D'Errico Wylie

Nashville – Kings Konnection, a national male competition system, has begun the state-wide search for the next Mr. Tennessee. The Competition, that is set to take place January 31, 2010 at Tennessee State University’s Humanities Building, will promote scholarships for education or to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. The winner will receive $1,500 along with other prizes and trophies.

The idea of the Mr. Tennessee Competition was created to advance educational and professional opportunities for men within the state of Tennessee and will provide scholarships allowing the participants to achieve their educational, career and personal goals. The competition is open for men aged 18-27 of all races, ethnicities, religious affiliations and origins.

The current Mr. Tennessee 2007-2008, D’Errico Wylie, has spent the past year traveling across the state of Tennessee promoting his platform, “Empowering Youth Through Exposure,” which he has created a mentorship program that is based within the metro school system and after-care programs such as the YMCA and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club. As Wylie’s reign comes to an end, he is taking part in the search for the next Mr. Tennessee and states, “this year has been extremely fulfilling. Being able to create a program that benefits my community as well as continuing my education as a PhD candidate has been challenging, yet rewarding. I will be aiding the committee in recruiting males that I know are up for the task of becoming the next King for the state of Tennessee.”

“The Mr. Tennessee Competition sets out to accomplish two major goals; showing the community positive male role models, and providing a platform that will aid the King in making a difference,” states Dwight Pope, Executive Director of Kings Konnection. “The title of Mr. Tennessee comes with several responsibilities in the community; speaking out as a State representative and encouraging their younger counterparts to take a stand within the community. We are looking for those males in the community that will step forward and follow the big footsteps set forth by our current Mr. Tennessee.”

Candidates will submit a 5 x 7 color or black and white photograph (non-returnable), a completed official entry form, and a one-page typed essay indicating “Why you feel you should be considered as a contestant for the Mr. Tennessee Competition”. The essay should also include the candidate’s personal accomplishments and ambitions, and it should describe past or current community service involvements.

Entries should be sent c/o Mr. Tennessee Competition, P.O. Box 331174, Nashville, TN 37203. Entries must be received no later than Friday, January 22, 2010 to be eligible for consideration.

For more information on eligibility, judging requirements, prizes, or applying visit www.DiavonttiProductions.com or email .

Interviews and photos of the current King are available.

• http://www.mrtennesseecompetition.blogspot.com/
• http://www.kingskonnection.blogspot.com/
• http://media.www.tsumeter.com/media/storage/paper956/news/2008/04/22/ArtsCulture/Mr.Tennessee.Has.Tsu.Roots-3339261.shtml
• http://www.blackgreeknetwork.com/blog/_archives/2007/6/27/3050562.html
• http://www.myspace.com/mrtennesseecompetition

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Mounted Officer Cristel Patterson with one of her fans at "Kids and Cops"

The Clarksville Tactical Response Team, garbed in black uniforms, was clustered about the response truck. “Bob,” he CPD’s bomb-sniffing robot was availabble for public inspection — something that appealed greatly to young children enamored of robots and movies like the recent “Wall-E.” The Mounted Police were on hand, allowing youngsters to hop up for a quick picture taken with a mounted officer astride several of the department’s magnificent horses. The canine division brought its dogs to meet and greet the public. – A description of the 2008  “Kids & Cops” event

Images from the 2008 Kids & Cops event

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Flier

What does this mean?

Let’s say you have a fourth grade class with an average of 17 children in four classes. This allows three fifth grade classes to have up to 30 kids per class. The logic is that 68 fourth graders plus 90 fifth grades equals 158 students divided by seven classes equals an average of 24 students per class.

That’s great for the fourth graders, but what happens to the 30 fifth graders who not only are larger students fitted into a room designed for 20 or so kids, but also the students facing TCAP and Writing Assessment Test scores that determine statistics under No Child Left Behind.

Think about it.

I know what some of you are thinking. Years ago teachers in Tennessee had classes of 45 students each. Many factors have changed.

1. The state of the family is no longer that two parents are present, one of whom in the “olden days” was most likely a full time homemaker available to the child as soon as he reached home at the end of the school day.
2. The “inclusion” laws stating that children with special disabilities attend class with all other children were not in effect at that time.
3. Children failed until they reached certain benchmarks of competency.
4. Strict discipline was enforced not only at school but at home.

School is not the same place it used to be.

Back to present circumstances, class size matters.

The Year before last year at the school in which I teach, we had an extremely large kindergarten class. Four teachers started out with 25 or 26 in each class until the fifth kindergarten teacher was hired and rotated from class to class. It took nine weeks for her portable classroom to be installed. Eventually class size was reduced but by then, stress level for teachers and students had been intense.

If you have never been involved with a kindergarten class, you should visit one some day. You’ll find a world unto itself. Each child believes truly that she or he is the only one who matters. Some cry; others have bathroom issues; some don’t get along with others; some believe tantrums get what you want.

Dealing with 17 kindergarten children at the time is a mammoth job. Teaching them is on an even higher plane. Trying to cope with 25 or 26 at the time is grounds for hysteria, in my opinion. God bless the teachers who take on this challenge every day!

First grade teachers are also included in this category because they too have high hurdles daily. In my experience, if children do not have the basic skills in both academics and social areas by the end of first grade, they are usually in the lower half of their class for the rest of their school career, unless somewhere they are given some intense personal attention.

What can parents and educators do to make sure that politicians who make these laws (allowing classes to be legally overcrowded) understand their actions?

• Voice your opinion to your representative.
• Mail articles like this one to the person voting on these laws.
• Encourage your school board member to do everything possible to make sure these averages don’t drive the system.
• Support your school and its teachers with your presence and your refusal to allow your child to become a statistic.

Individual attention is a necessity, not a luxury. Make sure your child is not the one left behind.

Washington — In support of the Administration’s efforts to promote access and affordability of college education, the Internal Revenue Service today launched a new Web section highlighting various tax breaks and 529 plan changes designed to help parents and students pay for college.

The new Tax Breaks for Education section on IRS.gov includes tips for taking advantage of long-standing education deductions and credits. The “one-stop” location for higher education information includes a special section highlighting 529 plans and frequently asked questions. The web section also features two key changes that will be in effect during 2009 and 2010 that were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), enacted earlier this year.

One change allows families saving for college to use popular 529 plans to pay for a student’s computer-related technology needs. Under the other change, more parents and students will be able to use a federal education credit to pay part of the cost of college using the new American opportunity credit.

“With many families struggling to afford college, we want every eligible taxpayer to know about their options and take advantage of all the tax breaks they can,” IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. “529 plans have become a very attractive way to save for college, and our web section is designed to help people get information about these plans. In addition, the new American opportunity credit can help many parents and students pay part of the cost of the first four years of college.”

Here are further details on the expanded 529 plans and the new American opportunity credit.

529 Plans Expanded

Tax-free college savings plans and prepaid tuition programs can be used to buy computer equipment and services for an eligible student during 2009 and 2010. These 529 plans — qualified tuition programs authorized under section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code — have, in recent years, grown as a way for parents and other family members to save for a child’s college education. Though contributions to 529 plans are not deductible, there is also no income limit for contributors.

529 plan distributions are tax-free as long as they are used to pay qualified higher education expenses for a designated beneficiary. Qualified expenses include tuition, required fees, books, supplies, equipment and special needs services. For someone who is at least a half-time student, room and board also qualify.

