WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012 Taft Employee Says Closing Is Big Mistake (WTVC-TV Chattanooga)

Governor Bill Haslam's budget does not include keeping Bledsoe County's Taft Youth Development Center open. That means relocating about 96 teens (88 as of today) and the loss of up to 170 jobs. County Mayor Bobby Collier says that will be a crucial blow to an already struggling economy. Lieutenant Dale Hannah has worked at Taft for almost 33 years and said the cut will force him to retire early. Hannah's the supervisor over first shift correctional officers, but his biggest concern are the teenagers at Taft. Hannah said, "The decision to close Taft Youth Center, first and foremost, is going to be catastrophic. You're going to take 18- and 19-year-olds and put them into an institution with 13-, 14-, 15-year-olds." Meanwhile, an adult prison is under construction near Taft. The state says it will employ approximately 400 people and many from Taft could apply. http://www.newschannel9.com/news/taft-1008628-hannah-says.html \

TN ECD releases year-end report card; touts 28k new jobs (Nashville Biz Journal)
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development helped create more than 28,535 jobs over the last year, according to the departments 2011 Annual Report, released today. The report, available here (PDF), says ECD projects created 28,535 new jobs in Tennessee, representing more than $4 billion in investment. ECD called it one of the most productive years in the states history, and a validation of Gov. Bill Haslams Jobs4TN economic development plan, which emphasizes growth among existing Tennessee businesses. Making Tennessee the No. 1 state in the Southeast for high-quality jobs continues to be a top priority for this administration, Haslam said in a press release. Our Jobs4TN plan is working. We continue to focus on regionalism, existing businesses and key clusters while also pursuing new businesses for Tennessee. I am convinced that Tennessee can compete with anyone when it comes to attracting jobs. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/01/31/tn-ecd-releases-year-end-report-card.html

Corporate investment in Tennessee adds 28,500 jobs (Times Free-Press/Flessner)

Tennessee boasted its best year for business recruitment in five years in 2011 during the first year of Gov. Bill Haslams administration, state officials said Tuesday. In its annual report, the Department of Economic and Community Development said Tennessee landed more than $4 billion of new investment last year. Those investments are projected to add an estimated 28,535 new jobs in Tennessee, 14.3 percent more than the previous year and the highest number since before the recession hit in 2007. The 2011 investment total in Haslams first year in office was slightly below the $4.4 billion average annual investment during the eight-year term of Haslams predecessor, former Gov. Phil Bredesen. But Bill Hagerty, the commissioner for economic and community development, said the incentives offered for new and expanding businesses last year were less than half as generous as what was offered during the Bredesen administration. In 2011, the average incentive cost per job was $2,640, compared with $5,586 when Bredesen was governor from 2002 to 2010. http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/01/corporate-investment-tennessee-adds-28500-jobs/

StartupTN Launches Statewide Resource Network for Entrepreneurship (TNR)

Startup Tennessee would like to announce that it has launched the Startup Tennessee Resource Network, a database to connect Entrepreneurs, Mentors, Investors, and Business Partners throughout Tennessee. Entrepreneurs with access to resources and personal networks build businesses that create jobs. Everyone in Tennessee who wants to build, help or work with startup businesses should join Startup Tennessee at www.StartupTN.com . The Startup Tennessee Resource Network connects entrepreneurs with the ECD Regional Accelerator for their county who can assist them with launching their business and connect them to the statewide resources that are in place to help startup companies launch and be successful. The Startup Tennessee

Resource Network is the front door and entrepreneurs first stop for all entrepreneurial activity in the state. http://www.tnreport.com/2012/01/startuptn-launches-statewide-resource-network-for-entrepreneurship/

Startup Tennessee launches new database (Nashville Business Journal)

Startup Tennessee announced a new database today meant to connect entrepreneurs with mentors, investors and other business partners throughout the state. The programs Resource Network connects startups with the regional accelerator in their local county, which can assist them with launching their business and provide access to statewide resources. Local entrepreneurs can access the Resource Network by joining StartupTN.com. Startup Tennessee was launched in 2011 as part of Gov. Bill Haslams efforts to make the state a top destination to start and grow a company. As part of its contract with the state Department of Economic & Community Development, Startup Tennessee is tasked with helping nine regions launch an accelerator. Five regions have launched a program so far, including Middle Tennessee, which has tapped the Entrepreneur Center as its point of contact. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/01/31/startup-tennessee-launches-new-database.html

State Spending (Memphis Daily News)

West Tenn. education in Haslams budget highlights Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam wasnt ready to say the state has recovered from the recession. But his $31 billion budget proposal outlined in the Monday, Jan. 30, State of the State address included a robust building program mixed with state pay raises and plans to cut more than 1,000 state jobs. Two of the citys higher education institutions got important capital commitments in the proposal. And Haslam devoted more of his speech before the Tennessee Legislature to higher education than he did to K-12 education reform, which took center stage in his first State of the State address a year ago. Haslams budget includes $264 million for capital outlays in higher education that were among the first victims of the recession. W ith the outlays came a cautionary note from Haslam that college and university presidents must work to keep tuition rates to a minimum. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/feb/1/state-spending/

Workers Welcome Insourcing, Higher Ed Embraces Turnaround in Support (WPLN)

Governor Bill Haslam spent part of his State of the State address Monday highlighting two small, but meaningful shifts in Tennessees budget. One is a reversal in the trend toward privatization. The states transportation budget for consultant work has tripled in recent years, and now the department says its considerably cheaper to use state workers instead. Thats music to the ears of Robert OConnell, executive director of the state employees association. Weve been pushing for that kind of thing for quite a while and its great to see the governor go, hey, it can go that way too. Still, there will be fewer state workers under Governor Haslams budget. Hes eliminating 1,100 positions, most of them vacant, bringing the total to roughly 44,000. State employees have been reduced for at least the last five years. But higher education has sustained cuts for the last two decades. The governor says that stops this year. Hes proposing a small increase for the states university systems. Rich Rhoda is director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. http://wpln.org/?p=33605

Cleveland veterans home fully funded (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Higgins)

The long quest for a Southeast Tennessee veterans home here inched closer to reality after Gov. Bill Haslam included a key piece of funding for the facility in his budget. The governor's proposed 2013 budget includes the last of the $23.2 million needed for the home. "Our role in state government is to provide services that Tennesseans aren't able to get on their own," including services for veterans, Haslam said. State Rep. Kevin Brooks, R-Cleveland, said Tuesday that funding for the home includes more than $7 million in local money already committed, $3.1 million from the state and more than $13 million in federal funds. That $23.2 million is the full amount needed to build the home. The local money includes $3 million from an anonymous donor and $2 million commitments each from Cleveland and Bradley County governments. Bill Norwood, a Korean War veteran and former prisoner of war, said the home is desperately needed in the area. "W e have all these elderly veterans in this area with no way to get to a veterans home unless they go a long distance," he said. "It seems to be coming together now." http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/01/cleveland-veterans-home-fully-funded/

