befcommissioners Tuesday as part of this year's budget hearings for the county's 2013 fiscal year, which will beJuly 1. Last year the hospital's indigent care totaled about $82 million, and this year's projections show tpossibility of the hospital reaching $92 million by June 30. "We don't have two levels of care," WoodaThompson said. "That means we have to offset what we're doing in uncompensated care." Erlanger lost million in April, bringing its fiscal year losses to $17 million. Hamilton County commissioners didn't indicwhether they would support the request, though many of them signaled their support for recent leaderschanges.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/erlanger-assessor-seek-budget-increases/?local

Pinnacle Airlines closes PinnPro division, cutting 900 employees (CA/Risher)Pinnacle Airlines Corp. said Tuesday it is ditching a 900-employee division that provides professional grouhandling services to 16 airlines at 11 American airports. Nearly 400 workers in Memphis, 330 part time and full time, including 10 managers, will be affected. The company notified PinnPro Professional Ground Servicworkers on Monday that it would wind down the operation by September as part of bankruptcy-rela
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restructuring. While the company previously said its overall downsizing would result in furloughs of about 4pilots, this is the bankruptcy's biggest impact so far on the airline's home city. The decision comes less thanyear after Pinnacle rebranded and expanded contract ground services under PinnPro for its own airlinePinnacle and Colgan, as well as Delta, Am erican, United and US Airways or their regional partners. Pinnservices include customer handling and check-in, baggage handling, aircraft cleaning, facility cleaning, skycand wheelchair services. The move isn't expected to affect Pinnacle's feeder flights for Delta Air LinesMemphis International Airport, said Airport Authority president and CEO and Greater Memphis Chamchairman Larry Cox.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/08/pinnacle-airlines-closes-pinnpro-division-cutting/(SUB)

Pinnacle Will Close PinnPro Ground Div. (Memphis Daily News)Pinnacle Airlines Corp. announced Tuesday, May 8, that it will wind down its PinnPro Professional GrouServices subsidiary over the next several months, leaving the companys ground operations restructured amuch sm aller. Leaders of the Memphis-based regional air carrier began telling those in the rebranded busineunit Monday about the decision, which is the latest chapter in the companys restructuring and reorganizationpart of federal bankruptcy court proceedings. We said when we started the restructuring process that we wohave to m ake tough decisions for our business to em erge from Chapter 11 (bankruptcy reorganization) stronand profitable, a Pinnacle statement said. We are discontinuing unp rofitable units as part of the reorganizatplan and refocusing on our core business of flying. PinnPro was rolled out by Pinnacle executives during tMemorial Day holiday weekend in 2011 at the R egional Airlines Association annual meeting and didnt make ithe one-year mark.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/9/pinnacle-will-close-pinnpro-ground-div/

School superintendents from throughout state gather at MTSU (Daily New

Journal)Conference to share ideas on improving student performance Leaders from about 30 school districts from acroTennessee gathered Monday on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University for a two-day conferenceshare ideas on ways to improve student performance. The Tennessee Superintendents Colloquium featudiscussions on Professional Learning Communities, a concept advanced by MTSUs College of Education thas helped several districts improve test scores and student comprehension. The PLC concept has bedescribed as a process through which administrators and teachers work collaboratively to raise stud

performance. It encourages teachers and schools to develop best practices, then share the ideas wclassrooms and colleagues throughout the district. We wanted to provide superintendents with some differeways of thinking, said presenter Robert Eaker, former MTSU education dean and a nationally known expertthe concept. The idea is to make sure students learn, rather than being simply taught. Its easy sometimes teachers to stay in their silos in the classrooms, said Lana Seivers, current dean of MTSUs CollegeEducation. Were exploring ways to bring teachers closer together, as a faculty, so we can be mcollaborative.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120508/NEWS/305080025/School-superintendents-from-throughout-state-gatherMTSU?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p

