USDA ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF $21.9 MILLION IN HIGH ENERGY COST GRANTS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2007 – Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the availability of $21.9 million to help rural communities cope with extremely high energy costs. Communities have until October 1 to apply for grants under this program.
“These grants will help rural residents and businesses upgrade energy infrastructure and make other energy efficiency improvements,” Johanns said. “The rising cost of energy can challenge economic growth and opportunity. These grants are another example of how USDA works to help rural communities overcome economic obstacles and create opportunity.”
Funds may be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission or distribution facilities serving communities in which the average residential cost for home energy exceeds 275 percent of the national average.
Grants are available to individuals, businesses, non-profit entities, states, local governments and federally recognized Indian tribes. Grants may not be used to pay utility bills or to purchase fuel. Also, grant funds may not be used for the sole benefit of the applicant.
Applications for grants must be postmarked by October 1. The grant announcement and application guide for this grant program can be found at http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric and at http://Grants.gov under Code of Domestic Federal Assistance (CDFA) Number 10.859.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. USDA Rural Development has invested more than $76.8 billion nationwide since 2001 for equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. More than 1.5 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Senator Bob Corker - Press Release Detail
Senator Bob Corker - Press Release Detail: "companies to our state."
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Weekly Column of U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander
July 22, 2007
“Time for Serious Leadership, Not Partisan Games, on Iraq”
This week, the Senate Democratic leadership decided to keep the Senate in session all night to debate Iraq – a political stunt that heaped oil on the fire instead of provided a way for Senators on both sides of the aisle to come to a consensus about the foremost issue facing our nation.
My experience with Members of the Senate began when I came to work in D.C. for the first time 40 years ago as a very junior aide to Senator Howard Baker. I’ve only been a Senator for a few years, but my experience then and now is that most of us prefer to conduct ourselves like grownups, to not engage in petty kindergarten games, not have partisan efforts where we taunt one another and try to put one another at a disadvantage. We want to actually recognize as Senators that we are here to look at big, difficult issues and to see if we can come up with solutions.
No issue cries out for serious leadership and a willingness to work together than the question of America's role in Iraq. How can the Senate find a consensus when we obviously have strongly held different views?
One way to do it might be to pick 10 people from outside the Senate, 10 of the most distinguished Americans, and say to them: We are stuck here. We have a problem. The country has a problem. We need a shift of direction. We have a Senate that is divided, a President who is insisting on his constitutional prerogatives, and we have men and women fighting and dying in Iraq -- what do we do?
That is precisely what the Iraq Study Group Report did. It consisted of 5 Republicans and 5 Democrats led by former Secretary of State Jim Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton. They had meetings all over America and meetings in Iraq with a distinguished staff that consisted of an honor roll list of generals and experts. They unanimously agreed in 9 months about what to do in Iraq.
So what did they recommend? One – move out of the combat mission to the support, equipping, and training mission over about a year, without a firm deadline. Two – maintain a long-term but limited interest in Iraq, with some specifics. Three – step up political and diplomatic efforts.
I was very disappointed by the reaction to the report, especially when I saw that the recommendations were unanimous. I had hoped then that the president would use this report as something other than a bookend – I still hope for that.
It’s not my proposal, it is their proposal. But because it is important to our troops and to our country and to the world that we move forward in a unified way, I have accepted their recommendations. I have developed a plan based upon their report. I have joined Democrats and Republicans and continue to ask the president and the Congress and our citizens to accept it.
There are 14 of us in the Senate on both sides of the aisle who are cosponsors of my legislation with Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) to implement the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group Report.
If this Congress and this President adopted together the recommendations in our legislation there would be a new consensus for our country. If we did we could say to our troops: We not only will fund you, but we can now also say to you and to the Middle East that we agree on your mission, on why you are fighting, and why you are being wounded, and why you are dying.
If Harry Reid would spend half as much time working toward bipartisan consensus on Iraq as he does planning slumber parties, we might be able to come together on a new way forward.
July 22, 2007
“Time for Serious Leadership, Not Partisan Games, on Iraq”
This week, the Senate Democratic leadership decided to keep the Senate in session all night to debate Iraq – a political stunt that heaped oil on the fire instead of provided a way for Senators on both sides of the aisle to come to a consensus about the foremost issue facing our nation.
My experience with Members of the Senate began when I came to work in D.C. for the first time 40 years ago as a very junior aide to Senator Howard Baker. I’ve only been a Senator for a few years, but my experience then and now is that most of us prefer to conduct ourselves like grownups, to not engage in petty kindergarten games, not have partisan efforts where we taunt one another and try to put one another at a disadvantage. We want to actually recognize as Senators that we are here to look at big, difficult issues and to see if we can come up with solutions.
No issue cries out for serious leadership and a willingness to work together than the question of America's role in Iraq. How can the Senate find a consensus when we obviously have strongly held different views?
One way to do it might be to pick 10 people from outside the Senate, 10 of the most distinguished Americans, and say to them: We are stuck here. We have a problem. The country has a problem. We need a shift of direction. We have a Senate that is divided, a President who is insisting on his constitutional prerogatives, and we have men and women fighting and dying in Iraq -- what do we do?
That is precisely what the Iraq Study Group Report did. It consisted of 5 Republicans and 5 Democrats led by former Secretary of State Jim Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton. They had meetings all over America and meetings in Iraq with a distinguished staff that consisted of an honor roll list of generals and experts. They unanimously agreed in 9 months about what to do in Iraq.
So what did they recommend? One – move out of the combat mission to the support, equipping, and training mission over about a year, without a firm deadline. Two – maintain a long-term but limited interest in Iraq, with some specifics. Three – step up political and diplomatic efforts.
I was very disappointed by the reaction to the report, especially when I saw that the recommendations were unanimous. I had hoped then that the president would use this report as something other than a bookend – I still hope for that.
It’s not my proposal, it is their proposal. But because it is important to our troops and to our country and to the world that we move forward in a unified way, I have accepted their recommendations. I have developed a plan based upon their report. I have joined Democrats and Republicans and continue to ask the president and the Congress and our citizens to accept it.
There are 14 of us in the Senate on both sides of the aisle who are cosponsors of my legislation with Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) to implement the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group Report.
If this Congress and this President adopted together the recommendations in our legislation there would be a new consensus for our country. If we did we could say to our troops: We not only will fund you, but we can now also say to you and to the Middle East that we agree on your mission, on why you are fighting, and why you are being wounded, and why you are dying.
If Harry Reid would spend half as much time working toward bipartisan consensus on Iraq as he does planning slumber parties, we might be able to come together on a new way forward.
Friday, July 13, 2007
“A New Consensus”
Weekly Column of U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander
July 15, 2007
Congress and our President and our country need to find a consensus about where we go from here in Iraq. It is our most urgent and difficult issue. I know it is on the minds of every single Senator every day. It’s the first thing on my mind. It deserves to be. Adding up the lives, the dollars – $10 billion a month, 3,600 lives, and many wounded – shows a truly difficult situation.
We owe it to our troops fighting there – when they look at Washington – not to see us shouting at one another but saying, “yes, we can agree on why you are there, where we are going, what our goals are” and saying to the rest of the Middle East that we know what we are doing in Iraq. We must give the Iraqis a chance to flourish. Our troops deserve to see the free debate in the U.S., but more importantly that we are capable of coming to a conclusion, especially on our most urgent issue.
Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) and I have written legislation being debated this week to enact the recommendations of the bipartisan Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group Report, and we have been supported by 11 other senators from both parties already. We hope more will join us. Our legislation will declare the recommendations of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group to be official U.S. policy, ask the President to prepare a new plan based on those recommendations, and require a report on the implementation of those recommendations every 90 days.
President Bush is right that we can’t afford to fail in Iraq. That is why I support the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group that would provide for a long-term but more limited American military presence in Iraq and a transition over the next year from combat to training and support.
It is important for the president, the Congress, our country and our troops that we speak with one voice on Iraq. The Iraq Study Group report is a way to build that bi-partisan consensus. Our job in Washington – from both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue – is to look for some way to come together on Iraq so the troops will know that we support them in the foremost issue of our time.
Weekly Column of U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander
July 15, 2007
Congress and our President and our country need to find a consensus about where we go from here in Iraq. It is our most urgent and difficult issue. I know it is on the minds of every single Senator every day. It’s the first thing on my mind. It deserves to be. Adding up the lives, the dollars – $10 billion a month, 3,600 lives, and many wounded – shows a truly difficult situation.
We owe it to our troops fighting there – when they look at Washington – not to see us shouting at one another but saying, “yes, we can agree on why you are there, where we are going, what our goals are” and saying to the rest of the Middle East that we know what we are doing in Iraq. We must give the Iraqis a chance to flourish. Our troops deserve to see the free debate in the U.S., but more importantly that we are capable of coming to a conclusion, especially on our most urgent issue.
Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) and I have written legislation being debated this week to enact the recommendations of the bipartisan Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group Report, and we have been supported by 11 other senators from both parties already. We hope more will join us. Our legislation will declare the recommendations of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group to be official U.S. policy, ask the President to prepare a new plan based on those recommendations, and require a report on the implementation of those recommendations every 90 days.
President Bush is right that we can’t afford to fail in Iraq. That is why I support the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group that would provide for a long-term but more limited American military presence in Iraq and a transition over the next year from combat to training and support.
