THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012 Tennessee in the Top 5 for doing business, CEO study finds (Memphis Biz Journal)

Tennessee is among the top states in the country in which to do business, according to an annual survey of CEOs by Chief Executive magazine According to the survey, Tennessee ranks No. 4 in the U.S., unchanged from last year. Texas claimed the No. 1 spot, followed by Florida and North Carolina. CEOs deemed California as the worst state in which to do business, followed by New York, Illinois, Massachusetts and Michigan. Chief Executive's complete rankings are available here. http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2012/05/02/tennessee-in-the-top-5-for-doing.html

Magazine: Tennessee fourth best for doing business (News-Sentinel)

Tennessee maintained its spot as fourth best state in the nation for doing business, according to Chief Executive magazines annual Best & W orst States Survey released today. Texas rated as the best state in the country for conducting business and California as the worst. The rankings were based on responses from 650 business leaders, assessing states in terms of regulations, tax policies, workforce quality, educational resources, quality of living and infrastructure. Good states have quality work force, affordable housing, good infrastructure and business friendly regulations with low income taxes, none of these apply to Illinois or California but do so in Tennessee and Texas, read one CEOs comment. Florida was ranked the second best state for business, followed by North Carolin as No. 3 and Indiana as No. 5. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/02/magazine-tennessee-fourth-best-doing-business/

CEOs like look of South (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Flessner)

America's corporate leaders like the South with seven of their eight favorite states to do business located below the Mason-Dixon line. For the eighth consecutive year, Texas ranked No. 1 in a survey of 650 CEOs by Chief Executive magazine. Tennessee maintained its No. 4 ranking among the 50 states for its favorable business climate, while Georgia slipped three places this year to No. 8. The worst states for business, according to the Chief Executive magazine survey, are California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts and Michigan. The business leaders preferred states with fewer regulations, unions and taxes and with more economic and population growth. Indiana was the only state outside the South among the top eight states for its business climate. The Hoosier State climbed into the top tier after Indiana adopted a right-to-work law that ends union shops and requires each individual to join a labor union even if a majority of workers at a workplace vote to unionize the business. http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/03/ceos-like-look-of-south/

Haslam Uses First Veto on Bill Targeting Vanderbilt Anti-Bias Policy (WPLNRadio)
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has slapped down a bill that takes aim at Vanderbilt Universitys controversial anti-discrimination policy. This is the governors first veto since taking office. Haslams written statement leads off with this: I dont agree with Vanderbilts all-comers policy. It requires that student organizations though not fraternities and sororities allow anyone to join and run for leadership positions. Christian organizations have butted heads with the university. Some have chosen to leave campus over the issue. Haslams own party pushed the bill targeting Vanderbilt. Perhaps directed at fellow Republicans, the governor says as someone who strongly believes in limited government it is inappropriateto mandate the policies of a private institution. The

legislation would have also prevented such an all-comers policy at state colleges. The governor says he agrees with that part of the bill. http://wpln.org/?p=36845

Gov. Bill Haslam uses first veto on Vanderbilt's 'all-comers' bill (Tennessean/Sisk)
Governor says state should stay out of private affair Gov. Bill Haslam announced Wednesday that he will veto legislation that targets Vanderbilt Universitys all-comers nondiscrimination policy, saying it is inappropriate for the state to meddle in a private affair. Haslam also said in a prepared statement that he will allow legislation that caps hiring of foreign nationals by charter schools to become law without his signature, a sign of his misgivings about the measure. But he did not say whether he will sign or veto a third piece of high-profile legislation, a bill that rewrites the states abstinence-first sex education curriculum. The veto of House Bill 3576/Senate Bill 3597 would be Haslams first since taking office in January 2011. Haslam said he disagrees with Vanderbilts policy personally but believes state lawmakers had overstepped by getting involved. It is counter-intuitive to make campus organizations open their membership and leadership positions to anyone and everyone, even when potential members philosophically disagree with the core values and beliefs of the organization, Haslam said in a prepared statement. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120503/NEWS0201/305020149/Gov-Bill-Haslamuses-first-veto-Vanderbilt-s-all-comers-bill

Gov. Bill Haslam to veto bill targeting Vanderbilt (Times Free-Press/Sher)

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam said Wednesday he intends to issue his first veto -- a bill that seeks to pressure private Vanderbilt University into dropping an anti-discrimination policy affecting campus organizations that has religious groups and conservative state lawmakers in an uproar. In a statement, Haslam said that "while I don't agree with Vanderbilt's policy, as someone who strongly believes in limited government, I think it is inappropriate for government to mandate the policies of a private institution." Haslam, who took office in 2011, said he didn't object to the bill's other provisions which ban Tennessee public colleges and universities from implementing socalled "all-comers" policies similar to Vanderbilt's. State institutions currently don't. Vanderbilt's recently set policy requires that student groups allow any interested student to join and run for office. Conservative lawmakers took up the banner in the General Assembly this year, pushing a bill affecting public colleges, later adding a provision directed at Vanderbilt and passing the measure on Monday. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/03/haslam-to-veto-bill-targeting-vanderbilt/?local

GOP leaders tout progress (Commercial Appeal/Locker)

Republicans and Democrats gave varying assessments of the just-concluded session of the Tennessee legislature. Republicans called it a "remarkable" turning point for the state, and Democrats cited a litany of "crazy bills" that prompted negative attention nationally on the state. Republican Gov. Bill Haslam said Wednesday he'll use his veto power for the first time on one of them: a measure intended to pressure Vanderbilt University to drop an anti-discrimination policy for campus student organizations receiving university funding. House Democratic leaders gave the governor credit Wednesday for proposing a "good" budget plan and then improving it, but said it could have been made better through targeted use of new revenue for education and job programs that they proposed as an amendment. The legislature adjourned its 2012 session, and the two-year 107th General Assembly, Tuesday night. Minutes later, Haslam, Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey and House Speaker Beth Harwell -- the statehouse's top three Republicans -- met with reporters and recited a list of accomplishments that included a balanced budget of $31 billion with $900 million fewer federal dollars that still managed state tax cuts, a 21/2 -percent pay raise for state workers, and $450 million in state building projects. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/03/gop-leaders-tout-progress/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

Haslam Statement on Vanderbilt Bill Veto (TN Report)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam released the following statements regarding HB 3540/SB 3345 and HB 3576/SB 3597. House Bill 3540/SB 3345 addresses the hiring of foreign nationals as teachers in Tennessee charter schools. We continue to put a lot of time and effort in improving education in Tennessee. Establishing reputable and impactful charter schools to offer education options to parents and students has been an important part of that process. We should also continue to focus on attracting the best and brightest to study and teach in Tennessee, Haslam said. In reviewing HB 3540/SB 3345, I am comfortable that because it is permissive and not mandatory, it does not adversely impact the states momentum in education reform. However, I do have concerns about this bills constitutionality. http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/05/02/haslam-statement-on-vanderbiltbill-veto/ 2