Veterans Home For Cleveland Getting State Funding (WTVC-TV Chattanooga)

More than a decade ago John Simmons had a vision for fellow veterans in southeast Tennessee. Unfortunately he passed away before he could see the long-term care home built but his dream is still very much alive and 2

closer to being realized. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announced during his state of the state address Monday night that the new budget he proposes includes some money to help build the $23-million dollar veterans center. The future site sits on about 28 acres of land donated by the Williams and Wright brothers. Plans are to build several clusters of individual buildings for a 100+ bed facility giving vets a home-like atmosphere while getting the long-term health care they need in their later years. Larry McDaris, Director of the Cleveland Bradley County Veterans Affairs Service Office, said "the main purpose is to get something in our community to serve Bradley County and surrounding counties where they won't have to drive to Knoxville, Murfreesboro or Humbolt Tennessee." McDaris said during the last nine years they've gotten the political support needed to build a veterans home, but the nagging issue is money. http://www.newschannel9.com/news/veterans-1008631-state-county.html

$23M Possibly Slated for Bradley Co. Veterans Home (WDEF-TV Chattanooga)
Twenty-three million dollars for a new Veterans Home could be coming soon. It would fund an on-going project in Bradley County. For more than 10 years local and state leaders have worked to get a veterans care facility in the area. According to the Bradley County-Cleveland Veterans Affairs Service, 28 acres of land has been donated for the center. Now the project has been added to the 2012 proposed state budget. Governor Bill Haslam announced he's slating $330 million for capital projects across the state. And the Bradley County Vets Home is on the wish list. There's been so much effort put in to this, so much hard work. And it looked dim at times. But now the sun is beginning to shine, said Korean War Veteran William Norwood. If the $23 million is approved, the more than 46,000 vets within the neighboring five counties will have a closer place to stay or receive care. http://www.wdef.com/content/news/government/story/23M-Possibly-Slated-for-Bradley-Co-VeteransHome/SeCVfPquAUef0-T3xMm0xQ.cspx

Science building to bring fundraising challenge (Daily News Journal)

Building expected to attract research, students MTSU officials and students are jubilant in the wake of Gov. Bill Haslams move to fund construction of a long-awaited science building on campus, but the university still has some heavy lifting to do in the form of an $18 million match. W ith us getting this, it allows us to be a research school, said Joshua Wienczkowski, 24, a senior biology and physiology major from Grand Rapids, Mich., as he worked on a lab project Tuesday. MTSUs decaying and cramped science facilities put the university in a Catch 22, he said, because it needed to do great research to obtain government grants, but it couldnt conduct the research because its labs were outdated. This will attract more graduate students and research professors, and it will bring more money to Murfreesboro, Wienczkowski said. I think it will make our students more competitive. An exuberant President Sidney McPhee said Tuesday the university will have to raise $18 million as part of the $126.7 million the governor proposed for a 250,000-square-foot facility. About $8 million would come from private donations, and the other $10 million would come from institution funds, mainly student fees, according to the president. http://www.dnj.com/article/20120201/NEW S/302010016/Science-building-bring-fundraising-challenge? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

UTHSC in Memphis says proposed simulation building key to education (CA/Sells)

University of Tennessee Health Science Center officials said they'll get to work on the school's multi-disciplinary simulation building "as fast as we can" if the legislature approves a $24.1 million funding request. Gov. Bill Haslam requested the funds for the building in his 2013 budget, which he unveiled during his State of the State address Monday in Nashville. The simulation facility would be similar to Vanderbilt University's Center for Experiential Learning & Assessment, where students and trainees practice medicine on human simulators, smart mannequins that can produce real medical symptoms. "In the same sense that pilots have to go in a simulator, modern education says we have to simulate all sorts of medical encounters and medical procedures that physicians, dentists, nurses and pharmacists go through," said Dr. Steve Schwab, UTHSC chancellor. Educators use these simulators to mimic real-world disasters or emergencies, both in and out of a health care facility. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/31/uthsc-memphis-says-proposed-simulation-building-ke/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

No money for ETSU arts center in Haslam's budget (Johnson City Press)
No money for an East Tennessee State University fine arts center was included in Gov. Bill Haslams next state budget, but his plan would move the nearly $40 million project up the list of projects to be built. Meanwhile the 3

governor proposed Northeast State Community College receive money to begin planning a much-needed technology education complex. In his State of the State address Monday evening, Haslam proposed a $335 million increase in construction and building maintenance spending at Tennessee Board of Regents and University of Tennessee schools. One plan had been suggested to fund school capital projects by issuing around $2 billion in bonds to take advantage of low interest rates. This plan was not put forth. ETSU was hopeful the bond plan would have allowed the school to proceed with the fine and performing arts center, which has been on the states capital projects list for years. Still, ETSU Vice President for Finance and Administration David Collins said the school was happy with the governors overall budget plan for several reasons. http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=97965#ixzz1l8BtaAu5

More jail time for domestic abusers on the Governor's agenda (WVLT-TV Knox)
Governor Bill Haslam's State of the State Address included some proposals to make Tennessee a safer place. Half of all crimes in the state are those of domestic violence. "In my eyes, he should of got life," said a domestic violence survivor that didn't want to share her name to keep her abuser from finding her again. She suffered through eight years of domestic abuse; he served jail time for just six months. "It's just not right that they know in their mind, when they get in front of that judge that it's okay. That they can repeatedly do it again," she said of his punishment Governor Bill Haslam brought up domestic violence in his State of the State address. He wants to punish repeat offenders with mandatory time. It's an idea that survivors can stand behind. "They should serve jail time the first, second, third and not get out the fourth," she said. http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/More_jail_time_for_domestic_abusers_on_the_Governors_agenda_ 138470294.html?ref=294

Haslam wants mandatory jail time for convicted domestic violent crimes (H-C)
The governor also wants mandatory jail time for people convicted of repeated domestic violence crimes. Why? According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control 4.8 million women are assaulted or raped by their partner or ex-partner every year. The numbers show a staggering trend: one in four women are victims of violence in their lifetime. Men account for 15 percent of violence victim cases. That's according to the bureau of justice statistics crime data. Local law enforcement think Gov. Bill Haslam's tougher proposal is a great idea, but they want to know who will pay the bill. "Youre talking about $8.7 to $9 million dollars extra money, and the overcrowding situation ... its going to be very difficult for us to handle it, said Washington County Sheriff Ed Graybeal. Graybeal wants repeat domestic offenders to receive the punishment he feels they deserve, but his jail is already overcrowded. http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/jan/31/governor-haslam-wants-mandatory-jail-time-convicte-ar-1653725/

