TN House Chambers

Saying that unemployed Tennesseans should not have to chose between keeping a roof over their heads and getting skills for a new career, State Rep. Joe Pitts supported legislation to end that dilemma. House Democrats have sponsored a bill that would let laid off Tennesseans retain their unemployment benefits while they return to school to be retrained for new careers.

The legislation would allow a person receiving unemployment benefits due to losing their job to retain those benefits when they choose to return to college to get new job skills to succeed in tomorrow’s economy. The measure was approved by all present members of the Tennessee House of Representatives on Thursday.

“There are tens of thousands of Tennesseans who have lost their jobs during this economic slowdown and currently they can’t go back to school without losing the one thing keeping them from being out on the street,” said Pitts. “We should be helping these people retrain for the jobs of tomorrow, not forcing them to choose between a roof over their head or the classes they need to succeed in tomorrow’s economy.”

Under the legislation sponsored by State Representatives Joe Towns (D-Memphis), G.A. Hardaway (D-Memphis) and Henry Fincher (D-Cookeville), a person who is currently receiving unemployment benefits due to losing their job would not be denied those benefits if they choose to go back to college while they continue their search for new employment.

“We have people of every age and background no longer able to find work because their skills don’t match the available jobs,” said Pitts. “This legislation allows people to gain the skills they need without having to sacrifice the only source of income available to them.”

The bill passed the House unanimously 96-0 and will now wait on the Senate to take action on the measure. Earlier this month the bill was placed in the General Subcommittee of Commerce, Labor and Agriculture. The United States Congress is also slated to take up similar legislation later this year.

The Montgomery County State Legislative Delegation is Senator Tim Barnes, Rep. Joe Pitts, Rep. Curtis Johnson, and Rep. Phillip Johnson. Rep. Pitts may be reached at: rep.joe..gov; Rep. Curtis Johnson:  rep.curtis..gov; Rep. Phillip Johnson: rep.phillip..gov; Senator Tim Barnes: sen.tim..gov

Coach Willard Ross Act penalizes wrongful sale or purchase of firearms.

On Monday, March 23rd, the Tennessee House of Representatives voted to pass a bill designed to help keep guns out of the hands of criminals.

“There are plenty of bills up here advocating Tennesseans’ Second Amendment rights, but what we must also do is make sure we do everything we can to keep those guns out of the hands of criminals,” said Rep. Joe Pitts, D-District 67.

State Rep. Joe Pitts

The “Coach Willard Ross Act of 2009,” a bill sponsored by Democrat Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville) and co-sponsored by members of both political parties, creates a Class A misdemeanor offense when a person attempts to buy a firearm while prohibited by law from possessing one. The misdemeanor would also apply to a person who attempts to sell or sells a firearm to someone known to be prohibited by law from owning one.

Coach Ross was killed in 2007 when a stray bullet struck Ross during a shootout between two vehicles in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Clarksville. The man convicted of the shooting was able to purchase the gun even though his prior record clearly showed he was prohibited by law from owning a firearm.

“What this bill will do is keep guns in the hands of good, responsible individuals and help keep guns out of the hands of criminals and folks that the law says should not have access to firearms,” Pitts said.

The bill passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 91-5-1. Those voting against the measure included  Representatives Joe Carr (R-Murfreesboro), Vance Dennis (R-Savannah), Joshua Evans (R-Greenbrier), and Eric Swafford (R-Pikeville). The legislation must now pass the Senate before it can be signed into law.

Rep. Pitts represents State House Ditrict 67- Clarksville. He may be contacted at: 109 WMB, Nashville, TN 37243-0167; phone: 615-741-2043, Fax: 615-253-0200. Constitutents may request copies of the 106th General Assembly Handbooklet from his office.

State Representative Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville) and members of the Tennessee House Democratic Caucus on Thursday announced the release of the 2009 House Democratic Caucus Agenda.