It is important for the president, the Congress, our country and our troops that we speak with one voice on Iraq. The Iraq Study Group report is a way to build that bi-partisan consensus. Our job in Washington – from both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue – is to look for some way to come together on Iraq so the troops will know that we support them in the foremost issue of our time.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Weekly Column of U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander
July 8, 2007
“BETTER GAS MILEAGE, BIOFUELS GOOD FOR TENNESSEE AIR, JOBS”
Last week the Senate passed major legislation that would help reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, decrease air pollution, and create new jobs in Tennessee.
The CLEAN Energy Act, approved by a vote of 65 to 27, is the first time since 1975 that vehicle fuel economy standards have been increased. When the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard was created in 1975 for cars and light trucks in the aftermath of the Arab oil embargo, it resulted in a savings of 3 million barrels of oil per day.
The new Senate bill would raise fuel efficiency standards beginning in 2011. In 2020, the nationwide average fleet fuel economy standard for cars and light trucks would be 35 mpg, which by 2020 would remove 206 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per year and save consumers nearly $25 billion at the pump (based on a cost per gallon of $2.55).
That represents real savings for America’s families, a better quality of life, and a much lower vulnerability to turbulence in the Middle East.
But the bill goes beyond simply requiring that manufacturers build more efficient vehicles. It also would increase the production of renewable fuels to at least 36 billion gallons by 2022 – that would result in a major boost to Tennessee agriculture and could reduce world oil prices by as much as $2.50 per barrel.
We have the resources one day to become the leader in the southeast to produce biofuel alternatives to foreign oil – from switchgrass, poplar trees, and other sources. This could create new sources of income for thousands of Tennessee farmers. Just this week, Oak Ridge was also selected as one of three sites to receive $125 million over five years to establish and operate one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s new Bioenergy Research Centers. In addition, Governor Bredesen’s Biofuels Initiative, a joint venture of the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is expected to create 4,000 new jobs our rural counties, provide $400 million in new state and local taxes annually, and generate about $100 million each year in new farm revenue.
The old CAFE system made little sense, given changes in the motor vehicle market over the past three decades. Its complex and outdated rules actually put American jobs at risk. The new regulatory structure will streamline the program, allowing manufacturers greater freedom to design and build vehicles that meet the needs of our drivers, without having to move overseas to do so.
Based on input from the automakers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will evaluate how to achieve the nationwide fleet average, and allocate each automaker its fair share of the burden. Consequently, automakers with large fleets of light trucks and SUVs will not be penalized or be forced to reconfigure their product lines.
The legislation mandates that the NHTSA use an “attribute” system in determining fuel economy standards. Using this authority, the NHTSA can tailor attainable increases based on the specific design characteristics of particular models of vehicles.
This should put to rest concerns about underpowered cars and trucks that can’t do what we need them to do. More importantly, it will help keep auto manufacturing jobs in the United State in general, and Tennessee in particular. That’s a win for everyone, except perhaps the oil magnates of the Middle East.
Editor’s note: This column originally appeared in the Tennessean.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
USDA ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF $8.9 MILLION IN BROADBAND GRANTS
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2007 — Deputy Agriculture Secretary Chuck Connor today announced the availability of $8.9 million in grants for communities without broadband service to provide residential service and connect facilities such as police and fire stations, health care, libraries and schools.
“The Community Connect Grant Program has proved to be effective in reaching those rural communities where broadband service is least likely to be deployed,” Conner said. “Connecting residents and essential community facilities improves local services and the protection of the citizens of these communities.”
Grants are available to communities in the most rural, economically challenged areas where loans will not be sustainable. In Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, for example, no company had invested in providing broadband delivery to the community of 770 people. However, local businesses, schools and residents worked with the BitSmart Corp. to file a USDA Community Connect Grant, which was approved. Now, BitSmart has established wireless internet availability and an integrated system connecting law enforcement, health care providers, and school and government offices. Additionally, students in a business class at the high school are serving as BitSmart’s local operations staff.
“Providing community residents with access to the internet and training on how to use it helps rural citizens understand the benefits of broadband service and is one more economic development tool available through USDA Rural Development,” said Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr.
Applications for grants are due by close of business August 13, 2007. There is a minimum grant level of $50,000 and a maximum grant level of $1,000,000 for projects. The application guide for this grant program can be found at http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/ .
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development has invested more than $76.8 billion since 2001 for equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. More than 1.5 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2007 — Deputy Agriculture Secretary Chuck Connor today announced the availability of $8.9 million in grants for communities without broadband service to provide residential service and connect facilities such as police and fire stations, health care, libraries and schools.
“The Community Connect Grant Program has proved to be effective in reaching those rural communities where broadband service is least likely to be deployed,” Conner said. “Connecting residents and essential community facilities improves local services and the protection of the citizens of these communities.”
Grants are available to communities in the most rural, economically challenged areas where loans will not be sustainable. In Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, for example, no company had invested in providing broadband delivery to the community of 770 people. However, local businesses, schools and residents worked with the BitSmart Corp. to file a USDA Community Connect Grant, which was approved. Now, BitSmart has established wireless internet availability and an integrated system connecting law enforcement, health care providers, and school and government offices. Additionally, students in a business class at the high school are serving as BitSmart’s local operations staff.
“Providing community residents with access to the internet and training on how to use it helps rural citizens understand the benefits of broadband service and is one more economic development tool available through USDA Rural Development,” said Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr.
Applications for grants are due by close of business August 13, 2007. There is a minimum grant level of $50,000 and a maximum grant level of $1,000,000 for projects. The application guide for this grant program can be found at http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/ .
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development has invested more than $76.8 billion since 2001 for equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. More than 1.5 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
ALEXANDER SECURES DOLLARS FOR TENNESSEE LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS
Announces Inclusion of Tennessee Projects in Commerce, Justice, and Science Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) today announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill, which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this week, includes significant funding for a number of justice programs across Tennessee.
“Tennessee law enforcement officials are working hard to keep the Volunteer state safe, and this legislation should help provide the resources they will need to continue to fight violent crime, gangs and drugs,” said Alexander, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Additional dollars we secured also should enhance law enforcement’s efforts to be better coordinated in growing communities.”
The FY2008 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill includes funding for the following projects:
- $2 million for the Memphis Regional Law Enforcement Project to combat an increase in violet crime and gang activity in the Memphis region, using resources from the City of Memphis, Shelby County and the University of Memphis.
- $350,000 for the Tennessee Statewide Methamphetamine Task Force to continue providing comprehensive training and integrated equipment, which will allow officers to more effectively report lab seizures, quarantine contaminated sites, and track and target serious and repeat offenders.
- $ 250,000 for Davidson County Mental Health Court initiative to help develop a much needed link between Nashville’s criminal justice system and the mental health community to better meet the needs of recovering individuals.
- $ 200,000 for Oak Ridge Law Enforcement Communications Project to specifically support a new umbrella communications system in the western portions of the City, where new population growth is the strongest.
The Senate version of the FY08 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill must now be considered by the full United States Senate.
Announces Inclusion of Tennessee Projects in Commerce, Justice, and Science Spending Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) today announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill, which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this week, includes significant funding for a number of justice programs across Tennessee.
“Tennessee law enforcement officials are working hard to keep the Volunteer state safe, and this legislation should help provide the resources they will need to continue to fight violent crime, gangs and drugs,” said Alexander, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Additional dollars we secured also should enhance law enforcement’s efforts to be better coordinated in growing communities.”
The FY2008 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill includes funding for the following projects:
- $2 million for the Memphis Regional Law Enforcement Project to combat an increase in violet crime and gang activity in the Memphis region, using resources from the City of Memphis, Shelby County and the University of Memphis.
- $350,000 for the Tennessee Statewide Methamphetamine Task Force to continue providing comprehensive training and integrated equipment, which will allow officers to more effectively report lab seizures, quarantine contaminated sites, and track and target serious and repeat offenders.
- $ 250,000 for Davidson County Mental Health Court initiative to help develop a much needed link between Nashville’s criminal justice system and the mental health community to better meet the needs of recovering individuals.
- $ 200,000 for Oak Ridge Law Enforcement Communications Project to specifically support a new umbrella communications system in the western portions of the City, where new population growth is the strongest.
The Senate version of the FY08 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill must now be considered by the full United States Senate.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Weekly Column by U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander
For the week of January 10, 2005
As a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I attended the nomination hearing for Margaret Spellings to be U.S. Secretary of Education.
I once held the same job that President Bush hopes Margaret Spellings will hold. At my first Cabinet meeting, I learned that the Secretary of Education sits at the end of the Cabinet table and is the last to be evacuated in case of an emergency. In other words, by some Washington standards, it is not a very important job.
But I believe that there are few jobs in Washington more important than United States Secretary of Education. Our country is faced with three great issues. One is terrorism. One is preserving our common culture. And one is keeping our jobs in an increasingly competitive world marketplace. And nothing is more important to keeping our jobs than having a superior system of education at every level. Jobs will migrate wherever the brainpower exists. In short, better schools and colleges mean better jobs.
I believe Margaret Spellings will be an excellent Secretary because she is uniquely suited to help President Bush be an Education President. The President knows and trusts her. She has played a critical role in education policy in Texas and in domestic policy in Washington, D.C. She and the President know that Washington can exhort and encourage standard-setting and provide some funding, but that the quality of our schools, colleges and universities depends primarily upon parents, faculty members, communities, state and local governments and our private sector.
During his eight years, the President has a great opportunity to be our most important Education President. Here are my suggestions for how he and his Secretary might focus their time during this next four years:
I. Establish a point person within the administration for higher education -One of my great regrets as I left the office of Secretary of Education in 1993 was that I did not ask President George H.W. Bush that I be that point person. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that half of our new jobs since World War II have come from our technological superiority. Much of that brainpower has come from 50 or so research universities and 50 major federal research laboratories. No other country in the world has anything like this. We spent $19 billion this past year on federal dollars for research at these universities. The education of the greatest generation at more than 6,000 institutions of higher education has come primarily because 60 percent of those who attend colleges and universities have a federal grant or loan that follows them to the school of their choice.