For 2009 and 2010, the ARRA change adds to this list expenses for computer technology and equipment or Internet access and related services to be used by the student while enrolled at an eligible educational institution. Software designed for sports, games or hobbies does not qualify, unless it is predominantly educational in nature. In general, expenses for computer technology are not qualified expenses for the American opportunity credit, Hope Credit, lifetime learning credit or tuition and fees deduction.

States sponsor 529 plans that allow taxpayers to either prepay or contribute to an account for paying a student’s qualified higher education expenses. Similarly, colleges and groups of colleges sponsor 529 plans that allow them to prepay a student’s qualified education expenses. More information about these plans can be found on the new Web page on IRS.gov and in Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.

American Opportunity Credit Helps Pay for the First Four Years of College

The American opportunity credit modifies the existing Hope credit for tax years 2009 and 2010, making it available to a broader range of taxpayers. Income guidelines are expanded and required course materials are added to the list of qualified expenses. Many of those eligible will qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student.

The American opportunity credit, in many cases, offers greater tax savings than existing education tax breaks. Here are some key features of the credit:

• Tuition, related fees, books and other required course materials generally qualify. In the past, books usually were not eligible for education-related credits and deductions.
• The credit is equal to 100 percent of the first $2,000 spent and 25 percent of the next $2,000. That means the full $2,500 credit may be available to a taxpayer who pays $4,000 or more in qualified expenses for an eligible student.
• The full credit is available for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is $80,000 or less (for married couples filing a joint return, the limit is $160,000 or less). The credit is phased out for taxpayers with incomes above these levels. These income limits are higher than under the existing Hope and lifetime learning credits.
• Forty percent of the American opportunity credit is refundable. This means that even people who owe no tax can get an annual payment of the credit of up to $1,000 for each eligible student. Existing education-related credits and deductions do not provide a benefit to people who owe no tax. The refundable portion of the credit is not available to any student whose investment income is taxed at the parent’s rate, commonly referred to as the kiddie tax. See Publication 929, Tax Rules for Children and Dependents, for details.

Eligible parents and students can get the benefit of this credit during the year by having less tax taken out of their paychecks. They can do this by filling out a new Form W-4, claiming additional withholding allowances, and giving it to their employer. For details, use the Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov or see Publication 919, How Do I Adjust My Tax Withholding?

Though most taxpayers who pay for post-secondary education will qualify for the American opportunity credit, some will not. The limitations include a married person filing a separate return, regardless of income, joint filers whose MAGI is $180,000 or more and, finally, single taxpayers, heads of household and some widows and widowers whose MAGI is $90,000 or more.

There are some post-secondary education expenses that do not qualify for the American opportunity credit. They include expenses paid for a student who, as of the beginning of the tax year, has already completed the first four years of college. That’s because the credit is only allowed for the first four years of post-secondary education.

Graduate students still qualify for the lifetime learning credit and the tuition and fees deduction. For details on these and other education-related tax benefits, see Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.

IRS forms and publications can be viewed or downloaded on www.IRS.gov or obtained, without charge, by calling toll-free 1-800-TAX-FORM (829-3676).

With citizens in all walks of life losing their jobs and needing hope, some officials more concerned about grandstanding they hope will lead themselves to higher political office than to addressing the suffering of the people who elected them.

When people need hope, more money in their pockets, possibility of new jobs opening up for which they are qualified, we are unfortunately faced with some politicians who are more interested in spreading lies than in solving problems.

Yes, we all have to support our government through taxes. Yes, we need to be as frugal as possible with public money. Yes, we need to cut pork out of all budgets—federal, state, local or personal.

But first we need to bail ourselves out of the mess we’re in.

Will Durant said, “Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.”

We taxpayers have blithely believed that we could allow bankers, Wall Street, and our financial system to police itself. We forgot that these people have only one agenda—to make themselves as rich as possible with no regard for anyone else’s welfare.

Bankers who gave out loans as “sub prime” lending knew that they were going to raise interest rates on these poor unfortunates to the point that they would lose their houses. The banker didn’t care because he knew he would get his commission on the loan and eventually the bank would get the house. Amazingly, he forgot that banks aren’t in the business of holding astronomical numbers of houses on their balance sheets in order to resell them at a future date—especially when the bottom falls out of the real estate market.

Wall Street has encouraged average Americans who know absolutely nothing about the risks of investing in stocks to put their life savings into buying stocks. The old adage, “What goes up ultimately goes down,” works well in the stock market. If you can’t afford to lose every penny you invest, you have no business gambling in the stock market—because that’s what it is—gambling!

Oversight agencies in the government didn’t bother to check out some of the Ponzi scheme brokers so their clients are now poverty stricken.

The bottom line is that unless you are well educated about finances, you can get taken for the horror ride of your life.

Vernon Law

Education for whatever faces you in life is not always presented prior to its need. Vernon Law said, “Experience is the hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.”

We’ve had the lesson. Our country and many of its citizens are scalding in hot water. We now need to stop focusing on our fears and educate ourselves into a becoming a more productive society.

We have the capacity to get our society back on kilter. We have the energy to help each other in times of trouble. We have the know-how to reinvest in ourselves, our children and a more equitable distribution of resources in this country.

Listen to people who have a positive message. Support those who are trying to bail us out. Solve today’s problems and the future will take care of itself.

This country has spent trillions on wars during the past. It is necessary to defend ourselves at times of threat. We are now challenged to spend trillions on revamping our own infrastructure. We are resilient enough to spend where it is necessary, cut back on frivolous pursuits, and restructure our society so that our children have a better life.

Samuel Clemens - Mark Twain

Mark Twain said, “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” H. G. Wells asserted that “History is a race between education and catastrophe.”

Educating yourself on the current situation means choosing messages that are sent from those without a personal agenda for blowing one’s own horn at the expense of the good of all.

Our system allows for fools to shout as loudly as the wise. It is up to each of us to judge which message we wish to hear and to act accordingly.

Personally, I choose hope, because the alternative is unthinkable.

Charlie Chaplin is a cog in the machine in the 1936 movie Modern Times.

One of the fun experiences I have is researching odd facts on the Internet. I recently looked at some statistics on the “top 10 jobs in America.” Here are a few bits of information I learned:

Lists vary on the top two jobs. Some say Surgeon and others say Anesthesiologist. Salaries for each range from roughly $175,000 to $185,000 on average. (Note: This means that some of these people make much more and some make much less.) At least one list stated that Investment Bankers were second. The most common list of the top 10 highest paying jobs follows.

Obstetricians

Obstetricians and Gynecologists generally place third with about $172,000 a year. Then come Orthodontists (those who place braces in our mouths!) at about $163,000 annually. They are followed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (teeth pullers) at around $161,000. Internists (specialists in adult internal medicine) come in just under $161,000.

Prosthodontists (dentists who replace teeth, make bridges, etc.) are considered seventh in the list at approximately $159,000 a year. Eighth are Psychiatrists who make about $150,000 annually. Ninth are Family and General Practitioners are reputed to make around $110,000, and finally Chief Executives at tenth place make about $145,000. (Obviously, this list does not take into consideration those CEOs making multimillions in bonuses every year!!!)