“Tennessee Democrats believe education, economic opportunity, public safety, and health care are the cornerstones of our future success as a state.” Pitts said. “Our agenda reflects those priorities and distinguishes where House Democrats stand and lets our citizens know that we are putting them first.”

“This year’s Democratic Agenda focuses on a number of areas including improving educational opportunities for young Tennesseans, increasing the number of new jobs created in Tennessee, and continuing to improve safety & reduce crime.

Rep. Joe Pitts, D-TN Hse, District 67

“Expanding opportunities in education, bringing more jobs to Tennessee, and still being fiscally responsible are at the top of our agenda,” Pitts said. “The more we help Tennessee students achieve the best education possible while also trying to give working moms and dads the chance to earn a living, we give our state a much better chance of lifting ourselves out of this financial slowdown.”

1. Providing Quality Education for All

Tennessee Democrats fully support public education because it is vital to our future. We respect our educators and we support them and their important work.

2. Increasing Jobs & Economic Opportunities

Tennessee Democrats support policies that will bring new, well-paying jobs to Tennesseans. Also, we support our public employees who work on behalf of all Tennesseans.

3. Promoting Fiscal Responsibility

Tennessee Democrats support sound fiscal policy and balanced budgets. We promote policies that will create opportunities for all of our citizens and grow our economy.

4. Providing Affordable Healthcare

Tennessee Democrats promote policies that will provide access to affordable healthcare for all our citizens.

5. Supporting Tennessee Golden Generation

Tennessee Democrats support our senior citizens. We want our seniors to enjoy life, have quality healthcare and the opportunity to live at home as long as possible. We believe that Social Security must be protected and reasonable provisions to protect retirement pensions for workers must be created.

6. Promoting Equality and Diversity

Tennessee Democrats believe that all men and women, of every race, creed and philosophy, deserve equal rights and opportunities to succeed and we must promote ways to encourage and protect equality and diversity among all Tennesseans.

7. Protecting Tennessee’s Most Vulnerable

Tennessee Democrats believe in protecting and caring for our most vulnerable citizens, especially our children and those with disabilities.

8. Improving Safety and Reducing Crime

Tennessee Democrats promote policies that ensure the safety of all citizens. We support our law enforcement officers, firefighters and other public servants who put their lives in jeopardy to protect us.

9. Honoring Patriotic Service

Tennessee Democrats support our men and women currently serving in the armed forces and our veterans who have served us in the past. We honor those who have sacrificed to safeguard our liberties and our democracy.

10. Investing in Energy Efficiency & Protecting the Environment

Tennessee Democrats believe we must develop clean, renewable, alternative sources of energy to meet future demand, protect our environment and move us toward energy independence. In addition, Tennessee Democrats are committed to protecting the natural beauty of Tennessee and our environment. We understand the importance of clean air to breathe and clean water to drink.

“The direction from our citizens is clear and I look forward to working with every member of the House and Senate, as well as the Governor, to help make these goals a reality,” Pitts said.

For more information contact House Democratic Caucus Press Secretary Addison Pate at (615) 741-6620 or e-mail at addison..gov.

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.

Tenn. NAACP State Conference Delegates to Legislative Day On The Hill 2009

The NAACP, Clarksville Branch #5582, participated in the Annual NAACP Legislative Day On the Hill. This year’s observance  celebrates the NAACP’s 100th Anniversary as branch delegates from across the state converged on the State Capitol and Legislative Plaza to confer with state legislators and sit in on committee meetings. Legislative officials came to the House Chambers to greet, welcome and acknowledge the annual event and the organization’s historic anniversary. Over 250-plus delegates and supporters filled the House of Representatives Chambers and visitors galleries to participate in and document the historic event.