Yet I fear we are taking our higher education system for granted. Other countries, such as China, are waking up. More of their best students are staying home instead of coming to the United States. Visa problems in an age of terrorism discourage the importing of more foreign brainpower. Federal spending for the physical sciences is flat. And states are reducing their support for higher education because of increasing health care costs, among other reasons.
This administration and this Congress should create a new focus on how to make sure that we don't wake up in 10 years and discover we have lost our secret weapon in keeping good jobs: our superior colleges, universities and research labs.
II. Find ways to involve parents in the education of their children by giving them more choices of educational opportunities - The genius of federal policy toward higher education is that we respect the autonomy of individual institutions and allow federal dollars to follow students to the schools of their choice. This creates opportunity, competition and diversity. Since these policies have created the best colleges, why not use them to help create the best schools?
This President, I believe, should propose that new federal funding for elementary and secondary education should begin to follow the successful example of federal funding for higher education and increasingly be given to parents who then spend it at the school or the educational program of their choice.
III. Make sure we are spending federal dollars for children age 0 to 5 years as well as possible – The federal government spends $18 to $21 billion each year on 69 different programs that dedicate part of their budgets towards early education and care programs that serve children under age 5. The Department of Education administers 34 of the 69 programs. States and local government spend even more. Almost everyone agrees that the earlier children are helped, the better they learn. But now is an excellent time to examine whether we are spending well what we already spend.
IV. Make sure No Child Left Behind is funded, flexible and working before it is expanded - During the last four years President Bush and the Congress have increased federal funding for k-12 education by 36 percent, while state funding in my own state of Tennessee has increased by 10.7 percent. Despite GAO and Accountability Works findings to the contrary, there are still complaints that the federal requirements of No Child Left Behind aren't properly funded.
My own experience has been that 70 percent or even more of the consternation about NCLB among local school systems came simply from confusion about what the federal and state governments did or didn't require. This Congress and, I believe, the administration have a responsibility to make sure that the current requirements of No Child Left Behind are properly funded and are as flexible as possible so that teachers and principals can use their own common sense and good judgment to reach state standards. We want to learn as much as we can from the testing already underway in grades 3-8 before authorizing an expansion of No Child Left Behind to the high school levels. A good place for the new Secretary to show good faith in this is to work quickly to implement the new state flexibility that Congress has granted states to define a "highly qualified" teacher for special education students in middle and high schools. About 100,000 teachers are required to meet this new requirement by August - and the authority to set the more flexible requirements was only signed into law last month.
V. Restore the civic mission of our public schools, especially by helping children learn American History - The late Al Shanker, President of the American Federation of Teachers, once said the rationale for the common school in America was "to help immigrant children learn the 3 R's and what it means to be an American with the hope they would go home and teach their parents." It is a national embarrassment that high school seniors make lower scores on United States history than on any other subject tested by the National Assessment for Educational Progress.
Congress enacted legislation that Senator Reid and I sponsored last year to authorize summer academies for outstanding teachers and students of American history and civics. I strongly urge the Secretary to ensure that a few of these Presidential Academies for Teachers and Congressional Academies for Students are up and running in the summer of 2005. Senator Kennedy and I have sponsored legislation that will allow 10 states to compare scores on U.S. history NAEP exams in the 8th and 12th grades. The Congress and the new Secretary can work together to coordinate a variety of federal programs designed to restore the civic purpose of our public schools. The rudiments of our common culture are our common language, English, our common history, and our common ideals, like liberty and equal opportunity, which we are constantly striving to achieve. The common school exists to help make sure each generation knows this.
I look forward to working with the President, his new Secretary and members of this Committee to place the proper national spotlight on education. If confirmed, Mrs. Spellings may sit at the end of the Cabinet table and be the last to be evacuated in case of an emergency, but in my judgment there is no more important chair at the table than the one she has been nominated to sit in.
For the week of January 10, 2005
As a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I attended the nomination hearing for Margaret Spellings to be U.S. Secretary of Education.
I once held the same job that President Bush hopes Margaret Spellings will hold. At my first Cabinet meeting, I learned that the Secretary of Education sits at the end of the Cabinet table and is the last to be evacuated in case of an emergency. In other words, by some Washington standards, it is not a very important job.
But I believe that there are few jobs in Washington more important than United States Secretary of Education. Our country is faced with three great issues. One is terrorism. One is preserving our common culture. And one is keeping our jobs in an increasingly competitive world marketplace. And nothing is more important to keeping our jobs than having a superior system of education at every level. Jobs will migrate wherever the brainpower exists. In short, better schools and colleges mean better jobs.
I believe Margaret Spellings will be an excellent Secretary because she is uniquely suited to help President Bush be an Education President. The President knows and trusts her. She has played a critical role in education policy in Texas and in domestic policy in Washington, D.C. She and the President know that Washington can exhort and encourage standard-setting and provide some funding, but that the quality of our schools, colleges and universities depends primarily upon parents, faculty members, communities, state and local governments and our private sector.
During his eight years, the President has a great opportunity to be our most important Education President. Here are my suggestions for how he and his Secretary might focus their time during this next four years:
I. Establish a point person within the administration for higher education -One of my great regrets as I left the office of Secretary of Education in 1993 was that I did not ask President George H.W. Bush that I be that point person. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that half of our new jobs since World War II have come from our technological superiority. Much of that brainpower has come from 50 or so research universities and 50 major federal research laboratories. No other country in the world has anything like this. We spent $19 billion this past year on federal dollars for research at these universities. The education of the greatest generation at more than 6,000 institutions of higher education has come primarily because 60 percent of those who attend colleges and universities have a federal grant or loan that follows them to the school of their choice.
Yet I fear we are taking our higher education system for granted. Other countries, such as China, are waking up. More of their best students are staying home instead of coming to the United States. Visa problems in an age of terrorism discourage the importing of more foreign brainpower. Federal spending for the physical sciences is flat. And states are reducing their support for higher education because of increasing health care costs, among other reasons.
This administration and this Congress should create a new focus on how to make sure that we don't wake up in 10 years and discover we have lost our secret weapon in keeping good jobs: our superior colleges, universities and research labs.
II. Find ways to involve parents in the education of their children by giving them more choices of educational opportunities - The genius of federal policy toward higher education is that we respect the autonomy of individual institutions and allow federal dollars to follow students to the schools of their choice. This creates opportunity, competition and diversity. Since these policies have created the best colleges, why not use them to help create the best schools?
This President, I believe, should propose that new federal funding for elementary and secondary education should begin to follow the successful example of federal funding for higher education and increasingly be given to parents who then spend it at the school or the educational program of their choice.
III. Make sure we are spending federal dollars for children age 0 to 5 years as well as possible – The federal government spends $18 to $21 billion each year on 69 different programs that dedicate part of their budgets towards early education and care programs that serve children under age 5. The Department of Education administers 34 of the 69 programs. States and local government spend even more. Almost everyone agrees that the earlier children are helped, the better they learn. But now is an excellent time to examine whether we are spending well what we already spend.
IV. Make sure No Child Left Behind is funded, flexible and working before it is expanded - During the last four years President Bush and the Congress have increased federal funding for k-12 education by 36 percent, while state funding in my own state of Tennessee has increased by 10.7 percent. Despite GAO and Accountability Works findings to the contrary, there are still complaints that the federal requirements of No Child Left Behind aren't properly funded.
My own experience has been that 70 percent or even more of the consternation about NCLB among local school systems came simply from confusion about what the federal and state governments did or didn't require. This Congress and, I believe, the administration have a responsibility to make sure that the current requirements of No Child Left Behind are properly funded and are as flexible as possible so that teachers and principals can use their own common sense and good judgment to reach state standards. We want to learn as much as we can from the testing already underway in grades 3-8 before authorizing an expansion of No Child Left Behind to the high school levels. A good place for the new Secretary to show good faith in this is to work quickly to implement the new state flexibility that Congress has granted states to define a "highly qualified" teacher for special education students in middle and high schools. About 100,000 teachers are required to meet this new requirement by August - and the authority to set the more flexible requirements was only signed into law last month.
V. Restore the civic mission of our public schools, especially by helping children learn American History - The late Al Shanker, President of the American Federation of Teachers, once said the rationale for the common school in America was "to help immigrant children learn the 3 R's and what it means to be an American with the hope they would go home and teach their parents." It is a national embarrassment that high school seniors make lower scores on United States history than on any other subject tested by the National Assessment for Educational Progress.
Congress enacted legislation that Senator Reid and I sponsored last year to authorize summer academies for outstanding teachers and students of American history and civics. I strongly urge the Secretary to ensure that a few of these Presidential Academies for Teachers and Congressional Academies for Students are up and running in the summer of 2005. Senator Kennedy and I have sponsored legislation that will allow 10 states to compare scores on U.S. history NAEP exams in the 8th and 12th grades. The Congress and the new Secretary can work together to coordinate a variety of federal programs designed to restore the civic purpose of our public schools. The rudiments of our common culture are our common language, English, our common history, and our common ideals, like liberty and equal opportunity, which we are constantly striving to achieve. The common school exists to help make sure each generation knows this.