Haslam Lets Charter School Measure Become Law (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

A measure limiting charter schools ability to hire foreigners will become Tennessee law, but it wont bear Governor Bill Haslams signature. The law says no more than 3-and-a-half percent of a charter schools employees can be non-citizens and it requires the schools to disclose any connection to foreign governments, including financial support. The Governor issued a statement saying he wont veto the bill because he doesnt think it will get in the way of efforts to improve education. Nevertheless, Haslam says hes not sure the measure is constitutional, so he doesnt want to give it his signature. Hes also asking the states Attorney General to issue an opinion. http://wpln.org/?p=36847

Foreign worker limit will become law (Associated Press)

Gov. Bill Haslam will allow a bill that limits the number of foreign workers at charter schools to become law without his signature, he announced Wednesday. Haslam said in a statement that he questions the constitutionality of the measure, but said changes made to the bill late in the legislative session eased some of those concerns. Under the bill, a chartering authority would not be allowed to approve a school's application if it planned for 3.5 percent or more of its staff to be hired from among the foreign workers in the H1B or J-1 visa programs. The bill would allow exemptions to the limit for foreign language teachers. Haslam said he will request a formal legal opinion about the law from the state attorney general, and will seek to clarify the measure for school districts around the state. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/03/tennessee-legislative-briefs/

Haslam signs new laws (WBIR-TV Knoxville)

One day after Tennessee lawmakers ended their session, Governor Bill Haslam is at work signing some of the chambers' bills into law. One of the newest ones cracks down on pawn shops. A Knoxville city ordinance already requires customers to among other things show ID before they pawn something. Now a new state law will also require that, along with forcing all pawnbrokers to take a thumb print of any person pledging property. The measure was sponsored by Senator Overbey. Another new law provides new protections for white water rafting companies. The measure protects operators from lawsuits over injuries or even deaths when the rafter can be shown at fault. East Tennessee has a number of white water rafting companies. There's more than a dozen alone in the Hartford area of Cocke County. Senators Overbey and Yager are behind this new law. http://www.wbir.com/news/article/218603/2/Haslam-signs-new-laws

Chattanooga officials hope RICO law will lessen gang violence (TFP/Burger)
When Gov. Bill Haslam signs an anti-gang bill just passed by the Legislature, Chattanooga investigators and prosecutors will be able to start building cases to send away some of the most violent gang members, officials say. At a news conference Wednesday, local officials said they hope gang violence will decline now that the state's RICO, or Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, law encompasses gang members. Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge, who sponsored the bill in the House, said the law will give authorities better tools to go after gangs. "It's kind of like going from a screwdriver to an electric drill," he said. Mayor Ron Littlefield said that, while the law would not be an "instant cure," it would be part of the solution in dealing with a "systemic problem." Chattanooga Police Chief Bobby Dodd said he anticipates RICO cases will be rare but effective when they are made. The law requires prosecutors to prove people in gangs are committing crimes in the interest of the gang, said Boyd Patterson, who is one of the city's project coordinators in charge of implementing a federal anti-gang plan. Just membership in a criminal street gang is not enough to prosecute someone, he said. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/03/officials-hope-rico-law-will-lessen-gang/?local

UTM receives $200K grant (Jackson Sun)

Program to train middle school teachers The University of Tennessee at Martin received the largest amount awarded to any institution this year from the federal Race to the Top grant for the STEM Professional Development Program. The overall purpose of the STEM program is to provide high-quality, research-based professional development to K-12 teachers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, UT Martin officials said in a news release. The university has received a $200,000 grant. The grant proposal for the UT Martin program, titled STEM-Integration for Middle School Teacher Academy, focuses on integrating 3

engineering and technology into middle school classrooms. The Dickson County, Henderson County and Jackson-Madison County school systems will each send 10 science and mathematics teachers from grades 5-9 to participate in the one-week summer academy at UTM. Participants will learn to integrate various academic disciplines to provide students with a more comprehensive picture of the scientific world. We hope to create effective teachers in STEM integration. When teachers learn to integrate, then students can learn more effectively, said Becky Cox, co-writer of the project proposal and associate professor of educational studies at UTM. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120503/NEWS01/305030006/UTM-receives-200K-grant

MTSU creates buzz over drone program (Tennessean/Haas)

New course of study teaches agricultural, business applications Unmanned aerial drones may best be known for flying over the skies of Afghanistan, providing military intelligence or launching attacks against suspected terrorists. But Middle Tennessee State University is banking on drones being the next big thing in commercial business. MTSUs Department of Aerospace is revving up to offer a new program on drone technology, focusing heavily on commercial uses of the small, unmanned aircraft in nonmilitary settings. MTSU is one of only 17 colleges or universities in the nation approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to use drone technology. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Army, Department of Defense and NASA, which is funding the program in return for faculty doing aeronautic research for the government. Students would come away with an aerospace degree with a concentration in unmanned aerial systems. The curriculum, which is still being formulated, will emphasize agricultural uses of small drones that could be set up to scan crops for pests, nutrients and water, a practice that has been studied by researchers in Arkansas, Florida, Ohio and Oregon. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120503/NEWS04/305030028/MTSU-creates-buzz-over-drone-program? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

UTC provost Oldham in line to become president of Tennessee Tech (TFP/Trevizo)

UTC's Philip Oldham is expected to be named the next president of Tennessee Technological University, pending approval by the Tennessee Board of Regents on Friday. The board will meet via telephone to consider Chancellor John Morgan's recommendation for Oldham to replace Bob Bell, who will retire from Tennessee Tech on July 1 after leading the Cookeville, Tenn., campus for 12 years, according to a news release. Oldham, who was selected after an extensive nationwide search that began earlier this year, is provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. "Dr. Oldham will lead TTU with a commitment to academic integrity, student success and public accountability," said Morgan in the release. "He has outstanding credentials and is well respected among his colleagues and peers nationwide, and I am pleased to recommend him as the next president for Tennessee Tech University." Tennessee Tech offers degrees in agricultural and human sciences, arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, and interdisciplinary studies and extended education, according to its website. Oldham has served at UTC since 2007 and has had advisory or direct responsibility for almost every area of university operations. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/03/utc-provost-in-line-to-become-president-of/?local

TN Legislature: A checklist of biz policies for 2012 (Nashville Business Journal)

They spilled a little beyond their original mark of Friday, but the Tennessee General Assembly wrapped up work Tuesday in a fashion that was, while frenzied, earlier than usual, as Republicans pledged. In the end, the session further demonstrated what last year and all the debate since first revealed: Business interests can advance legislation they never could before, but theyre also increasingly wary of legislation from the conservative wing of the Republican Party. Republicans are touting an efficient session, while Democrats say they fended off harmful legislation despite attempts by opponents to railroad or sneak proposals through without proper debate. A good deal of legislation still awaits the signature of Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican, but no business-related proposals appeared to be likely veto candidates. Here's a look at the major business-related policies of the year, and where they ended up: Unemployment Insurance: In probably the widest ranging business-related reform, legislators passed a slate of unemployment insurance legislation. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/2012/05/tennessee-general-assembly-republicans.html