One list of the highest paying jobs for people without a college degree names Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters; Flight Attendants; Real Estate Sales Agents; Railroad Brake, Signal and Switch Operators; Pile-Driver Operators; Chemical Plant and System Operators; Subway and Streetcar Operators; Commercial Divers; Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators; and Brickmasons and Blockmasters.

First Responders

Another no college degree required list claims these top ten: Air Traffic Controller (about $102,000 a year!); Storage and Distribution Manager; Transportation Manager; Police and Detectives Supervisor; Non-retail Sales Manager; Forest Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisor; Municipal Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisor; Real Estate Broker; Elevator Installers and Repairer; and Sales Representative.

When it comes to top paying jobs for people with no high school diploma, one list insists the following are at the top: Bailiffs ($36,500); Drafters ($36,000); Industrial Production Managers (36,000); Construction Managers ($33,500); and Electricians ($32,000). This list could be wrong!

Information technology jobs seem to come into an area where only a high school diploma or G.E.D. is required. Depending on someone’s skills in these areas, it is not uncommon to make a six-figure income. These jobs just don’t necessarily fit at the top or bottom of anyone’s list.

Worst paying job lists include Fast Food Cooks; Food Prep and Servers; Cafeteria Attendants; Dishwashers; Waiters and Waitresses; Shampooers; Gaming Dealers; Food Counter Attendants; Hosts and Hostesses; and Amusement and Recreation Attendants.

You might notice that education level can make a tremendous difference in the amount of money most people can expect to make. Most of these highly successful people can thank a teacher somewhere in their past for helping them step up to a higher salary. (Notice that teachers do not hit any charts!)

Here’s a surprise. I found one list that asserted the following have the highest job satisfaction: Singers; Municipal Fire Fighters; Aircraft Assemblers; Pediatricians; College Professors in Communications: Educational, Vocational and School Counselors; Managers and Supervisors of Animal Husbandry and Animal Care Workers; Criminal Investigators and Special Agents; College Instructors; and Therapists.

One fact you can’t ignore, however. Bill Gates, one of the richest men on the planet, doesn’t even have a high school diploma.

Think about it. It’s not what you’re taught, but what you do with it that counts!

In Tennessee, currently one-fifth (twenty per cent) of adults do not have a high school diploma. I suspect that many of these people also have difficulty reading, whether from a learning disability or from not being able to attend school on a regular basis.

How can we prevent this problem? I think the following three changes could make a huge difference in the lives of our children and their success rate.

Teach only reading, math, music, art, physical education, and library arts in kindergarten, first and second grades.

Science and social studies as separate subjects should be taught beginning in third grade after reading and math skills are in place. Science and social studies can be introduced in their reading stories. The current set of reading books chosen in Robertson County has excellent stories that introduce scientific knowledge and historical material.

These first three grades need to focus on basics only.

Mornings should be dedicated to reading and math for these youngest students. They also need afternoon music and art to facilitate functions in their brains that enhance learning to read and calculate. Physical education is essential also to keep their bodies strong and, again, to reinforce good brain patterns. Library time is primary in teaching children that reading is exciting and fun.

TCAP tests should be scheduled in May, not March or April.

Children assume that when TCAP is over, school is out. When these major tests are given in April, the last six weeks of school is a battle to keep children focused on learning. It’s great to have end of the year activities like field trips and recognition ceremonies, but two or three weeks devoted to these activities is sufficient. School needs to continue into May.

One of the reasons given for testing earlier is that grades theoretically could be released before school is out. These grades are used for planning for the following year. June results work just as well as ones during the last week of school.

Increase programs that teach parents how to assist their children to succeed in school.

If we assume that, according to statistics, one in every five parents does not have a high school diploma, we have to help these people not only achieve this goal, but learn parenting skills that foster good practices for the child. A child who sees a parent read—whether it’s the newspaper or a novel—is much more likely to believe that reading is important. A child who has a parent who can help with homework and one who sets a time and place for homework is in a far better position to succeed than one whose parent does not make these provisions. Most “at-risk” children in school are those who have little or no help at home.

Children who have been held in someone’s lap and read to from infancy come to school with a greater chance of higher participation, longer periods in which they can focus, and eagerness to read, write, spell, and engage in math.

Rep. Joe Pitts (D) House, District 67

In a difficult economy, many state governments have turned to cutting education funds in order to make up the difference in revenue shortfalls. In Tennessee, we recognize that a child’s ability to receive a quality education is potentially the most important event in their lives and that opportunity must be protected, even in difficult financial times.

This year, the General Assembly passed the budget keeping the Pre-K funds in place on a recurring basis, instead of the risky ruse of using lottery reserves for this necessary program. The state is required to continue paying for the program in future years and not be subject to cuts based on limited resources. Also included in our budget was funding for scholarships for our National Guard veterans.

The following is a list of legislation that I voted for and was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly with an effective date of July 1, 2009

• Public Chapter 38 – As enacted, removes restrictions on commercial advertising on school buses that requires such advertising to be composed of black lettering on a white background; prohibits advertisement of individual food items that, pursuant to law, cannot be sold via vending machines to students in pre-K through grade 8. – Amends TCA Section 49-6-2109(e).
• Public Chapter 127 – As enacted, places restrictions on universal mental health testing, or psychiatric or socioemotional screening of juveniles; requires certain consent by a juvenile’s parent, guardian, legal custodian, or caregiver before such testing can occur. – Amends TCA Title 9, Chapter 4 and Title 49, Chapter 2, Part 1.
• Public Chapter 153 – As enacted, requires, rather than encourages, school districts to include certain criteria in policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying. – Amends TCA Section 49-6-1016.
• Public Chapter 160 – As enacted, authorizes courts to notify the school of a child who is adjudicated delinquent based on an offense for which school notification is not mandatory under law. – Amends TCA Title 37, Chapter 1 and Title 49, Chapter 6.
• Public Chapter 262 – As enacted, removes requirement of passage of the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program tests in order to receive a full diploma; provides for end-of-course assessments; revises lottery scholarship day provisions. – Amends TCA Title 49.
• Public Chapter 283 – As enacted, restates provisions governing reporting of suspected child abuse by personnel of educational institutions and release of related records. – Amends TCA Title 10; Title 37 and Title 49.
• Public Chapter 315 – As enacted, requires written referrals for student’s behavior to be returned to faculty or staff member issuing the referral; referral to be kept in a student discipline file and not part of student’s permanent record. – Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 6.

State Senator Tim Barnes and State Representative Joe Pitts

Senator Tim Barnes and I sponsored legislation (Public Chapter 204) changing the American History course requirements for a baccalaureate degree. Students enrolled in Tennessee Board of Regents schools were required to take 6 credit hours of American History but their UT counterparts did not have the same requirement. That presented problems for students transferring from one school to another. Now both systems follow the same guideline which help our college students and prevents them from repeating courses over time. This legislation was brought to me by a constituent that felt that Board of Regents colleges such as Austin Peay should be in line with the University of Tennessee system so that credits would be transferable from one system to the other.

It was a privilege to co-sponsor legislation (HJR 0079), passed by the House of Representatives, and is awaiting passage by the Senate that calls on the citizens of Tennessee to assure that every child is in a safe place reading together with a caring adult. It also states that the Tennessee General Assembly enthusiastically endorses NEA’s and TEA’s “Read Across America” program and recommits our state to engage in programs and activities to make America’s children the best readers in the world.

