Topic: Tennessee State Legislature

Legislators discuss changing school start date; could save state money

August 25, 2009 |

Bi-Partisan group of lawmakers pledge to examine data and research

Nashville – Letting school officials set the first day of the school year in early-August may be costing Tennessee $189 million in consumer spending, $9.72 million in total new state tax revenue, $5.5 million in total local tax revenue, $72.92 million in new worker income and the potential to create 2,619 new jobs, according to a recent economic analysis.

“We are not asking to have scheduling control over the school year, just one day out of 180,” said Rep. Bill Dunn, Knoxville. “School officials will set all holidays, vacation days, work days, semester end dates and the last day of school.”

Lawmakers are discussing the possibility of moving the school start date, and hope during the next few months they can reach agreements with school officials.

“As lawmakers, we are entrusted with both the financial success as well as academic success of our educational system. In these difficult times, we must use current data and adequate analysis to determine if we are giving our taxpayers the best on their investment; therefore, we must carefully examine the feasibility of beginning the school year in the middle of the summer when all current analysis concludes that this is neither good for the student or taxpayer,” said Rep. John DeBerry, Memphis. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Education | No Comments

A legislative report from State Representative Joe Pitts

By State Representative Joe Pitts | July 12, 2009 |

NASHVILLE – In an effort to help you keep more informed about issues important to you, State Representative Joe Pitts will be issuing a series of reports over the next several months. If you have questions or need additional information about any of the issues discussed in these reports, please let him know. This report is on education in Tennessee.

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. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Politics | 1 Comment »

© 2009 Clarksville, TN Online is owned and operated by residents of Clarksville Tennessee.
» We are Hosted by Compu-Net Enterprises; In Partnership with Discover Clarksville and Discover Paris