I look forward to working with the President, his new Secretary and members of this Committee to place the proper national spotlight on education. If confirmed, Mrs. Spellings may sit at the end of the Cabinet table and be the last to be evacuated in case of an emergency, but in my judgment there is no more important chair at the table than the one she has been nominated to sit in.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
FRIST, ALEXANDER SUPPORT TENNESSEE’S 278th
ARMORED CALVARY DIVISION
WASHINGTON – In a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Sens. Bill Frist (R-TN) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) today asked for details of what is being done to ensure that the 278th has the best equipment possible to aid them in the difficult missions they are undertaking in Iraq.
“Tennessee’s 278th is one of our nation’s finest National Guard units," said Frist. "We must ensure that they are able to accomplish their mission safely and successfully. I’ll continue to work with Major General Hargett of the Tennessee National Guard and the Secretary of Defense to provide adequate resources for our men and women in combat.”
“The 278th is Tennessee’s largest National Guard until and one of the country’s most distinguished,” said Alexander. “I attended two events for them in Knoxville and at Camp Shelby in connection with their deployment to Iraq. We often say that we have the best equipped fighting forces in the world, and we want to make sure that’s true.”
Frist and Alexander are making the inquiry based on news reports of a conversation between Secretary Rumsfeld and a member of the 278th Armored Calvary Division in which a member of the 278th expressed concerns about equipment and vehicle needs.
###
Text of letter to Defense Secretary Rumsfeld:
December 8, 2004
The Honorable Donald Rumsfeld
Secretary of the Department of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
Dear Mr. Secretary,
Thank you for your willingness to meet with our soldiers in Iraq, and to take questions from our service men and women who are serving their country abroad.
It is our understanding that a soldier from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Tennessee Army National Guard raised a serious question about the availability of armored HMMWVs for his unit. As you know, the FY 2005 Defense Appropriations Act that was signed into law on August 5, 2004, provides $572 million to address this very issue.
The 278th is Tennessee's largest National Guard unit, and one of the country's most distinguished. We know well that you have the interests and welfare of all of our Nation's service men and women at heart, and that you are committed to defeating the terrorists and insurgents in Iraq.
We, too, want to ensure our fighting forces are adequately protected and have the best equipment in the world. To that end, please let us know what is being done to ensure the 278th has the armored vehicles it needs, or what actions will be taken to provide them with a suitable interim solution, so that they may accomplish their assigned missions in Iraq.
We look forward to hearing from you soon on this matter, and stand ready to assist you in this critical effort.
Sincerely,
William H. Frist, M.D. Lamar Alexander
United States Senate United States Senate
ARMORED CALVARY DIVISION
WASHINGTON – In a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Sens. Bill Frist (R-TN) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) today asked for details of what is being done to ensure that the 278th has the best equipment possible to aid them in the difficult missions they are undertaking in Iraq.
“Tennessee’s 278th is one of our nation’s finest National Guard units," said Frist. "We must ensure that they are able to accomplish their mission safely and successfully. I’ll continue to work with Major General Hargett of the Tennessee National Guard and the Secretary of Defense to provide adequate resources for our men and women in combat.”
“The 278th is Tennessee’s largest National Guard until and one of the country’s most distinguished,” said Alexander. “I attended two events for them in Knoxville and at Camp Shelby in connection with their deployment to Iraq. We often say that we have the best equipped fighting forces in the world, and we want to make sure that’s true.”
Frist and Alexander are making the inquiry based on news reports of a conversation between Secretary Rumsfeld and a member of the 278th Armored Calvary Division in which a member of the 278th expressed concerns about equipment and vehicle needs.
###
Text of letter to Defense Secretary Rumsfeld:
December 8, 2004
The Honorable Donald Rumsfeld
Secretary of the Department of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
Dear Mr. Secretary,
Thank you for your willingness to meet with our soldiers in Iraq, and to take questions from our service men and women who are serving their country abroad.
It is our understanding that a soldier from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Tennessee Army National Guard raised a serious question about the availability of armored HMMWVs for his unit. As you know, the FY 2005 Defense Appropriations Act that was signed into law on August 5, 2004, provides $572 million to address this very issue.
The 278th is Tennessee's largest National Guard unit, and one of the country's most distinguished. We know well that you have the interests and welfare of all of our Nation's service men and women at heart, and that you are committed to defeating the terrorists and insurgents in Iraq.
We, too, want to ensure our fighting forces are adequately protected and have the best equipment in the world. To that end, please let us know what is being done to ensure the 278th has the armored vehicles it needs, or what actions will be taken to provide them with a suitable interim solution, so that they may accomplish their assigned missions in Iraq.
We look forward to hearing from you soon on this matter, and stand ready to assist you in this critical effort.
Sincerely,
William H. Frist, M.D. Lamar Alexander
United States Senate United States Senate
Monday, November 01, 2004
IF YOU DON'T KNOW YOUR ADDRESS YOU MIGHT JUST LIVE IN HOUSTON COUNTY
At a recent 911 board meeting postmaster Sawyer told the board that there were still problems with the addresses some where people were offered two addresses because of having dual driveways some even on different roads to private roads with multiple houses. Other problems are that over 1000 resident have no idea what their 911 address because they have a post office box and were never notified of the changes. The new addressing system, using street names and house numbers is based on a 5.2 feet measuring system and was undertaken primarily to comply with the Enhanced 911 emergency system which requires specific house or building identification for emergency response. The new numbered street address will flash on a computer screen at a primary answering point dispatch center when a caller dials 911. According to sawyer this is all well and good and hopes that the address is not ever required for that reason but the mail and other delivery services are there every day. One big problem is the naming of private roads that the post office is not allowed to use unless there is a hard ship problem. The fix for this is to put your mail box as close to your private road as possible while leaving it on a public maintained road kind of a snow route for school busses except this is the mail. Other problems were that houses on corners having driveways on one street even though houses face the other street. Our 911 board has chosen to use the street that your driveway is on because this is were the ambulance or other emergency services would access your residence. One company only wanted to know that 911 would not change their adress again because of the tremendous expense in changing all of their required paper work. other problems were no shared database between 911 and the post office meaning that the post office was offten unaware of changes . The good news is that 911 is close to what has been a tremendous undertaking that could save your life there are still some minor changes to be made and there have been errors made, but only people not doing anything never make errors.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Weekend in review
Saturday started with the annual Community Health Fair is held at the each year. The event has grown in popularity each and every year. It's free to the public and is always filled with information and activities for all ages. This Health Fair provides the community with a well-rounded sampler of the many health options available for individuals of all ages. According to Yvette Gillespie all but a few of the vendors were local and they had a busy morning Traditional and complimentary health care providers, as well as fitness, senior services, nutrition and wellness counselors were on-hand to educate the public and provide information on important health-related issues. While there I had my eyes checked,my blood pressure taken,my sugar checked a massage, told the benefits of not smoking and a tour of the new Decontamination tent that the fire department has available. I left the Health fair feeling that if I had a health problem or accident I was in good hands.MORE PHOTOS
then it was off to the Air Evac helipcopter for the ride of my life.The Ride was part of a promotion by the rotary Toys for Tots Fun day in which there was a drawing for the rides on the Air Evac helipcopter. Areial Photos 
then there was Magnums Toys for Tots family Fun Day. At the Fun day there was music food a car and bike Show. There was $2500.00 raided the day of the event and by week end a check was written to Toys for Tots for $4000.00 . This is just another case of giving to the community Houston County is famous for
then VFW Post 9689 had their Ribbon Cutting. The VFW took over the old jail on Hill Street in Erin, in March and a transformation has taken place. VFW members and many community people and officials gathered out front of the new VFW Post Home for the Ribbon Cutting. This was a big accomplishment for the VFW Post 9689, because they have never had a Post Home before. All their meetings and gatherings have always been held at Erin, City Hall.
Following the Ribbon Cutting and fellow-shipping, at four 0'clock there was a Fish Fry and live music. Fish and all the fixing's were available for dine in or take out. Those who chose to eat at the VFW, were entertained by local entertainers. Those who were there to share there talents were Debbie Schmidt, Ashley Baggett, Cathy Smith, Garret Seay and friends.
All who attended had plenty of food and a good time. The evening was finished off with some dancing. Be sure to watch for the next Fish Fry in the Spring...MORE PHOTOS We finished out the day at Wrights Friend and Family yearly barbecue.
Robert Wright said there was two hundred and fifty people at the event. For me it was some of the best home cooking in the area. I love Houston County sorry I have been so long in getting the pictures up.MORE PHOTOS
Monday, February 09, 2004
February 9, 2004
NetProfit Solutions Offers Interview Coaching to Job Seekers
NetProfit Solutions-a revenue enhancement consulting firm-has expanded its sales, marketing and customer service offerings which help small and medium sized business owners improve their revenue generation results. It has added to its professional service product suite a coaching service for individual job seekers called “Interview Advantage”. “Given the common need to help business leaders hire the right sales, marketing and customer service staff and given that most job candidates do not interview particularly well, it seems a logical extension of my services” says Paul Van der Voort the president and founder of NetProfit Solutions. “Interview Advantage helps job seekers think more like the hiring managers I work with and in so doing, improves the resulting “fit” for my business leaders” states Mr. Van der Voort.
Interview Advantage is a coaching service which helps the job candidate understand the mindset of the hiring manager first and second, helps the job candidate do a superior job positioning themselves as the best solution for that manager. During the coaching session, candidates are taught how to focus on the results the hiring manager seeks, on the experience, skills and personal attributes of value to the hiring manager and how the hiring manger uses interviewing techniques to find the perfect new employee.