If you have ideas for laws that should be passed, that need to be repealed, or you need assistance dealing with any state departments, or about issues involving a state agency or department, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me by e-mail at rep.joe..gov or by phone as 1-800-449-8366, ext. 12043.

NASHVILLE – While several other states struggle to close out the fiscal year ending Wednesday, Tennessee has already published new laws passed during its recently completed legislative session.

“We didn’t have a $24 billion shortfall in revenue like the legislators in California are struggling with, but it was still a tight budget year in Tennessee,” Senator Lowe Finney of Jackson, incoming chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, said.

Still, we were able to protect our better schools program – pre-K in particular – and we can move ahead with projects that will put Tennesseans back to work.

That’s good for our families, our hometown economies and our state revenue. As more jobs begin to open up – thanks to projects like the West Tennessee industrial megasite – we can build a stable tomorrow for Tennesseans.

Among the laws now in effect:

• Increased energy efficiency is now required in state buildings and vehicles.
• Sex offenders are prohibited from being within 1,000 feet of certain places where children are likely to gather.
• Tennessee driver’s licenses now print birthdates larger to make them easier for retailers to read.
• Vending machines installed on state property after July 1 must use energy efficient lighting, and the new lighting must be installed on any that are repaired.

Public Chapters with 7/1/09 Effective Date

Daniel Lee Stevens Jr.

Nia Association announced the awarding of the first annual Daniel Stevens Youth Build Scholarship Award, to the Tabernacle Christian School (TCS).  Daniel Stevens was the Co-founder of Nia, and a staunch advocate of youth achievement. Mr. Stevens taught youth in varying capacities for over 24 years, after retiring from the US Army.

His last public school period of instruction was at TCS where he was invited by Principal Katobwa Stallworth to teach students about the American Flag, its value, its meaning, its colors, how to hoist and retire the colors, and how it is to be folded and stored. It is befitting that this first award be given to benefit a student who merits financial support and exhibits strong potential to excel. At the 2009 TCS graduation ceremonies, Mr. Stevens’ youngest granddaughter, Kampbell Mack, a Pre-K 4 student, boldly and proudly exclaimed the TCS mantra, “If Excellence is a Possibility, then Good is Not Good Enough!”

The Kids at Tabernacle Christian School exemplify the ideals of this award, as made evident by the many sucessful graduates from the school.

The Teen Citizen Police Academy is for teens between the ages of 13-18. The times are 8:00 a.m. for Monday and 9:00 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, with pick up times no later than 3:00 p.m. each day. The purpose of this academy is to create a better understanding between citizens and police through education.

An application can be picked up at Police Headquarters, 135 Commerce Street, Clarksville, Tennessee.  For more information you can contact Officer Joe Newman at 648-0656 ext 2304, Officer David Cobb ext 2210 or Officer Sam Knolton ext 2127.

• Charter Schools
  
• SJR 127 (Abortion)
  
• Crime
• Swine Flu
  

House panel discusses possible charter school changes

The House Education committee discussed at length this week the pros and cons of several bills that seek to expand eligibility for public charter schools. In addition, the legislation discussed also clarifies funding and addresses rules for renewal of the public charter schools.Tennessee currently has one of the most restrictive public charter school laws in the nation.

Charter schools are public schools that are given flexibility to operate without the constraints of some of the rules and regulations normally imposed on traditional schools. In exchange for this flexibility, they are held accountable for performance through a charter, which is an agreement between the local education agency (LEA) and the charter school. It requires a strenuous approval process by the LEA and an equally tough renewal process of the charter every five years. Many of the speakers that testified before the committee praised Tennessee’s stringent accountability measures, that ensure the schools are performing well.

A report released last year by Tennessee’s Comptroller’s Office titled “Tennessee’s Charter Schools: Issues of Innovation and Sustainability,” found student eligibility restrictions and limited facilities funding may compromise the long-term viability of individual charter schools and recommended many of the changes included in the bills. The report recommended that the General Assembly consider making eligibility for charter school enrollment less restrictive and consider more precisely defining state and local charter school facilities funding responsibilities. In addition, the report recommended that the state should also identify charter schools’ best practices and implement a system for disseminating that information to traditional schools.

The bills that are currently before the committee address four main components of the public charter school law:

• Eligibility — Currently, public charter school enrollment is limited primarily to failing students and those from failing schools. This legislation permits “at-risk” children (as defined by free and reduced-price lunch) to attend charter schools in those systems that have 12,000 or more students.
• Caps — Currently public charter schools are limited to 50 statewide, with a cap of 20 in Memphis. This bill says that converted charter schools do not count against the cap, clarifying in law what the Attorney General has already opined.
• Renewal process – Currently, the charter agreement between the LEA and the charter school is renewed every five years. This measure would change the renewal period from five to ten years, as well as establishes the required documentation needed during the renewal process.
• Funding – Currently a public charter school receives the per pupil expenditure of state and local dollars. Although it mentions appropriate federal dollars, interpretations vary from one LEA to the next. This legislation defines the state and local charter school facilities funding responsibilities and clarifies the LEAs must allocate all appropriate federal funds, including Title I and ESEA funds, to the charter schools.

Tennessee now has 15 public charter schools, with six more opening in the fall. Of those 22 schools, Nashville will have five, Chattanooga will have two, and Memphis will have 15. The Memphis City School System also is converting four schools to charters this fall.

SJR 127 clears another hurdle; in Finance next week

Senate Joint Resolution 127 cleared another hurdle this week, facing little opposition in the Budget Subcommittee. The constitutional amendment carries a $20,000 price tag for the cost incurred to put notice in newspapers across the state that the amendment will be on the ballot. committee members were given a memo from Secretary of State Tre Hargett stating that his office will absorb the cost within their existing budget so that the legislature does not have to allocate funds in a time of budget shortfall. The move is not unprecedented; in 2006, former Secretary of State Riley Darnell paid the same amount for an amendment proposal to define marriage to go on the ballot.

The constitutional amendment is in response to the 2001 Tennessee Supreme Court decision in Planned Parenthood vs Sundquist, when the court created a right to unregulated abortion. The decision also prohibited the Tennessee legislature from enacting any regulations governing abortions, arguably making Tennessee the most liberal in the nation with regards to abortion laws.

Although the constitutional amendment has achieved passage in the Senate before, it has never cleared the hurdle of the Public Health Subcommittee in the House.

Republicans have argued for several years that SJR 127 would simply allow the people of the state to weigh in on the issue. The sponsor said there was a “powerful and pivotal passage in our state’s constitution which stated that power was inherent in the people,” and argued that in the past, the initial vote of six in a subcommittee silenced six million Tennesseans.

If passed this year by the 106th General Assembly by a simple majority, it must pass the 107th General Assembly by two-thirds before appearing on the ballot in 2014.

Republicans initiatives get tough on crime

Three Republican sponsored crime bills passed out of the House Judiciary committee this week, and are now headed to the Budget Subcommittee. Despite having fiscal notes, the sponsors said the measures are desperately needed for the safety of Tennesseans to keep violent repeat offenders off the street.