Tennessee's drug related death rate nearly triples since 1999 (Herald-Courier)
Tennessee's death rate from drug overdoses has nearly tripled since 1999 prompting governor Haslam to propose expanded regulations. The proposal would require doctors and pharmacists to check a controlled substance database before writing or dispensing prescriptions. TennCare reported a 48 percent jump in narcotics prescriptions over the last four years despite efforts to end abuse. Family medicine physician doctor Lisa Broyles said sometimes patients really do need pain medication. Severe arthritis, surgery, hospice, degenerative disc disease in the back, said Broyles. However, many times they don't. You either get a reputation for writing them or you don't, and I don't have a reputation for writing them, said Broyles. So I do not have many people on them. She can check a state drug database to find out if her patient has been prescribed pain pills before, but she says it is currently not up to date enough. Current law allows medical practitioners to enter a patient's drug history once a month. If they had gone to another doctor this past week or last week and gotten a prescription filled it would not be in the database yet, so I would not know they had gotten a prescription last week so I might go ahead and fill a prescription for them, said Broyles. http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/jan/31/tennessees-drug-related-death-rate-nearly-triples--ar-1653642/

County jobless rate dips (Johnson City Press)

During December, Washington County had the fourth-lowest unemployment rate in Tennessee, according to the states Department of Labor and W orkforce Development. Washington Countys unemployment rate dropped to 6.6 percent in December, down from 6.9 percent in November and 7.6 percent in December 2010, according to figures released by the department recently. New jobs have continued to be created in Washington County, indicating the unemployment rate decline isnt just a result of people dropping out of the labor force, according to the Washington County Economic Development Council. It is great to see Washington County showing a strong 4

labor market relative to the area, the state and the country, WCEDC CEO Robert Reynolds said in a news release. W hile it doesnt put us where we need to be yet, I believe its a testament to good results weve been seeing in all sectors of the job market here, and to the quality of our work force. The December figures are not seasonally adjusted. They show Washington Countys 6.6 percent rate compared with 8.1 percent in the United States. http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=97966#ixzz1l8BfJizS

TDOT reveals plans for busy Cleveland intersection (Times Free-Press/Higgins)

A preliminary plan to widen one of Cleveland's busiest intersections, North Ocoee at 25th streets, got its first public viewing Tuesday evening. The Tennessee Department of Transportation held a public hearing on a proposed project to widen the intersection to seven lanes in each direction. The intersection approaches would include four travel lanes, two left-turn lanes and one right-turn lane. The project includes new curbs and sidewalks and an updated stormwater drainage system, according to TDOT representatives. Currently 25th Street has two 12-foot east- and westbound lanes and one center turn lane. Ocoee Street has single 12-foot north- and southbound lanes and left- and right-turn lanes. Several dozen people came to look at the maps and leave comments for TDOT to consider before final plans are made for rights-of-way acquisition. Dentists Charles and Janice Nicholas looked at how the changes would affect the entrance to their office. "W e came mostly for information," Nicholas said. "It looks like we will get a turn lane we desperately need." http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/01/tdot-reveals-plans-for-intersection/?local

Interstate 40 West Closed in Cocke County Due to Rockslide (State Gazette)

Both lanes of Interstate 40 W est in Cocke County have been closed following an early morning rockslide between Mile Markers 450 and 451. Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Geotechnical Engineers are continuing to evaluate the slide and are currently developing a plan to stabilize the mountainside. An emergency contract will also be initiated to clean-up debris from this morning's slide. There is currently no estimate for when I-40 West will reopen. In the meantime, motorists traveling on I-40 West can take the following detour around the rockslide area: From North Carolina: Motorists are advised to take I-240 W est (Exit 53B) in Asheville to I-26 West (Exit 4A) to I-81 South (Exit 8A) back to I-40 West. The detour route is approximately 53 miles. http://www.stategazette.com/story/1810618.html

State Court of Appeals reverses lower court in large tax case (Nashville Post)
The State Court of Appeals has reversed a lower courts decision to not tax a nationally recognized education company for conducting online and mail order business with its customers in Tennessee. At issue was nearly $6 million in sales and use taxes including other penalties and fees the states Department of Revenue had determined that Missouri-based Scholastic Book Clubs Inc. owed on amounts earned over a six-year period. The Jan. 27 state Court of Appeals opinion written by Judge David R. Farmer details that courts reasoning for reversing the trial courts decision to relieve Scholastic of its mammoth $5.7 million sales and use tax bill. The company booked approximately $34 million in revenue from its Tennessee customers from Jan. 1, 2002 through May, 31, 2008. Scholastic was represented by David W. Bertoni, partner in the Lewiston, Maine law firm of Brann & Isaacson, and Charles A. Trost, G. Michael Yopp and Christopher Wilson from the Nashville office of Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis. http://nashvillepost.com/news/2012/1/31/state_court_of_appeals_reverses_lower_court_in_large_tax_case

TN anti-bias lawsuit faces dismissal (Tennessean/Gee)

A lawsuit challenging a state law that invalidated Metro protections for gay and transgendered individuals is facing a dismissal in Davidson County Chancery Court. Chancellor Carol L. McCoy issued an order in the case last week that gives the plaintiffs 30 days to supply proof that they have been harmed by the Equal Access to Intrastate Commerce Act, which was passed last year and nullified an ordinance the Metro Council passed requiring city contractors to pledge not to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The law does not allow local governments to pass anti-discrimination policies more rigorous than the states, which does not mention gay and transgendered individuals. A coalition of activists, Metro Council members, the Tennessee Equality Project and others sued the state over the law in June, claiming it is unconstitutional because it was founded in prejudice and violates equal-protection standards. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120201/NEWS03/302010105/TN-anti-bias-lawsuit-faces-dismissal? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News 5

Prosecutors fight against use of Baumgartner file as proof of error (NS/Satterfield)