Rep. Kent Williams, R-Carter County, Speaker of the House welcomes delegates to House Chambers

The day’s agenda was presided over by Tennessee State NAACP Conference President Gloria Sweet-Love. Officers of the State Conference and staff registered delegates and directed the day’s events and training. State government officials and officers welcomed the assembled delegates with warm accolades and recognition of the organization’s anniversary. Speaker of the House Kent Williams was the first state official to render greetings and welcome to the assembled representatives. He informed the group that Rep. Joe Armstrong had just returned to Memphis because his father had suffered a heart attack. The Speaker said he himself would be Memphis in the coming week to meet with local officials there. He declared that “Tennessee is not a red state or a blue state. I do not represent any one part of the state. We are one state.”

Rep. Larry Turner, Secretary of the Democratic Caucus, urged the delegates to meet with their respective legislators and they them know they are here to represent all the people. I hope you will call and write them and let them know that.”

Hardaman County NAACP Youth/College Delegation Contingent

Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey next addressed the assemblage and acknowledged the significance of the NAACP’s legacy and the achievement of its 100th anniversary. He linked that achievement with he himself being the first Republican Lt. Governor in Tennessee in 140 years. Youth and College State Conference President Monet Brown welcomed the youth contingent of the delegates to the hollowed halls of state government. Of the three hundred fifty-plus assemblage, fully one-third were youth/college-aged members and supporters.

Other speakers who addressed the assemblage included State Representative John D. DeBerry, Chair of the Tennessee Black Caucus, declared that “America is stronger because of the NAACP.’ He  told the group that, “God provides. We must possess, and that “the NAACP is paramount to our passing our pride onto our young people.” He reminded the group, “NAACP will be an effective leadership entity” in the twenty-first century.

Beverly Watts, Director of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, said the commission looks forward to working with the NAACP. She told delegates that a bill had just been introduced to extend the commission for ten years. She asked delegates to lobby their respective legislators to support this extension.

A. J. Stallings, Political Director for the AFL-CIO, gave special thanks to the Tennessee State NAACP Conference and its Labor and Industry Director, Marilyn Brown. Jerry Lee, President of the AFL-CIO Labor Counci, acknowledged the assistance and support the AFL-CIO has received from the NAACP over the past years in struggles to improve standards and opportunities for Tennessee workers.

Joseph Clark Jr., Natl Staff Council, AFL-CIO

Joseph Clark, Jr., National Staff Council of the AFL-CIO, spoke of the effort to gather two thousand letters from average Tennesseans to be delivered to Tennessee Senator Bob Corker, letting him know that his declared opposition to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is not the sentiment or will of his constituents. Senator Corker had declared that he felt the economic recession’s downturn wasn’t as severe as characterized by President Obama and didn’t warrant any rash actions as such those being proposed by President Obama. He had specifically spoken out against federal assistance the automotive industry despite have significant automotive enterprises in eastern and middle Tennessee, which would be directly affected by any drastic shakeout of the Big Three Automotive Giants of the American automotive industry. Clark told the delegates that  there would be an action calling attention to the plight of working people in Tennessee. “This is a time we have to work collectively.”

Pastor Stacy Rector, Exec. Director, TCASK

Stacy Rector, executive director of Tennessee Coalition Against State Killing (TCASK), came to the podium as well. Acknowledging the history of the NAACP and its being founded to halt lynching of Black men in the South, she spoke of TCASK’s work to repeal the death penalty in Tennessee.

Rector pointed out that studies have shown that the Tennessee death penalty law lacks fairness, cost benefit on return, and most importantly, it lacks accuracy. TCASK seeks a moratorium on the death penalty in Tennessee.

Rep. Johnnie Shaw, past Chair Tenn. Black Caucus greets delegates

Rep. Johnnie W. Shaw, past Chair of the Tennessee Black Caucus, greeted the delegates and thanked them for coming to Legislative Plaza. He told the delegates to call their congressional leaders and tell them to support the stimulus plan. “We need that money. We need it.” He has introduced a bill to modify the current laws that restore voting rights to ex-felons. Under his proposal, convictions would be expunged for lesser serious crimes. He also has a bill that supports small minority businesses by removing the steep bonding issues that currently blocks small enterprises from pursuing larger contracting opportunities. The legislation would waive those bonding issues for small business. He stated that, “The State of Tennessee should do business with its citizens.”