Tennessee legislature ends session of 'sea change' (Tennessean/Sisk)

Religion, sex and guns overshadow wins for governor The headlines this year may have been about guns, sex and religion. But the legislative session completed this week may be better remembered later for civil service, 4

crime and tax cuts. With Tennessee lawmakers back home for the year, Gov. Bill Haslam can boast that most of his proposals have been enacted, despite an environment at the state Capitol that seemed to revolve at times around everything but the 55-bill plan he put forward in January. State legislators approved Haslam-backed bills that revamp Tennessees civil service rules and reorganize government agencies that date back to the New Deal era. They also passed tougher penalties on domestic abusers and gangs, while cutting Tennessees estate, gift and food taxes. But lawmakers actions on social issues overshadowed that list of legislative victories. Battles over whether workers should be able to keep guns in their cars, how to teach science and sex education in schools, and whether to publish more data about women who seek abortion garnered attention across the state and nation, burnishing Tennessees reputation as a hotbed of socially conservative activism. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120503/NEWS0201/305030030/Tennessee-legislature-ends-session-seachange-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Taxes, civil service, controversy cap notably short legislative session (CP/Hale)
While the 2012 legislative session was notably short, as legislators had hoped, it was still full of political story lines and, often, national-news making proposals. In his second legislative session as the states top executive, Gov. Bill Haslam oversaw sweeping changes to the states civil service rules and cuts to the states inheritance and food taxes. Swirling all around though, were controversial measures on God, guns and gays, which tested the governors preference for deferring to the legislature and several times forced visible interference on the part of Republican leadership. The legislators wrapped things up earlier this week. Here are the major story lines of the session: Taxes: Haslams $31 billion budget includes cutting the sales tax on food from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent or 25 cents on $100 of groceries with the goal of reducing it to 5 percent by the end of his first term. The spending proposal also includes a plan to phase out the states inheritance tax, which applies to estates worth more than $1 million and was paid by 845 estates last budget year. The plan raises the exemption to $1.25 million next year and up to $5 million by 2016. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/taxes-civil-service-controversy-cap-notably-short-legislativesession

Lawmakers Adjourn Session Without Gun Showdown (AP/Schelzig, Johnson)

The 107th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned Tuesday without a final showdown over a contentious gun issue and the governor said he will decide in the next couple of days whether to veto a bill targeting Vanderbilt University's policies on religious student groups. Democratic Rep. Eddie Bass of Prospect refused to say until the end whether he would try to pull the measure backed by the National Rifle Association directly to the floor. In the waning moments of the session he took to the microphone and began making the motion, but then joked that he was reading the wrong paper. A relieved House broke into applause. The bill seeking to overrule businesses' objections to allowing employees to store weapons in vehicles parked on company lots was opposed by Gov. Bill Haslam and the Republican speakers of the House and Senate. Lawmakers passed a more than $31 billion spending plan that begins phasing out Tennessee's inheritance tax, eliminates the state's gift tax and makes a 0.25 percentage point reduction in the state's sales tax on groceries. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/3/lawmakers-adjourn-session-without-gun-showdown/

Dems Take Less Cheery View Than GOP at Sessions End (W PLN-Radio Nashville)
Tennessee Democrats are bemoaning the legislative session that just ended, using words like crazy and embarrassing to describe laws passed this spring. Its a sharp contrast to the glowing review from majority Republicans. After the sessions end Republicans championed the governors civil-service overhaul, as well as cuts to the estate tax. House Speaker Beth Harwell praised lawmakers for setting partisanship aside. Meanwhile top Democrats complain Republicans afforded them no give and take late in the budget process, saying if they had it couldve passed unanimously. Democrats also pointed to a host of controversial bills from Republicans, like one to rework whats taught in sex education, and another targeting evolution in science classes. Memphis Democrat Joe Towns says such bills make it harder to recruit businesses. Any progressive-minded business know its a volatile situation when youre going into a state with politics as youve seen on display of late. When you travel around the country, youre the butt of jokes when youre from Tennessee, because we have all this wacko stuff. http://wpln.org/?p=36850

Health Care Compact Falls Short in Tenn. House (Associated Press/Schelzig)

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A proposal that would allow Tennessee to join an interstate compact challenging the federal health care law failed in the House on Tuesday after about 28 members were either absent or abstained on the vote. The chamber voted 45-26 along partisan lines to approve the bill, which was sponsored by Republican Rep. Mark Pody of Lebanon. That was five votes short of the majority needed to pass measures in the 99-member chamber. The legislation would have provided a waiver for each participating state to create its own health care system. Sponsors said the proposal was intended to give Tennesseans more choices concerning health care if the compact were approved by Congress. The House had earlier approved a change to make Tennessee's participation in the compact optional. That provision was taken out in the Senate. Senate sponsor Mae Beavers said she was "very disappointed" that the measure failed and criticized the members who left. Sixteen Republicans didn't vote and three were listed as absent. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/3/health-care-compact-falls-short-in-tenn-house/

Roll-Your-Own Cigarette Bill Headed to Governor (Associated Press)

A proposal that would require roll-your-own cigarette retailers to pay a licensing fee and tax and adhere to certain restrictions is headed to the governor for his consideration. The measure was sent to Gov. Bill Haslam on Tuesday after the Senate voted 24-2 to agree with changes made by the House. Pipe tobacco, a popular product of roll-your-own retailers, is not listed on the state attorney general's directory of tobaccos. The proposal would require tobacco the retailers use in their machines to come from the directory. It would also require the retailers to pay a cigarette tax and an annual $500 licensing fee for each roll-your-own machine used. One issue that needed to be worked out was how long businesses would have to meet the requirements. Lawmakers agreed on Oct. 1, 2013. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/3/roll-your-own-cigarette-bill-headed-to-governor/

TN may boost tax on 'roll-your-own' cigarettes (Tennessean/Bewley)

Loophole has cost state $4 million in revenue since 2009 Dozens of Tennessee tobacco shops have taken advantage of a tax loophole that allows them to sell roll-your-own cigarettes at a deep discount, but those days may be drawing to a close. Tennessee lawmakers this week passed a bill that would require roll-your-own retailers to pay a licensing fee and a cigarette tax on each carton they sell. And proposals in Congress, including one sponsored by U.S. Rep. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, would stymie the growth of roll-your-own machines by designating the smoke shops that house them as manufacturers. The loophole has cost Tennessee almost $4 million in lost tax revenue since 2009, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jason Wells, manager of the Cigar Parlor and Roll Smokes and Go in Hendersonville, says state and federal legislation could shut down his business and hurt the recession-weary customers who benefit from the lower prices of the roll-your-own smokes he and others sell. Tax savings allow the Cigar Parlor to charge just under $22, plus tax of about $2, for a carton of 200 cigarettes, less than half the cost of a carton of Marlboros. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120503/BUSINESS01/305030034/TN-may-boost-tax-roll-your-owncigarettes?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Bill to OK Legality for Benefits Goes to Governor (Associated Press)