House Bill 241 aims to keep violent offenders incarcerated longer than they are currently required. If passed, someone convicted of aggravated robbery—whether it is a first offense or not—would be require to serve no less than 85 percent of their sentence. House Bill 525 broadens the offense of first degree felony murder to include the killing of another person while committing domestic abuse if there was a past pattern of abuse of the victim or of another member of the victim’s family. In the same vein, House Bill 526 increases the penalty for a fourth or subsequent violation of domestic assault to a Class E felony. Domestic assault is currently punished as assault which can be either a Class A or Class B misdemeanor.

Tennessee Department of Health and Human Services distributes swine flu information

The Tennessee Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) distributed information regarding the swine flu to legislative members’ offices this week, in an effort to educate the public on how to protect themselves.

HHS said Tennessee residents who think they may be ill with the flu or flu-like illness should contact a doctor. Symptoms of the illness are as follows: fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting. Your doctor will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you become ill and experience any warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

The Department of Health also recommended frequent hand washing with warm soapy water, keeping hands away from your face, eyes and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue. These precautions can also help prevent the spread of other illnesses.

For more information, contact your representative’s office.

In case you missed it…

• House Bill 738, the “Tennessee Energy Conservation Endorsement Act of 2009,” was passed out of the House Commerce committee this week. The bill classifies the “engaging in energy conservation programs and measures that conserve, as well as distribute, electrical energy and supplies of natural gas, oil and other fuels” as a proper and essential function of public utilities. The legislation also authorizes the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA) to develop energy conservation programs.
• House Bill 431 was passed by the Education committee this week, with a 14-5 vote. The Republican bill seeks to expand the recognition of homeschoolers’ diplomas. The legislation requires that diplomas issued by home schools be recognized by all state and local governmental entities as having the same rights and privileges of diplomas issued by public school systems.
• Legislation that would prohibit sending or reading text messages while driving passed both the House and Senate this week. Members discussed House Bill 107 at length as to whether or not the possibility that texting while driving fell under the “distracted driving” statute, but ultimately determined that the legislation would clarify the law and allow law enforcement some discretion.
• Secretary of State Tre Hargett has added a new tool to his office’s web site to make it easier for people to track pending rules and regulations issued by the state’s regulatory agencies, according to officials testifying in the Joint Government Operations committee. It’s now possible to get updates on pending rules and regulations by subscribing to the Pending Rules and Regulations RSS Feed. This new tool complements the current Pending Rules and Regulations Online Database. The new service allows citizens to stay updated on rules that have been filed with the secretary, to give business owners advance notice of pending rules. (tnsos.org/rules)

The week ahead…

(NASHVILLE, TN), April 16, 2009 – Election laws, economic development, the budget, telecommunications, and violent crime were among a wide variety of issues headlining debate on Capitol Hill this week. However, State Senators also took time on Monday to remember the victims of last week’s tornadoes in Rutherford, Sumner, and Benton Counties and commended emergency personnel for their handling of the disaster.

The worst damage was in Rutherford County where a deadly EF-4 tornado hit Murfreesboro packing winds of 166 mph to 200 mph, killing a mother and her baby. The tornado, which was a half-mile wide and ran a 28-mile path, set a record for the longest EF-4 tornado in history. Seven people were critically injured and about 818 homes were damaged, with 111 of those homes completely destroyed. The cost to businesses and residents has preliminarily been estimated at $40.2 million.

A Murfreesboro Gas station suffered significant damage (Chris Jackson)

“Our prayers go out to those who lost loved ones in this devastating storm,” said Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), whose home came within 150 yards of the tornado’s path. “This is a situation that we never want to face, but I must commend the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), the Department of Transportation (TDOT), the Department of Safety and especially all of our police and highway patrol who have worked overtime to help our citizens. Many citizens have come out to help, and the response from churches in our area has been unbelievable. I will do everything in my power to make sure the residents and responders have enough resources and supplies to continue their recovery efforts.”

“We truly live in a great state,” added Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), whose district makes up most of the area damaged by the tornado. “I certainly understand why we are called the Volunteer state as we had hundreds of volunteers that helped us go yard to yard to clean up debris. TEMA, TDOT and our state troopers did an outstanding job in assisting our local authorities. This is the worst disaster in Rutherford County’s history and we need to keep all of the folks who suffered losses in our prayers.” Senator Tracy is Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee which oversees state operations of roads and the highway patrol.

Both Ketron and Tracy are working with state and federal officials to request aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for storm victims.

The Good Friday tornadoes have renewed debate on increasing the number of sirens in densely populated areas to warn citizens of a tornado. Legislation has been introduced to phase in additional sirens to ensure that citizens are warned of a developing emergency like a tornado. The bill, SB 88 sponsored by Senator Paul Stanley (R-Germantown), calls on the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to coordinate with each county to plan to add a certain number of civil defense sirens per year beginning in 2012. The proposal is pending action in the Finance Committees in both the House and Senate.

There have been 120 deaths in Tennessee since 1999 as a result of tornadoes.

State Senators debate bills to protect the integrity of voting process

Several bills to protect Tennessee’s election process were acted on this week by State Senators, including legislation requiring voters to provide photo identification before voting. The bill, SB 150 by Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), provides for various forms of photo identification to be used, including a driver’s license, military identification, a valid passport, government employee identification cards, and any federal, state-issued identification card that contains a photograph of the voter. The legislation does not apply to citizens 65 years old or older and those in nursing homes. It also allows for those who are indigent to sign an affidavit swearing their status as an eligible voter. In addition, the bill provides for a “provisional ballot” which would only be counted if the election counting board is able to verify identification of the voter within three days.

Seven states require a photograph be shown to prove identification, including neighboring states Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana.

Legislation that would give election officials the tools to prove citizenship before registering to vote was deferred upon final consideration in the State Senate on Thursday. Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville), sponsor of the bill is working with House sponsors to revive the measure in the House of Representatives where it received a tie vote in the Elections Subcommittee of the State and Local Government Committee this week.

The proposal, SB 1999, sets forth the criteria that local election officials can use to establish citizenship upon registration to vote if they are in doubt. The U.S. Constitution already requires citizenship. In addition, federal law makes it a crime knowingly to make a false statement or claim regarding citizenship upon registering to vote. However, local election officials are reluctant to ask due to lack of guidance on what criteria can be used in determining citizenship.

“The dilemma is that election officials in the field have questions about what they can ask for to substantiate that assertion when one checks the box that they are a U.S. citizen,” said Leader Norris. “These officials don’t want to bring it up if they are not authorized to ask for certain identification. What this legislation does is gives them guidance and clarifies what they can ask for if an election official chooses to put that person to the test.”

Another bill regarding elections approved by the full Senate this week, SB 1420, honors the service of those in the military by making it easier for those overseas to access and return the necessary documents to vote absentee. In the last election, many Tennesseans in military serving overseas requested that they be allowed to send their scanned documents by email because they did not have access to a fax in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This legislation, sponsored by Ketron, would allow Tennesseans serving in the military overseas to scan an absentee request or change of address form and attach the document to an email to be sent to the their county election office to make it easier for them to vote. Currently, only a fax is allowed. The local election office would still compare the signature of the voter before mailing the ballot.

Finally, the State Senate gave final approval to legislation, SB 440 sponsored by Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville), requiring that convicted felons must pay all court costs imposed before being eligible to have their voting rights restored. Currently, a person convicted of a felony must be pardoned, discharged from custody or supervision, and have paid all restitution to the victim of the offense to have his or her rights of suffrage restored. This legislation would add the payment of court costs as well.

Senate approves Megasite bill to enhance prospects of bringing new industry and jobs to West Tennessee

Legislation that enhances the prospects of bringing new industry to West Tennessee met approval in the State Senate this week and is ready for final action in the House of Representatives. The bill, which could come up for a final vote in the House as early as next week, is the result of a team effort of West Tennessee legislators to bring new jobs to the area.

“The stage is set for success in West Tennessee after passage of this bill,” said Senator Dolores Gresham, a co-sponsor of the bill. Gresham represents Haywood County where the site is located. “This has truly been a team effort. All of our West Tennessee delegation has been pushing for passage of this measure and will continue our efforts until it is signed into law.”

The bill, SB 653, makes numerous changes to the Tennessee Regional Megasite Authority Act of 2007, including the ability for authorities to purchase nearby property to be included in the megasite zone. This provision means a Megasite authority could purchase land for critical infrastructure needs, like a highway ramp or rail spurs in non-contiguous acreage. Currently, additional property within the megasite zone must be contiguous. The legislation also deals with the make-up of the megasite authority, making it much like a local industrial development board to enhance success of the project

Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation

The legislation is in addition to the proposed allocation of more than $27 million in bonds slated for the project in the 2009-10 budget to allow authorities to buy land for the Haywood County megasite. Legislators are hopeful that the measure will have the same impact on the area as the megasites in Clarksville and Chattanooga, where similar projects have landed more than $3 billion dollars in new investments from Volkswagen Group of America, Hemlock Semiconductor and Wacker Chemical, creating more than 3,000 new jobs.

“The West Tennessee megasite is the No. 1 major industrial development site in the state,” said Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville). “It will have a great deal of impact on the future of our region.”

Senate Committees continue to study budgets of various departments and agencies of state government

Committees in the State Senate continued to review budgets of the various departments and agencies of state government. One such agency is the Department of Tourism, where members of the Senate Environment Committee members took an in depth look at financial challenges facing that industry. A major challenge to the Department of Tourism’s ability to expand the economic benefits for travel and tourism is ever-increasing competition from other states.

In order to compete and create new opportunities, Tennessee must take advantage of advancements in technology, especially in the area of web-based travel planning, and find ways to partner with other state agencies and the tourism industry to capitalize on special markets and creative promotions to maximize available financial and human resources.

In the Education Committee, members heard testimony on the budget of the Tennessee Lottery Corporation. CEO Rebecca Paul Hargrove told members that the lottery program currently has a $6 million shortfall in estimated revenues for the current fiscal year. Revenue forecasters had predicted a growth in revenues, but Paul said the revenue growth has been flat.

Thirty out of forty-two states that use lotteries have seen a decline in sales. Tennessee has seen growth in Instant ticket sales, but Powerball sales have lagged by $8 million. The budget for the next fiscal year assumes an increase of $6 million in revenue growth. Hargrove said the last quarter has been promising and that the lottery will continue to develop products to boost funds.

The Tennessee Education Lottery operates entirely from revenue generated through the sale of its products. Net proceeds from sales of Lottery tickets fund specific education programs, including college scholarships, pre-kindergarten and after-school programs. Since the Tennessee Lottery began selling tickets on Jan. 20, 2004, it has raised more than $1.3 billion for these programs.

Crooks with Guns legislation targets repeat violent offenders

Legislation strengthening penalties against repeat violent offenders who use a gun in commission of a robbery was approved in the Senate Judiciary Committee this week. The bill, SB 673 by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville), is one of three bills proposed this year by the Public Safety Coalition.

Tennessee ranks second in the nation in the number of violent crimes. These criminals are often repeat offenders. Sixty-seven percent of those convicted of violent crimes are re-arrested within three years of being released from prison. The recidivism rate increases to 80 percent when you move past that three-year marker.

The bill now goes to the Senate Finance Committee for approval.

Legislation helps children in state custody with post-adoption services

Legislation that aims to improve Tennessee’s success rate in adopting children who were previously in state custody has received the unanimous vote of the State Senate. The bill clarifies state law to provide post-adoption services for child welfare adoptions.

The bill, SB 1702, applies to adoptions when children have been taken into state custody for being unruly or delinquent and parental rights from the biological parents have been terminated. These are some of the most difficult adoption placements for the Department of Children’s Services. However, the rate of success improves if post-adoption services are offered. A few of the services include crisis intervention, family and individual counseling, support groups for parents and children, case management services, and networking of families and community providers.

“Tennessee beats the national average on child adoption placements and we want to see that our success rate improves,” said Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville), sponsor of the bill. “These services are proven to help in providing a healthier atmosphere for both the child and adoptive parents.”

Legislation providing more opportunities for Tennessee products to be used in gasoline is approved on Senate Floor

Legislation that allows more Tennessee products to be used in the blending process of gasoline products was approved Thursday in the State Senate. The bill, SB 1931, requires suppliers of gasoline products to make gasoline available to wholesalers in a condition that allows the wholesaler to blend it with ethanol.

The federal government has adopted policies which have encouraged the blending of ethanol and other agriculturally produced products with petroleum-based fuels. Tennessee has also encouraged the agricultural production of crops for conversion into ethanol and biodiesel additives to expand the use of these products.

In 2008, major oil company suppliers began to cut off wholesalers’ access to unblended product. Availability was limited at gasoline terminals to only blended products which resulted in an increase in the price from what local wholesalers could produce. This practice has prevented wholesalers from visiting ethanol terminals within the state and blending the product which has decreased the consumption of Tennessee ethanol.

“This bill is in response to far reaching and swift changes from major suppliers regarding the ability of wholesalers to access unblended fuels,” said Speaker Pro-Tempore Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville). “Wholesalers in Tennessee have been successfully blending for 20 years. This bill ensures competition in the market and it is a big win for Tennessee consumers and farmers.”

Market Regulation Act of 2009 would modernize state’s telecommunications law

Legislation to modernize state telecommunications policy and promote more competition and choice for Tennessee consumers has been approved on final consideration in the Senate. The legislation, SB 1965 sponsored by Senator Paul Stanley (R-Germantown), allows existing traditional telephone providers to opt into “Market Regulation” so they will be treated on the same terms as their competitors in the cable, wireless and Internet telephone companies.

When Tennessee lawmakers rewrote the state’s telecommunications law in 1995, they retained regulations on existing telephone providers. Since then, new telecommunications companies have emerged using technologies that did not exist when the law was written and that are not under the same regulations as traditional phone companies.

Under this legislation, called the “Market Regulation Act of 2009,” the TRA will continue to regulate wholesale telecommunications in Tennessee for market regulated companies. It also keeps in place government support programs such as the Lifeline to assist seniors and low income consumers. Consumers would continue to have a variety of alternatives for resolving complaints regarding phone rates. However, sponsors feel that the increased competition will keep companies from raising rates as they vie to attract and retain customers. In addition, the legislation includes language to assure there will be no rate hikes in rural areas for at least one year.