President Sweet-Love outlined the Tennessee NAACP State Conference Priorities:

1. Repeal Work At Will laws.
2. Increase minimum wage to a Liveable Wage level.
3. Health Care for all, colo-rectal cancer screenings must be covered by insurance plans.
4. Moratorium on the death penalty.
5. Make Environmental Justice an issue in Tennessee.
6. Revise HOPE scholarship retention standards.
7. Eliminate requirement of child support status verification from ex-felon voter restoration law.
8. Oppose Auto Title Predatory Loans.

President Sweet-Love introduced the youngest delegate, young Master Caleb Bradford, four -years-old, an NAACP member since he was six-weeks-old, and her grandson. She also introduced Shelby County Mayor Will Spencer to the delegates. Spencer is only the second African American to be elected county mayor in Tennessee. Memphis Branch Executive Director Johnnie Turner instructed the delegates on how to conduct their meeting with legislators.

Conference delegates seated in TN House Chambers

Rep. Joe Towns brought greetings to the delegates and said, “It’s good to see you here in Nashville. We have to address issues of ex-felon reintroduction into society. Getting a high school diploma or GED and securing employment are paramount issues to successful re-integration into society as productive members of society.” Rep. Towns urged the delegates to attend a  rally calling for “Support for Working Families in Tennessee.” The conference then recessed to allow the delegates to begin their rounds of meetings with legislators and have lunch.

The Clarksville Branch delegation had previously contacted all members of the Montgomery County Legislative Delegation to arrange appointments. Senator Tim Barnes and Representative Joe Pitts both  confirmed the appointments. However Representatives  Curtis Johnson and Phillip Johnson failed to acknowledge the communications and made no provision for any appointments.  Neither were  available for even a brief meeting. Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey assured all conference delegates that their respective representatives were well aware of their presence on the Hill and would be available to meet with them.

In meetings with Rep. Pitts and Senator Barnes, the delegation discussed their position on (1) the minimum wage become a livable wage, (2) health care for all (universal health care), (3) moratorium/repeal of the death penalty, (4) increasing the number of minority students maintaining their HOPE scholarships, (5) assertive application and enforcement of environmental justice, (6) reform of predatory auto title loans in Tennessee, and (7) state recognition of Tennessee Native Americans. These issues were discussed in addition to the priorities raised in the House Chambers.

The Clarksville delegation additionally sat in on two committee meetings and toured Legislative Plaza to become familiar with its accommodations and offices.  Following these activities, the delegation returned to the House Chambers for the afternoon session which was to feature an address by Governor Bredesen.

TN Gov. Phil Bredesen with State Conf. Pres. Gloria Sweet-Love

President Sweet-Love reconvened the conference for the afternoon session and introduced the governor. Gov. Bredesen gave the delegates a warm welcome, stating, “It’s always good to the people in their house.” In his address, he repeated several primary points of his “State of the State” speech. Economic development and growth are key to the stability and future growth of this state. This will be the means whereby the people of Tennessee will best anchor their individual prosperity and that of the state as a whole. “The importance of higher education has never been more obvious. There is an undeniable need for more Tennesseans to have college diplomas. ” As the location of Hemlock Semiconductor in Tennessee signals the state ’s shift into a leading position  in the ‘Green Technology’ industry, higher education degrees will be paramount for our people to secure the advantages this new technology will present.

TN Gov. Bredesen and the TN Conf. & Branch Presidents celebrate the NAACP's 100th Anniversary

Following the governor’s address, President Sweet-love called for all branch presidents to assemble in the Capitol Legislative Lobby to pose with the governor and the 100th Anniversary cake. Then the entire delgation gathered on the western steps of the capitol for the annual “Day on the Hill” commemoration group picture. After the picture taking, delegates returned to Legislative Lobby for refreshments and cake, thus concluding the 2009 Tennessee NAACP Legislative Day On The Hill.