Houston makes state's Top 10 (Commercial Appeal/Roberts)Chattering and carrying-on was fine Tuesday at Houston High, after the school was ranked seventh in the st

on U.S. News & World Report's best public high school list. Principal Leisa Justus got word first from a teacwho saw it on Twitter and shot her the tweet. "A few minutes later, I looked at a daily briefing I get on curriculand instruction," she said. "My goodness, this must be true," she said to herself. Minutes after she tapped oute-mail to staff, word had spread across the corridor and cafeteria in the Germantown school. Collierville High,miles away, ranks ninth. The two Shelby County schools are the only two in West Tennessee in the top 10. "I jtexted over there," former CHS principal Tim Setterlund said late in the day. "They didn't know about it. Therno big celebration there yet." This is the fourth year the magazine has compiled the online list, analyzing hwell more than 22,000 schools in 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, do educating all their students, not jthose headed to college. Nationwide, the School for the Gifted and Talented in Dallas is No. 1, followed Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va. The Top 10 in Arkansas includNo. 2 ranked KIPP D elta Collegiate High in Helena.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/09/houston-makes-states-top-10/(SUBSCRIPTION)
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/08/pinnacle-airlines-closes-pinnpro-division-cutting/http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/9/pinnacle-will-close-pinnpro-ground-div/http://www.dnj.com/article/20120508/NEWS/305080025/School-superintendents-from-throughout-state-gather-MTSU?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cphttp://www.dnj.com/article/20120508/NEWS/305080025/School-superintendents-from-throughout-state-gather-MTSU?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cphttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/09/houston-makes-states-top-10/http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/08/pinnacle-airlines-closes-pinnpro-division-cutting/http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/9/pinnacle-will-close-pinnpro-ground-div/http://www.dnj.com/article/20120508/NEWS/305080025/School-superintendents-from-throughout-state-gather-MTSU?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cphttp://www.dnj.com/article/20120508/NEWS/305080025/School-superintendents-from-throughout-state-gather-MTSU?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cphttp://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/09/houston-makes-states-top-10/


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Montgomery County School Board approves budget (Leaf Chronicle)The School Board capped a meeting dominated by awards for students by approving the districts massbudget without discussion. Clarksville-Montgomery County School System Schools Director Mike Harris halready presented the full budget, which was made up of local, state and federal dollars, during two earlier stusessions. The County Commission will have to sign off on the budget in June for it to take effect. A roundtameeting on M ay 5 will allow commissioners to quiz district staff on the particulars of the budge t. That meeting

be held at 5 p.m. in the County Courthouse. Half of the 40-minute meeting was dedicated to presenting awato a dozens of students and a few faculty members, which Board Chair George Giles said was evidence tdistrict is doing its job. It is tremendous to see the product w e're turning out, Giles said. You can't put a pron that. The board also reviewed a report on assessment training.http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20120508/NEWS01/305080083/Montgomery-County-School-Board-approves-budget

Parents argue over Great Hearts charter proposal before board (CP/Garrison)Though scores of parents are celebrating a Metro charter proposal as much-needed option for a school systthat historically loses students to private academie, a competing faction that it would threaten racial diverswithin the system. Great H earts Academies, an Arizona-based charter organization that has proposed a netwof five publicly-financed, privately-led schools in Nashville, took center stage at Tuesdays school board meeti

with more than 60 parents having a say in the debate before the board casts a final vote on 11 charter applicaby May 29. Martha Galyon, a parent of a rising kindergartener in the Hillsboro cluster, told the board she wquickly overwhelmed by the rising cost of private education in Nashville during a recent school hunt for hchild. Her zoned public school has a great reputation, but the building is overcrowded. Her s tory is like so maothers, Galyon said, adding that Great Hearts would have been a great option for us to have this year. Wearstickers revealing their support for Great Hearts, a decidedly young crowd of parents Tuesday plead for approof a charter that would represent new terrain for Nashville. In the past, charters in Nashville were restrictedserving only economically disadvantaged students.http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/parents-argue-over-great-hearts-charter-proposal-sc hool-board

Great Hearts charter school faces resistance in Nashville (Tennessean/Hubbard)Officials with Arizona-based Great Hearts Academies charter school chain say they never have had resistan

trying to start schools around Phoenix like theyre having in Nashville. After laws changed in Tennessee to licap on the num ber of charter schools that can open, and also allow any student to enroll, Great Hearts targethe Volunteer State and Texas to expand. But about 50 Metro school parents stood before a microphoneTuesdays school board meeting, half asking members not to approve the charter schools opening in 201Weve never had coverage like this we just want to run schools, said Peter Bezanson, chief academofficer for the chain. Several parents against the charter, which is a public school but privately managed aoffers a private school-like curriculum, said they feared Great Hearts is targeting affluent, white families in WNashville. That could cherry pick high-scoring students out of Metros traditional public school classrooms and another reason families abandon standard public schools, they said. How do you expect zoned schoolssucceed if you keep giving families like mine reasons to leave? said Carol Ballenger, a parent at JT MooreGreen Hills. I ask that you insist on amending Great Hearts application and require a certain number of seatsreserved for free or reduced lunch studenhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS04/305090116/Great-Hearts-charter-school-faces-resistance-Nashville?odyssey=tab|topnews|text| News

