Dear Friend,

Gas prices are too high. The increase in prices at the pump is up 9 percent over the past month, to a national average of $3.73 a gallon. I am afraid a gallon of gas this summer might get up to five dollars.

This is why we need the Keystone pipeline – more energy and jobs. The construction and manufacturing of the more than 1,600-mile-long pipeline would create an estimated 20,000 new jobs. Local businesses along the pipeline route would benefit from an estimated 118,000 spin-off jobs. Benefits would flow to our economy from the reliable, affordable energy that would be brought from our neighbor to the north.

Moving oil from the Midwest to the state-of-the-art refineries on the Gulf Coast will modernize our infrastructure, create jobs, and encourage American energy production. High gas prices affect us all. I will do everything I can to help put Americans back to work and help them save money at the pump.

On another note, next week the House of Representatives is taking up the JOBS (Jumpstart Our Business Startups) Act, of which my bill, H.R. 3606, serves as the base bill. The JOBS Act is a bipartisan legislative package designed to jumpstart our economy and restore opportunities for America’s primary job creators: our small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs.

On average, 92 percent of a company’s job growth occurs after an IPO. It is imperative we reduce regulations to help these small companies create private jobs for Americans.

Click on the picture to watch my speech.

 Sincerely,

Stephen L. Fincher

Senator Mark Norris

Jobs and the economy took center stage on Capitol Hill this week as lawmakers heard good news regarding Tennessee’s economic prospects, including the forecast that employers may see reductions in their unemployment premiums as early as July. Tennessee Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Karla Davis and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Bill Hagerty appeared before the Senate Commerce Committee to present their budget requests and brief members on developments taking place on Tennessee’s jobs front.

 Job creation reaches highest mark since 2007 — Amazon is one of many job successes this year according to Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty. The Commissioner told Senate Commerce Committee members this week that, “Tennessee had a very productive year with the creation of 28,500 jobs in the state, the highest mark since 2007. The Commissioner attributed the success to a realignment the Department took after Governor Haslam ordered a “top to bottom reviewof its operations.”

 “The result of that has been a fabulous job number in what has overall been a very tough economic environment,” Hagerty said. “The majority of job creation in this state comes from existing businesses as they expand. My challenge to the department has been to make sure that we maintain a 98 percent plus market share of all expansion that happens with Tennessee companies–and it is working.”

 Although the focus is on expanding within Tennessee, Hagerty said Governor Haslam and the Department continue to be “very aggressive” in recruiting worldwide, visiting seven different countries in the last half of last year. The department is pursuing a new initiative to open up the market for export opportunities to increase the output from Tennessee companies. In addition, they are working on a co-investment fund to make money available for early stage capital to attract new private equity into the state for Tennesseeentrepreneurs.

 Unemployment Fund Projected to Trigger Employer Premium Decrease in July — Likewise, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Karla Davis reported on her department’s activities this week, which included good news regarding Tennessee’s Unemployment Trust Fund. As of February 1, the balance of the fund is over $306 million.

 “Because of the wisdom of the Legislature in passing the bill in 2009, our Trust Fund balance is solvent and we believe it will continue to remain so,” said Davis. “There are many states that are billions of dollars in debt to the federal government.”

TEAM Act overcomes first hurdle with passage in the SenateState and Local Government Committee

 Legislation revising Tennessee’s antiquated civil service system overcame its first hurdle this week as Senate Bill 2246 progressed through the SenateState and Local Government Committee. The action on the Tennessee Excellence Accountability and Management (TEAM) Act of 2012 came after several changes were made improving the bill, including an amendment sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) which ensures veterans will continue to be given preference in hiring and promotions for state jobs. The action also came after a number of agreements and concessions were made between the Haslam administration, State Employees Association and others regarding certain provisions in the legislation.

 Whereas the original bill insured veterans an interview, the Norris amendment requires that a veteran or a spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran be placed on the list of eligibles and if the minimum qualifications, skills and abilities, competencies and knowledge of the veteran and any other applicant are equal, preference would be given to the veteran for the position.

 Currently, state law provides honorably discharged veterans preference in applying for civil service positions. These preference points are used in civil service hiring to give a leg up to veterans looking for jobs after leaving the armed forces. Spouses of veterans disabled or killed in the line of duty also receive preference.

The Norris amendment also ensures that seniority is considered as a key factor in cases of Reduction in Force (RIF).

 The purpose of the TEAM Act, which is proposed by Governor Bill Haslam and sponsored by Senator Norris and Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), is to establish a system that will attract, select, retain and promote the best applicants and employees in Tennesseestate government. It also aims to give agencies greater flexibility in personnel management and increase customer-focused effectiveness for citizens who access a wide variety of state government services. Johnson said the genesis of the bill came from the Governor’s Top to Bottom Review of state government with every Commissioner listing the antiquated and inefficient hiring process as one of their chief concerns in improving services and efficiencies within their department.

