Topic: Phil Bredesen

Department seeks public comments on use of fire sprinklers in residences

November 12, 2009 |

Public input would be for analysis, report to General Assembly

Nashville – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance is seeking written public comments relating to the cost and effectiveness of sprinkler equipment in one-family and two-family dwellings in areas where residential sprinklers are in use.

In conjunction with its administrative role implementing Governor Phil Bredesen’s Future Clean Energy Act of 2009 and at the direction of the General Assembly, the Department is conducting an analysis regarding the cost and effectiveness of sprinkler equipment in one-family and two-family dwellings in areas where residential sprinklers are in use and will report the results of such analysis to the General Assembly on or before May 1, 2010.

In accordance with Chapter 529 of the Public Acts of 2009, the Department is specifically requesting written input from any interested parties. «Read the rest of this article»

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Communities to receive financing to build or repair schools

November 8, 2009 |

CMCSS receives 20 Million for Renovation of Montgomery Central High School

Communities throughout Tennessee will receive financing to build or repair schools as a result of the Tennessee State School Bond Authority’s (TSSBA) action on Thursday.

The TSSBA finalized plans to sell up to $184 million worth of Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCBs) as part of a program created by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The bonds are tax credit bonds that provide a federal tax credit to the investor on a quarterly basis. The bonds may also pay a supplemental coupon to the bondholders on a quarterly basis.

Thursday the TSSBA selected a bond underwriting team, approved a final bond resolution and finalized documents needed to move forward with the bond sale. The TSSBA had preliminarily approved the loans in September and, after some revisions in loan amounts and the addition of the City of Kingsport as a new borrower, the revised list of project loans were approved by the TSSBA.

The TSSBA will invest the proceeds from the bond sale in the State Pooled Investment Fund (SPIF) and will disburse the funds to the communities to pay the expenses related to their school construction projects.

Montgomery Central High School after the renovations

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Thousands of Children Enrolled in Child Care Recovery Scholarship Program: Slots Still Available

October 23, 2009 |

Working families benefit from ARRA funds

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – More than 4,000 children are now enrolled in the Child Care Recovery Scholarship program.  This time-limited, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act program is helping thousands of families across the state make ends meet by reducing their weekly child care bills.

“This Recovery Act program is already helping provide safe, quality child care to thousands of Tennessee children,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “Our goal has been to reach as many children as possible and encourage families to utilize all the benefits available to them under this program.  We encourage any working family that may benefit to talk with their licensed child care provider or area Boys & Girls club for information.”

The $42 million program, designed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services, is opened to all licensed child care providers and Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs across the state.  The majority of enrollments are in Shelby County, with more than 900 children on the program, followed by Davidson County with 450 children.  There are 300 children enrolled in Knox County and 240 in Chattanooga.

Little Visionary Preschool/Childcare in Clarksville, TN

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State Funding Board approves major reforms for municipal financing

October 21, 2009 |

The Tennessee State Funding Board has approved a sweeping set of changes implementing enhanced requirements to the guidelines that govern cities and counties that propose to enter into interest rate swaps and other exotic financial transactions.

The revised guidelines are aimed at eliminating potential conflicts of interest by prohibiting individuals or companies from representing more than one side in derivative transactions. These revisions require greater transparency in the way information is reported and communicated about the transactions and require comprehensive disclosure of fees paid.

Cities and counties will have to demonstrate that they employ people with sufficient expertise to understand these complex transactions, including a chief financial officer and an accountant. Cities and counties must also meet minimum outstanding debt requirements and have an audit committee and a capital improvement plan. «Read the rest of this article»

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Recovery Act Funds to Aid Area Food Banks

October 19, 2009 |

Nashville – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture today announced the allocation of more than $572,000 to help five area food banks with the cost of providing food to the needy. The funds were provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Food banks can be a real a lifeline to some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “These Recovery Act funds will help put food on the table for Tennesseans in need.”

“At a time when more and more people are turning to food banks for help, I am pleased that Second Harvest Nashville will receive these funds to help continue providing necessary services to our community,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper of Nashville. «Read the rest of this article»

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Governor Bredesen Awards Highway Safety Grants for Montgomery County

October 16, 2009 |

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Clarksville Police Department, and Austin Peay State University all benefit from Department of Transportation Grants.