A proposal that would require agencies to verify that applicants for public benefits are legal residents is headed to the governor for his consideration. The measure was sent to Gov. Bill Haslam on Tuesday after the Senate voted 29-0 to concur with minor changes made by the House. The legislation was delayed in the House last year because the cost of the measure was a little over $1 million. But House sponsor Joe Carr, R-Lascassas, told The Associated Press earlier this week that the tab has been reduced to around $100,000. He said every applicant won't have to be verified because there are other processes in place to prove legal residence. Sponsors say the intention is to make sure that individuals lawfully in Tennessee get the benefits first. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/3/bill-to-ok-legality-for-benefits-goes-to-governor/

Memphis suburbs rush to discuss schools (Commercial Appeal/Bailey)

Tight deadline on public hearings, setting ballots With the blessing of election officials and a tight timetable, suburban governments are scurrying to schedule special meetings and public hearings to consider ordinances by the end of the month setting up municipal schools referendums. The outlying governments believe they must approve the ordinances and submit proper notification to the Shelby County Election Commission by June 1 to meet the 60-day requirement for inclusion on the Aug. 2 ballot. In a related matter, Bartlett and Lakeland officials are considering following the lead of Collierville and Germantown by extending the contract with the consulting 6

firm of Southern Educational Strategies -- the company that advised the suburbs on the feasibility of school systems earlier this year. The contract extension is part of the suburbs' continuing efforts to get municipal school plans underway by the end of the year with an August 2013 target date for opening. The suburbs want to avoid inclusion in the overall unified school system, set to begin in August 2013. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/03/suburbs-rush-to-discuss-schools/ (SUB)

Foreign worker limit will become law (Knoxville News-Sentinel)

The "Don't Say Gay" bill, one of several that brought national attention on the Tennessee legislature this year, wasn't put up for the final vote needed for passage before the legislature adjourned Tuesday night. Its House sponsor, Rep. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, decided not to push SB49 to final approval, saying officials with the state Department of Education and state Board of Education pledged to send a letter to all Tennessee schools "telling them they cannot teach this subject in grades kindergarten through eight." It passed the Senate last year and advanced its way, in a modified form, through House committees. Hensley said the nickname the bill received "really wasn't what it was all about" and contributed to unease of some legislators in voting on it. He said the bill could be re-filed next year if there is any indication of "alternate lifestyles" being promoted in Tennessee schools despite the pending letter. The operative language of the amended bill said that in grades K8, any classroom instruction, course materials or other resources "inconsistent with natural human reproduction" shall be prohibited. State education officials repeatedly told legislative committees that no such instruction is occurring now. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/03/tennessee-legislative-briefs/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

Ramsey brings home bucks for NET projects (Times-News)

Blountville Republican Ron Ramsey said he couldnt pull the trigger on targeting funding for major regional projects when he first became Tennessees lieutenant governor in 2007. I wasnt about to ask for things in my area when we were cutting in other areas, but state revenues have turned around some. ... When that came, I thought it was fair we get some projects on this end of the state, Ramsey said Wednesday. His fingerprints were all over two major economic development projects included in the $31.5 billion budget passed this week by the GOP-controlled legislature. Ramsey steered a $500,000 state appropriation toward a planned multimillion-dollar Bristol Cultural Heritage Center just across State Street in Bristol, Va., and an $8.8 million appropriation to acquire Doe Mountain in Johnson County. That Doe Mountain appropriation, plus a legislature-approved bill to create a governing authority for the property, is expected to lead to development of a multi-use park for all-terrain vehicles, bike riding and hiking. This is the biggest thing that has happened to Johnson County in a long time, Ramsey said. Not only will it promote their natural beauty, it will be a huge economic boon to them. W eve studied what other places have done for ATV parks and bike paths and walking paths. When we get this structure put together, it will provide a lot of jobs for Johnson County. http://www.timesnews.net/article/9046119/ramsey-brings-home-bucks-for-net-projects

A Heavyweight Brawl for the 3rd District House Seat (Metro Pulse)
A frequent campaign tactic these days is to have someone follow your opponent from event to event, hoping to capture a YouTube moment that can be devastating. Congressional candidate Scottie Mayfield got a YouTube clip recently when he spoke to a group of University of Tennessee students. It is believed to have been filmed by someone friendly to one of his opponents, Weston W amp. In rambling answers to questions, he couldnt list any of his top priorities if elected, saying it would depend on what committee he is assigned. The clip made the rounds and Mayfield was lampooned by supporters of incumbent Congressman Chuck Fleischmann. Two Fleischmann staffers were following the Mayfield campaign at stops last week. There may have been some suspicion that the tag-a-longs were doing it to collect some gotcha video. Mayfields son has confessed to cutting the valve stem on a tire, leaving the Fleischmann team stranded at the Roane County courthouse while the Mayfield campaign went on to Morgan County. Michael Mayfield, 33, hadnt counted on a security camera at the courthouse. http://www.metropulse.com/news/2012/may/02/heavyweight-brawl-3rd-district-house-seat/

Party Lines (Memphis Flyer)

Yes, Virginia, there is a Democratic Party, perhaps depending on when and where you look for it. Outspokenness was not in short supply last Saturday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new West Tennessee Democratic Resource Center on Poplar. On hand for the event were 9th District congressman Steve Cohen, 7

Memphis mayor A C Wharton, and state Democratic chairman Chip Forrester of Nashville. Cohen's declared Democratic-primary opponent, Tomeka Hart, was among those in the crowd, but the congressman paid her little heed. Likewise ignored in his remarks was Charlotte Bergmann, his Republican opponent in 2010 and a candidate again in this year's GOP primary. Cutting to the chase, Cohen focused on the man he saw as the likely winner of the Republican primary: radiologist/radio magnate George Flinn, the former Shelby County Commissioner. "While our Republican opponent is going to spend lots of money," Cohen said, "we're going to let him spend it. It's unfortunate that his ego doesn't allow him to spend that money by contributing it to the Med and having a Flinn Medical Center, which would be remembered for time immemorial and would do some good for some people." http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/party-lines/Content?oid=3174704

New voter registration cards to be sent soon (Columbia Daily Herald)