 Legislation giving teachers more authority to relocate a student for safety reasons receives final approval

 The State Senate unanimously approved legislation today giving teachers more authority to relocate a student who poses a safety threat without fear of being found liable. Senate Bill 3116, sponsored by Senator Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville), requires local education boards to adopt a policy authorizing a teacher’s ability to temporarily move a student to a different location for the student’s safety or the safety of others. The bill also requires principals to fully support the authority of teachers in taking the action when it is done according to the policy.

 Gresham said the genesis of the bill came as she listened to teachers who were concerned about liability while performing assigned duties or that a lawsuit could be brought against them if they try to remove a student during an altercation. The legislation is supported by the Tennessee School Board Association, the Tennessee Teacher Association, and the Professional Educators of Tennessee.

 The policy required under the measure would also cover teachers’ authorization to intervene in a physical altercation between two or more students or between a student and Local Education Agency (LEA) employee. It also allows for the use of reasonable or justifiable force upon a student if the student is unwilling to cooperate and it becomes necessary to end the altercation by relocating the student to another area.

 “We have been listening to teachers who are very concerned about their ability to perform their duties and protect other students or themselves without fear that they will be sued,” said Senator Gresham. “Teachers should not have to fear they will be found personally liable for standing in a doorway to stop a physical altercation between two students. They should have full authority to remove a student to another location even if it involves the use of force.”

 “This bill would apply to acts committed on school property, as well as those at official school functions, including sporting events and approved field trips,” added Gresham. “In addition to teachers, it would apply to administrators, school support staff, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, school resource officers, and others working in the school who interact with students.”

 Gresham said teachers must file a brief report with the principal detailing the situation that required the relocation of the student. If it is found that the student’s behavior violated the LEA’s zero tolerance policy, the report would become part of the student’s permanent record. The student is then subject to additional disciplinary action that may include suspension or expulsion from the school. The principal or their designee must notify the teacher involved of the actions taken to address the behavior of the relocated student.

 The bill does not apply to special needs students.

 “We must give our teachers the tools to maintain order and provide for the safety of their students, themselves, and others,” added Gresham. “This bill would go far to accomplish this.” 

Issues in Brief

 Voter ID – Eighty two percent of Tennesseans consider the new voter identification law “a good idea that should be kept in place,” according to a new Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) poll. About four in five Tennesseans (83 percent) say they have heard that voters will be asked to show a photo ID at the polls starting this year, up significantly from last fall’s 71 percent. The law was sponsored by Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Bill Ketron(R-Murfreesboro).

 Heart Screenings / Newborns – The Senate approved a House amendment and sent to the Governor legislation to help detect serious heart defects in newborns before they cause permanent harm to the child or death is on its way to the Governor after the Senate adopted a minor House amendment. Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville), requires the state’s Genetic Advisory Committee to develop a program to screen newborns for critical cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCCHD) using pulse oximetry on or before January 1, 2013. Cyanotic heart disease is a congenital heart defect, present at birth, which results in low blood oxygen levels causing the skin to look blue. Congenital heart disease is responsible for more deaths in the first year of life than any other birth defects. Research shows that children who are diagnosed with CCCHD later in life tend to require more hospital care, greater resources, and have worse long-term health outcomes.

For more news and information on Senator Norris visit his website at:
www.marknorris.org

Senator Mark Norris

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved legislation this week to help ensure that abused and neglected youth in state custody get the chance they deserve to become healthy and productive adults.  Senate Bill 2199, sponsored by Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville), would bridge the gap for those in foster care from the teenage years to adulthood by assuring the Transitioning Youth Act continues to remain in effect for years to come.  This critical program, which was set to expire, provides assistance to youth in foster care between the ages of 18-21 – after they age out of the foster care system. 

“Young people who age out of foster care face significant challenges transitioning to adulthood on their own,” said Senator Overbey.  “Most importantly, this bill would give youth in foster care a better opportunity to live successful and fulfilling lives by continuing this program until age 21.  In addition, it has a positive secondary effect on our bottom line in terms of societal costs, including the impact it has on early pregnancy, earnings potential and incarceration costs.”

The vote to approve the proposal came after lawmakers heard compelling testimony from country music star Jimmy Wayne about his experience in the foster care system and his efforts to help these often forgotten youth.  Radio talk show host Michael Reagan, adopted son of the late President Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman, also expressed his support of the bill in a letter asking Tennessee lawmakers to approve the legislation.

Wayne told Committee members that he was homeless at age 13 after being abandoned by his mother.  After moving in and out of the foster care system, he became homeless again at age 16 until he was taken into the home of an elderly couple where he lived for the next six years.  Wayne said that couple’s support allowed him to go back to high school, graduate from college and pursue his dream of being in the music industry.  