[Show as slideshow]

12►

Senator Barnes and Representative Pitts have been working diligently with members of the State Building Commission to gain approval for the project.

“This project is a very good thing for Austin Peay and Montgomery County,” stated Sen. Barnes.  “I appreciate the excellent work of the members of the State Building Commission and I look forward to working with them on other projects.”
The estimated project cost is $6,400,000.  The source of funding will come from the State Building Commission Pre-Planning Division.  This facility will accommodate training needs for the Hemlock Semiconductor Company.

“I believe that this project will facilitate the Hemlock Semiconductor Project which will be extremely beneficial to Clarksville as well as the surrounding areas,” offered Representative Pitts.

The schedule of completion is estimated to start August 2009 and end in August 2010.

Senator Barnes represents the Senate District 22 which consists of Montgomery, Cheatham, and Houston counties. Representative Pitts represents House District 67 which consists of Montgomery County.

Tennessee State House of Representatives Chamber

Tennessee House Republican leadership takes the top spot. Party designate and presumed standard bearer, Rep. Jason Mumpower, was outmaneuvered by a Republican moderate they had threatened with economic boycott and House Democrats.

Rep. Jason Mumpower R-Bristol

Marking the end of a forty year shut-out, the Tennessee Republican Party made history by taking up the leadership of the Tennessee House of Representatives. Rep. Jimmy Naifeh relinquished his 18-year reign as Speaker of the House as the Republican Party asserted its 50-vote majority and nominated Rep. Jason Mumpower as Speaker.  Rep. Gary Odom, D-Davidson County, over loud catcalls from colleagues and spectators, nominated Rep. Kent Williams, R-Carter County, as an alternate candidate.

The voting was done by roll call. With Williams being the last name on the roll, anticipation was high as the Republicans waited to see if Williams would keep his pledge to support the party and vote Republican, as all the Democrats cast their votes for him.

Rep. Jimmy Naifeh, fmr Hse Spkr

In a stunning upset that saw Rep. Mumpower red-faced, and howls and boos erupting in the House Chamber that carried out into the hallway and into the Senate Chamber, Kent Williams supported his party, voting for himself, denying Mumpower the Speaker position and becoming Speaker of the House of the 106th Tennessee State Legislature.

Prior to the opening of the legislative session, the Republican Party had held a caucus to marshal its members into a solid voting block behind a set list of candidates for all House leadership positions that would lock out the Democrats and support pre-determined legislative priorities for the new term. They were reportedly determined to replace Jimmy Naifeh as House Speaker. Nashville news media have reported that party members came down especially hard on Rep. Williams to support legislative initiatives he felt to be extreme. They went so far as to threaten a boycott of his family business.

Rep. Kent Williams, newly elected Speaker of the House TN General Assembly

With the voting over, Williams was declared the new Speaker of the House, duly elected. After taking the oath-of-office, Speaker Willams has stated that the welfare of the people of Tennessee comes first and that he will be fair in distributing committee appointments and chairmanships. He will favor his party but there will be Democratic appointments and job skills and ability will take higher priority than party affiliation.

Following his acceptance speech, the House went into recess to allow both parties to caucus and consider their follow-up action and strategy for the positions of House Speaker Pro Tempore and Deputy Speaker.

Here are images from the Saturday rally (photos by Bill Larson)

[Show as slideshow]

Special guests include Kim McMillan, former Majority Leader, Tennessee House of Representatives; Joe Pitts, Tennessee State Representative (District 67); Wade Mundy, Communications Director, Tennessee State Democratic Party; and Jerry Lee, Tennessee AFL-CIO Union President.

This event is open to the public with a suggested donation of $10 and up. RSVP at the local Clarksville for Obama website.

For additional information, call 931-378-1999.

This seventh anniversary of the 21st century “day of infamy” will be noted and memorialized Thursday by local officials and clergy from many of the city’s churches, who will gather at the Montgomery County Courthouse lawn for a “Cry Out America” rally.