Two wrongs don't make a right. Assistant District Attorney General Leland Price is turning to that adage in fighting the use of a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation probe of disgraced former Knox County Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner as evidence to challenge cases over which Baumgartner presided. Price on Tuesday filed a motion in the case of convicted rapist Jayson Bailey. Bailey's attorney, Gregory P. Isaacs, wants to use the TBI file as proof Bailey's April 2010 trial was structurally flawed. Price agreed to stipulate the file's contents, rather than force the witnesses named within it to testify, at a hearing in December on whether the four defendants in the torture slayings of Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 23, should get new trials. He argued then the file showed no proof Baumgartner's misdeeds off the bench robbed the defendants of fair trials. The state now, however, is refusing to make any such stipulation, a move that would force a series of minitrials on Baumgartner's misdeeds and their impact on the cases he handled. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/jan/31/prosecutors-fight-against-use-of-baumgartner-as/

Amazon price tag (Knoxville News-Sentinel/Humphrey)

Legislation that will cement Gov. Bill Haslam's deal with Amazon.com will cost the state $22.8 million per year in "forgone revenue" while in effect, but it will bring in a like amount afterward, according to a legislative staff estimate. The "fiscal note" on HB2370, introduced at the behest of Haslam, does not mention the Internet retail giant by name but observes that "one taxpayer will meet the criteria specified in this bill exempting such taxpayer from collecting and remitting sales and use tax." The "qualified taxpayer" had $34.2 billion in online U.S. sales in 2010, the Fiscal Review Committee note says, and given that Tennessee has 2 percent of the national population, that would translate into $684 million in Tennessee sales. From that point the fiscal note projects $22,840,600 in "foregone" state sales tax revenue in a full year and pegs the lost revenue for local government sales tax collections at $9,649,400. Haslam announced in October that a deal negotiated with Amazon exempts the Internet retailer from collecting Tennessee state and local taxes until Jan. 1, 2014, or until Congress authorizes states to begin collecting sales tax revenue whichever comes first. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/01/political-notebook-amazon-price-tag-end-of-a/

Democrats propose biennial legislative sessions (Associated Press/Schelzig)

If Democrats have their way, the Tennessee General Assembly would meet only every second year, lawmakers daily expenses would be capped and bill sponsors would have to divulge if their legislation originated with national groups. Democratic leaders insist their proposals are designed to promote good government. But Republicans charge the measures are election-year games. Id be glad to look at any suggestions they have, but theyre playing politics, House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, said in a recent interview. When they had the power to do it, they didnt do anything about that. But House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner of Nashville argued that most of the lawmakers sponsoring the current measures didnt hold leadership positions before Republicans won their majority in the House in 2008. How long do you hold a good idea down just because a party took things a particular way several years ago? Turner said. House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, said the measure calling for meeting every other year dovetails with Republican efforts to keep the legislative session as short as possible. W ere just moving at such a quick pace to get things done around there, and I feel we could move at an even faster pace if we cut out one session, Fitzhugh said. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120201/NEWS02/302010125/Democrats-propose-biennial-legislativesessions?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Bill to close grant records sent for Senate vote (Associated Press/Schelzig)
A Senate committee on Tuesday advanced Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to block public access to business records used to make grant decisions. The Senate Commerce Committee voted 8-0 to approve the measure after making a change to allow the State Funding Board to examine the information that would otherwise be shielded from public view. "That's an important piece, because that creates a nice balance between the legislative and executive branches of government," said Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, who is carrying the legislation for the governor. The Funding Board includes the comptroller, treasurer and secretary of state, all of whom are elected by state lawmakers. The panel must approve all large grants proposed by the Department of Economic and Community Development. "The intent of this bill is to allow for the department and the state to have better information when getting into investment opportunities," W atson said. The measure now goes to a full floor vote. Haslam has called for the public records changes as part of his plan to offer more cash incentives for companies to invest in Tennessee. 6

http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38469849?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Land rush: Memphis moves to annex reserve area ahead of legislation (CA/Maki)
Believing they are in a race against state legislators who want to limit the city's growth, nine of the 13 Memphis City Council members Tuesday approved a plan to annex a significant chunk of territory in eastern Shelby County. The full council must vote three more times before the annexation is final. Convening in a rare emergency meeting, members of the council committee that oversees annexation were reacting to a pair of bills filed in Nashville just before last Thursday's deadline for submitting bills. One, authored by Sen. Mark Norris and Rep. Curry Todd, Republicans from Collierville, would remove Memphis' stake in an area east of Cordova to the Fayette County line and north of Collierville's existing reserve area. The second bill, by Norris and Rep. Ron Lollar, R-Bartlett, would allow residents of any area proposed for annexation by a Shelby County municipality to vote on whether they want to join the annexing city. In Nashville, Norris said Tuesday evening that he has asked the state attorney general for an advisory opinion on the constitutionality of the bills. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jan/31/memphis-city-council-may-quickly-annex-areas-targe/ (SUB)

Bill could drive wedge between legislators and Occupy protestors (CP/Hale)
Just weeks after returning to Capitol Hill, state legislators may be setting the stage for another showdown between law enforcement and the encamped Occupy Nashville protesters outside their offices. A bill filed Jan. 17 by Rep. Eric W atson (R-Cleveland) and Sen. Delores Gresham (R-Somerville) would make it illegal to maintain living-quarters on public property that is not designated for residential use. A violation of the statute would be a Class C misdemeanor and call for an action that will be familiar to protesters, press and casual observers who spent their nights on the plaza three months ago: eviction of people from the property by the appropriate law enforcement agency. When first they met, the state and the occupiers tangled over the enforcement of a hastily devised overnight curfew, put in place by the Department of General Services and endorsed by the governor. So far, the Occupy Nashville response to the bill would seem to indicate that such an episode could repeat itself. In a letter outlining their concerns with the proposed legislation, which theyve urged supporters to sign and send to legislators, the group flatly declares their intentions, should the bill become law. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/bill-could-drive-wedge-between-legislators-and-occupy-protestors

Demonstrators threaten to occupy Tennessee Capitol (Times Free-Press/Sher)

Occupy Nashville protesters are warning Gov. Bill Haslam, state lawmakers and the highway patrol that, if evicted from Legislative Plaza, their members will occupy the state Capitol, other public areas and even restrooms at the Haslam family-owned chain of travel centers. In an "open letter," the protest group denounces legislation they say is designed to oust protesters from the plaza, where members have camped since October. The bill is sponsored in the House by Rep. Eric Watson, R-Cleveland. "If you pass this bill to evict Occupy Nashville and criminalize our un-housed friends, then you have chosen to escalate the conversation," the letter states. "If you pass this bill, we will prevail in the courts and on the streets." Passing the bill, the letter states, will lead to protesters moving to occupy the state Capitol, other public property and foreclosed homes. Protesters also "will occupy the restrooms of all Pilot Travel Centers." The Pilot Flying J Travel Corp. chain is owned in part by Haslam and other Haslam family members. Haslam spokesman David Smith on Tuesday said he had no comment on the threatened action, which protesters say they will take if the legislation passes and Haslam signs it. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/01/demonstrators-threaten-to-occupy-capitol/?local