In 2009, Wayne remembered a promise he made as a teenager to “give back” if he became successful.  Since that time he has worked to raise awareness about teenage foster children and the challenges they face, including founding the “Meet Me Halfway” project.   In 2010, Wayne walked 1,660 miles from Nashville to Phoenix to advocate on behalf of foster youth who are in danger of becoming homeless upon being released from state custody at age 18 without vital resources.

Similarly, Reagan wrote lawmakers saying, “The majority of children who age out of foster care are not equipped to live as productive adults.”  He said statistics show that these youth are less likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and become employed or to earn a living wage.  They are also more likely to experience violence, homelessness, substance abuse, unwanted pregnancies and mental illness.  “They deserve the chance to be properly prepared for adulthood,” he said.

The bill is part of Governor Bill Haslam’s legislative package, and funds to continue the program are included in the proposed 2012-2013 budget. 

Governor Haslam completes “Top to Bottom Review”
of state government departments

Governor Bill Haslam released his administration’s “Top to Bottom Review” of state government departments this week.  Haslam instructed the commissioners of the state’s 22 departments to analyze operational and organizational efficiency thoroughly to see if they are functioning effectively and accomplishing their core mission.

“State government’s role is to provide services that taxpayers can’t get on their own,” Haslam said in a letter delivered to legislators.  “I believe the Governor’s job is to make sure we’re providing those services in the most customer-friendly way and at the lowest cost.”

Each department listed recommendations in the report aimed at improving the use of public resources.  Some of the recommendations are already included in the Governor’s legislative package, while many other efficiencies can be implemented internally.
 
“We believe this process will result in meaningful change to the benefit of Tennessee taxpayers. While this Top to Bottom Review process is complete, this administration will continue on an ongoing basis to evaluate and improve efficiency and effectiveness in the way we deliver services,” Haslam concluded.
 
The report can be found at:  http://forward.tn.gov/toptobottom/index.shtml.

Tennessee teachers and members of the public invited to attend & participate in public forums on new evaluation process

Tennessee teachers and members of the public have been invited to attend and participate in eight regional roundtables on the state’s new teacher evaluation process.  Earlier this year, the State Collaboration on Reforming Education (SCORE) was asked by Governor Bill Haslam to lead an independent statewide listening and feedback process on the evaluation system.  SCORE will gather feedback on challenges and concerns, identify what is working well, and report back to the state Board of Education and Department of Education on June 1.

To view details regarding the roundtables or to find the closest one to attend go to http://www.tnscore.org/feedback/.  The website will also allow educators to submit a survey regarding the evaluation system beginning March 1.
Reforming the state’s teacher evaluation system was a critical part of Tennessee’s receiving $500 million in federal Race to the Top funds which was based on four pillars:  enhancing standards and assessments, improving the collection and use of data, increasing teacher effectiveness, and turning around struggling schools.  The new teacher evaluation process was designed by teachers and other education practitioners after passage of the law.  The law was passed during the administration of former Governor Phil Bredesen and approved by the Legislature in January 2010, with the evaluation system set to go into effect during the current school year. 

 State Civil Service System Needs Major Reform,
Comptroller Report Suggests

A report released by the Comptroller’s Division of State Audit this week suggests that Tennessee’s civil service system is inefficient, unfair and outdated.  The audit said the system, developed in 1939, centralizes the process for people who wish to apply for civil service jobs within the state’s Department of Human Resources. The department maintains lists, or registers, of potential candidates for job openings.

The report said the system is fundamentally flawed. For example, it said the human resources department ranks potential candidates and recommends them to whichever state departments or agencies have job openings. It says this is inefficient because in many cases the top-ranked candidates are not interested in or may not actually be qualified for the open positions. In addition, it said the ranking process itself lacks transparency, so neither the departments and neither agencies nor candidates know exactly how the process is conducted.

The report says registers are often top heavy with current state employees to the exclusion of people who wish to enter state service, as job openings are not always posted if human resources officials believe they have suitable pools of applicants for those positions.  The system allows employees with more seniority to “bump” less senior employees out of jobs, which can set off chain reactions that displace numerous employees.

The Comptroller’s report recommends that the current system be replaced with a decentralized system that would give departments and agencies the ability to screen and hire applicants directly.  To view the report online, go to http://www.comptroller1.state.tn.us/repository/SA/sr04056.pdf.

Issues in Brief

Electronic Fraud Hotline – Senator Becky Duncan Massey (R-Knoxville) guided her first bill through the State Senate this week with approval of legislation calling for an electronic hotline for citizens to email any reports of fraud or abuse in state government spending.  Senate Bill 2259 adds electronic notifications to the current telephone hotline authorized under the Advocacy for Honest and Appropriate Government Spending Act.