Numerous clergy and elected representatives will blend their voices to mark the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 with an interdenominational  “Cry Out America” prayer gathering on the Montgomery County Courthouse lawn from noon to 1 p.m.  The event will move to Madison Street Methodist Church in case of inclement weather. Similar gatherings, coordinated by the Awakening American Alliance, will be held across the country and are being publicized by Christian broadcasting networks nationwide.Speakers for the event include 68th District state Rep. Curtis Johnson, 67th District state Rep. Joe Pitts, Kim McMillan, former state House majority leader, and representatives of local clergy, including Dennis Pulley, Cumberland Baptist Association director of missions; Hilldale United Methodist Pastor  Skip Armistead, New Light Missionary Baptist Church Pastor  Martin Alexander, Madison Street United Methodist Church Pastor Lenoir Culbertson, Mount Hermon Baptist Church Pastor Michael Madewell, Tabernacle Baptist Church Pastor Jimmy Terry, Clarksville Church of God Pastor Paul Nolan, and Iglesia Bautista La. Pastor Jorge Garcia.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Awakening America Alliance, in promoting this event and their The Awakening America Alliance is a cooperative initiative within the body of Christ to increase awareness of the deep spiritual need in today’s America and to pursue a new Christ awakening in our nation that will impact our world.

The Awakening America Alliance, in their website information, says they will:

• Provide a broad umbrella under which the body of Christ in America can unite together in seeking a contemporary spiritual awakening.
• Issue a wake-up call for revival in the church and a Christ awakening in the nation by utilizing unified activity, various forms of media, and highly visible events.
• Collaborate together in prayer, fasting, and God inspired action to impact the nation’s non-Christian population.
• Challenge today’s church in welcoming and discipling new generations of American youth.

Senator Rosalind Kurita, flanked by MCDP Chairman Gene Lewis (right) and Rep. Joe Pitts (left) cut the ribbon to officially open MCDP Election headquarters

With the handicap access ramp’s paint scent still fresh in the air, Tuesday evening saw the Montgomery County Democratic Party, (MCDP), host a jubilant election headquarters grand opening. Party officials, elected representatives and ‘names to remember’ were on hand to mark the event. The ribbon cutting at 534 Madison Street was marked with congratulatory thanks to all the supporters who came out to the event. The office will be open from 2-5 p.m. until the Democratic Convention is over; after the convention, it will be open full time.

New ramp makes handicapped access easy at MCDP headquarters

State Rep. Joe Pitts, State Senator Rosalind Kurita, former House Majority Leader Kim MacMillan along with MCDP Chair Gene Lewis all held the ribbon as a smiling Senator Kurita cut the cloth. With a smooth single stroke, the headquarters doors were open and everyone flowed inside for refreshments. Attendance was estimated to be over 150 persons.

The MCDP will conduct and coordinate all of its 2008 general elections campaign activities at this location. In addition, Clarksville for Obama will conduct all of its remaining campaign activities from the 534 Madison Street site as well. The building sits at the intersection of University Blvd. and Madison Street, across from the Madison Street Christ of Christ.

Several of the regional candidates brought campaign material for distribution to promote their campaigns. David Davison provided lawn signs in addition to personal fans. Ryan Morris also had lawn sign signs on hand. The Bob Tuke for Senate Campaign conducted volunteer sign-up. Rev. Charles Moreland had his “Prayer for Obama” brochures on display. Clarksville for Obama staffers had a table with campaign buttons and car bumper stickers for sale. Also a fresh shipment of Obama ‘08 T-shirts arrived and was immediately opened to a myriad of calls for purchase. Senator Kurita was among the first to purchase one of the Obama ‘08 “Change You Can Believe” T-shirt.