De-Occupy the Plaza or Let Protesters Stay? Legislators Must Decide (WPLNRadio)
A proposal to clear the Occupy Nashville protest off War Memorial Plaza comes up in a House subcommittee Wednesday. Occupiers have been camped on what is essentially the roof of the legislatures main office building since October. But for some lawmakers the decision to clear the plaza is not a slam-dunk. State Representative Jon Lundberg says he wanted to visit with the protesters before he had to vote on the De-Occupy Nashville bill in subcommittee. So he wandered up to the Legislative Plaza and talked with a half-dozen campers. Lundberg says he thought most of the inhabitants of the camp were inebriated, or homeless. But there is a group up there, not many, but they have a true protest. I disagree, obviously, with what theyre protesting. But I agree vehemently with their right to protest. Lundberg, a small businessman from Bristol, says he doesnt agree with the basic 7

premise of the protesters that government favors business over individuals. Misguided I think they think that we have created laws for companies to profit unfairly. The East Tennessee Republican says he wants to protect the demonstrators rights. He just wants them off the http://wpln.org/?p=33610 roof.

Hands-on CPR bill moves through Senate (Times-Gazette)

A proposal to require hands-on CPR practice in high school resuscitation programs, sponsored by State Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville, has passed the Senate. The measure was approved 31-0 last week by the full Senate. The companion bill is scheduled to be considered today by the House Education Committee. Advanced work Instead of just requiring instruction in the techniques and skills associated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the proposal would require "students learn the techniques and practice the psychomotor skills associated with performing CPR." Tracy told the Times-Gazette a bill requiring CPR training had been suggested by the American Heart Association. When he looked into the matter, Tracy discovered that students were being taught the theory of CPR in their lifetime wellness class (known to a previous generation as health class) but not actually given any hands-on training in it. "Being a former ag teacher, I believe in hands-on learning," said Tracy. Serious stats According to the American Heart Association website, four out of five cardiac arrests take place at home. Most people who save lives with CPR save the life of a friend or family member. http://www.tg.com/story/1810363.html

State Workers Afraid to Comment on New Civil Service Rules (WPLN-Radio Nash.)
The states roughly 44,000 employees anticipate major changes if the governor is able to push through an overhaul to civil service protection. However, theyre not interested in talking publicly about their concerns. At lunchtime at least on sunny days Nashvilles Bicentennial Mall becomes a walking track for state employees. Some of those with the hard-to-miss blue ID badges will talk about the coming changes. Fewer will allow their voice to be recorded. And of those, no one agreed to have their name used. UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: These people are crazy. Theyre subject to take our names and have us fired. REPORTER: No, youre protected by civil service now right? UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: Today, but we dont know what tomorrow is going to bring [laughs]. The governor does want to make it easier to layoff senior employees, though they could still only be fired for cause. The Tennessee State Employees Association is also uneasy with a proposal that would make it possible to recruit for open positions. http://wpln.org/?p=33612

National disabilities group laments photo ID law (Associated Press)

Advocates for the disabled have joined an effort to repeal a Tennessee law that requires photo identification in order to vote. Jim Dickson is vice president of organizing and civic engagement for the American Association of People with Disabilities. He spoke at a news conference in Nashville on Tuesday that was organized by the group Tennessee Citizen Action, a grass-roots organization based on consumer concerns. Dickson says there are "real difficulties" for the disabled to get the documentation needed to get a photo ID. He says at least 11 percent of people with disabilities do not have a current photo ID. Dickson said more than 350,000 disabled people voted in the 2008 election. http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38470363?odyssey=mod| newswell|text|News|s

Occupy Murfreesboro court hearings delayed again (Daily News Journal)

Hearings for a small number of Occupy Murfreesboro protesters cited for illegal camping on the Civic Plaza between December and early January have been rescheduled for a second time, according to city court personnel. The hearings for members of Occupy were rescheduled for early February after an attorney representing the group informed the court of a scheduling conflict. Occupy Murfreesboro members were first cited by MPD officers in the early morning hours of Dec. 6 for violating the city's ordinance on camping and storing property on the Civic Plaza. Those cited early on in the protests were scheduled to appear in Murfreesboro City Court Jan. 10, but that date was rescheduled to Feb. 7 due to scheduling conflicts. Another group of protesters received citations with an appearance date of Jan. 31, but those hearings will now also be held Feb. 7. Police issued citations to protesters based on Section 10-28 of city code, according to MPD officials. http://www.dnj.com/article/20120201/NEW S05/301310018/Occupy-Murfreesboro-court-hearings-delayed-again? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Conrad ponders run at Congress (Commercial Appeal/Sullivan)

R. Kemp Conrad, who has served as a Memphis City Council member and is a former chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, said Tuesday he has been asked to consider challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher in this years Republican primary for the 8th Congressional District. Some people have asked me to consider it, Conrad said. He said he has not ruled it out but has to consider business, family, all those things before making a decision. After redistricting, the 8th District encompasses much more of eastern Shelby County that had been part of Marsha Blackburns 7th District as well as parts of Memphis, including the Poplar Corridor, that had been in the 9th District, making it more attractive to candidates from Shelby County. Fincher, a freshman, is from Frog Jump in rural Crockett County. Conrad pointed out that hes always lived in the 9th District and said running in the 8th is a lot to get your arms around. He said he has not set a deadline for when hell make his decision. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/feb/01/brief-conrad-ponders-run-congress/ (SUB)

Insurance Exchange Setup Would Hinge on Tech Workers (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

As states like Tennessee look at creating insurance exchanges under the federal healthcare overhaul, demand is spiking for the information technology or IT know-how to set one up. Its still an open question whether Tennessee even sets up an exchange. Weighing on that are a pending Supreme Court ruling, the presidential election, and state lawmakers. Theres also plenty of wrangling over guidelines, grant money and deadlines, which falls to one Brian Haile. Haile says theres also a limited talent pool for building an exchange, and plenty of demand from other states. My colleague in another state said if he were as popular in high school as he is with IT vendors and headhunters today, his life would be entirely different. I think what hes trying to say is theres a real shortage of talent nationwide to put together a lot of these types of systems. Haile says that means states that dally could find fewer firms capable of doing the work. http://wpln.org/?p=33606