 State Road Projects – Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer told Senate Transportation Committee members this week that his Department has 400 projects under construction, 800 in some form of development, and 550 projects managed at the local level, for a total of 1750 active projects.  Schroer came before the Committee to present the budget for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).  Schroer said that since last year TDOT has completed major projects in all regions of the state, including State Route 131  in Knoxville from I-40 to the Pellissippi Parkway, I-40 at White Bridge Road in Davidson County, a portion of U.S. 64 in Hardin County and opened the Chattanooga Transportation Management Center. 

 7th and 8th Grade Advanced Math and Science Teachers / Loan Forgiveness – The full Senate approved and sent to the Governor legislation which would allow 7th and 8th grade teachers to apply for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness funds available for secondary school teachers that teach advanced high school courses in math and science.  Senate Bill 2579 , sponsored by Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) changes the definition of elementary school so 7th and 8th grades can be classified as secondary schools in this case and these teachers can apply for loan forgiveness.  ###

* * * * *

For more news and information on Senator Norris,
visit his website at
http://www.marknorris.org

Our nation’s founders well understood that limitless government tends toward total control of the people.  If we are to remain free we must rise up and throw out those in government who have no regard for the constraints placed upon them by their oath to “protect and defend our constitution against both foreign and domestic enemies”.   The US Constitution, along with most state constitutions, were birthed during a time when tyranny reigned supreme.  Those who came before us knew they must find a way to shackle government lest it rise up and enslave them.  They collectively called upon our Creator for His direction as they wrestled to formulate a system of government.  When we read the text of our founding documents it is abundantly clear that the founders modeled our government principally from the Word of God.

With great sadness and grief I remind you that our current President denies the fact that the foundation of our government is principally Christian by design.  It has been said that “the government is a reflection of the governed.”  I believe the American people can and must do better to be rightly represented by those in government.

In starting this New Year, I am asking every God fearing, freedom loving American I know to get in the fight for freedom.  “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”

For Faith and Freedom

Rory Bricco

Credit Rating Agencies Confirm What Tennesseans Already Knew

October 10, 2011

Credit Rating Agencies Confirm What Tennesseans Already Knew 

Last Monday, we received news that the three credit rating agencies have given Tennessee top marks for credit and fiscal management.   

Moody’s Investor Service and Fitch Inc. rate Tennessee AAA. Standard & Poor’s gives us AA+ with a positive outlook. These ratings demonstrate sound fiscal management, keep our costs low, and keep us in the forefront of great places to do business.   

Several weeks ago, Governor Haslam, Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, Treasurer David Lillard, Comptroller Justin Wilson, Secretary of State Tre Hargett, and Finance & Administration Commissioner Mark Emkes traveled to New York to meet with officials from the rating agencies. The agencies were impressed by the manner in which Tennessee conducts business, honors commitments, and balances budgets. Our ratings send the message to Washington D.C. that, “We know how to tighten our belts, make tough decisions, and balance our budget. Why can’t you?” 

Tennessee Wins Major Award in Education Reform 

On September 27, Tennessee was awarded the “Best Kept Secret” by the Policy Innovators in Education (PIE) Network for SB 1528. Teacher tenure reform ties tenure to student performance and evaluations.  PIE describes the award as “a major advance in education policy that did not attract the attention…voters thought it deserved.”  I was honored to sponsor this groundbreaking legislation on behalf on Governor Haslam. 

One of the Most Important Things the Legislature Did This Year 

As many of you know, I am adamant about protecting the integrity of the ballot box and your right to vote. Every voter has the right to know that their vote is counted and that their vote isn’t negated by someone not legally authorized to vote.  Since 2005, I have sponsored legislation requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. It was routinely blocked by the Democrats. This year, I passed SB 352.  This important legislation enables the Tennessee Coordinator of Elections to scrutinize and cross-reference all noncitizen driver licenses or certificates against voter registration rolls.  Using the list, those unable to provide proof of citizenship will be purged from the voter rolls. Similar legislation in Colorado produced more than 11,000 noncitizens on the voter registry of which nearly 5,000 voted in the 2010 election. 

State law provides for the issuance of temporary driver licenses for noncitizens.  The Tennessee Department of Safety reported that there are over 19,500 temporary licenses issued and over 1,000 valid driving certificates issued under previous state law.  The potential for election fraud could be significant but we need to find out. Mark Goins, Coordinator of Elections, said, “As far as potentially taking ineligible voters off the rolls, it’s potentially one of the most important things the Legislature did this year.” 

Media Distorts the Facts? Say it Ain’t So!

 Earlier this week, some media made Tennessee seem second only to Washington, D.C. in gun crimes. The statistics used to “rank” Tennessee, however, came from an FBI database which discourages such comparisons:

“Each year when Crime in the United States is published, many entities—news media, tourism agencies, and other groups with an interest in crime in our Nation—use reported figures to compile rankings of cities and counties. These rankings, however, are merely a quick choice made by the data user; they provide no insight into the many variables that mold the crime in a particular town, city, county, state, region, or other jurisdiction. Consequently, these rankings lead to simplistic and/or incomplete analyses that often create misleading perceptions adversely affecting cities and counties, along with their residents…The data user is, therefore, cautioned against comparing statistical data of individual reporting units from cities, counties, metropolitan areas, states, or colleges or universities solely on the basis of their population coverage or student enrollment. Until data users examine all the variables that affect crime in a town, city, county, state, region, or other jurisdiction, they can make no meaningful comparisons.”

The truth is, in Memphis from January 1 – August 31, 2011, major violent crime, which includes murder, forcible rape, aggravated assault and robbery, has decreased 36.7 percent since 2006. Major property crime has also declined over the past five years, down 42 percent across the City of Memphis when compared to the first eight months of 2006. Check out the facts for yourself at http://www.memphiscrime.org/theresults.

In addition, according to TBI Director Mark Gwyn, statewide crime is down more than 7% in Group A offenses, which encompass 22 different categories of crime including arson, assault, burglary, homicide, robbery, stolen weapons, and weapon law violations.

Successful passage of my stricter gun violence legislation in 2007 and 2009, dubbed the “Crooks with Guns” laws, have helped to reduce crime rates while imposing harsher penalties on criminals. 

Travel with Me Up the Great River Road?

On Friday, September 30, I joined Mayor AC Wharton, the Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee, the Memphis Riverfront Development Corporation, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Tennessee Departments of Transportation and Tourist Development, and leaders from six counties to unveil the first of the signs that will line the “Great River Road” along Tennessee’s Mississippi River border.  64 sites within six counties – some businesses, some sites of historic or natural interest, but all uniquely West Tennessean – will be adorned by special signs and promoted through maps and brochures designed to guide travelers up and down our stretch of the Mighty Mississippi.  

It has been rewarding to help lead the charge for this great tourism and economic development achievement, from acquiring our National Scenic Byway designation by the federal government to securing the minimal funds needed to prepare the signage and information that will guide Tennesseans and tourists as they enjoy our communities and support locally-owned businesses for years to come. This is Tennessee’s economy at its best – realizing our potential by building on resources we already enjoy.  I encourage you to plan a trip up the Great River Road.  Visit http://www.greatriverroadtrail.com/ to plan your day, weekend, or spur-of-the-moment getaway and learn more about the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways program. Click the links below to see where folks are reading and talking about West Tennessee.  I am proud to represent Tennessee’s “West Coast!”

With me at the Great River Road launch event were (L to R): Mark Twain; Marty Marbry of the TN Dept. of Tourist Development; Col. Vernie Reichling, District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Shawn Bible of the TN Dept. of Transportation; Paula Hankins of the TN Dept. of Transportation; and Diana Threadgill, Executive Director of the Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee.

 

 

 

My Vision is to see us working together with other like-minded citizens seeking to rebuild the foundation of freedom. We should create a communication network that will inform, educate, and motivate each of us in our efforts to restore Truth as the cornerstone of the American Dream. To do this a new government must be established which will not compromise sound principle for the sake of maintaining power and which will restore our constitution to its original intent.

Our Objective is to see the Tipton County Republican Party:
1. Establish a united front to achieve our goals and objectives

2. Become highly organized and motivated through
• Recruitment of volunteers
• Website/Facebook/Twitter networking
• Building and maintaining an e-contact list
• Development and launching of a web-based newsletter

3. Recruit an army of new members from all walks of life
• Republican Clubs
• Young Republicans
• Republican Women
• Other conservative clubs with common goals

4. Raise the funds necessary to achieve our objectives
• Recruit new members
• Maintain electronic web payment (PayPal)

5. Inform the citizens as to who, what, where, when and why by
• Highlighting the voting records of all elected officials
• Disseminating information pertaining to scheduled visits of elected officials and
candidates
• Publicizing upcoming events and fundraisers
• Establishing voter registration drives
• Promoting public awareness of locations of voter precincts and voting dates
• Volunteering for polling positions

6. Equip our members with the necessary tools for success by establishing
• Phone banks
• Voter calling rolls
• Identification of training and key resource sharing opportunities

As Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”

Although we find ourselves facing tremendous challenges in these troubled times, it is our opportunity to effect positive change. The battle is not for the faint of heart but rather for those who are willing to risk all for a certain destiny. Join with us in our efforts to restore “the years the locusts have eaten” so that future generations will be afforded the opportunity to perpetuate freedom for those who come behind.

I sincerely ask all who have read these words to consider what you will do to preserve the freedoms that so many have given their lives for. Please join with us in our efforts to restore the foundation of freedom.

God Bless and guide us as we work to restore the American Dream.