Along with the those named above, also in attendance were County Sheriff Norman Lewis, Clarksville for Obama campaigners Jim and Nan Roberts; Cindy Pitts, wife of Rep. Joe Pitts, candidate for 7th Congressional District Ryan G. Morris, candidate for the State House District 78 seat David Davison, Ward 8 City council candidate David Cutting, Senate district 22 challenger Tim Barnes and his wife Linda, TNDP Executive Committeman Keith Jackson, Dr. Richard Gildrie, Dr. Howard Winn, and MCDP Treasurer Barbara Brown.

Also attending were Clarksville for Obama campaigner JoAnn Latz,Tyrone Taylor-Montgomery County Co-Chair for the “Bob Tuke for U.S. Senate” campaign, Dr. George Kurita, MCDP 1st Vice-Chair Kim Smith, Freda and Donald O’Neal, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce member and community activist Angel Natal, Clarksville for Obama Campaign Chairman Terry McMoore, APSU College Democrats President Adam Haynes, MCDP 3rd Vice-Chair Robert Lewis, MCDP 4th Vice-Chair Betsy Ignacio, community activist Virgina Hatcher-Simms along with MCDP Secretary Brenay Poindexter, Horace Murphy and his wife, Dr. Jean Murphy, Caribbean Drums Performer/Instructor Ivin Roberts and Pastor Timothy Grant.

Along with the trays of finger vegetables, sliced meats and cheese, diced fruit, the sheet cake and chilled fruit punch, networking was busily conducted. Introductions, acquaintance renewals and campaign support pledges, well wishes, congratulations and fund-raising abounded.

Upcoming Clarksville for Obama activities include a House Party in Adams, TN on Saturday, August 23rd. More details forthcoming. There will be an “Organize for Change:” Convention Watch Party on August 28th at MCDP Headquarters. For more information on Clarksville for Obama, to purchase t-shirts, buttons or bumper stickers, or to sign up to host a house party, get event hosting assistance or otherwise support the Obama in ‘08 campaign, visit their website: <www.clarksvilleforobama.com.>

The Montgomery County Democratic Party General Membership Meeting will be held Tuesday, August 26th at the new election campaign Madison Street headquarters. For additional information or questions, please contact: Gene Lewis, MCDP Chairman at (931) 801-6209. As the Democratic Party National Convention sweeps to an end this weekend, the MCDP headquarters will swing into action. the MCDP headquarters phone number is 931-552-5523. Volunteers are always welcome.

[Show as slideshow]

123►

One by one, as a bell tolled a single chime and the words “Absent, not forgotten” were spoken by people in the viewing stands, Vietnam veterans carried thirty-three empty chairs draped in the black and white POW-MIA logo, carrying the names of Tennessee soldiers still missing from the Vietnam War, to “center stage” and saluted.

To the side, another veteran lit a candle for each name called. Gery Ezell read the roster of the missing. Reverend Elijah Oliver gave the benediction for this vigil.

Dozens of Vietnam veterans and their families gathered in Public Square Sunday evening to honor their fallen comrades, Tennessee’s 33 POWs and MIAs of the Vietnam War. The event was sponsored by Chapter 396 of the Vietnam Veteran’s of America, who launched this annual service in 1989 when the fate of forty-three Tennessee soldier serving in Vietnam did not return. In the intervening years, 10 soldiers have been returned, the most recent in 2005.

State Representative Joe Pitts was the speaker for the event, noting not only those who have fought in past wars but those who currently serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. “They should be honored,” he said. Senator Rosalind Kurita and James Patterson of the State Veteran’s Service were also present for this solemn ceremony. Neither the mayor nor any city councilors attended.

The Wester family opened the service with three songs: our National Anthem, God Bless America and America the Beautiful.The Montgomery County JROTC posted the colors and a single chair was placed close to the speakers, symbolizing those who could not be there.

Members of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club, the Legacy Veterans Motorcycle Club, and the 2nd Brigade Motorcycle Club, turned out in large numbers for the vigil, lining the bikes in precise rows not unlike parade rank. As each of the clubs’ members carried their soldier’s chair to the front line, they paused to stand at attention and salute. For so many of us who have lost loved ones to Vietnam or other conflicts, it was a poignant moment.