Registered voters in Maury County can expect correspondence from the county election commission in the coming weeks, a result of changes brought about by city, county and state officials recent completion of their reapportionment. According to Administrator of Elections Todd Baxter, all of the nearly 50,000 registered voters in Maury County will be receiving a new voters registration card from the Election Commission, which if applicable, details their new voting districts and precincts. This happens every 10 years after new census numbers come in, Baxter said, and in addition to the possibility of new representation in state and local governments, there could be changes to voters polling locations. He said the county is closing its Tradewinds Drive and Porters Chapel precincts and opening new precincts at Spring Hill Middle School and Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church near Neapolis. In addition, the precinct at Baker Elementary School will be changed to the YMCA, and the Highland Elementary School location has been changed to Highland Park Baptist Church. http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/sections/news/local/new-voter-registration-cards-be-sent-soon.html

Hammond: Sales tax hike could fund part of school system's proposal (NS/Donila)
Some Knox County commissioners are ready to let voters have a voice in paying for at least part of the school system's multimillion-dollar spending plan. Officials say the only way to fully fund a $35 million proposal from Knox County Schools is to raise taxes. Knox County Commission Chairman Mike Hammond supports offering a ballot measure by which residents could raise the sales tax by a half cent in exchange for reducing or eliminating the county wheel tax. "To me, if the people are going to vote for a sales tax increase, then I'd like to see us get rid of the wheel tax," he said. "It's become a controversial thing. Most people thought it was going to go to schools and that's not what happened. If we're going to vote for a tax increase, then there should be some type of relief at the end." Hammond said he'll start the discussion with his peers at Tuesday's budget meeting. Already, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett has said he won't support it. On Tuesday, he gave commission his proposed $673.7 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1. It includes an $13 million increase for the school system to cover natural growth. It does not include the $35 million for a much broader, long-term plan that targets a number of educational investments, including technology and additional instructional time in the classrooms. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/03/hammond-sales-tax-hike-could-fund-part-of-school/

Council Pursues Alternatives To Tax Hike (Memphis Daily News)

City Council member Ed Ford Jr.s students finished their algebra tests this week and he took them to Chik-fil-A as a reward. It is one of the few diversions Ford is allowing himself this budget season in which he and other council members are contemplating ways around the 47-cent property tax hike Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. has proposed for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Ive been working on this for the last four-and-a-half months, he said Tuesday, May 1, after the council budget committees second session. Thats the reason why I dont have any meetings with my administrative assistant and anyone else because Ive been working on this. Im taking it that seriously. Ford expects to present a plan for user fees to pay the cost of some city programs similar to the proposals he made last year at about this time. He is one of four council members believed to be working on alternate budget plans. Constructive criticism is welcome but at the same time with that criticism I would like to see alternatives instead of no plan at all, Ford said of what he hopes the councils dialogue will be like. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/3/council-pursues-alternatives-to-tax-hike/

Rutherford County assessor accused of sexual harassment (Associated Press)

The Rutherford County property assessor is facing allegations of sexual harassment, retaliatory firings, cheating 8

on a test and artificially inflating home appraisals to keep tax revenues high. W SMV-Channel 4 reports that five women with a combined 70 years of experience in the assessors office have recently leveled charges against Bill Boner. Each of them either was fired, resigned or retired since Boner took office three years ago. Two of the employees, Cathy Dumm and Janie Zumbro, have filed federal Equal Employment Opportunity complaints against Boner. It should be pointed out that he is not the Bill Boner who was mayor of Nashville from 1987 to 1991. He used to come to my desk and just squeeze his legs together and say, Oh, God. I gotta get out of here, Dumm said of the property assessor. I had my arms on my chair. He started rocking, bouncing his private parts into my arms. I moved, so he adjusted his stance. I got up, and I didnt know what to do. Zumbro said Boner never sexually harassed her, but she watched him target Dumm. He was always almost into her breasts. She got to where she would take a step back, and he would take a step forward. And she would take another step back, Zumbro said. I have watched her go backward until she ran out of room, and he was right up on her chest. I thought it was totally unnecessary, unprofessional and totally disgusting. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120503/NEWS01/305030027/Rutherford-County-assessor-accusedsexual-harassment?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Effects of 2010 flood still felt in Southtown (State Gazette)

In January 1937, the Forked Deer River reached major flood stage cresting at nearly 31 feet. The historic flood devastated the Southtown area of Dyersburg. The residents reported that they did not think the event would ever be duplicated. They were right. On May 4, 2010 the event was not duplicated, it was superseded when the Forked Deer crested at just over 31 feet. The Southtown area, which had seen severe flooding over the years, had never seen the waters rise as high as they did between May 3 and 4. The effect on the community, much like in 1937, was once again total devastation. Jimmy Deese, president of Omni-Tech Manufacturing, did not think there was anything to worry about on Monday, May 3, 2010 when the city asked if it could dump sand in his business parking lot. The sand was supposed to help businesses and homes along South Main Avenue sandbag their properties from the water. However, when homes are covered to the rooftops, there are just not enough sandbags. http://www.stategazette.com/story/1844722.html

Tax bill aims to aid families of the fallen (Columbia Daily Herald)
A state legislator has introduced a bill this week that could ease the financial burden for families of fallen soldiers a bill inspired by a local soldier and the taxes his family was left with after his death. U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais introduced H.R. 5044, the Andrew P. Carpenter Tax Act, named for Columbia native Lance Cpl. Andrew P. Carpenter, who was killed in action Feb. 19, 2011, in Afghanistan. About four years ago Carpenters parents co-signed for a private loan to help pay for his college education. After learning that Carpenter was killed in action, the lender agreed to forgive the debt, but Carpenters parents were told that the discharged loan would be factored into their gross taxable income. If passed, the bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code by exempting student loan forgiveness from being categorized as gross taxable income for families of veterans killed while serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces. It is a fitting way to fix a glaring problem in our tax code while paying tribute to the memory of Lance Corporal Carpenter, DesJarlais said in a press release. His family has experienced the pain of losing their son, husband and father. Hopefully, if passed this measure will in some way ease this burden. http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/sections/news/local/tax-bill-aims-aid-families-fallen.html

Smog ruling for Knox, Blount could hit economic development (NS/Collins, Fowler)
The Environmental Protection Agency has found Knox and Blount counties and part of Anderson County in violation of federal smog regulations primarily because they contribute to air pollution in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The EPA's nonattainment label could hamper future economic development, officials said Wednesday. Bob Martineau, the state's commissioner of the Department of Environment and Conservation, called the EPA's decision disappointing and said the state has been working hard to improve air quality. "Current monitoring indicates Tennessee's air is cleaner than it has been in decades," Martineau said. The director of Air Quality Management for Knox County said the ruling frustrated her. "There's nothing for us to do," Lynne Liddington said. "We're already meeting the standard. That's the interesting part of this." Officials said only one of 18 air quality monitors across the state showed ground-level ozone or smog levels higher than allowed, and that by only a small amount. Jim Renfro, air quality specialist with the Great Smoky Mountains National 9

