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.

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.

NEWS ALERT FROM STATE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS...JUNE 12

2002, 3:34
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 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.

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

State Funding Woes To Eliminate Award-Winning Educational Program

KNOXVILLE, TN (May 3, 2002) - State funding for the University of
Tennessee's award-winning educational program for parenting and consumer
education (PACE) is expected to be discontinued as of July 1.

Operated by the UT Agricultural Extension Service, with grant funds through
the Tennessee Department of Human Services, the PACE program employs 13
individuals at several locations across the state. Affected employees have
been informed that their jobs are being eliminated.

PACE program objectives included training government facilitators in
parenting and consumer education skills to help them move Families First
participants toward continual employment. Families First is Tennessee's
welfare reform plan that emphasizes work, training, and personal
responsibility.

Five of the 13 PACE employees will lose their positions, while seven will
be reassigned to other full-time positions within Extension's Department of
Family and Consumer Sciences. The remaining employee will be offered
part-time employment in another departmental assignment.

"All displaced employees will be informed of their opportunities to compete
for vacant positions within the University for which they are qualified,"
said Dr. Charles Norman, UT Dean of Extension.

PACE received the national Extension 2000 Award from the American
Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The award recognizes
outstanding Extension programming.



Contact: Patricia Clark McDaniels, 865-974-7141
Dean Charles Norman, 865-974-7114

Sen. Kurita's online disclosure bill
passes Senate

March 20, 2002



Senator Rosalind Kurita's legislation to give the public Internet access to
campaign finance information was approved by the State Senate this week with
a 27-5 vote. Under the legislation, a state agency will be required to post
financial disclosures on a state web site.
Current law allows public inspection of campaign finance information at a
state office building in Nashville. However, interested citizens must show
a drivers license and complete an inspection request form which is later
forwarded to the candidate. Sen. Kurita said citizens have to "jump through
too many hoops" to get access to the public records.
"The public is best served by complete and open disclosure of all campaign
contributions to candidates and political organizations," Sen. Kurita said.
"Passage of campaign disclosure laws over the past several years was a good
first step. But, the current practice of locking those disclosure forms in
a poorly accessible state office building in Nashville has done little to
build public confidence in our electoral process. Posting campaign
contribution disclosures on the world-wide web truly gives citizens the
opportunity to inspect campaign finances."
Under the legislation, the state's Registry of Election Finance would
maintain the web site. The cost to the state is estimated to be minimal.
The bill is awaiting action by the House.

."

SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW CIGARETTE TAX BILL
February 26, 2002

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Legislation sponsored by Senator Rosalind Kurita
(D-Clarksville), that would increase Tennessee's excise tax on cigarettes by
30 cents, today passed out of the Senate tax subcommittee to the full Senate
Finance, Ways & Means Committee.
"We are one step closer to helping Tennessee's children," said Sen. Kurita.
"We have an opportunity to truly change our kids' health for the better with
passage of this bill. Countless studies have shown that increasing the cost
of cigarettes deters children from smoking, and as a nurse I am all too
familiar with the harmful effects of cigarettes on Tennessee's citizens. I
know my colleagues feel the same way about the health of our children, and I
am hopeful that we can pass this meaningful legislation together."

At 13 cents, Tennessee currently has the seventh lowest cigarette tax in the
country. The bill would increase Tennessee's cigarette tax to 43 cents, the
national average. States that have increased tobacco taxes have all seen
teen smoking rates decline.
"To see the movement and community support we are getting on this bill is
very encouraging," said Sen. Kurita. "I am also pleased that 30 state
legislators have signed on as co-sponsors to the bill calling for a 30-cent
cigarette tax increase. This is a difficult battle that is a long way from
over, but it is a battle that we must win for Tennesseans".

February 6, 2002

Sen. Kurita: 'New health warnings for tanning bed use'


New regulations aimed at protecting consumers -- especially young consumers
-- from the dangers of tanning beds unanimously passed a key Senate
committee today. Sponsored by Senator Rosalind Kurita, the legislation
coincides with a study appearing today in the Journal of the National Cancer
Institute that confirms the link between tanning bed use and skin cancer.
"Research shows that tanning bed use doubles the risk of skin cancer,
especially among children and teens," said Sen. Kurita, a registered nurse.
"This legislation will establish new regulations requiring the posting of
warning signs, strict parental approval rules for minors and new record
keeping provisions."
Sen. Kurita said current regulations are inadequate considering the evidence
of increased risks for skin cancer. "It is extremely important that tanning
bed users, and parents of young tanning bed users, understand the
scientifically confirmed dangers associated with exposure to ultraviolet
radiation. Tanning bed operators will have new responsibilities for
protecting consumers under this legislation."
Key provisions of the legislation include:
* Requiring tanning bed operators to provide protective eyewear;
* Posting of warning signs outlining health dangers of tanning bed
use;
* Requiring parents or guardians to accompany children under age 14
and sign a written statement detailing the particular dangers of tanning bed
use by minors;
* Requiring teens between the ages of 14-18 to be accompanied by a
parent or provide a notarized permission statement.
* Requiring tanning bed operators to maintain records of signed
statement for at least two years.
* Failure of tanning bed operators to comply can result in misdemeanor
charges and civil penalties.
The bill moves to the full Senate for consideration.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Senator Rosalind Kurita
Pamela George
Office: (615) 741-2374*Home: (931) 358-2005