The bikers, dressed in jeans, many wearing sunglasses and sporting beards, wearing vests emblazed with their club logos, were also symbolic of an era of protest, of soldiers honoring their pledge to fight for the United States even as protests over the war erupted stateside. They stood together, unified, in solidarity with the fallen friends.

The ceremony has been expanded to honor every American who has served their country in the military, said Maryanna Christy. Christy and several audience members noted that at the time the flag was raised to begin this event, the city hall doors began opening and closing, and didn’t stop until the ceremony ended.

Though inspirational and moving, there was one “sore spot” noted by virtually all who attended. Once again, the city’s Pillar of Fire/Pillar of Clouds, designed as a perpetual tribute to America’s soldiers, was unlit. The veterans in attendance were “not happy” with that omission. Clarksville Online has documented the fact that this is the second Memorial Day that flame has been out. It was also out on Veteran’s Day.

“I was at the original installation [of this monument]. At that time the City of Clarksville said the flame would burn 365 days a year. The facts is, it burns occasionally. It is almost never lit when there are ceremonies honoring veterans.” — Maryanna Christy

Christy said is the unlit flame is a slap in the face of every veteran

Vietnam Veteran David Nemirow called the omission “an embarrassment. The flame should NEVER be out.”

In a second emotional and unpatriotic hit, a number of American flags at McGregor Park were in disarray, partially torn away and hanging loose in the wind. One veteran said that if the city puts up these flags, they have a “responsibility” to maintain them. “Otherwise, why bother to put them up.”

Given that Clarksville is home to Fort Campbell, which has hundreds of its troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, these omissions have hit doubly hard and triggered significant dissatisfaction among attendees, who see the unlit flame and the dangling flags as “unpatriotic” and “irreverent.”

The city’s omissions were a complete contrast to the meticulously planned and beautifully managed ceremony sponsored by the veterans themselves.

This highly visible flag at Riverside and Commerce remain partially untethered as the Memorial Day weekend unfurls.

Vigil and Flag photos by Bill Larson

[Show as slideshow]

123►

From left, MCDP Vice-Chair Robert Lewis, Senator Rosalind Kurita, Rep. Joe Pitts, Kim Smith, and House Majority Leader Gary Odom at Tuesday’s MCDP holiday celebration and annual awards ceremony. David Shelton Photo.

State House Majority Leader Gary Odom addressed the group, summarizing the legislative achievements of the year while citing a need to continue to “build up our majority” in the State House. Odom tossed a question to the audience in an impromptu forum centered on the Hope Scholarship. Odom said the past year in state government “was one of the best” in his 21 years of public service.

Citing fiscally conservative practices that have led to a substantial “rainy day fund,” Odom (pictured at left with Kim Smith) sought opinions on whether standards for maintaining the merit-based HOPE Scholarship, which is funded by lottery monies, should be lowered. Currently, students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA to retain this $4000 scholarship; Odom fielded the idea of dropping that benchmark to 2.75, or even 2.5 (the later is a C+), stating that this scholarship incentive would motivate more good students to pursue higher learning. The proposal drew a substantially favorable response from his listeners, which included several faculty members from APSU.

Odom also voiced a deep concern over an escalating crime rate, citing the increased violence that in Tennessee is most visible in cities like Memphis, and surprisingly, Jackson. He referenced the passage of Jessica’s Law, which mandates a minimum 25 sentence and lifetime GPS monitoring of 25 years in prison and lifetime electronic monitoring of adults convicted of lewd or lascivious acts against a victim less than 12 years old.

State Senator Rosalind Kurita and Representative Joe Pitts spoke briefly prior to the awards presentation.

Photos from the MCDP holiday party:

Rep. Gary Odom chats with legislators and MCDP members

Charles Moreland and Senator Kurita

Among The Guests: