Topic: House Democrat Review

House Democrat review

By Tennessee Democrats | April 20, 2008 |

The House Democrat Review is a weekly feature that gives Tennesseans an in-depth look at what our Democratic state legislators have been working on this week, and a glimpse into what’s planned for the coming week at our state house. 

House Passes Property Tax Relief Increase for Disabled
Representatives also tackle predatory mortgage lenders & long-term care

NASHVILLE (April 17) - On Monday the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to expand the availability of Tennessee property tax relief to more homeowners who are totally and permanently disabled.

“During these tough economic times many people are struggling just to keep food on the table, and have little to no money left over,” said Finance Chairman Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley). “By raising the maximum income requirement, more people will be able to take advantage of this tax relief opportunity and hopefully be able to utilize that money for more immediate needs.” «Read the rest of this article»

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House Democrat Review for 04/10/2008

By Tennessee Democrats | April 11, 2008 |

The House Democrat Review is a weekly feature that gives Tennesseans an in-depth look at what our Democratic state legislators have been working on this week, and a glimpse into what’s planned for the coming week at our state house.

Competitive Cable & Video Services Act Announced: New bill designed to promote a climate of competition

NASHVILLE (April 10) – On Monday, House and Senate Members announced they had reached a compromise between cable television providers and AT&T, and introduced the “Competitive Cable and Video Services Act.”

“In business, for the consumer to win there has to be competition,” said Chairman Charlie Curtis (D-Sparta). “By creating a climate of competition, this new bill will encourage providers to deliver better quality services throughout Tennessee and spur faster development to underserved areas.”

Under the new bill, competitors would be able to obtain a ten-year state franchise certificate from the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA) with the requirement that the company must build-out to at least 30% of their existing service area within 3.5 years. Companies would also be required to expand 25% of their total new services to underserved and low-income areas. Failure to meet either of these goals would result substantial financial penalties. «Read the rest of this article»

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House Democrat Review for 03/27/2008

By Tennessee Democrats | March 29, 2008 |

The House Democrat Review is a weekly feature that gives Tennesseans an in-depth look at what our Democratic state legislators have been working on this week, and a glimpse into what’s planned for the coming week at our state house.

Precious Metals Theft Bill Overwhelmingly Passes Out of House
New Legislation brings much needed regulation and tougher penalties

NASHVILLE (Mar. 20) – This week the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that brings new regulations to the scrap metal industry and tougher penalties on violators.

“With the price of copper going up over 400% in just five years, scrap metal theft has become the new way to score big bucks,” said Chairman Mike McDonald (D-Portland), prime sponsor of the legislation. “This new legislation will significantly limit a thief’s ability to sell the metal he’s stolen and, if he still tries to do it, we’ll be able to track him down pretty quickly.”

Under the new legislation, scrap metal dealers who buy and sell in precious metals may not buy or otherwise acquire metal from anyone who does not present a valid state or federally issued photo ID and may not sell to anyone under 18. «Read the rest of this article»

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House Democrat Review for 03/20/2008

By Tennessee Democrats | March 21, 2008 |

The House Democrat Review is a weekly feature that gives Tennesseans an in-depth look at what our Democratic state legislators have been working on this week, and a glimpse into what’s planned for the coming week at our state house.

House Democrats Bring Home Schools First Funding, nearly $184 million in additional K-12 funds expected next year.

This week House Democrats were presented with the 2008 – 2009 projected BEP 2.0 funding numbers which show that, thanks to the Schools First Initiative passed last year, Tennessee’s local schools are estimated to receive $183.2 million in additional funding.

“When we first began the task of improving our K-12 schools in Tennessee, we wanted to do it in a way that wouldn’t put undo burdens on local governments,” said Speaker of the House Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington). “Thanks to the Schools First Initiative, we were able to increase education funding by over $340 million last year and nearly $184 million this year, while at the same time reducing the pressure on counties to have to raise their property taxes.” «Read the rest of this article»

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House Democrat Review for 03/06/2008

By Tennessee Democrats | March 7, 2008 |

The House Democrat Review is a weekly feature that gives Tennesseans an in-depth look at what our Democratic state legislators have been working on this week, and a glimpse into what’s planned for the coming week at our state house.

This week, the House moves spring sales tax holiday to April, tax breaks for disabled homeowners approved, scrap metal theft legislation moves to budget subcommittee, green laws continuing movement through committees, border dispute resolution expected on House floor soon, and animal abuse registry in full judiciary committee

NASHVILLE (Mar. 6) – This week the Tennessee House of Representatives passed legislation changing the spring sales tax holiday from the weekend of March 21 to the weekend of April 25.

“There were a lot of people who felt that having the sales tax holiday on the same weekend as Easter would limit people’s ability to take advantage of the savings as well as take away from the importance of the holiday,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Randy Rinks (D-Savannah). “We were glad that with last year’s budget surplus we’re able to give back to those who deserve it the most – the taxpayer.” «Read the rest of this article»

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