Rand Paul's airport run-in raises alarm over scanner accuracy (Tennessean/Haas)
Rand Paul run-in, studies call effectiveness into question Brandon Chapman had just been joking about U.S. Sen. Rand Pauls run-in with Nashville International Airports body scanners when one of those very same machines sounded an alarm on him last Tuesday. He laughed it off at first it was a false positive somewhere on his arm until the machine did it again a few days later in Raleigh, N.C., as he tried to return home. It was my leg in Raleigh and my arm in Nashville, Chapman said. Chapman took it in stride. But a growing number of high-profile cases two in Nashville are calling into question both the accuracy of the millimeter wave scanning machines and the appropriateness of the pat-downs used when the machines go off or when travelers refuse the body scans. Most recently, Paul was stopped here when the machines apparently detected something on his knee something he said should have been dismissed once he pulled up his pant leg. The Kentucky Republican refused the follow-up pat-down of his leg and was escorted out of the terminal. In July, a Clarksville mother was arrested after she refused to let her daughter undergo the scanning and objected to the pat-down in a disorderly fashion, according to airport security. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120201/NEWS/302010106/Rand-Paul-s-airport-run-raises-alarm-overscanner-accuracy?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

VW adding 200 jobs at Chattanooga assembly plant (Associated Press)

Volkswagen is creating another 200 jobs at its Chattanooga assembly plant as production increases. A plant spokesman said in a statement Tuesday that the positions are needed as production capacity increases from 31 to 35 cars per hour. The new jobs will be integrated into Volkswagen's current two-shift operation and filled by full-time Volkswagen employees. The Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga currently employs more than 2,500 people, about 2,000 by Volkswagen and 500 by staffing partner Aerotek. Human resources manager Ryan Rose said many Aerotek employees will get the VW jobs but that will create openings at Aerotek. http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38469091?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

VW creating 200 new jobs at Chattanooga plant (Times Free-Press/Sher)

Volkswagen plans to create 200 new jobs at its Chattanooga plant as it bolsters production from 31 to 35 cars per hour, according to the automaker. The new jobs will be integrated into VWs current two-shift operation and filled by full-time employees, an official said in a news release. We have had good success hiring local people who can work together as a team to build our cars safely and with the highest quality, said Hans-Herbert Jagla, executive vice president of human resources for VW in Chattanooga. Now, we are excited to have 200 more people join our team. The plant currently employs more than 2,500 people, about 2,000 by Volkswagen and 9

additional 500 by Aerotek, the companys staffing partner. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jan/31/volkswagen-creating-200-new-jobs-chattanooga-plant/?local

Columbus gives Nashville hope for NHL All Star Game (Nashville Biz Journal)
When Nashville Predators President Sean Henry was introduced to Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, Henry received a simultaneous salutation and question. When will Nashville host the NHL All-Star game, the mayor wanted to know. It was almost, Hey, how are you, nice to meet you, when are we getting the all star game? I think it was a run-on sentence, Henry laughed. The inquiry, though, was a fair one, especially now, with the recent announcement that Columbus, Ohio, will host the 2013 All Star Game. In 2001, Columbus finished a major renovation of their convention center, growing the buildings footprint to 1.7 million square feet. Largely credited with getting the city over the finish line, however, is the addition of a new downtown Hilton set to open later this year, which will give the city an extra 500-plus hotel rooms. The pending opening of Music City Center and associated hotels downtown is giving some renewed hope that Nashville could land the All Star Game. Henry estimated the game could bring more than $30 million in visitor spending, 800 members of the media and create more than 7,000 room nights for Music City. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/2012/01/nashville-to-nhlbring-us-an-all-star.html

Suburban residents feel disconnect, lack of trust with unified schools (CA/Bailey)
Much like the 2010 Memphis-Shelby County government consolidation debate, trust has emerged as a factor in suburban residents' opposition to a countywide school merger. The issue was touched upon several times at Houston High last week as the Transition Planning Commission held a session of its listening tour. The outlying opponents don't trust the Memphis City Schools group that surrendered the charter. They don't trust that they will have a viable voice that can accomplish anything on the unified school board. And they question whether the larger school system will be responsive when things are needed. Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner even refers to the government consolidation debate from two years ago when talking about trust. He noted that throughout those discussions, merger proponents emphasized repeatedly that schools were not a part of that debate. That it was only about government. "Then lo and behold," he said, when the election was over and consolidation was defeated by a strong vote in the suburbs, the city school system surrendered its charter, in effect creating a countywide system. "It kind of makes me wonder if it was cooking that way all along," Joyner said. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/feb/01/schools-issue-driven-by-trust/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

County teachers fare well on evaluations (Ashland City Times)

Cheatham County educators have fared well so far under the states new teacher evaluation system. Under the evaluation system, observations by principals make up half of a teachers score, but a first glimpse at those observation scores from across the state shows they are all over the map. A recent open records request from The Tennessean found that in Murfreesboro City Schools, for example, nearly half of the teachers were given a top score of five, while in Fayette County, only one percent earned the top rating. The ratings data is based on 47,000 teacher observations between August and Dec. 13. Some districts did not submit enough observations to be included in the data. In Cheatham County, .2 percent of teachers received ones on their observations; 5.1 percent received twos; 23.2 percent earned threes; 42.1 percent received fours; and 29.1 percent received fives. The state had predicted that districts would rate 3-5 percent of teachers as ones; 10-25 percent as twos; 40-50 percent as threes; 10- 25 percent as fours; and 5-10 percent as fives. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120201/ASHLANDCITY01/302010071/County-teachers-fare-well-onevaluations

East Tennessee teachers share mixed feelings on new evaluations (NS/McCoy)

Dave Gorman was pulled to pursue a career as a teacher. And now 11 years later, it's something the SouthDoyle Middle School teacher said he loves doing. "I'm trying to do the best I can. I enjoy what I'm doing, and I'm trying to bring these kids something they need," he said. This year, Gorman and thousands of teachers across the state are going through their own learning curve as they adapt to the new teacher evaluation model required this year under the state's First to the Top Act. They are expressing their concerns with the system, which is based on observations and student data. "Every teacher has their own gifts and things they bring in their teaching," Gorman said. "It's not that cookie cutter. Every day is a new day, and every day is continuously challenging in ways that make it fascinating. We're just trying to keep up." After two evaluations this school year, and a third fast approaching, Gorman said he isn't against the new model he sees many of its benefits but he and other teachers hope their voices are part of the conversation as the state begins to review its first year 10

and prepare for the next. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/01/east-tennessee-teachers-share-mixedfeelings-on/

Fordham Institute Gives Tennessee Science Standards a D (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