Park, said the Look Rock monitor had an average ozone reading of 77 parts per billion over three years, while the EPA cutoff for air quality standards is 75 ppb. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/02/smog-ruling-for-knox-blount-could-hit-economic/

Soldiers return Thursday to Fort Campbell, Smyrna (Associated Press)

Sixty-five soldiers return Thursday to Fort Campbell after a yearlong deployment to Kuwait and Afghanistan. They are members of the 227th Quartermaster Company, 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade. A welcome ceremony is scheduled at the PPC Bay A. Meanwhile 170 Tennessee National Guard soldiers from Ripley and Dyersburg also return home Thursday after a year's deployment to Kuwait. The 268th Military Police Company is to arrive at the National Guard's Volunteer Training site in Smyrna and then go on to their local armories. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/03/soldiers-return-thursday-to-fort-campbell-smyrna/

Should Drug Court be Mandatory? (Stateline)

Since the first drug court opened its doors in 1989 in Miami, every state has embraced the popular drug treatment program for nonviolent drug offenders. The voluntary programs require that for at least a year, offenders submit to regular drug tests, check in with a supervising judge and complete court-prescribed treatments. If offenders fail a drug test, miss a court appearance or commit a new crime, they face strict sanctions, which can include jail time. Results show the program has consistently lowered recidivism rates, while returning on investments. A national study found that for every dollar invested in drug courts, they returned $2.21. They have been a favorite program of both Democrats and Republicans. So it might follow that making the court mandatory would help even more people and reap more benefits for the community. New Jerseys Republican Governor Chris Christie, a former U.S. attorney and board member of a halfway house for recovering addicts, thinks so. In his 2013 budget proposal, Christie asked for an additional $2.5 million investment in the states drug court program to reach all eligible offenders, not just the ones who choose it. "Budgets come and go, taxes go up and down; but saving lives, that lasts forever," Christie said in a March speech at the Trenton Rescue Mission, a nonprofit organization with a residential drug treatment program. http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/should-drug-court-be-mandatory-85899384169

Roane County celebrates hospital construction (News-Sentinel/Harrington)

The future of health care in Roane County was celebrated W ednesday as more than 200 members of the community joined elected and hospital officials in marking the progress of a $72 million replacement hospital. Covenant Health opted to mark the occasion in the middle of the project in lieu of a ground breaking because the hillside would have made it difficult. The hospital campus is located on more than 40 acres just off the Harriman/Midtown exit of Interstate 40. "We've got a pretty good start, you think?" Covenant Health President and CEO Tony Spezia asked the crowd, which responded with applause. Covenant Health acquired the hospital from the city of Harriman in 1998, and agreed to build a new facility to replace the aging one in its downtown. At the time, the hospital was under financial strain and a buyer had been sought. "We started this endeavor four or five years ago and we narrowed it down to the best," Harriman Mayor Chris Mason said. "This is a big thing for the county. It's going to be up to the entire community to make it a success." A time capsule that will be installed in the medical center was unveiled to commemorate the hospital's history. Among some of the items contributed at the event included Covenant Health's annual report, a paper medical record and a history book of Roane Medical Center. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/03/roane-county-celebrates-hospital-construction/

Nashville flood brings lawsuit by Gibson, Nissan (Tennessean/Ward)

More companies join Gaylord in blaming federal government The May 2010 flood that closed part of Gibson Guitars factory, halting production of Les Paul guitars, has spawned a new federal lawsuit with multiple plaintiffs seeking to lay blame upon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Weather Service. Gibson, Nissan North America and eight other companies (or their insurers) each with millions of dollars in losses from the flood, are the latest businesses to sue the U.S. government in the wake of the 2-year-old disaster. The series of lawsuits, which began on Monday with a joint filing in federal court by hotel owner Gaylord Entertainment and water heater manufacturer A.O. Smith, all have come just before a two-year deadline to file legal action was about to arrive. Among specific charges, the latest wave of plaintiffs all say the Army Corps of Engineers did not follow its own protocols and computer models or ensure that there was adequate weekend staff on duty as heavy rains fell and flooding began. In addition, the suit cites communication failures between the Corps and the 10

National Weather Service, which the plaintiffs say resulted in tardy notice to businesses that otherwise might have moved equipment and inventory to higher ground. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120503/BUSINESS01/305030023/Nashville-flood-brings-lawsuit-byGibson-Nissan?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Flood-ravaged Nashville streets spring back to life (Tennessean/W illiams)

Grand Avenue's HQ is the latest addition to First, Oldham streets Two years after the big flood, one of the ravaged industrial areas along the Cumberland River is bouncing back, sparked most recently by a hospitality companys $3.6 million investment. Along North First and Oldham streets, just north of LP Field, businesses such as Grand Avenue, Restaurant Depot and Slow & Low B-B-Q Bistro have come in since the flood. Others, such as the Alley-Cassetty brickyard, Rexel Electrical & Datacom Supplies and the Days Inn motel have cleaned up water damage and remained. Grand Avenue, a bus, limousine and car-service company that began business in March 2010 near Nashville International Airport, last year bought the former location of Noland Co. at 186 N. First St. Grand paid $1.1 million for the building and spent an additional $2.5 million to renovate the 65,000square-foot facility for use as a corporate headquarters and garage for its 58-vehicle fleet, Chief Executive Officer Carl Haley said Wednesday, after a dedication ceremony. We picked this location because it lets us get downtown or to the airport quickly, he said. We have enough room to keep all of our vehicles and 80 employees under one roof. W ater reached as high as 4 feet inside the building during the worst of the flood in May 2010, and Noland moved its plumbing supplies business to Franklin, leaving the facility vacant. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120503/BUSINESS01/305030024/Flood-ravaged-Nashville-streets-springback-life?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

Tennessee business leaders visit W hite House (Nashville Business Journal)

President Barack Obama's administration fielded 20 Tennessee business leaders in Washington Tuesday in a talk about what efforts could help spur the economy The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and individual business leaders from a range of industries all met with various departments of the administration. Bill Nigh, president and CEO of Bank of Nashville, said talks centered on two things: services the feds say can help, and ways business hopes the government will ease costly regulations. "Regulations and their impact on business and the economy was certainly a focal point," Nigh said of the issues local business leaders took to W ashington. "They appeared to listen, but as in all cases, the proof is always in the pudding." The trip was put on by Business Forward, which is supporting a series of talks getting business leaders in front of policy makers. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/05/02/tennessee-business-forward-bill-nigh.html

Report: 37,000 TN businesses don't have broadband (Nashville Business Journal)