Rory Bricco
Chairman, Tipton County Republican Party

Tennessee was hit with unprecedented rain over the weekend, causing disastrous floods across Middle and West Tennessee. Although much of the water has receded, some communities are still faced with flood water. As clean-up efforts began Monday, the extent of the devastation was becoming apparent. As of Thursday morning, the Governor had declared a State of Emergency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had designated 10 counties as federal disaster areas: Cheatham, Davidson, Dyer, Hickman, McNairy, Montgomery, Perry, Shelby, Tipton and Williamson Counties. More are expected to receive the designation, as the Governor asked for a federal disaster declaration for 52 counties total.

Parts of Middle and West Tennessee received a record 13 inches of rain in 24 hours over Saturday and Sunday. The Cumberland River, which winds through the state, finally crested late Monday night, well over the 50 feet expected by officials. The flood level for the Cumberland is 40 feet. As of Thursday morning, 19 people were killed, and thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed. Tens of thousands went without power for several days, and water supplies in Middle Tennessee were threatened as a result of damaged water treatment plans. Federal and state officials estimated Wednesday that Davidson County’s damage alone would be upwards of $1 billion. The cost of damage in other counties is expected to be assessed in the coming weeks.

In addition to the homes that were destroyed, many Tennessee landmarks also suffered extensive damage, such as Gaylord Opryland Hotel, historic businesses on Lower Broadway in Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry.

Despite the mass devastation, criminal activity has not dramatically increased. Living up to its nickname of the “Volunteer State,” Tennesseans have been helping neighbors and many media reports have focused on communities pulling together.

Those in disaster designated counties can contact FEMA for assistance. Tennesseans can apply at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). In addition, organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army are also organizing massive assistance efforts. Affected people can call the Red Cross at 615-250-4300 and the Salvation Army at 1-800-725-2769.

National Day of Prayer takes on new meaning

The Tennessee House of Representatives passed a resolution on Wednesday commemorating the National Day of Prayer and encouraging Tennesseans to take part. House Joint Resolution 1191 passed with an overwhelming majority.

Lawmakers said they were publicly supporting the National Day of Prayer due to a ruling recently handed down by a federal court saying the day was unconstitutional. The sponsor said people have the choice of whether or not they want to participate, and their actions are supported by the First Amendment. Many members of the House also felt the day takes on new meaning as thousands across the state are still reeling from floods that paralyzed communities for days.

The National Day of Prayer acknowledges the important role of religion in the United States, and was a tradition started by President Harry Truman via proclamation. Events are being held across the country today, including several major events in Tennessee.

In case you missed it…

• The House passed legislation on Wednesday that will strengthen Tennessee’s voter registration laws, protecting against voter fraud. House Bill 270 requires voters to affirm that they are lawfully in the United States and requires a warning on the registration form stating that giving false information is a Class D felony. 

The House approved a measure this week that will clarify the restaurant carry law passed last year. The General Assembly last year passed a law allowing licensed carry permit holders to carry firearms into establishments that sell alcohol, while giving restaurant owners the option of posting signs explicitly prohibiting firearms. The law was subsequently struck down in Chancery Court due to some ambiguity. House Bill 3125 clarified the language with regard to the posting, and lawmakers believe the new law can withstand a constitutional challenge.

Department of Health issues warning

over vital records scam

The Tennessee Department of Health issued a warning this week about a potential scam that is making the rounds in Tennessee. Reports have been turned in to the department that someone claiming to be a Health Department Vital Records employee is calling households seeking citizens to confirm important personal information such as birth certificate information.

The Commissioner of Health said the Office of Vital Records does not send employees to homes and issued the following tips to help protect against scammers:

• Be wary of anyone who shows up at your home or calls you claiming to be with the government and asking for identifying information. Although U.S. Census workers may visit your home or call within the next few months to obtain information for the 2010 Census, employees from other federal agencies usually will not. Medicare staffers will not visit your home or call unless you request it.

• Don’t give out personal information — including your date of birth, bank account number, Social Security number or your Medicare number — to strangers.

• If you believe you have been the target of a bogus attempt to get personal

information, call your local police department. If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911.

In case you missed it…

• House Bill 2665 was approved by the House Budget Subcommittee on Wednesday and will next be heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Committee. The bill creates a veterans’ honor medal program to recognize and honor all Tennessee veterans.

• The House Finance, Ways and Means Committee discussed at length a bill that would require former legislators convicted of a felony related to their office to forfeit health insurance benefits covered by the taxpayers. House Bill 2349 will be discussed again next week, at which point a vote will likely occur.

• The Nashville Business Journal reported this week that Tennessee is ranked as the 13^th best state for business with regards to taxes in the country by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council (SBEC). Contributing to Tennessee’s climb up the list is its lack of a state income tax and a capital gains tax. The SBEC also added that low property taxes, cheap diesel taxes and low gasoline taxes were contributing factors.

Despite the mass devastation, criminal activity has not dramatically increased. Living up to its nickname of the “Volunteer State,” Tennesseans have been helping neighbors and many media reports have focused on communities pulling together.