A new report gives a near failing grade to the science standards used by Tennessees schools. The Fordham Institute, a conservative think tank, says the guidelines for teachers dont contain enough substance. Tennessee is one of 27 states that earned either a D or F when compared against Fordhams concept of the ideal science curriculum. The group specifically knocks Tennessee for avoiding the word evolution in its biology guidelines. It wants states to clearly treat evolution as a scientific theory that belongs in science classes. Looking more broadly, the report says the Tennessees guidelines are often too vague. W here the state says fourth graders should use age appropriate tools for measuring and comparing solids and liquids, the Fordham Institute would rather the state spell out what kind of tools are appropriate for fourth grade, and exactly what measurements those students should make. The state did revamp its curriculum standards in recent years. According to the Fordham Instute, its report is based on the current guidelines. http://wpln.org/?p=33601

Study says Hamilton County students not so healthy, well (TFP/Carroll)

Thirty-five percent of Hamilton County high school students spend at least five hours a day watching television, playing video games and scouring the Internet, according to new survey results. But the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department doesn't know how long those kids stare at their iPhones and BlackBerrys. Cellphone activity wasn't explored in the health department's 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Even without figures on cellphone usage, one thing is clear, officials said. "In some children, their most physical activity is indeed with their thumbs," Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society Executive Director Rae Bond said. Officials on Tuesday shared the survey's health and wellness results, which showed that many students aren't so healthy and well. Based on self-reported height and weight responses, 27 percent of Hamilton County students are overweight or obese. Three in four students aren't hitting the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention's recommended daily benchmarks for exercise -- 60 minutes of physical activity -- or nutrition -- five servings of fruits and vegetables. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/01/study-says-students-not-so-healthy-well/?local

Indiana: Super Bowl prompts Indiana to rewrite human trafficking law (Stateline)
In the early morning hours of Super Bowl Sunday last year, Dallas police arrested Anthony Ladell Winn. They suspected Winn of forcing two sisters, ages 14 and 20, to travel from Austin to Dallas to work as prostitutes while thousands of football fans gathered for the big game. There was big money to be made during the Super Bowl, Winn said according to police documents obtained by the Dallas Morning News. Winn was charged with attempting to compel prostitution and trafficking of persons. While Winn has yet to stand trial, law enforcement officials, prosecutors and human rights advocates see his case as an example of an ugly byproduct of hosting the Super Bowl and all of the pre-game parties that go along with it. In the past few years, host cities have reported an influx of sex trafficking activity, and have launched task forces to rescue both children and adults from coerced prostitution. For Super Bowl XLVI, to be played this Sunday (February 5) in Indianapolis, state officials are going out of their way to show that human trafficking wont be tolerated. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels specifically called on lawmakers in his state of the state address to tighten the states law on human trafficking before the Super Bowl. http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=628677

Maryland: OMalley proposes 6% sales tax on gas (Washington Post)

Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley said Monday that he would ask lawmakers to approve an unprecedented tax increase on gasoline, applying for the first time Marylands 6 percent sales tax to every gallon of gas to raise billions of dollars for road and transit projects. The sales tax would be phased in annually in increments of 2 percent at the wholesale level, meaning that a gallon of gas that now costs $3.48 at the pump would increase 6 cents. If the price of gas rises or falls, the sales tax amount would also. Combined, the three-year increase per gallon could total 18 cents or more, making Marylands combined levy on gasoline more than 41 cents a gallon and among the highest in the country. OMalley (D) made the announcement during his monthly appearance on WTOPs Ask the Governor and declined to comment further later in the day at his only scheduled public event in Annapolis. During the radio program, OMalley said his full proposal would be sent to the legislature within days and acknowledged it would not be popular. But he urged lawmakers to consider whether it was a good way to go. 11

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/omalley-proposes-6percent-sales-tax-ongas/2012/01/30/gIQAiaUrdQ_story.html

Mississippi: Gov. Bryant's budget lops 5.5% (Commercial Appeal/West)

Most departments feel decline from last year in $5.49B plan Gov. Phil Bryant's first budget proposal recommends $26 million less than the state is spending this year while fully funding education and cutting most departments and agencies by 5.5 percent. Bryant also wants to sell the state's jet for $2 million. Bryant outlined his $5.49 billion spending plan, which recognizes the realities of a slowly recovering state economy and dwindling federal dollars, on Tuesday during a speech attended by lobbyists, reporters and a handful of legislators in a Capitol meeting room. Legislators will use Bryant's proposal as they craft a budget for the 2013 fiscal year that begins July 1. The plan they arrive at may or may not reflect Bryant's proposals. "This is the most challenging budget I've ever seen, and I've been here since 1992," said Bryant, a former state representative, state auditor and lieutenant governor. The best news for fast-growing DeSoto County is in education spending, which would restore high-growth money. "I was pleased to hear Gov. Bryant's budget recommends fully funding high-growth school districts," said state Sen. Merle Flowers, R-Olive Branch. "This will mean over $6 million for DeSoto County." http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/feb/01/bryant-budget-lops-55/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

OPINION Editorial: The right message: Objectives would put state on proper track (M. Press)
When governors and presidents lay out their plans and agendas for the year, the speeches are always filled with lots of promising, ambitious things sure to antagonize the opposition and delight those who like what they hear. That's the case with Gov. Bill Haslam's State of the State address on Monday night. After a full year in office, Haslam is ready for some far-reaching programs and ideas. His speech was loaded with them. Even in lean times, he wants a 2.5 percent raise for state employees. That's nice, but many people in the private sector have been dealing with recession with no raises for three or more years, as well as the prospect their own jobs might be eliminated. Why should state employees be rewarded in difficult times? Even so, Haslam is proposing some job cuts to mitigate his requested raises. He wants to eliminate nearly 1,200 state jobs, with about half of those being currently filled positions. "Is the current state of our state good enough? I think the answer is no," he said. "I think we can believe in better." The governor's plan relies on more revenue to avoid more drastic cuts. That's always a risky thing to do with a budget, but there is some reason to feel optimistic. The economy looks to be rebounding and state revenues are moving up. Haslam is banking on an improved economy to generate enough money to prevent more job cuts. Let's hope he is right. http://themountainpress.com/view/full_story_free/17352366/article--EDITORIAL-The-right-message--Governor-sobjectives-would-put-state-on-proper-track-?instance=main_article_opinion 12