January 29, 2002

Senator Kurita's campaign disclosure bill
passes hurdle

Senator Rosalind Kurita's legislation to give the public easy access to
campaign finance information was approved by a key Senate committee. The
legislation requiring a state agency to post financial campaign disclosures
to a state web site passed the Senate State and Local Government Committee
today.
"The public is best served by complete and open disclosure of all campaign
contributions to candidates and political organizations," Senator Kurita
said. "Passage of campaign disclosure laws over the past several years was
a good first step. But, the current practice of locking those disclosure
forms in a poorly accessible state office building in Nashville has done
little to build public confidence in our electoral process."
Under the legislation, the state's Registry of Election Finance would
maintain the web site and the cost to the state is estimated to be minimal.
"Posting campaign contribution disclosures on the internet truly gives
citizens the opportunity to inspect campaign finances," added Senator
Kurita.

Tennessee politicians and media outlets negotiated an agreement that lets two
pool reporters cover state fiscal crisis meetings, but prohibits the
journalists from attributing quotes and proposals to specific legislators. The
Associated Press, Memphis Commercial Appeal and Nashville City Paper rejected Full Story AtGoMemphis: Local

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Senator Rosalind Kurita
Pamela George
Office: (615) 741-2374*Home: (931) 358-2005


January 14, 2002

Sen. Kurita: 'Raising cigarette taxes will reduce teen smoking'


Senator Rosalind Kurita is filing legislation today aimed at reducing teen
smoking by raising the state's tax on cigarettes up to the national average
of 43 cents per pack. Currently Tennessee's cigarette tax is one of the
lowest in the nation at 13 cents.
"Research shows us that bringing Tennessee's cigarette tax up to the
national average would decrease the number of teenagers who begin to smoke,"
Sen. Kurita said. "We need to focus on protecting our children, not the
profits of tobacco conglomerates."
Sen. Kurita charged tobacco companies with manipulating citizens into
believing that low cigarette taxes protect Tennessee tobacco farmers. "The
facts are very different," Sen. Kurita said. "Even though tobacco companies
are selling more cigarettes than ever before, they are buying less and less
from American farmers as they opt to buy foreign-grown tobacco."
Sen. Kurita said the teen smoking problem in Tennessee needs to be
addressed. "Tennessee has the highest percentage of cigarette smokers among
public high school students in the United States. A recent U.S. Surgeon
General's Report, as well as numerous other scientific publications found
that increasing the price of cigarettes would decrease the prevalence of
cigarette use, particularly among kids and young adults."
As an additional benefit, Senator Kurita said the cigarette tax proposal
will generate more than $162 million of new revenue from cigarette sales in
Tennessee, according to estimates from the General Assembly's fiscal review
department. "According to Tennessee law, this money would go to public
education, grades K-12," Sen. Kurita said.

Sen. Kurita: 'Red ribbons serve as DUI reminder'

Sen. Rosalind Kurita is asking citizens to tie a red ribbon on automobile
antennas during this holiday season as a reminder of the consequences of
drinking and driving. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) red ribbons can
be obtained, free of charge, by calling Sen. Kurita at 1-800-449-8366, ext.
12374.
"More public involvement is needed in the fight to prevent drinking and
driving," Sen. Kurita said. "I'm asking concerned citizens to join me again
this year in the annual campaign to help raise public awareness about the
seriousness of DUI. During this holiday season, please tie a red ribbon
around your automobile antenna to show support for safe, sober driving."
The Tie One on For Safety awareness program was created by MADD to bring
attention to driving sober during the holiday season and throughout the
year, Kurita said.
"DUI tragedies impact all of us. That's why I'm asking everyone to join in
this life-saving effort to remind drivers that DUI is a crime. Fatalities
and injuries are caused by people who commit the crime of DUI. Let's join
together to make this holiday season safer and happier for our children and
families."

Sen. Kurita appointed to new 'contracts' oversight panel

The General Assembly's Fiscal Review Committee announced plans this week to
increase legislative oversight of contracts awarded by the state. Senator
Rosalind Kurita was appointed to serve on a new subcommittee charged with
the responsibility to closely monitor contracts.
Senator Kurita said the panel's aim will be to increase accountability for
tax dollars spent for contracted services.
"The Contracts Subcommittee will enhance the Fiscal Review Committee's role
as the legislative "watch dog" over the state's budget," Senator Kurita
said. "As balancing the state budget becomes more difficult, the General
Assembly is becoming more focused on tightening the belt and eliminating
inefficient programs and services. The time has come for state awarded
contracts to be reviewed from top to bottom. As a member of this new
subcommittee, I'll work to identify inefficiencies as well as spending
concerns for contracts that taxpayers would consider low priority or
unnecessary."
Senator Jerry Cooper, Senate Chairman of the Fiscal Review Committee made
the appointment of Senator Kurita. "As a member of the Contracts
Subcommittee, Senator Kurita will be working to ensure efficiency and
accountability in the management of state contracts," Sen. Cooper said.
"Senator Kurita has earned great respect for her ability to analyze problems
in detail. Her direct involvement in reviewing contracts will be of
critical importance."