Second, upon completion of an Interview Advantage coaching session, candidates will know; how to prepare for interviews effectively, how to ask meaningful questions during the interview, how to answer interview questions powerfully and how to follow up an interview impressively.
“Given that job seekers already have plenty of options to receive help with resume writing, networking and negotiation to guide them during their job search but almost no help with the crucial step in the process represented by the actual interview itself, I saw an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience” said Mr. Van der Voort. “In fact,” he says, “I’m certain that this would be a valuable supplemental service for recruitment firms who would benefit by seeing an increase in their placement rates as their candidates become more effective and competitive. For this reason, I will be exploring partnership arrangements of this type in the next 45 days”.
Paul Van der Voort can be contacted at: (615) 885-4137 or via email at” pbvandervoort@aol.com.
NetProfit Solutions Offers Interview Coaching to Job Seekers
NetProfit Solutions-a revenue enhancement consulting firm-has expanded its sales, marketing and customer service offerings which help small and medium sized business owners improve their revenue generation results. It has added to its professional service product suite a coaching service for individual job seekers called “Interview Advantage”. “Given the common need to help business leaders hire the right sales, marketing and customer service staff and given that most job candidates do not interview particularly well, it seems a logical extension of my services” says Paul Van der Voort the president and founder of NetProfit Solutions. “Interview Advantage helps job seekers think more like the hiring managers I work with and in so doing, improves the resulting “fit” for my business leaders” states Mr. Van der Voort.
Interview Advantage is a coaching service which helps the job candidate understand the mindset of the hiring manager first and second, helps the job candidate do a superior job positioning themselves as the best solution for that manager. During the coaching session, candidates are taught how to focus on the results the hiring manager seeks, on the experience, skills and personal attributes of value to the hiring manager and how the hiring manger uses interviewing techniques to find the perfect new employee.
Second, upon completion of an Interview Advantage coaching session, candidates will know; how to prepare for interviews effectively, how to ask meaningful questions during the interview, how to answer interview questions powerfully and how to follow up an interview impressively.
“Given that job seekers already have plenty of options to receive help with resume writing, networking and negotiation to guide them during their job search but almost no help with the crucial step in the process represented by the actual interview itself, I saw an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience” said Mr. Van der Voort. “In fact,” he says, “I’m certain that this would be a valuable supplemental service for recruitment firms who would benefit by seeing an increase in their placement rates as their candidates become more effective and competitive. For this reason, I will be exploring partnership arrangements of this type in the next 45 days”.
Paul Van der Voort can be contacted at: (615) 885-4137 or via email at” pbvandervoort@aol.com.
Saturday, June 29, 2002
No New Taxes Budget:
ByMatt Kroplin
Democratic Caucus Press Secretary
www.tnhousedems.com
matt.kroplin@legislature.state.tn.us
615.741.6620
In order to offset proposed cuts
of over $400 million from K-12 Education (including $373 from the BEP which
would have caused either a loss of 8,352 teachers or a property tax increase on
the average of 27% to offset local cuts), the state will instead retain a
portion of state-shared taxes ($368 million) from Tennessee cities and counties
to cover this cut (this will likely cause an increase in local property taxes
but will protect basic education and teachers);
Cuts over $107 million from
Higher Education (including elimination of over 2500 positions and likely
resulting in another substantial tuition increase);
Reduction of uninsurables on
TennCare (causing around 145,000 individuals statewide to lose health
insurance);
Cuts in Health (causing 20,000 Tennesseans with serious mental
illness who are currently in active treatment will lose mental health coverage
and 301,200 additional Tennesseans to lose mental health benefits);
and,
Across-the-board reductions of 12.5%.
Closing all non self-sustaining state
parks and
Reductions of 12.5% in areas of state government including, but not
limited to, the elimination of funding for: TN Preparatory School, the
Governor's Regional Offices, TN State Guard, Wetlands Acquisition Fund, TN Fire
and Codes Academy, Adult Basic Education Program, TN Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (about 2,500 state workers will lose their jobs) as well
as a reduction in funding for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Tax
Relief Program for Elderly and Disabled.
Funding Gap:
The total funding gap
for next year's budget is $945.2 million. This is the amount that must be cut
for a No New Taxes Budget to be enacted.
This year's shortfall, coupled with
previous shortfalls, is $477.4 million which must then be added to mandatory
improvement items.
The necessary budget reductions are needed to offset the
net available funds (-$477.4 million) which is negative due to the
state's recurring deficit, the FY2002 shortfall, and the negative net revenue
growth.
Mandatory improvement items are, in largest part: the Basic Education
Program, TennCare, Group Insurance, Children's Services and Statutory Salaries.
These improvements do not include: non-recurring grants such as fireman's
supplement pay, education grants, state parks; or salary increases for state
employees and teachers.
As these cuts are made, further expenses are incurred.
For example, to close a state park would cost unemployment for laid-off
employees, capital outlay to close the park and mothball it, etc.
When you
include capital maintenance (UT schools, State Board of Regents schools, radio
towers, etc.), the reduction of over-appropriation (abolishing current positions
and shifting load to existing positions), the cost incurred to close facilities
(terminal leave, unemployment benefits, continuing contract liabilities,
mothballing expenses), and the mandatory yearly allowance to the Rainy Day Fund,
the total funding gap is $945.2 million
Thus, the $945.2 million figure is the
bare minimum needed to create a balanced budget for the next fiscal year with no
new taxes and no improvements that are not mandated or court ordered.
This
amount must be removed from the current structure to create a no new tax budget.
As this removal occurs, however, other expenses must follow.
Framework for
creating a No New Taxes Budget:
This budget is not intended to be a "stop-gap"
budget--rather, a new paradigm for Tennessee government to live within its
existing means
It is expected that no new taxes will be enacted.
This is a
conservative process--virtually no reserves will be left as a cushion for
ensuing years.
The stated priorities are: basic education, health and safety
activities.
Thursday, June 20, 2002
James O. "Jimmy" Naifeh
Speaker of the House
Tennessee General Assembly
19 Legislative Plaza
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-3774
To the editor:
I would like to take a moment of your time and talk to you about reforming
the State of Tennessee's way of taxation.
First let me say I understand that no one wants to pay more taxes. I don't
want to pay more in taxes than is absolutely necessary. However, like you,
I recognize that providing an adequate level of state services requires we
all pay taxes.
We are a low tax state and, even after tax reform, will continue to be a low
tax state. The average Tennessean pays less in state and local taxes than
the citizens of any other state. Including the District of Columbia, we
rank 51st in the nation in per capita state taxation. While being ranked
last in taxation is a good thing, it does have consequences. If we insist
on being 51st in taxes, we will never rank much higher in areas that are
important to all of us, like providing quality educational programs for our
children and health care for our neediest citizens. I support increased tax
revenue because I do not want to be ranked 51st in these areas.
Our current consumption based tax system grows at a slower pace than the
cost of services being provided for two simple reasons. First, over the
last 20 years, we have dramatically shifted our purchasing away from the
purchase of goods which are taxable to the purchase of services which are
not taxed. Second, under federal law, most purchases made over the Internet
are not subject to state sales taxes - it is estimated that Internet sales
are costing us over $300 million annually in tax growth. So why not tax
services to fix our problem? The largest areas of services not taxed are
for health care and construction spending. Most people find taxing health
care services morally objectionable and taxing construction just adds to the
cost of housing, making it more difficult for people to buy a new home or
for a business to expand. Over time, the demand for services from state
government has grown due to both general population growth and unique
factors that grow faster than general population change, such as the growth
in people being sentenced to state prisons, increased numbers of students in
higher education institutions, and increased number of cases processed
through our court system. The result is that with the current tax system,
we can't keep up with current service demands, much less "grow" ourselves
into a higher ranking in spending on priorities such as education, health
care, and public safety. A change in the tax system is needed for these and
other reasons.
The current system is unfair--it asks lower income families to pay a higher
share of their income in state taxes because we tax consumption of basic
needs--like food, clothing, motor vehicle fuel and fees such as for driver's
licenses. Why do I say this is unfair? A family making $12,600 pays
approximately 12% of their income in state and local taxes while a family
making $159,000 pays approximately 4% of their income in state and local
taxes. What's fair about that?
I support the flat tax reform plan because it creates a fairer tax system
and represents a long term solution to the state's funding needs. Now for
some facts about this plan. First, if you are married and make less than
$30,000...read no further because you will pay no income taxes under this
plan. For most Tennesseans, you would calculate the tax you pay as follows:
* Begin with your federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)- - - you will
find this number on line 33 of the 1040 form;
* From your AGI, subtract $15,000 for a single filer or $30,000 for
married filers. Also, subtract $1,500 for each of your dependants;
* Take the remaining amount and multiply by 4.5% (.045). This is the
amount you would pay in state income tax.
This income tax amount is deductible on your federal income tax return in
the same way that you currently deduct home mortgage interest and property
taxes. Now for some questions.
Will social security benefits be taxed? Social Security will only be taxed
for state purposes to the extent they are taxed for federal purposes. What
does this mean? First, if your only income is from Social Security, then
you will owe no state income tax. If you have income in addition to social
security, the federal rule of thumb is that if one half of your social
security plus all your other income exceeds a threshold of $32,000 for an
couple or $25,000 for an individual, the amounts in excess of the threshold
amount is included in you taxable income. Otherwise, it is exempt. The
long and short - if you have to include social security benefits for federal
tax purposes, then they will be taxable to the same degree by the state. If
you filed a federal 1040 form this year, you would have included any taxable
social security benefits on line 20b. But remember, you still get to
subtract the state personal exemption ($15,000 for singles, $30,000 for
married) from your AGI.
Will capital gains be taxed? Under this plan, one half of long term capital
gains will be taxed by Tennessee. To estimate the taxable portion of
capital gains, take your net long term capital gains from line 13 of your
federal 1040 form and multiply by 50% (0.5). The other half is not included
in your AGI for Tennessee purposes. Whatever portion is included in AGI is
taxed at 4.5%, again, after deducting the personal exemption. For most
people, their largest capital gain comes from selling their home. Under
federal rules that Tennessee will follow, a capital gain on the sale of a
home is generally not taxable unless it exceeds $500,000 for a married
couple or $250,000 for a single person. Remember, the capital gain is not
the selling price of your home - it's the difference in price between what
you sell it for and the price you paid when you purchased it.
Does everyone pay taxes under the Flat Tax Reform Plan? Yes. The plan does
remove the state and local sales tax on grocery food, on clothing with a
value of less than $500 and non-prescription drugs. This provides some
degree of tax relief to low and middle income families as well as our
elderly population who live on a fixed income. However, everyone will
continue to pay sales tax on all other purchases, gas taxes and fees for
state services such as drivers licenses.
With this reform in place, Tennessee will also be able to capture the taxes
it currently loses from people who work in Tennessee but live out of state.
Those who do not live here but work here would now begin paying income taxes
to Tennessee. They would then take a credit against their "home" state
income tax equal to the amount of Tennessee income tax they paid. In the
end, they don't pay more in total, it's just that Tennessee now gets a share
of what they currently pay to their home state. For instance, professional
athletes and entertainers would have to pay to play or perform here just as
they do in almost every other state. We estimate that Tennessee lost out on
around $120 million in revenue from people who work here but pay no taxes
here. Tennessee citizens who work out of state already pay income taxes in
the state of employment. In their case, they would take a credit against
their Tennessee income tax for the amount of income tax paid in the state of
employment. Since the income tax in every state surrounding Tennessee is
higher than what's being proposed here, no Tennessean working in another
state should see an increase in their total taxes.
During this legislative session, it has become apparent that a majority of
legislators now recognize that Tennessee faces a significant financial
problem. To have a balanced budget next year, we either must find a way to
raise revenue or we must reduce the current budget by $950 million. I don't
want to cut $950 million from the existing spending given the severe
consequences it will have on every citizen in this state. I don't think
most people who have studied this want that either. The question then is,
How are we going to raise this money? We can either reform the system by
choosing fairness, deductibility and long-term stability or we can
perpetuate the current unfair and inadequate system and continue to have a
similar problem in the years ahead.
I'm for fixing the problem.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Naifeh
Speaker of the House
Speaker of the House
Tennessee General Assembly
19 Legislative Plaza
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-3774
To the editor:
I would like to take a moment of your time and talk to you about reforming
the State of Tennessee's way of taxation.
First let me say I understand that no one wants to pay more taxes. I don't
want to pay more in taxes than is absolutely necessary. However, like you,
I recognize that providing an adequate level of state services requires we
all pay taxes.
We are a low tax state and, even after tax reform, will continue to be a low
tax state. The average Tennessean pays less in state and local taxes than
the citizens of any other state. Including the District of Columbia, we
rank 51st in the nation in per capita state taxation. While being ranked
last in taxation is a good thing, it does have consequences. If we insist
on being 51st in taxes, we will never rank much higher in areas that are
important to all of us, like providing quality educational programs for our
children and health care for our neediest citizens. I support increased tax
revenue because I do not want to be ranked 51st in these areas.
Our current consumption based tax system grows at a slower pace than the
cost of services being provided for two simple reasons. First, over the
last 20 years, we have dramatically shifted our purchasing away from the
purchase of goods which are taxable to the purchase of services which are
not taxed. Second, under federal law, most purchases made over the Internet
are not subject to state sales taxes - it is estimated that Internet sales
are costing us over $300 million annually in tax growth. So why not tax
services to fix our problem? The largest areas of services not taxed are
for health care and construction spending. Most people find taxing health
care services morally objectionable and taxing construction just adds to the
cost of housing, making it more difficult for people to buy a new home or
for a business to expand. Over time, the demand for services from state
government has grown due to both general population growth and unique
factors that grow faster than general population change, such as the growth
in people being sentenced to state prisons, increased numbers of students in
higher education institutions, and increased number of cases processed
through our court system. The result is that with the current tax system,
we can't keep up with current service demands, much less "grow" ourselves
into a higher ranking in spending on priorities such as education, health
care, and public safety. A change in the tax system is needed for these and
other reasons.
The current system is unfair--it asks lower income families to pay a higher
share of their income in state taxes because we tax consumption of basic
needs--like food, clothing, motor vehicle fuel and fees such as for driver's
licenses. Why do I say this is unfair? A family making $12,600 pays
approximately 12% of their income in state and local taxes while a family
making $159,000 pays approximately 4% of their income in state and local
taxes. What's fair about that?
I support the flat tax reform plan because it creates a fairer tax system
and represents a long term solution to the state's funding needs. Now for
some facts about this plan. First, if you are married and make less than
$30,000...read no further because you will pay no income taxes under this
plan. For most Tennesseans, you would calculate the tax you pay as follows:
* Begin with your federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)- - - you will
find this number on line 33 of the 1040 form;
* From your AGI, subtract $15,000 for a single filer or $30,000 for
married filers. Also, subtract $1,500 for each of your dependants;
* Take the remaining amount and multiply by 4.5% (.045). This is the
amount you would pay in state income tax.
This income tax amount is deductible on your federal income tax return in
the same way that you currently deduct home mortgage interest and property
taxes. Now for some questions.
Will social security benefits be taxed? Social Security will only be taxed
for state purposes to the extent they are taxed for federal purposes. What
does this mean? First, if your only income is from Social Security, then
you will owe no state income tax. If you have income in addition to social
security, the federal rule of thumb is that if one half of your social
security plus all your other income exceeds a threshold of $32,000 for an
couple or $25,000 for an individual, the amounts in excess of the threshold
amount is included in you taxable income. Otherwise, it is exempt. The
long and short - if you have to include social security benefits for federal
tax purposes, then they will be taxable to the same degree by the state. If
you filed a federal 1040 form this year, you would have included any taxable
social security benefits on line 20b. But remember, you still get to
subtract the state personal exemption ($15,000 for singles, $30,000 for
married) from your AGI.
Will capital gains be taxed? Under this plan, one half of long term capital
gains will be taxed by Tennessee. To estimate the taxable portion of
capital gains, take your net long term capital gains from line 13 of your
federal 1040 form and multiply by 50% (0.5). The other half is not included
in your AGI for Tennessee purposes. Whatever portion is included in AGI is
taxed at 4.5%, again, after deducting the personal exemption. For most
people, their largest capital gain comes from selling their home. Under
federal rules that Tennessee will follow, a capital gain on the sale of a
home is generally not taxable unless it exceeds $500,000 for a married
couple or $250,000 for a single person. Remember, the capital gain is not
the selling price of your home - it's the difference in price between what
you sell it for and the price you paid when you purchased it.
Does everyone pay taxes under the Flat Tax Reform Plan? Yes. The plan does
remove the state and local sales tax on grocery food, on clothing with a
value of less than $500 and non-prescription drugs. This provides some
degree of tax relief to low and middle income families as well as our
elderly population who live on a fixed income. However, everyone will
continue to pay sales tax on all other purchases, gas taxes and fees for
state services such as drivers licenses.
With this reform in place, Tennessee will also be able to capture the taxes
it currently loses from people who work in Tennessee but live out of state.
Those who do not live here but work here would now begin paying income taxes
to Tennessee. They would then take a credit against their "home" state
income tax equal to the amount of Tennessee income tax they paid. In the
end, they don't pay more in total, it's just that Tennessee now gets a share
of what they currently pay to their home state. For instance, professional
athletes and entertainers would have to pay to play or perform here just as
they do in almost every other state. We estimate that Tennessee lost out on
around $120 million in revenue from people who work here but pay no taxes
here. Tennessee citizens who work out of state already pay income taxes in
the state of employment. In their case, they would take a credit against
their Tennessee income tax for the amount of income tax paid in the state of
employment. Since the income tax in every state surrounding Tennessee is
higher than what's being proposed here, no Tennessean working in another
state should see an increase in their total taxes.
During this legislative session, it has become apparent that a majority of
legislators now recognize that Tennessee faces a significant financial
problem. To have a balanced budget next year, we either must find a way to
raise revenue or we must reduce the current budget by $950 million. I don't
want to cut $950 million from the existing spending given the severe
consequences it will have on every citizen in this state. I don't think
most people who have studied this want that either. The question then is,
How are we going to raise this money? We can either reform the system by
choosing fairness, deductibility and long-term stability or we can
perpetuate the current unfair and inadequate system and continue to have a
similar problem in the years ahead.
I'm for fixing the problem.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Naifeh
Speaker of the House
Monday, June 17, 2002
.![]()
COMMITTEE HEARINGS...JUNE 17, 2002,
3:33 PM CENTRAL TIME, ON THE CLOSING PLAN FOR FY 2002.
The House Finance, Ways
and Means Committee convened this afternoon to discuss ways to close this year's
budget in balance. The projected deficit for this fiscal year--ending June
30--is $475 million.
Finance Commissioner Warren Neel and Comptroller John
Morgan described the reserves that can be used to generate the $475 million.
They presented the reserves in two rounds, the first round would be reserves to
be zeroed out and the second round would be reserves used pro rata.
First Round
Use of Statutory Reserves (zero out balance):
Criminal Injuries & Drunk Drivers
Compensation Fund;
THDA Assets Fund;
Highway Fund;
Temporary Assistance -
Families First;
Local Parks Acquisition Fund;
State Lands Acquisition
Fund;
Agricultural Resources Conservation Fund;
Safety - Driver Education;
and,
Wetlands Acquisition Fund.
Second Round Use of Statutory Reserves (pro
rata use):
Rainy Day Fund (use 70%);
Parole & Probation - Supervision
Fees;
Health - Alcohol & Drug Addiction;
Judicial Information System;
Safety -
Titling & Registration;
TRA - Public Utilities;
TACIR;
Safe Schools
Program;
Special Schools;
Emergency Communications Fund;
Fraud & Economic Crimes
Fund;
TBI - Background Checks;
F&A - Electronic Fingerprinting;
Health -
Traumatic Brain Injury;
TRA - Telecomm Device Distribution Program;
TBI -
Expungement Fees;
Safety - Motorcycle Safety;
Education - Driver
Education;
Correction - Sex Offender Treatment Program;
State Lands Compensation
Fund;
Correction - Work Release Supervision Fees;
Human Services - Industries
for the Blind;
Wetlands Compensation Fund;
F&A - Domestic Violence Community
Education; and,
Secretary of State - Voting Machine Loan Fund.
House Finance
will reconvene tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 PM to review an updated No New Taxes
BudgeNEWS ALERT FROM STATE HOUSE FINANCE JUNE 17,t
3:33 PM CENTRAL TIME, ON THE CLOSING PLAN FOR FY 2002.
The House Finance, Ways
and Means Committee convened this afternoon to discuss ways to close this year's
budget in balance. The projected deficit for this fiscal year--ending June
30--is $475 million.
Finance Commissioner Warren Neel and Comptroller John
Morgan described the reserves that can be used to generate the $475 million.
They presented the reserves in two rounds, the first round would be reserves to
be zeroed out and the second round would be reserves used pro rata.
First Round
Use of Statutory Reserves (zero out balance):
Criminal Injuries & Drunk Drivers
Compensation Fund;
THDA Assets Fund;
Highway Fund;
Temporary Assistance -
Families First;
Local Parks Acquisition Fund;
State Lands Acquisition
Fund;
Agricultural Resources Conservation Fund;
Safety - Driver Education;
and,
Wetlands Acquisition Fund.
Second Round Use of Statutory Reserves (pro
rata use):
Rainy Day Fund (use 70%);
Parole & Probation - Supervision
Fees;
Health - Alcohol & Drug Addiction;
Judicial Information System;
Safety -
Titling & Registration;
TRA - Public Utilities;
TACIR;
Safe Schools
Program;
Special Schools;
Emergency Communications Fund;
Fraud & Economic Crimes
Fund;
TBI - Background Checks;
F&A - Electronic Fingerprinting;
Health -
Traumatic Brain Injury;
TRA - Telecomm Device Distribution Program;
TBI -
Expungement Fees;
Safety - Motorcycle Safety;
Education - Driver
Education;
Correction - Sex Offender Treatment Program;
State Lands Compensation
Fund;
Correction - Work Release Supervision Fees;
Human Services - Industries
for the Blind;
Wetlands Compensation Fund;
F&A - Domestic Violence Community
Education; and,
Secretary of State - Voting Machine Loan Fund.
House Finance
will reconvene tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 PM to review an updated No New Taxes
Friday, June 14, 2002
NEWS ALERT FROM STATE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS...JUNE 14, 2002, 1:45
PM CENTRAL TIME...THE FOLLOWING ARE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ONGOING STATE HOUSE
FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS ON THE "No New Taxes Budget" CURRENTLY BEING
DEBATED:
House Budget Hearings continued this morning with the Department of
Environment and Conservation, the Department of Transportation, TWRA, and
TACIR.
Deputy Commissioner Rick Sinclair presented cuts to the Department of
Environment and Conservation:
* Elimination of Local Park Acquisition Fund;
* Elimination of State Land Acquisition Fund;
* Closing of all state parks;
* Reduction of Administration, Historical Commission, State Parks,
State Parks Maintenance, Maintenance of Historic Sites, West Tennessee River
Basin Authority, Air Pollution Control, Radiological Health, Community
Assistance, Water Pollution Control, Solid Waste Management, Water Supply
and Groundwater Protection;
* Reduction of Archaeology, Geology and Natural Heritage; and
* Total reduction of 1,956 employees.
Commissioner Bruce Saltsman presented cuts to the Department of
Transportation:
* Elimination of State-Aide/Bridge Grant;
* Elimination of Local Interstate Connectors funds;
* Reduction of State Industrial Access Fund;
* Reduction of Mass Transit projects;
* Reduction of State Highway Construction;
* Reduction of TDOT Headquarters;
* Reduction of Bureau of Administration;
* Reduction of Bureau of Engineering;
* Reduction of Field Engineering;
* Reduction of Equipment Purchases and Operations;
* Reduction of Planning and Research; and,
* Total elimination of 311 positions.
Director Gary Myers presented cuts to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource
Administration:
* Elimination of funding for the Wetlands Acquisition Fund.
Director Harry Green of the Tennessee Advisory Commission on
Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) presented the effects on eliminating
State-Shared Taxes:
* 185 municipalities would need to double their current property tax
rate (at a minimum) to maintain current level of spending;
* 36 counties would need to increase their property tax rate by over
50%;
* 16 counties would need to increase their rate by over 75 percent;
* 6 counties would need to more than double their current rate.
The House Finance Committee will reconvene on Monday at 1:30 PM to discuss
how to close the current Fiscal Year in balance.
PM CENTRAL TIME...THE FOLLOWING ARE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ONGOING STATE HOUSE
FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS ON THE "No New Taxes Budget" CURRENTLY BEING
DEBATED:
House Budget Hearings continued this morning with the Department of
Environment and Conservation, the Department of Transportation, TWRA, and
TACIR.
Deputy Commissioner Rick Sinclair presented cuts to the Department of
Environment and Conservation:
* Elimination of Local Park Acquisition Fund;
* Elimination of State Land Acquisition Fund;
* Closing of all state parks;
* Reduction of Administration, Historical Commission, State Parks,
State Parks Maintenance, Maintenance of Historic Sites, West Tennessee River
Basin Authority, Air Pollution Control, Radiological Health, Community
Assistance, Water Pollution Control, Solid Waste Management, Water Supply
and Groundwater Protection;
* Reduction of Archaeology, Geology and Natural Heritage; and
* Total reduction of 1,956 employees.
Commissioner Bruce Saltsman presented cuts to the Department of
Transportation:
* Elimination of State-Aide/Bridge Grant;
* Elimination of Local Interstate Connectors funds;
* Reduction of State Industrial Access Fund;
* Reduction of Mass Transit projects;
* Reduction of State Highway Construction;
* Reduction of TDOT Headquarters;
* Reduction of Bureau of Administration;
* Reduction of Bureau of Engineering;
* Reduction of Field Engineering;
* Reduction of Equipment Purchases and Operations;
* Reduction of Planning and Research; and,
* Total elimination of 311 positions.
Director Gary Myers presented cuts to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource
Administration:
* Elimination of funding for the Wetlands Acquisition Fund.
Director Harry Green of the Tennessee Advisory Commission on
Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) presented the effects on eliminating
State-Shared Taxes:
* 185 municipalities would need to double their current property tax
rate (at a minimum) to maintain current level of spending;
* 36 counties would need to increase their property tax rate by over
50%;
* 16 counties would need to increase their rate by over 75 percent;
* 6 counties would need to more than double their current rate.
The House Finance Committee will reconvene on Monday at 1:30 PM to discuss
how to close the current Fiscal Year in balance.
Thursday, June 13, 2002
NEWS ALERT FROM STATE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS...JUNE 12, 2002, 1:39
PM CENTRAL TIME...THE FOLLOWING ARE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ONGOING STATE HOUSE
FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS ON THE "No New Taxes Budget" CURRENTLY BEING
DEBATED:
House Budget Hearings continued this morning with TennCare, the Department
of Mental Health and the Department of Health.
Deputy Governor John Tighe presented the impact if TennCare reverted to
Medicaid:
* Over 300,000 individuals will lose their health insurance;
* Tennessee would lose federal participation in IMD funding and
premium match;
* County owned hospitals would experience a large increase in their
charity care and would look to local governments for financial assistance;
* Most hospitals would see an increase in unreimbursed charity and
indigent care;
* Any implementation of a Disproportionate Share payments would
require federal approval and an appropriation from the General Assembly;
* Health Care providers across the state would see an increase in
their charity care costs;
* Due to the requirement that enrollees be provided adequate notice
and due process rights, Tighe estimates that it will take 6-8 months to
screen all waiver enrollees for Medicaid and disenroll those that don't
qualify.
In addition to reverting to Medicaid, the following cuts would also have to
be made:
* Reduction of the PACE (Program for the All-inclusive Care of the
Elderly) waiver;
* Reduction of the statewide long-term care waiver;
* Reduction of the Senior/ADAPT waiver;
* Reduction of the general and skilled nursing facilities.
Tighe: "To say that this would be devastating to the state would be an
understatement."
Tighe also noted that it will cost the state $370 million of federal
matching funds should they implement this plan that causes 300,000 people to
lose health insurance.