Broadband-connected businesses in Tennessee bring in about $300,000 more in annual revenue compared to businesses that aren't connected, according to a report released today by Connected Tennessee. In addition, 42,000 state businesses use the Internet to advertise job openings or accept job applications, including 4,000 that exclusively accept applications via the Internet, the report found. "These findings have important implications for all policymaker and business leaders in Tennessee," said Tom Ferree, president and chief operating officer of Connected Nation. "Expanding broadband access, adoption and use is a proven driver of economic growth and is vital to ensure the United States' place in the global digital economy." The report, "Technology Adoption Among Tennessee Businesses," concluded that $4.4 billion in annual sales revenue is generated by online sales. Other findings include: 37,000 businesses in Tennessee are still not connected to broadband. 85 percent of businesses use computer technology for their work. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/2012/05/report-says-get-connected-tennessee.html

Baker Center predicts up to 430,000 solar jobs by 2020 (News-Sentinel/Marcum)

Solar power is on track to become a major source of energy for the United States, and will likely need less federal incentive than other energy sources to get there, according to a study by the University of Tennessee's Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy. The 128-page report Assessment of Incentives and Employment Impacts of Solar Industry Deployment touts the potential of solar power to reduce energy costs, produce hundreds of thousands of jobs and create a favorable trade balance for the country as American companies export products and materials for international clean energy markets. The study, released Tuesday, was commissioned by the Solar Energy Industry Association. "This report looks at solar in relation to other energy sources and finds that solar is on the path to becoming a mainstream source of energy for our nation," 11

Matt Murray, director of the Baker Center, said in a statement. The study estimates the solar industry will produce 200,000 to 430,000 jobs in the United States by 2020. Installed solar capacity has grown by 77 percent a year over the last five years and the number of installed systems nearly doubled between 2009 and 2010, the study said. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/03/baker-center-predicts-up-to-430000-solar-jobs-by/

Mountain States Health Alliance announces $70 million reduction plan (H-C)
Mountain States HealthAlliance, one of our region's largest employers, announced major cuts to its job force. Mountain States HealthAlliancemade the announcement this morning during a press conference inJohnson City. The job reductions are a small part of the organizations plan to eliminate $70 million in expenses over the next several months. MountainStateHealthAlliancereports they have released 168 total job positions. The organization says 133 positions inWashington County,Tennesseehave been cut. A third of the job reductions will take place in Mountain States' Corporate offices. The organization also reports 63 jobs have been cut at theJohnson CityMedicalCenter. According to Mountain States Health Alliance President and CEO Dennis Vonderfecht says these changes are changes that all health care organizations and the country will go through within the next couple of years. Vonderfecht says several challenges led to the organizations restructuring need and include a decrease in in-patient care, a decrease in surgical patient care, and an increase in charity care; those patients in debt and who do not pay their bills. Vonderfecht says those things suppressed the organizations revenue, requiring the health care provider to cut 168 currently occupied jobs and eliminate 90 open jobs. http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/may/02/2/mountain-states-health-alliance-announces-70-milli-ar-1886397/

Mountain States to cut 168 jobs, mostly in Washington County (J. City Press)
A perfect storm of factors has forced Mountain States Health Alliance to announce the elimination of 168 positions across its expansive system as the health care company prepares to handle coming changes that will affect the health care industry nationwide. Mountain States President and CEO Dennis Vonderfecht announced the cuts W ednesday morning during a news conference at the companys Market Street Centre. This is not a one time thing in terms of the challenges we face. Its all related to health care reform, positioning our organization for whats ahead of us, Vonderfecht said. The reductions are expected to save the health care company $11 million in salaries and benefits as part of its $70 million systemwide cost-saving effort to be implemented over the next several months. Of the cuts, which are mostly in management at the corporate and facility level, 133 positions will be in Washington County. Sixty-three of those positions are at Johnson City Medical Center the systems flagship hospital while five were cut at Franklin Woods Community Hospital, one at Woodridge Hospital and 64 positions within the systems corporate structure. http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=100061#ixzz1tnrxzpQJ

Scott schools ask for extra $3.3 million from county (Times-News)
The Scott County Board of Supervisors will have some tough decisions on education funding to make in the coming weeks following a request from school officials Wednesday for an additional $3.3 million to help cover budget gaps and avoid layoffs. Supervisors took no immediate action on granting the roughly 70 percent increase for the 2012-13 fiscal year following a presentation from Scott County School Superintendent John Ferguson. Fergusons request for local match funding totaled approximately $8.1 million, up from the current amount of $4.8 million. The main goal of the school board is to keep everyone employed. They dont want to relieve anyone of their duties by any means, Ferguson said. But realistically, it is going to be very difficult, especially with everything that has been mandated. Ferguson said the additional funding from the county is needed to cover state-mandated increases in Virginia Retirement System contributions and associated fringe benefits. The 5 percent increase in VRS rates alone plus an added 1.25 percent to cover employee tax withdrawals will account for an additional $2.2 million in expenses during the coming school year. A step increase for teachers the first they would receive in the past four years would account for $300,000 if it is granted. http://www.timesnews.net/article/9046112/scott-schools-ask-for-extra-33-million-from-county

Pearl-Cohn takes center stage at Nashville schools' rezoning trial (Tenn/Hall)

The North Nashville mother at the center of a lawsuit against Metro public schools will end her nearly three-year trip to the witness stand today. Frances Spurlocks daughter spent fifth grade at Bellevue Middle School but 12

began attending sixth grade at John Early Middle School in fall 2009, after the rezoning plan at issue moved her there. Three weeks later, Spurlock and her husband, Jeff, filed suit against the district, saying their daughter had no textbooks. A federal judge ordered the district to give textbooks to every John Early student. Metro allowed the Spurlocks daughter to return to Bellevue Middle, and shell finish there soon. Thats brought on another slew of concerns for her mother, who says the 13-year-old was zoned to Hillwood High School in West Nashville after her magnet school lottery application was somehow lost. Then, after Frances Spurlock complained, the district assigned her daughter to Pearl-Cohn High School in her neighborhood. So we dont know where shes going next year, Spurlock said. Testimony continued Wednesday in Spurlock v. Fox a federal case also named for David Fox, a former school board chairman and most of it was aimed at deconstructing the districts efforts to improve Pearl-Cohn High after the rezoning. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120503/NEWS04/305020137/Pearl-Cohn-takes-center-stage-Nashvilleschools-rezoning-trial?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Knox school board unanimously upholds teacher termination (N-S/McCoy)

Also denies Knoxville Charter Academy agreement extension The Knox County school board on Wednesday unanimously upheld the termination of a Bearden Middle School teacher who was accused of making inappropriate comments to students and for failing to show up for work at times. Social studies teacher Mikel Burns appealed his termination and requested a hearing with an impartial hearing officer. He also appealed that ruling, which brought the case in front of the school board. Burns was hired by Knox County Schools in February 1999. He was placed on administrative leave April 8, 2011, for leaving students unattended and then dismissing a substitute without permission, according to school officials. During his appeal, which took place during the board's monthly meeting Wednesday night, attorney Virginia McCoy told the board that the record did not show evidence that Burns had committed insubordination or unprofessional conduct. "The fact that the charges may sound bad is not the basis for which a hearing officer should make a decision," she said. "There was no testimony and no evidence submitted by the administration to establish that any of those allegations were true." http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/02/knox-school-board-unanimously-upholds-teacher/