Similar market regulation legislation has passed in other states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Indiana, Nevada and Missouri; and is currently pending in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

State budget

Various state departments will see a 12 percent decrease in size by the end of his term in 2010, Bredesen said.

Those cuts will be needed because of lower revenues caused by the recession, he said. He expects to see a decrease of about $1 billion in state revenue this year.

Bredesen unveiled his budget plan last week, which predicts the state budget for four years instead of the normal two.

The education budget remains fully funded, but some other departments may see cuts greater than 12 percent, he said.

The federal stimulus money will mean the state will not have to cut the 2,300 jobs that had been forecast.

However, Bredesen warned the reprieve will be temporary.

“It lets us go on a glide path, instead of diving down there this spring,” he said.

Bredesen predicts state revenues will be flat in 2010, and grow 3 percent in 2011 and 5 percent in 2012.

While overall state unemployment is not significantly higher than national levels, Bredesen said the state will look at how it can help counties that have been hit worst by the recession.

The increase in unemployment has put a strain on the state unemployment fund, he said. At the current rate, the fund will be depleted by this winter.

That will mean increasing the unemployment taxes for businesses, he said.

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- Mariann Martin, (731) 425-9782

Legislation to ban “texting while driving” headed towards Senate floor after approval of Finance Committee

Legislation that would ban “texting while driving” is headed towards the Senate floor for final consideration after being approved by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill, SB 393 sponsored by Senator Jim Tracy (R-Murfreesboro), prohibits sending or reading text messages or emails on a hand-held mobile phone or personal digital assistant while a driver is operating a motor vehicle in motion.

Over two-thirds of those under the age of 24 who were polled have admitted to sending text messages while driving. Studies show that drivers of any age who text behind the wheel swerve out of their lane, with many running into head-on traffic.

Under the bill, a violation would be a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of no more than $50.00. The legislation would take effect on July 1 if approved by the full Senate and House of Representatives.

Legislation allowing legal gun permit holders to “carry” in restaurants that serve alcohol approved in Senate

The Senate voted 26 to 7 on Thursday to allow law-abiding handgun permit holders to “carry” into restaurants or other establishments serving alcohol as long as the owners of the premises have not posted notification that they are banned. The bill is one of several proposals in the General Assembly this year to allow citizens to exercise their second amendment rights.

Those who are in possession of a handgun are already prohibited from consuming alcohol or face a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a $2,000 fine and up to 11 months and 29 days in jail.

The Senate stripped a restrictive amendment placed on the bill in the House to ban permit holders from carrying in restaurants that serve alcohol between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Also removed from the House version of the bill was a provision to restrict the right of a permit holder to “carry” in age-restricted establishments.

The bill, SB 1127, now goes back to the House for a vote on the Senate’s action to remove these provisions. If the two bodies cannot agree, the measure will go to a Conference Committee to work out the details.

Bills in Brief

Tea Time – Thousands of citizens came to Legislative Plaza in Nashville this week to take part in one of the 24 Tax Day Tea Parties across Tennessee. Citizens participated by holding signs and reading speeches to protest the tax-and-spend policies in Washington. The events in Tennessee are part of a larger grassroots movement against government spending called Taxed Enough Already, or TEA, reminiscent of the Boston Tea Party revolt against taxes 235 years ago.

Tennessee’s bond rating — Tennessee Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz appeared before the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee this week where he told members that all three bond rating agencies have confirmed their confidence in Tennessee’s financial standing by maintaining the state’s bond rating and giving Tennessee a ’stable’ credit outlook. Both Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s held firm their rating of AA+ with a credit outlook of stable. Moody’s Investor Service also maintained its rating at Aa1 with an outlook of stable. In February, Moody’s expressed a negative outlook for the broad sector of all U.S. states.

Farmers – The full Senate voted 29 to 3 to approve legislation this week that gives limited immunity to farmers who participate in “agritourism.” The legislation, SB 2164 sponsored by Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville), applies to events like a “pumpkin patch” or “corn mazing” that farmers may want to have on their property. The measure requires the farmer to post and maintain a sign that warns persons of this bill’s limitation on liability

Wine / Shipping – The full Senate has approved legislation, SB 166 sponsored by Senator Paul Stanley (R-Germantown), to allow consumers to ship wine from wineries to their homes. Currently, it is a felony under Tennessee law to transport wine across state lines. This legislation allows wineries to ship up to three cases of wine per year to Tennessee consumers provided they have license.

“2-1-1″ – State Senators approved a bill putting into place a “2-1-1″ advisory council to advise and assist the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA) in establishing statewide standards that will ensure that the citizens of Tennessee are served by an efficient and effective 2-1-1 service. The “2-1-1 service” is a statewide phone number that connects Tennesseans with community services and volunteer opportunities. The legislation to create an Advisory Council, SB 1210 sponsored by Senator Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville), will ensure that the quality of service is raised to an even higher level.

For courses in the May Session, preregistration is from April 6-17, and classes meet May 18-June 5. Preregistration for the full summer term is from April 6-17, with classes meeting from June 8-Aug. 14.

Students may preregister for the Summer I term between April 6-17. Registration for this term is June 5 for those who didn’t preregister. Classes meet from June 8-July 10. For the Summer II term, preregistration is from April 6-17, with registration set for July 12 for students not preregistered. Classes are from July 13-Aug. 14. Preregistration for the Summer III term is March 30 for active duty military personnel and May 4 for civilians, military dependents and veterans. Students who do not preregister may register between May 18-22. Classes in this term meet from May 26-July 18.

The Summer III term is the only summer term offered at the Austin Peay Center @ Fort Campbell, which is open to civilians. All other terms are conducted on the main campus.

For a complete calendar, visit http://www.apsu.edu/records and click on the Academic Calendar tab. Visit http://www.apsu.edu/tuition to review the tuition and fees for main campus or Fort Campbell Center classes.

Rep. Phillip Johnson, House District 78

Rep. Phillip Johnson co-sponsored sixteen House Joint Resolutions, including HJR00014: a Sports Memorial recognizing the Ooltewah Lady Owls; HJR0015: Recognition Memorial recognizing Ron Campbell, both signed by the governor on February 19th.

HJR0023: Death Memorial honoring Staff Sgt Timothy H. Walker, and HJR0043: Recognition Memorial for The Leaf Chronicle, both signed by the governor on February 20th.

HJR0063: Recognition Memorial recognizing Rep. Barbara Copper for serving as Chair of the TN Black Caucus for the 105th General Assembly. HJR0089: Professional Achievement Memorial recognizing Pat Head Summit for 1000th victory. HJR0136: Recognition Memorial for Oak Ridge’s Open Sesame 60th Anniversary . HJR0142: Sports Memorial honoring the Soddy-Daisy High School cheerleaders as NCA champions, and HJR0150: Government Officials Memorial – urging the governor to refuse certain funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Rep. Curtis Johnson, House District 68

Rep. Curtis Johnson has sponsored four bills. HB0843: Insurance, Life – As introduced, authorizes a charitable organization to pay a commission to a person as a result of charitable gift annuity transaction under specified circumstances.

HB1909: Taxes, Excise – As introduced, creates exemption from excise and franchise tax for certain entities owned by a branch of the U.S. armed forces that derive more than half of gross income from operation of facilities on federally owned or leased property for armed forces members.