Nashville – Tennessee officials announced Wednesday that Montgomery County has been awarded a highway safety grant of $101,922 for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department to fund the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, $98,713 for the Clarksville Police Department to support the 2010 Impaired Driver Abatement Project, and $5,000 for Austin Peay State University to support high visibility law enforcement campaigns.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) mission is to save lives and reduce injuries on Tennessee roadways through leadership, innovation, coordination, and program support in partnership with other public and private organizations. The grant awarded will be used to promote this mission.

“These highway safety grants reflect a continued commitment to work with local and state agencies to make our roadways even safer than they are today,” said Bredesen. “The funds made available through these grants will support the efforts of many local and state highway safety partners to reduce the number of people killed and injured in traffic crashes each year.” «Read the rest of this article»

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2009 Annual Tennessee Entomology Society Meeting Next Week

October 13, 2009 |

A Honeybee exiting a Honeysuckle flower

Some of Tennessee’s smallest inhabitants are finally getting their due next week. That’s because Governor Phil Bredesen is recognizing the “important role” insects play in the lives of humans by proclaiming Oct. 11 through Oct. 17 as “Tennessee Entomology Week.”

This designation corresponds with the 36th Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Entomological Society (TES), which brings together the top scientists in the state who specialize in studying insects.

This year’s meeting will be held Oct. 15-16 at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, and it will recognize excellence in the field of entomology by both professionals with years of experience and up-and-coming high school students. «Read the rest of this article»

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Bredesen proclaims Oct. 11-17 Earth Science Week in Tennessee

October 13, 2009 |

Earth Science Week Toolkits Available to Teachers Across the State

Nashville – Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed Oct. 11-17 as Earth Science Week in Tennessee, promoting the important role that geology and other earth sciences play in Tennessee’s safety, health, welfare and economy.

As part of Earth Science Week, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Geology, in partnership with the American Geological Institute, has a limited number of Earth Science Week toolkits to distribute to earth science teachers across the state. This year’s toolkits include posters, calendars, resources and reading materials, field notebooks, and CDs and DVDs, with an emphasis on understanding climate and climate change.

“Earth Science Week provides an opportunity for Tennesseans to seek a greater understanding of the value of research and an appreciation for the importance of finding and conserving mineral, energy and water resources important to the state’s continuing prosperity,” said Bredesen. “I’m pleased we can offer educational tools to earth science teachers to help continue their efforts to raise awareness in the classroom.” «Read the rest of this article»

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Tennessee’s food assistance program touted as one of the best in the nation

October 3, 2009 |

State earns performance bonus for getting benefits to needy citizens

Nashville – The Tennessee Department of Human Services this week was recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for having one of the nation’s top Food Stamp programs. Food Stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP), help low-income families put food on the table each month. Tennessee was cited as giving its eligible citizens the best access to the program and earned the top performance award of $3.3 million.

“This award shows that Tennessee is a leader in delivering the benefits that our citizens need in a timely and efficient manner,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “It is imperative that Tennesseans have easy access to programs that can provide assistance, especially during these tough economic times. I’m proud that the Department of Human Services is being recognized for delivering this vital food assistance program to our citizens.” «Read the rest of this article»

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Montgomery County shares in $17M TDOT enhancement grant

By Turner McCullough Jr. | August 28, 2009 |

Governor Bredesen announces $17 million Transportation Enhancement Grants. Montgomery County among forty local community projects awarded grants to enhance transportation infrastructure.

TDOT’s communications office issued a press release reporting Governor Bredesen and Transportation Department Commissioner Gerald Nicely announcing $17 million in transportation enhancement grants for projects in 39 Tennessee communities and one statewide grant. The grants will be used to assist local communities in developing a variety of projects designed to enhance the state’s transportation infrastructure.

“The Enhancement Grant Program provides an opportunity for the state to work with local agencies to fund projects that enrich Tennessee communities in a variety of ways,” said Bredesen. “Many will use these funds to build new sidewalks and bike trails that support healthier lifestyles, while others utilize the program to save historic structures for future generations. All of these are worthwhile projects that truly enhance the quality of life in local communities.”

Pictured from left to right: (bottom row) Fred Mudge, TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely, Mayor Johnny Piper, Governor Phil Bredesen, County Mayor Carolyn Bowers, Ed Davis, David Moss (top row) Representative Curtis Johnson, Representative Joe Pitts, Senator Tim Barnes

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