Those in disaster designated counties can contact FEMA for assistance. Tennesseans can apply at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). In addition, organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army are also organizing massive assistance efforts. Affected people can call the Red Cross at 615-250-4300 and the Salvation Army at 1-800-725-2769.

National Day of Prayer takes on new meaning

The Tennessee House of Representatives passed a resolution on Wednesday commemorating the National Day of Prayer and encouraging Tennesseans to take part. House Joint Resolution 1191 passed with an overwhelming majority.

Lawmakers said they were publicly supporting the National Day of Prayer due to a ruling recently handed down by a federal court saying the day was unconstitutional. The sponsor said people have the choice of whether or not they want to participate, and their actions are supported by the First Amendment. Many members of the House also felt the day takes on new meaning as thousands across the state are still reeling from floods that paralyzed communities for days.

The National Day of Prayer acknowledges the important role of religion in the United States, and was a tradition started by President Harry Truman via proclamation. Events are being held across the country today, including several major events in Tennessee.

In case you missed it…

·         The House passed legislation on Wednesday that will strengthen Tennessee’s voter registration laws, protecting against voter fraud. House Bill 270 requires voters to affirm that they are lawfully in the United States and requires a warning on the registration form stating that giving false information is a Class D felony.

The House approved a measure this week that will clarify the restaurant carry law passed last year. The General Assembly last year passed a law allowing licensed carry permit holders to carry firearms into establishments that sell alcohol, while giving restaurant owners the option of posting signs explicitly prohibiting firearms. The law was subsequently struck down in Chancery Court due to some ambiguity. House Bill 3125 clarified the language with regard to the posting, and lawmakers believe the new law can withstand a constitutional challenge.

• House Bill 3310 passed the State House on Wednesday and is now headed to the Governor for his signature. The bill enacts a hospital coverage fee that will restore $659 million state and federal dollars to TennCare using a method that 26 other states already utilize. The mechanism will allow the state to draw down federal funds and restore millions in eliminations and reductions the state has been forced to make as a result of low revenues.  

• House Bill 2768 moved out of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee this week and is now headed to the House floor for debate. The bill requires anyone convicted of a DUI with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .15 or higher to use the ignition interlock device (IID). Ignition interlock devices have been implemented around the country, and tests the driver’s BAC level. If it is above the set limit, the car will not start. The legislation has hit roadblocks in past years, and was sent to a summer study committee in 2009 by the Criminal Practice and Procedure Subcommittee.

The Week Ahead

HOUSE SESSION: 4:00 p.m. Monday, May 10, 2010 in the House Chambers

HOUSE SESSION: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2010 in the House Chambers

HOUSE SESSION: 9:00 a.m. Thursday, May 13, 2010 in the House Chambers

Tuesday, May 11

Wednesday, May 12

The House Republican Caucus leadership this week denounced a tax increase proposal floated by Governor Phil Bredesen as a way to balance the budget. The administration proposed an additional $85 million in tax increases by increasing the sales tax on single article sales. Check the requirements before purchasing. To apply, please click here.

Last week, Bredesen and his senior staff outlined a plan to remove the sales tax cap on single article sales. At present, the value of individual items over $3,200 are taxed at seven percent. The governor wants to increase this to 9.75 percent.

Republican leaders expressed their disappointment in the Governor for showing what they called “blatant disregard for the challenges small business owners and average Tennesseans face,” and added that small businesses would be the driving force behind an economic recovery.

The $85 million tax increase would be in addition to $50 million the administration has called for by increasing taxes on cable television, cable television boxes, business telephone services, and free hotel breakfasts. In total, Bredesen has proposed over $130 million in new taxes this year alone.

Republicans’ Long-Term Care overhaul proven successful

The TennCare Oversight Committee heard an update on Monday regarding the Long-Term Care and Community Choices Act of 2008, a proposal that was championed by Republicans and overhauled the state’s previously fragmented long-term care system. The plan aimed to increase options and choices for those who needed long-term care support, expand access, and better utilize existing funding.

The plan was designed to promote independence, choice, dignity, and quality of life for the elderly and/or people with physical disabilities who need long-term care support and services from the state’s TennCare program. The legislation included consumer-directed options that offered more choices regarding the kinds of long-term care services people need, where they are provided, and who will deliver them, with appropriate mechanisms to ensure accountability for taxpayer funds. In 2008, 98 percent of all long term care dollars went to nursing home care, the most expensive option. Lawmakers anticipated saving money by moving funds to home and community-based care for those who were able to live at home with some assistance.

The committee heard from Pattie Killingsworth, Chief of Long-Term Care. Killingsworth reported that TennCare CHOICES, the long-term care system created by the legislation, was successfully implemented in Middle Tennessee in March of this year. The transition was seamless, and 8, 624 enrollees were transitioned to the new program. Even more Tennesseans are taking advantage of the home and community based services since March, including about 450 brand new enrollees. Killingsworth reported the department is currently working on implementing CHOICES in East and West Tennessee.

