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Odom: ‘The court has ruled. Goins, Hargett do your job!’

November 6, 2009 |

House Democratic Leader Gary Odom

Nashville – House Democratic Leader Gary Odom Thursday renewed his call for fair elections in Tennessee by calling on the secretary of state to “do his job” after a state court issued a ruling confirming that state law requires the implementation of paper ballot machines for the 2010 elections to comply with the Voter Confidence Act of 2008.

Odom cited the following ruling from Chancellor Russell Perkins in Davidson County Chancery Court:

“The court finds that the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act does not require the voting system to be implemented by the state of Tennessee to meet 2005 standards,” wrote Perkins.

“The court determines that the state is obligated to take prompt, effective steps to meet the statutory deadline using compliant voting systems.” «Read the rest of this article»

Tanner announces retroactive pay for ‘Stop Loss’ troops

October 24, 2009 |

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Tanner said some military personnel can now apply for special retroactive payments to compensate for stop-loss orders that extended their enlistments. Approved by Congress in the 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act, the program will provide $500 for each month that a service member served under stop loss since Sept. 11, 2001.

“Our service members and their families have made great sacrifices to serve our country,” said Congressman Tanner, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and the Tennessee National Guard. “Many times, their enlistments were extended involuntarily or their retirements were put on hold because of the strain that was placed on the Armed Forces. With these special payments, we are sending the message that we recognize their sacrifices and greatly appreciate their service.”

The Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay is available to service members who had their enlistments extended or retirement suspended due to stop loss between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. «Read the rest of this article»

Women, mothers, families and health care reform

October 23, 2009 |

Our broken health care system that is. That’s right — it’s not working for many women and their families.

In many states, insurance companies can still discriminate on the basis of gender — and not just on costs. In some states, maternity care is not covered because pregnancy can be seen as a “pre-existing condition.” It’s even legal in some states to deny a woman coverage because she’s been a victim of domestic violence!

That’s not right. Nobody in America should be treated that way. That’s why First Lady Michelle Obama is standing up for women and families in this newest video. Take a look:

«Read the rest of this article»

Austin Peay College Democrats awarded health care reform grant.

October 23, 2009 |

Tennessee student group one of four awarded grants nationwide following application process, national vote.

The Austin Peay College Democrats have been awarded a national health care reform grant by the College Democrats of America Alumni Association (CDAAA). Over a dozen school chapters submitted proposals to advocate health care reform in a national application process, resulting in the selection of four College Democrat chapters for the honor. Choosing to submit their proposal around APSU’s annual Greater Halloween Options for Safe Trick-or-Treating (G.H.O.S.T.) event, the student organization won a national runoff vote held to determine the final grant winner.

“After tallying the votes – and weeding out some less-than-scrupulous individuals who tried to vote early and often – one school emerged as the clear winner: Austin Peay State University in Tennessee.” Alex Cornell du Houx, a Maine state representative and member of the CDAAA Board of Directors, said in announcing the winner of the runoff vote. “In addition to Austin Peay, we couldn’t be more excited to award health care action grants to College Dems chapters at Florida International University, Georgetown University and the University of Wyoming. The grant applications we received show just how excited College Dems across the country are to organize for health care reform.” «Read the rest of this article»

Tanner outlines developments in expanding Tennesseans’ local TV options

October 22, 2009 |

Washington – U.S. Rep. John Tanner highlighted recent developments that could help many Tennessee families gain access to additional local television options.

“We feel we are making progress toward ensuring 8th District families have access to news, information and recreational programming that originates from our state and best serves our local communities,” Congressman Tanner said.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee recently passed the Satellite Home Viewer Reauthorization Act with amendments that help further two of Congressman Tanner’s priorities to impact Tennesseans’ channel lineup options. The bill must still be scheduled for consideration by the full House, and similar legislation must also be deliberated in the Senate.