Meth components found in Unicoi County (Bristol Herald-Courier)

Two people are in custody after investigators discovered meth components outside a Unicoi County home. The meth lab was found at a home on Virgie Hicks Road in Unicoi after several months of investigations. That's according to Sheriff Mike Hensley. Deputies arrested Jarrod Hicks and Sara Simmons. Sheriff Hensley says the two rented the property. Investigators say none of the components deputies found were active, but investigators did find some meth locked inside the home in a safe. Sheriff Hensley says, "They were burning the waste product beside the mobile home up here. We have recovered evidence of that." Sheriff Hensley wouldn't say if this meth lab bust and the meth found in the river off ofLimestone Cove Roadlast week are connected. He says this is an on going investigation. http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/may/02/me-ar-1886197/

OPINION Editorial: Governor sends strong message with veto against meddling bill (Tenn)
Thank you, Gov. Haslam. Your decision to veto HB 3576/SB 3597, a bill that would force Vanderbilt University to exempt student religious groups from its nondiscrimination policy should send a signal that attempts by some legislators to force their social agenda on private entities is neither appropriate nor appreciated in Tennessee. Vanderbilts forward-thinking policy, intended to protect students from discrimination on campus, has been turned on its head in recent months by politically motivated groups and individuals who claimed their rights would be violated by being unable to reject any student from their on-campus organization without cause. In real terms, 13

such rejections have typically been because of that students race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. The university wisely chose not to condone such behavior in organizations that hold university charters and benefit from its funding. The opposing groups arguments that, for example, a Muslim could infiltrate a Christian group and somehow destroy it are little more than paranoid scenarios intended to intimidate the university into backing off so that these groups could continue to act with impunity. State Rep. Mark Pody and Sen. Mae Beavers, both Republicans from Mt. Juliet, got into the act a little late, but clearly tried to punish Vanderbilt by tailoring their legislation to deny state funding to the university. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120503/OPINION01/305030020/Governor-sends-strong-message-vetoagainst-meddling-bill?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

Guest columnist: Race-based achievement gap must end (Tennessean)

Imagine two eighth-grade students, Student A and Student B, who both attend public schools in the United States. Student A is significantly less likely to have a certified or experienced teacher, over twice as likely to have street gangs present at school and is 10 times less likely to take an AP exam than Student B. In anything else that could possibly affect student achievement parent involvement, poverty, child care Student B has the clear advantage. What could possibly cause this severe disadvantage for Student A? The answer is something as simple as the color of your skin. Student A is black, while Student B is white. Closing the racial achievement gap has become a major priority for our country, with new policies being implemented at all levels. Gov. Bill Haslam called the achievement gaps immoral. Simply raising test scores will not end the educational inequality that has plagued our country for decades. If we truly want to make education equal for all, we need to fix the economic and social problems that cause a disadvantage for African-American students in our society. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120503/OPINION03/305030022/Race-based-achievement-gap-must-end? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Charlie Daniel Political Cartoon: Time to Move (Knoxville News-Sentinel)

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Frank Cagle: Its Refreshing W hen Legislators Refuse to Kiss Lobbyists Feet (MP)
Where do you find a used crucifix these days? A gun lobbyist suggests one be installed at the entrance to the General Assembly as a symbol of his plans to crucify the political career of the leader of the Republican majority in the state House of Representatives. W hen the Republicans came into the majority in the state House and Senate, they passed a raft of gun bills expanding the rights of gun owners across the state. I doubt you can find a state legislature anywhere more Second Amendment friendly than the folks in Nashville. The list of legislators, especially the Republicans, overlaps a roll call of National Rifle Association members. So what the hell happened? The Republican leaders of the House and Senate wanted the focus of this session, in an election year, to be on cutting taxes. Tax cuts were central to Gov. Bill Haslams legislative package. The Republicans told the gun lobbyists they would take up a controversial gun bill next session, but did not want to bring it up this year. They were warned that it would not be wise to pursue it this session. The bill allows employees to keep a gun locked in their car in the parking lot whether the business owner wants to forbid it or not. It pits gun rights against property rights, a tough call for conservatives. http://www.metropulse.com/news/2012/may/02/its-refreshing-when-legislators-refuse-kiss-lobbyi/

Editorial: Defined contribution plan best pension reform option (News-Sentinel)

City officials have narrowed the options for pension reform to two plans one a defined contribution plan similar to a private-sector 401(k) and a hybird model that combines a traditional pension with a defined contribution plan. Either path would represent drastic reform of a program that will more than double in cost over the next 10 years, but moving to a defined contribution plan is the option that offers the best protection for taxpayers. The Knoxville City Council will hold another in a series of workshops on pension reform at 5:30 p.m. today at the City County Building. Members will decide which of the plans will go on the ballot for voter approval in November. The current pension plan is unsustainable. Costs to the taxpayers are projected to rise from $14.4 million in next year's budget to more than $30 million a year in 2023. If the anticipated rate of return the amount of money the fund's investments earn is reduced from 7.375 percent to a more realistic 6.5 percent, the cost will soar to $40 million a year during that decade. Mayor Madeline Rogero should be commended for tackling the issue now rather than putting off the inevitable day of reckoning. Balancing her responsibilities to taxpayers with the need to provide competitive benefits to future employees might be the toughest challenge of her first year in office. 14

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/03/editorial-defined-contribution-plan-best-pension/

Editorial: Short-Term Fixes (New York Times)

Federally subsidized student loan rates were bound to become an election-year fight, since Congress provided only enough money for five years of low-interest rates in 2007. Now that the rates are about to double, both Democrats and Republicans are failing to do the right thing again. Members of Congress from both parties say they want to prevent interest rates on subsidized Stafford student loans from going up in July, but they are fighting over how to pay for a solution. And by proposing quick-fix methods to pay for only a years worth of loan subsidies, both parties suggest they are not really serious about helping students afford college. The Republican proposal, passed by the House last week, is unquestionably worse than the Democrats plan. To cover the $6 billion cost of keeping interest rates at 3.4 percent for a year, it would eliminate a farsighted fund established by the health care reform law to help states and communities prevent obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and infectious diseases, among other ailments. The Republicans never see any reason to offset the cost of tax cuts for the rich, but are always happy to raid Obamacare to pay for something that helps needy people, correctly guessing that the president would threaten to veto a bill because he wants to avoid paying their ransom price. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/03/opinion/short-term-fixes-for-student-loans.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper (SUB) ###

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