Commissioner Elisabeth Rukeyser presented the impact on Mental Health should
the state revert to Medicaid:
* At least 20,000 Tennesseans with serious mental illness who are
currently in active treatment will lose mental health coverage;
* 301,200 additional Tennesseans lose mental health benefits;
* $165 million of federal revenue lost annually;
* Collapse of overall public and private mental health services
system;
* Increase of persons with serious mental illness in the jails and on
the streets.
Health Commissioner Fredia Wadley presented cuts to the Health Department:
* Increase of all health facilities fees;
* Reduction of Health Programs (Strike Out Stroke Project, Chronic
Renal Disease, Hemophilia Program, Epilepsy, Genetics, Residential Homes for
the Aged Reimbursement Program, Osteoporosis, Sickle Cell Program, Meharry
Graduate Dental Contract, Alcohol and Drug Program, Preventive Block Grand,
Breast and Cervical Cancer Detection, Family Planning, Traumatic Brain
Injury Program, Diabetes, Cancer Registry, Primary Care/Manpower Placement,
Tobacco Control, Laboratory Services, Tuberculosis, Dental, Local Health
Departments, Employee Health Clinic, Minority Health Grants and Minority
Applicant Pool System);
* Elimination of 153 positions, many of which are local.
Budget Hearings continue this afternoon with Mental Retardation, Human
Services and Children's Services.
PM CENTRAL TIME...THE FOLLOWING ARE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ONGOING STATE HOUSE
FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS ON THE "No New Taxes Budget" CURRENTLY BEING
DEBATED:
House Budget Hearings continued this morning with TennCare, the Department
of Mental Health and the Department of Health.
Deputy Governor John Tighe presented the impact if TennCare reverted to
Medicaid:
* Over 300,000 individuals will lose their health insurance;
* Tennessee would lose federal participation in IMD funding and
premium match;
* County owned hospitals would experience a large increase in their
charity care and would look to local governments for financial assistance;
* Most hospitals would see an increase in unreimbursed charity and
indigent care;
* Any implementation of a Disproportionate Share payments would
require federal approval and an appropriation from the General Assembly;
* Health Care providers across the state would see an increase in
their charity care costs;
* Due to the requirement that enrollees be provided adequate notice
and due process rights, Tighe estimates that it will take 6-8 months to
screen all waiver enrollees for Medicaid and disenroll those that don't
qualify.
In addition to reverting to Medicaid, the following cuts would also have to
be made:
* Reduction of the PACE (Program for the All-inclusive Care of the
Elderly) waiver;
* Reduction of the statewide long-term care waiver;
* Reduction of the Senior/ADAPT waiver;
* Reduction of the general and skilled nursing facilities.
Tighe: "To say that this would be devastating to the state would be an
understatement."
Tighe also noted that it will cost the state $370 million of federal
matching funds should they implement this plan that causes 300,000 people to
lose health insurance.
Commissioner Elisabeth Rukeyser presented the impact on Mental Health should
the state revert to Medicaid:
* At least 20,000 Tennesseans with serious mental illness who are
currently in active treatment will lose mental health coverage;
* 301,200 additional Tennesseans lose mental health benefits;
* $165 million of federal revenue lost annually;
* Collapse of overall public and private mental health services
system;
* Increase of persons with serious mental illness in the jails and on
the streets.
Health Commissioner Fredia Wadley presented cuts to the Health Department:
* Increase of all health facilities fees;
* Reduction of Health Programs (Strike Out Stroke Project, Chronic
Renal Disease, Hemophilia Program, Epilepsy, Genetics, Residential Homes for
the Aged Reimbursement Program, Osteoporosis, Sickle Cell Program, Meharry
Graduate Dental Contract, Alcohol and Drug Program, Preventive Block Grand,
Breast and Cervical Cancer Detection, Family Planning, Traumatic Brain
Injury Program, Diabetes, Cancer Registry, Primary Care/Manpower Placement,
Tobacco Control, Laboratory Services, Tuberculosis, Dental, Local Health
Departments, Employee Health Clinic, Minority Health Grants and Minority
Applicant Pool System);
* Elimination of 153 positions, many of which are local.
Budget Hearings continue this afternoon with Mental Retardation, Human
Services and Children's Services.
NEWS ALERT FROM STATE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS...JUNE 12
2002, 3:34PM CENTRAL TIME...THE FOLLOWING ARE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ONGOING STATE HOUSE
FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS ON THE "No New Taxes Budget" CURRENTLY BEING
DEBATED:
House Budget Hearings continued this afternoon with Mental Retardation,
Children's Services, Human Services and the Tennessee Commission on Children
and Youth.
Deputy Commissioner Richard Kellogg presented cuts to the Department of
Mental Retardation:
* Elimination of 3 investigator positions for non-class member
investigations unit;
* Reduction of equipment costs (vehicles for investigations);
* Elimination of Quality Assurance consulting contract; and,
* Elimination of "Home of Your Own" Project grant.
Commissioner Page Walley presented cuts for the Department of Children's
Service:
* Elimination of Tennessee Preparatory School (TPS);
* Elimination of 232 positions from the TPS; and,
* Elimination of 18 other positions within the Department.
Commissioner Natasha Metcalf presented cuts for the Department of Human
Services:
* Reduction of travel expenses.
Commissioner Metcalf noted that most of DHS programs are federally funded.
For that reason, the $93,000 that must be cut from her department have to
come from the discretionary part of her budget, travel expenses.
Director Linda O'Neal presented cuts to the Tennessee Commission on Children
and Youth:
* Reduction of 12 staff positions;
* Elimination of state funds from the Reimbursement Account;
* Reduction of Regional Councils on Children and Youth; and
* Reduction of Kids Count and Information Dissemination.
Budget Hearings continue tomorrow. On the agenda are: Courts, Attorney
General, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, Post Conviction Defenders,
TBI, Safety, Correction, Paroles and Military.
Wednesday, June 05, 2002
NEWS ALERT FROM TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2002 10:44:55 -0500
NEWS ALERT FROM STATE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS...JUNE 5, 2002, 10:44
AM CENTRAL TIME...THE FOLLOWING ARE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ONGOING STATE HOUSE
FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS ON THE "No New Taxes Budget" CURRENTLY BEING
DEBATED:
State Education Commissioner Faye Taylor began by giving an overview of the
Department of Education appropriation budget:
* 93% - Basic Education Program
* 4% - Mandated Programs
* 2% - Discretionary
* 1% - Safe Schools
NOTE: $15 million was cut in August from the Discretionary Fund. Cuts in a
No New Taxes Budget would be in addition to this.
Programs to be eliminated:
* Holocaust Comission
* Extended contracts for teachers
* Driver Education Programs
Across-the-Board Reductions:
* Music Curriculum
* Drop-out Prevention Grants
* Touching the Lives of Children Grant
* York Institute
* Deaf and Blind Schools
* Vacant Departmental Positions
* High School Tests
* Assistance provided to low-performing schools
Remaining Cuts (approx. $373 million) must come out of BEP
Reductions to Local Schools:
* Basic Education Program - $373,160,000
* Extended Contracts - $25,400,000
* Driver Education - $1,700,000
* TOTAL - $400,260,000
Statewide Impact of BEP reductions:
Total $373,200,000
Property Tax
Average 2001 Tax Rate
$2.37
Weighted Tax Rate Increase to offset Education cuts
$0.42
Average Tax Rate Increase to offset Education cuts
$0.64
Average Percent Increase in Rate to offset Education cuts 27%
(low - $.08 in Carroll County; high - $1.96 in Richard City SSD in Marion
County)
Personnel Reductions
Total State and Locally Funded Positions 63,266
Total State and Locally Funded Lost 8,352
Percent State and Locally Funded Lost 13%
(low - 4 in Richard City SSD in Marion; high - 428 in Davidson County)
Commissioner Faye Taylor -
"There are no good choices and these are not projections. These are actual
numbers."
"We are going to have to go back to the way we did things 20 years ago."
NEWS ALERT FROM STATE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS...JUNE 4, 2002, 4:10
NEWS ALERT FROM STATE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS...JUNE 4, 2002, 4:10
PM CENTRAL TIME...THE FOLLOWING ARE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ONGOING STATE HOUSE
FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS ON THE "No New Taxes Budget" CURRENTLY BEING
DEBATED:
Opening Remarks from House Finance Chairman Matt Kisber:
"This morning we will begin a process of working to come up with a budget
with no new taxes. Based on a sense that we are no closer to a revenue
solution than the last three years, we must now focus on our legal
requirement of having a balanced budget in place for the next fiscal year by
June 30. What we seek to do is to understand what program reductions,
program eliminations and across-the-board cuts will mean. It is my hope and
expectation that committee members will focus on discussion of these cuts."
After testimony from the Constitutional Officers, state Finance and
Administration Commissioner Warren Neel discussed the effects of the cuts
will have on the AmeriCorps program. Members of the committee requested
Commissioner Neel prepare a more detailed examination and present it to them
before the hearings are concluded.
The Department of Personnel then presented their list of cuts which include:
abolishing positions, discontinuing blood drive, reducing support staff,
reducing fee-revenue from training courses, and reduce program support for
Human Resource Management.
"Today we saw the effects of such drastic cuts on some of the internal
departments of this state," Chairman Kisber said. "Reducing a total budget
by 12.5% is not an easy task. People will lose their jobs and programs will
be cut. We have come to this point through a stream of unimaginable
circumstances, and we are now forced to look not at the cuts that ought to
be made but the cuts that have to be made."
Budget Hearings will continue tomorrow at 9am to discuss the development of
a No New Taxes Budget for K-12 Education.
Matt Kroplin
Democratic Caucus Press Secretary
www.tnhousedems.com
matt.kroplin@legislature.state.tn.us
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