Congressman Tanner has also discussed with the Federal Communications Commission the difficulties some Tennessee families have experienced in receiving digital TV signals. «Read the rest of this article»

AARP disappointed by Senate’s vote to block protection of access to Medicare doctors

October 21, 2009 |

S. 1776 would have preserved access by replacing flawed payment system

Today the U.S. Senate blocked critical  legislation to protect access to doctors for the 44 million Americans who rely on Medicare.  The Medicare Physician Fairness Act (S. 1776) would have replaced today’s broken doctor payment system, which calls for a 21.5 percent cut in physician pay in January.  The bill failed to pass a key procedural vote in the Senate today.

“While we are disappointed by today’s outcome, we applaud those senators casting a yes vote for voting to preserve access to doctors in Medicare and bring this bill to the floor for an up-or-down vote,” said AARP Tennessee Advocacy Director Patrick Willard.  “This critical legislation would have helped the millions of older Americans in Medicare have access to the doctor of their choice by replacing the flawed doctor payment system.  We look forward to continuing to work with Senators Alexander and Corker and their colleagues to pass health care reform that protects Medicare and ensures older Americans can afford quality health care.” «Read the rest of this article»

Tanner Applauds Improved Service to Wounded Warriors

October 17, 2009 |

Chairman Urges Agencies to Continue Recommended Improvements

Washington – U.S. Rep. John Tanner, chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee, joined with colleagues in thanking federal agencies for improving service to wounded warriors who are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. These improvements were cited in a new report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Tanner also urged the agencies to make additional improvements recommended by GAO.

“The Subcommittee on Social Security is committed to ensuring that those who have made great sacrifices in service to our country receive prompt and fair treatment when they apply for Social Security disability benefits,” stated Chairman Tanner, a veteran of the United States Navy and the Tennessee Army National Guard. “I applaud the Social Security Administration for the success of its efforts to improve outreach and service delivery to wounded warriors, and I am confident the agency will work hard to address the remaining barriers identified by the Government Accountability Office.” «Read the rest of this article»

Senator Marrero honored as champion of the environment

October 5, 2009 |

Ranks first among all legislators in Tennessee Conservation Voters annual scorecard

Nashville – Senator Beverly Marrero of Memphis drew high marks Friday for her stewardship of the environment, receiving the highest ranking of any legislator on the Tennessee Conservation Voters’ annual scorecard.

“None of us are surprised to see Senator Marrero perched atop the scorecard for the General Assembly,” TCV executive director Chris Ford said. “Her voice is strong, and her door is always open to us. Be it advocating against nuclear waste or for clean water, this lady means business when it comes to our health and Tennessee way of life. «Read the rest of this article»

Representative Brian Kelsey to introduce “Health Care Choice Act”

September 23, 2009 |

State Rep. Brian Kelsey

Nashville – Representative Brian Kelsey announced yesterday that he will introduce the “Health Care Choice Act” in an effort to lower health insurance costs and provide choice to Tennesseans. The legislation would allow Tennesseans to purchase health insurance plans from companies in other states, a practice that is currently prohibited.

“Americans want and deserve health care reform but not the government-run health care that is being discussed in Washington. This legislation is health care reform at the state level that will lower heath insurance costs and provide more choices to Tennesseans,” said Representative Kelsey.

The Health Care Choice Act will expand the number of health care plans available for purchase from 127 in Tennessee to potentially more than 5,000 plans nationwide¹.

“The goal is to lower costs by offering more choices,” continued Kelsey. “With this legislation, Tennesseans will have more access to affordable health care insurance.” «Read the rest of this article»

First Democratic Straw Poll Winner is Roy Herron

September 20, 2009 |

Sen. Roy Herron won the first Democratic straw poll in the race for Governor. The poll was held at the Grow Tennessee Dinner, hosted by the Rutherford County Democratic Party on Saturday in Murfreesboro.
“I think the election results reflect our hard work,” Herron said. “I am humbled, grateful, and inspired to work harder than ever. This strong victory shows we can win.”

Prior to the event, Jonathon Fagan, chairman of the Rutherford County Democratic Party, was quoted by the Murfreesboro Post as saying, “The candidate that wins this straw poll will send a strong message to the party, press and donors for weeks to come that they are a serious candidate to move our state forward.” «Read the rest of this article»

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