Tim Webb resigns as Cheatham schools chief (Tennessean/Adkins)Fighting back tears, Cheatham County director of schools Tim Webb told the school board Monday that hestepping down. I have taken all I can take, said the former Tennessee commissioner of education, wapologized for being emotional. Some board members said they would not accept his resignation, and emergency board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. today at the Board Annex on Elizabeth Street in Ashland CWebb has made a number of changes in the Cheatham County district since taking office in November 20and some have been unpopular with the com munity. All principals and administrators had to reapply for their jothis school year, and eight schools got new principals. Webb dismissed some longtime employees and brougin people he had worked with elsewhere. In addition, changes were made in the school calendar, including t

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elimination of fall break and an abbreviated winter break. Support expressed Several board members expresstheir support for Webb during Mondays meeting before his announcement.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS04/305080047/Tim-Webb-resigns-Cheatham-schools-chieodyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Bradley County school board debates new science wing (T imes Fre

Press/Higgins)Now is the time for the Bradley County school board to begin a savings account for a future science wingBradley Central High School, according to board member Troy W eathers. It's a good idea but now is not the tito begin setting aside $200,000 a year, according to board member David Kelley. A two-week debate on tissue came down to a 3-3 tie vote Tuesday. The board did approve a $65.5 million general fund budget for 2013 that includes a 3 percent raise for school system employees and contractor bus drivers. The board aapproved a $3.2 m illion capital projects budget, half of which is scheduled for roofing and heating and air neeat various schools. It is the biggest capital projects budget in years, partly due sales tax revenue frconstruction spending after the April 27, 2011, tornadoes and from conservative budget measures by the boaduring the recession years, according to Director Johnny McDaniel. Weathers reminded the board it savmoney annually for Bradley Central's Fine Arts Center. He proposed doing the same for a science wing. WalValley is on track for an expansion. Cleveland High School opened a science wing last fall.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/board-debates-new-science-wing/?local

North Carolina: N.C. voters OK ban on gay marriage (USA Today)North Carolina voters approved a state constitutional amendment Tuesday declaring marriage is solely betwea man and a woman, dealing a setback to gay-rights advocates. Approval means North Carolina becomes t30th state with such a constitutional provision. The constitutional change solidifies a state law in place bannsame-sex marriage. Supporters of the amendment, including the Rev. Billy Graham, 93, and the conservatFamily Research Council, contended the amendment was needed to block legal challenges to the state law. Tmeasure was put on the ballot after Republicans took control of the Legislature in the 2010 elections for the ftime in 140 years Some voters in the Tar Heel state, which figures to be one of the critical swing states in t2012 presidential election, got automated recorded phone calls from former president Bill Clinton urging defeatthe measure.

Six states and the District of Columbia allow same-sex marriages. Members of President Obama's Cabinweighed in this week on the issue. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Monday he supports same-smarriage, one day after Vice P resident Biden said he is "absolutely comfortable" with same-sex couples havthe rights of heterosexual couples. Obama supports most gay rights but has stopped short of backing gmarriage.http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-05-08/north-carolina-primary-gay-marriage/ 54845514/

OPINION

Charlie Daniels Political Cartoon: Open For Business (Knoxville News-Sentine

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Times Editorial: Picking on the poor (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)The Legislature's passage of a bill requiring eligible w elfare applicants in Tennessee to submit to drug testingorder to qualify for benefits isn't expected, by the state comptroller's own analysis, to save Tennessee amoney in the operations of the Department of Human Services. In fact, it's expected to impose new costsapproximately $100,000 to defend against a predictable lawsuit on constitutional grounds. So if the bill haspurpose, it must be lawmakers' spite for, and mean-spirited intimidation of, welfare applicants generally --legislators' willingness to pander on the w orst stereotype of welfare applicants, never mind the econohardships that usually drive people to seek welfare aid. With the apparent purpose of this bill so flawed amalicious, its passage also calls into question Gov. B ill Haslam's weak agreement to sign the bill into law, as press secretary announced Monday. Why, precisely, would Haslam give his approval to legislation t