State to begin offering rebates for Energy Star appliances

The State of Tennessee, in conjunction with the Tennessee Valley Authority, will begin offering rebates to Tennesseans who replace old appliances with Energy Star® qualified ones. Portions of the rebate funding were made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The total funding for the rebate program is just over $5.9 million, and rebates will be granted until the funds are depleted.

Rebates of $250 will be available for central air conditioners, $40 for room air conditioners, and $250 for heat pumps. Because there are certain specifications that the appliances must meet in order to be eligible in addition to being Energy Star®, consumers are encouraged to

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development reports that the estimated energy savings for delivery and installation of qualified heating and cooling products statewide will be approximately 16 million kilowatt hours per year. A reduction in energy use of that size translates to a yearly savings of almost $1.4 million in energy costs for Tennesseans and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by 32 million pounds annually.

“Super speeding” bill granted approval by House Transportation Committee

The Transportation Committee approved House Bill 2544 Tuesday afternoon after a long debate. The bill creates the offense of “super speeding” when a driver speeds at 75 miles per hour or more on any two-lane highway or 85 miles per hour or more on any public highway or interstate. The penalty for super speeding would be a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a $200 fine.

The bill will be heard next in the Budget Subcommittee. Instead of costing the state money, the legislation actually has the potential to bring in $3.7 million. Under the bill, the funds would be directed to the state’s Trauma Center System established in 2007.

The Week Ahead

HOUSE SESSION: 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 26, 2010 in the House Chambers

HOUSE SESSION: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2010 in the House Chambers

HOUSE SESSION: 9:00 a.m. Thursday, April 29, 2010 in the House Chambers

Tuesday, April 27

Wednesday, April 28

As I began my second year as Secretary of State, I took the opportunity to reflect on the successes of the department over the past year and review our priorities. In this first issue of our newsletter, I would like to share some of them with you.

Our first year has been marked by the challenging financial times in which we live. In spite of our budgetary limitations, I am pleased to report a number of achievements. With limited resources, our office continues to raise the standard for efficient and effective delivery of services for the citizens of our great state.

One of my goals has been to better inform Tennesseans about the services offered by the Office of the Secretary of State. To our staff, I have emphasized accountability to the citizens and the importance of providing more professional and efficient customer service. I believe this focus on the taxpayers is making it easier to do business with this office.

I am extremely proud of the nearly 400 Department of State employees who have embraced this customer-driven culture. I am determined to take the resources offered by the Office of the Secretary of State from the halls of the State Capitol to the people of this great state.

It has been my pleasure to travel the state to hear from local leaders, members of citizen groups and other Tennesseans. In response to their needs, here are some of the practical steps we have taken to more efficiently provide our services:
• Delivered a new and improved Department of State website.
• Implemented true online annual report filing for corporations.
• Implemented true online charitable organization and professional solicitor registration.
• Prevented “graveyard” voting in Tennessee by removing more than 10,000 deceased voters from the voter registration rolls.
• Partnered with District Attorneys General throughout the state to prosecute felons who have voted illegally.
• Trained and assisted 37 election administrators in becoming certified.
• Laid the groundwork with Treasurer David Lillard and Comptroller Justin Wilson to bring greater transparency to the designer selection process of the State Building  Commission.
• Began utilizing the social networking site, Twitter, to announce candidate filing deadlines, election results and other news unique to the Office of the Secretary of State.

In addition to oversight of the department, I have been active on 16 boards and commissions, some of which require significant time commitments. I have included a list of those boards and commissions below.  I am pleased to be able to look out for the interests of Tennessee taxpayers by actively participating in so many areas of state government. I am always happy when citizens help me make informed decisions
by providing input about business that is scheduled to be considered by these boards and commissions.

The boards and commissions are:
1. Baccalaureate Education System Trust
(BEST)
2. Board of Equalization
3. Board of Claims
4. Chairs of Excellence Trust (CET)
5. Library and Archives Management
Board, Chairman
6. Public Records Commission (PRC),
Chairman
7. State Building Commission (SBC)
8. State Capitol Commission
9. State Funding Board (SFB)
10. State Trust of Tennessee
11. Tennessee Consolidated Retirement
System (TCRS)
12. Tennessee Higher Education Commission
(THEC)
13. Tennessee Housing Development
Agency (THDA)
14. Tennessee Local Development Authority
(TLDA)
15. Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation
16. Tennessee State School Bond Authority
(TSSBA)

Please take a moment to visit our website at www.state.tn.us/sos. And do not hesitate to contact me about the Department of State whenever I can be of assistance (Tre.Hargett@tn.gov).

Sincerely,
Tre Hargett