HB1910: School Transportation – As introduced, permits Montgomery County upon adoption of a resolution by two thirds of the county commission to use Type D transit buses for 15 years or for up to 17 years, if the number of miles traveled does not exceed 225,000.

HB1911: Education – As introduced, enacts the “Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.”

He has also co-sponsored several of the same bills as Rep. Phil Johnson and additionally the following bills.

HB0575:  School Transportation – As introduced, removes requirement that commercial advertising on school buses be composed of black lettering on white background by requiring it be composed of lettering on background color.

HB0576: Special License Plates – As introduced, authorizes issuance of a new specialty earmarked license plate for United Way; and allocates revenue from sale of such plates to the United Way of Tennessee.

HB0716: Handgun Permits – As introduced, allows any resident who has a valid handgun carry permit to possess a handgun while within the boundaries of any state park.

HB0921: Education – As introduced, removes restriction on commercial advertising on school buses that requires such advertising to be composed of black lettering on a white background.

HB0962: Firearms and Ammunition – As introduced, allows person with handgun carry permit to carry in restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages as long as such person is not consuming alcoholic beverages and such restaurant is not an age-restricted venue.

HB1505: Highways, Roads and Bridges – As introduced, deletes the authority of the commissioner of finance and administration to transfer department of transportation funds and programs in the highway fund to the state general fund.

HB1698: Telecommunications – As introduced, enacts the “Market Regulation Act of 2009.”

He has co-sponsored several House Joint Resolutions along with Rep. Phil Johnson and additionally the following: HJR0150- Memorials, Government Officials – Urges governor to refuse certain funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

HJR0177: Naming and Designating – “Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Day on the Hill,” March 11, 2009.

HJR0178: Memorials, Professional Achievement – Ulf Nilsson, International Rock-a-Billy Hall of Fame.

Rep. Joe Pitts has also co-sponsored several House Joint Resolutions. HJR0061: Constitutional Amendments – Adds new provision to Article I to provide that nothing in Constitution of Tennessee secures or protects right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion except in cases involving rape, incest, or health of the mother.; HJR0170: Naming and Designating – “World Kidney Day,” March 12, 2009; HJR90177: Naming and Designating – “Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Day on the Hill,” March 11, 2009 and HJR0001: General Assembly – Creates the position of “Speaker Emeritus of the House of Representatives” and selects Jimmy Naifeh for the position.

Co-Sponsored Bills include: HB1898: Transportation, Dept. of – As introduced, requires TDOT to ensure share of federal stimulus funds for transportation are allocated directly to rural planning organizations in proportion to population.

HB1274: Transportation, Dept. of – As introduced, requires TDOT to ensure share of federal stimulus funds for transportation are allocated directly to rural planning organizations in proportion to population.

HB0959: Handgun Permits – As introduced, makes information contained in handgun carry permit applications and renewals, information provided to agencies to investigate applicant, and records maintained relative to the permit application confidential and creates Class A fine only misdemeanor of unauthorized publication of permit information or records.

HB0940: Tort Liability and Reform – As introduced, adds community action agencies to definition of governmental entity for purposes of governmental tort liability.

HB0421: Bond Issues - As introduced, authorizes the state to issue bonds to fund grants for certain projects.

Sponsored Bills: HB0406: Sentencing – As introduced, requires any child sexual predator, child rapist, or any person convicted of aggravated rape of a child who has a prior conviction for certain sexual offenses to be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

HB0408: Education, Higher – As introduced, allows a course in American government to be substituted for one of the two courses in American history required for a baccalaureate degree from a public institution of higher education.

HB0409: Criminal Procedure – As introduced, requires judicial commissioners to complete twelve hours of continuing education each year.

HB0410: Hospitals and Health Care Facilities – As introduced, revises credentialing requirement for reimbursement at federally qualified health centers and encourages outreach efforts of eligible persons at community health centers under the Coverkids program.

HB0411: Firearms and Ammunition – As introduced, creates Class A misdemeanor offense of attempting to buy firearm when prohibited by law from possessing firearm and attempting or selling firearm to person known to be prohibited by law from possessing firearm.

HB0412: Motor Vehicles, Titling and Registration – As introduced, requires owner who sells or transfers motor vehicle to another to notify department of revenue within five days of sale; and provides immunity for such owner for violations of motor vehicle laws or torts committed by another’s use of the vehicle after such notification.

HB0708: Sexual Offenses – As introduced, increases the age of a child for purposes of certain sexual offenses committed against children from age 13 to age 16; requires any child sexual predator, child rapist, or any person convicted of a violation of § 39-13-531 who has a prior conviction for certain sexual offenses to be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole; requires that a defendant’s bail be at least $30,000 if the defendant is charged with a violation of a sexual offense and the victim is less than 16 years of age.

HB0709: Sexual Offenses – As introduced, requires any child sexual predator, child rapist, or any person convicted of aggravated rape of a child who has a prior conviction for certain sexual offenses to be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

HB0710: Tax Return Preparers – As introduced, requires that tax refund anticipation loans be made by check.

HB1162: Taxes, Sales – As introduced, exempts certain items of tangible personal property from taxation.

HB1163: Lottery, Scholarships and Programs – As introduced, creates a supplemental bridge scholarship program for the 2009-2010 academic year for Tennessee HOPE scholarship students; funds bridge grant program using unobligated and unexpended funds from the energy efficient schools initiative.

HB1197: Taxes, Sales – As introduced, abolishes sales and use taxes.

HB1198: Energy – As introduced, encourages the use of certain energy efficient technologies and products by the various departments and agencies of state government.

HB1199: Child Abuse – As introduced, increases the age the victim of child abuse or child neglect must be from six to eight years old for a defendant to receive an enhanced punishment for such an offense.

HB1200: Child Abuse – As introduced, removes jurisdiction over criminal proceedings involving the prosecution of child abuse and neglect cases and the prosecution of the failure to report such cases from juvenile court to a court of general sessions or circuit or criminal court.

HB1201: Child Abuse – As introduced, redefines the offense of child endangerment to be when a parent or custodian of a child eight years of age or less knowingly exposes such child to or knowingly fails to protect such child from abuse or neglect resulting in physical injury to the child.

HB1429: Criminal Offenses – As introduced, redefines “serious bodily injury” to include a broken bone of a child who is eight years of age or younger.

HB1900: Sexual Offenders – As introduced, removes exemptions that allow sexual offender to be temporarily on school grounds, during school hours, to attend an academic conference or school event; to drop off or pick up a child; or to make a mail, food, or other such delivery.

HB1901: Travel Regulations – As introduced, requires state mileage rate to be set by department of finance and administration in amount at least 90 percent of the standard mileage rate allowed by IRS as deduction for taxpayer’s use of automobile for business expense purpose.

HB2209: Civil Procedure – As introduced, creates a defense for actions filed to collect the balance due on certain consumer loans that the loan originator did not take into consideration the credit worthiness of the debtor when issuing such loan.

HB2210: Taxes, Real Property – As introduced, increases value of elderly and disabled residence on which tax relief is available from $25,000 to $30,000 on January 1, 2010.

HB2212: Banks and Financial Institutions – As introduced, requires any person who makes a title pledge loan without a license and who does not return collateral and any money paid by borrower to pay interest to borrower at 10 percent per annum of amount owed.