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http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS04/305080047/Tim-Webb-resigns-Cheatham-schools-chief?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS04/305080047/Tim-Webb-resigns-Cheatham-schools-chief?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/board-debates-new-science-wing/?localhttp://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-05-08/north-carolina-primary-gay-marriage/54845514/http://media.knoxnews.com/media/img/photos/2012/05/08/050912charlie_t607.JPGhttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS04/305080047/Tim-Webb-resigns-Cheatham-schools-chief?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/NEWS04/305080047/Tim-Webb-resigns-Cheatham-schools-chief?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CNewshttp://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/board-debates-new-science-wing/?localhttp://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-05-08/north-carolina-primary-gay-marriage/54845514/http://media.knoxnews.com/media/img/photos/2012/05/08/050912charlie_t607.JPG


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effectively strips impoverished applicants for welfare of their constitutional 4th Amendment right to freedom frunreasonable searches? And why would Haslam bend to crass pandering against the state's neediest citizenpoor women with dependent children? Is it his and lawmakers' desire to further demean people already deepdire circumstances?http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/09/picking-on-the-poor/?opiniontimes

Clay Bennett Political Cartoon: The Drug Test (Times Free-Press)

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Editorial: Must schools ban 'gateway' books, too? (Tennessean)Last week, the Sumner County school district removed John Greens award-winning young-adult novel, lookfor alaska, from its assigned classroom reading list because a parent complained about a scene describing osex between a teenage boy and girl. Sumner is the second county in Tennessee to remove the book from clathis year. In a country that categorizes children as chattel, with schools operating in loco parentis, teachers aschool boards must respond to parental complaint. However, there are better, more responsible ways to respoto parental concerns than removing the assigned book. Offer that child an alternative title, for example, that his or her parents sense of appropriateness. While any book removal is disheartening, it is encouraging tbook challenges and book bans have declined in the past several years, with 2010 having the fewest numbe

books protested since 1990, according to the American Library Association. There have been few challengesTennessee school districts recently. Apparently, our schools have been doing yeomans work in pre-screentheir assigned reading, weeding out any book that might challenge the narrow definitions of good taste, aavoiding the expensive and unseemly task of removing a title from class. But the Sumner County action doraise an interesting question in light of Tenne ssees new m andate on sex conversation in schools.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120509/OPINION01/305090079/Must-schools-ban-gateway-books-too-?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Guest columnist: Schools: Effective Planning Begins With Data (M. Daily News)Before we can achieve our vision of establishing a world-class education system, we must first understand tconditions of the two school districts and develop the capacity to remove any inconsistencies that exist betwethe current conditions and our overall goal. As chair of the assessment comm ittee, the group responsible

providing support and information to the other seven subcommittees to enable them to m ake data-drivdecisions as they draft plans for the merged district, I understand many individuals in the com munity have a wvariety of perceptions of each district, what is working and what is not. However, m oving beyond perceptions ireality, using real data is a critical aspect of our work. As a result of the work of this committee, we know wcurrently exists, what needs to be changed and what needs to be added. It is clear that excellent programs exin both districts. For example, Advanced Placement classes, honor classes, special education classes avocational classes are programs and services with a special designation that function successfully in both schsystems.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/9/schools-effective-planning-begins-with-data/

Editorial: Nation must face up to its obesity epidemic (Jackson Sun)America faces an obesity epidemic costing hundreds of billions of dollars in health care expenses, higher heainsurance premiums, lost productivity and absenteeism. Obesity is taking years off peoples lives and reductheir quality of life. Obesity in children is sentencing them to lives of medical dependency. Yet, except forelative handful of people with serious medical conditions that lead to obesity, the problem can be controlled, it will take more than individual willpower. That is the conclusion of a 478-page report from the InstituteMedicine part of the Washington-based National Academies released on Tuesday. The U.S. Centers Disease Control and Prevention hosted a three-day Weight of the Nation conference to highlight the natioobesity epidemic and focus on w ays to beat the battle of the bulge. The traditional attitude toward obesity is tit is a m atter of personal responsibility and lack of w illpower. But that is an oversimplification of the problem aits solutions. In fact, as the new study illustrates, fighting obesity will take a many-pronged approach. No silvbullet or magical pill will melt away the nations fat proble

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http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120509/OPINION/305090001/Our-View-Nation-must-face-up-its-obesity-epidemic

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wednesday, may 9 news summary

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