Free-Press Editorial: Gov. Haslam lays out slimmed-down Tennessee budget (TFP)
Many public officials find it easy to propose more spending and higher taxes. But Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam should be commended for proposing in his State of the State speech to legislators on Tuesday an actual reduction in the state's budget. Haslam has proposed $30.08 billion in spending -- a 2.5 percent reduction from the current budget. Under the proposed budget, the number of positions in state government would drop by nearly 1,200, from 45,072 to 43,906. Only a little over half of the positions on the chopping block are currently filled. Some of the cuts would come from closing the Taft Youth Development Center in Bledsoe County. It houses serious juvenile offenders. State officials say getting it to current standards would cost almost $40 million. So instead, the teens there would be transferred to other state facilities under Haslam's plan. State workers would get a 2.5 percent pay raise, but the governor would rightly limit civil service protections that make hiring and firing cumbersome and inefficient. Also key to Haslam's plan are tax relief proposals. He wants initially to reduce the sales tax on food from 5.5 percent to 5.3 percent, and to cut it over a three-year period to 5 percent. He also wants to raise the exemption on the death tax on inheritances, from $1 million to $1.25 million, then to raise the exemption to $5 million over time. That is vital for Tennessee's economy. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/01/gov-haslams-budget-plans/?opinionfreepress

Editorial: Gov. Bill Haslam's budget is prudent, given slow recovery (NewsSentinel)
Gov. Bill Haslam didn't spring any surprises Monday when he announced his proposed budget for the coming year. The total amount of spending will be roughly the same as this year $31 billion. Haslam's theme for his State of the State address was "Believe in better." Given the numbers in his budget proposal, he perhaps could have added, "But make do with the same for now." That shouldn't be taken as a criticism of the budget. With the slow pace of the economic recovery and persistently high unemployment, Haslam is prudent to maintain current spending levels rather than launch expensive new initiatives. The governor does shift money around in his second budget. State employee will get 2.5 percent raises, and some positions could receive more after a salary study is completed. More than 1,100 jobs will be eliminated, however, with 308 being cut as a result of the planned closure of Lakeshore Mental Health Institute in Knoxville. Haslam also wants to dismantle the civil service system and end the arcane practices of "bumping" and registry hiring, which sensibly would make merit the prime consideration in the hiring, pay and retention of employees. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/01/editorial-gov-bill-haslams-budget-is-prudent/

Greg Johnson: Good news, bad news for state's teachers' unions (News-Sentinel)
While Penny Sutton was understandably exuberant last week over gains made by her organization, Professional Educators of Tennessee, another Sevier County teacher has every right to be downcast this week. Gera Summerford, president of the Tennessee Education Association and Gatlinburg teacher, was a bit agitated by the education plans Gov. Bill Haslam unfolded in his State of the State address Monday. "TEA is encouraged by the governor's commitment to education funding and a proposed salary increase, but we still have concerns about his education agenda," Summerford said in a news release. "The delay in making changes to the evaluation system and his proposal to change class size mandates do not support our shared goal of improving student achievement." Summerford asked for immediate relief from the new state-mandated evaluation process many teachers view as onerous. Haslam promised to "evaluate the evaluation system" but drew a rhetorical line in the sand. "If we're willing to evaluate 10-year-olds, which we've been doing since we started sending home report cards, there's not one good reason that adults shouldn't be evaluated, too," Haslam said. "And there's no good reason to wait." http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/feb/01/greg-johnson-good-news-bad-news-forstates/

Editorial: Tracy bill on voter ID will help (Daily News Journal)

When the state Legislature passed a law in 2011 requiring Tennesseans to show a photo ID in order to vote, legislators failed to take into consider the ramifications it could have on older voters. In fact, some didnt realize that Tennesseans 60 and older arent even required to have a photo on their drivers license. For some odd reason, when Tennessee changed its drivers licenses in the early 1980s from paper to plastic and started putting photos on them, it gave people 60 and above the option not to have a photo. A non-photo was a couple of dollars cheaper, and with the advent of mail-in license applications, many seniors just sent in a check and received a new license without a photo. The result, in the wake of the new voter photo ID law, is that some 13

126,000 senior who are registered voters didnt have a Tennessee license acceptable for voter ID purposes. A total of 230,000 Tennesseans held a non-photo license, for varying reasons. State Sen. Jim Tracy is hoping to fix at least a part of this problem by sponsoring a bill requiring those over 60 to have photos on their drivers licenses when they renew or receive a new license. If approved, it would take effect July 1. W hile we wish the state Legislature had tried to solve this problem before it enacted the voter photo ID law, Tracys bill will help seniors by making sure they have a primary form of identification. http://www.dnj.com/article/20120201/OPINION/301310024/EDITORIAL-Tracy-bill-voter-ID-will-help? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Guest columnist: Local GOP off base on zoning (Daily News Journal)
Is there something wrong with growing in a manner that allows us, as a county, to prosper by improving our economic strength while still preserving the community character and rural landscapes that make Middle Tennessee so unique? I find the local Republican Party and the Rutherford County Concerned Citizens for Property Rights conclusion that the Comprehensive Plan and proposed Zoning Map and Ordinance to be unwarranted and not needed, as it infringes upon a property owners right to sell and profit from the development of their property rather shortsighted. For starters, none of these documents removes anyones right to control the use of their property, to benefit from its use, to transfer or sell it or to bar others from their property. Those are the traditional principles of property rights. Property rights do NOT include unreasonably interfering with anothers private property rights. Property rights also do not require that planners and the rest of the community guarantee that a seller get the highest price when they, sometime in the unknown future, might want to transfer their property to another. There is a hundred and fifty year history of court decisions in this country that have recognized that sensible land use legislation enhances rather than diminishes property rights. http://www.dnj.com/article/20120201/OPINION/301310023/GUEST-COLUMN-Local-GOP-off-base-zoning? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Gail Kerr: The message is out: Business is good in Nashville (Tennessean)

Nashville is blessed with an economy diverse enough to keep things going even during the recent recession. The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce wants to get across the message that while not recession-proof, the 10county area of Middle Tennessee was slow to get in one and quicker to get out of it than most places. Today, the chamber launches a $130,000 campaign with a feel-good message that youll see on billboards and in advertising: Business is Good. The point is to advocate for prosperity at all levels: job and workplace recruitment, support of small and large businesses, and weighing in on public policy decisions. One of the things were so lucky with here is the diversity of our economy and our steady growth, said Bert Mathews, president of the Mathews Co. and current chamber chairman. Ralph Schulz, president and CEO of the chamber, said the heart of the new marketing push is simple: This is a vital place where people should invest. People who live here dont necessarily notice the obvious: Nashville and its surrounding counties have a deep creativity, love of place and history, and dedication to change for the good. When Avenue Bank CEO Ron Samuels, past chairman of the chamber, has visitors come here, they are astonished, he said. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120201/COLUMNIST0101/302010094/Gail-Kerr-message-out-Businessgood-Nashville?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News ###

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