Park Closings Unnecessary

alternatives ignored

The sign in front of at least one state park reads, "Park closed due to
budget." To be accurate, the sign would read, "Park closed for no good reason."
While some may accept the park closings announced by Governor Sundquist as "no surprise" and a reasonable casualty of budget shortfalls, I don't.
Having participated in countless hours of budget debate on Capitol Hill, I want to share information that leads me to the conclusion that the park closings have more to do with poor management decisions and politics -- and little to do with cost savings. These facts lead me to that conclusion:
1. The Governor says the park closings will save $3.2 million. Meanwhile, the Sundquist administration has purchased additional parcels of land using the Land Acquisition Fund. While the Governor says we can't afford to maintain existing state parks, he has actually purchased additional land.
2. Under Tennessee law, (T.C.A. 67-4-409(j)(2), the state is authorized to spend funds from the Land Acquisition Fund for the operation of state parks. There is currently $8 million available in the land acquisitions fund that could be used to keep our parks open. Instead, the Governor chose to buy more land and close existing parks -- a move that would lack common sense during a real budget crisis.
3. The Governor and the Commissioner of Conservation and Environment blame the legislature for rejecting some of their revenue proposals -- including a plan to sell alcohol in our parks. I voted against the sale of alcohol in parks. I make no apology. I believe it's bad policy for dozens of reasons.
What the Governor's park closing announcement didn't mention is that the state already has the authority to implement fees to operate our parks (T.C.A. 11-1-108(c) and Atty. General opinion no. 00-039). Additional legislation, passed in June, 2000, made the law clear that user fees can be charged and the funds kept specifically to support the parks.
Clearly, the opportunity exists to use Land Acquisition Funds or user fees to keep our parks open. The Governor chose to close the parks.
The Governor's staged announcements of relatively small, but highly visible and painful budget cuts create the perception that this state is bleeding to death. In fact, the overall state budget has increased 5.2% over last year.
While children are losing their playgrounds and parks, the Governor chose to keep all of the state-run golf courses open. In my opinion, the priorities are reversed.
The General Assembly provided viable alternatives to the park closings. The Governor ignored them.Press Release
CONTACT: Senator Rosalind Kurita
Pamela George
Office: (615) 741-2374*Home: (931) 368-0182

General Assembly overrides veto

August 8, 2001

Sen. Kurita: General Assembly overrides veto; 'no new taxes' budget stands

The General Assembly voted Tuesday to override Governor Don Sundquist's veto
of the "no new taxes" budget that passed on July 12. Senator Rosalind
Kurita, who voted to override, said the Governor's push to impose a state
income tax and increase spending by almost $1 billion was "out-of-step" with
Tennessee taxpayers.
"The actions taken by the General Assembly reflect the views of the vast
majority of Tennesseans who want state government to tighten the belt, fix
TennCare and make government run more efficiently," Senator Kurita said.
"The 'no new taxes' budget balances the state's finances without increasing
the sales tax or imposing an income tax. This budget is in-step with the
constituents that I represent."
Senator Kurita said the Governor's plan to increase spending and start new
programs was unrealistic from the start. "At a time when families and
businesses are tightening the belt, the Governor was asking for an extra
billion dollars. It was a tough fight, but in the end, the taxpayers won
when the General Assembly voted to override the veto."
Senator Kurita said overriding the veto prevented the state from reverting
to the temporary budget passed on June 30. "Had the legislature voted to
sustain the Governor's veto, teachers and college faculty would not receive
2.5% cost of living increases. Under the temporary budget, BEP funds would
have been withheld from local school districts and our colleges and
universities would not have been allowed to keep funds from tuition
increases for use in higher education. Even if the General Assembly fixed
problems with the temporary budget, there was no guarantee the Governor
would sign the bill. The best option available was an override of the
Governor's veto."
Senator Kurita said the budget passed by the General Assembly places top
priority on education. The budget passed includes:
* Cost of living increases (2.5%) for school teachers, university
faculty and staff, and state workers;
* Funding for scholarships for needy college students facing tuition
increases;
* Full funding of the Basic Education Program (BEP) for K-12;
* Funds raised from tuition increases will stay in higher education.
The vote to override was 19-12 in the Senate (17 votes needed) and 66-33 in
the House (50 votes needed). Following the veto override, the House and
Senate adjourned until January 2002.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Senator Rosalind Kurita
Pamela George
Office: (615) 741-2374*Home: (931) 358-2005

July 13, 2001

'No new taxes' budget passes General Assembly

The General Assembly reached a consensus this week, passing a plan that
balances the state budget without increasing the sales tax or imposing a
new state income tax. The "no new taxes" budget cuts $338 million in
spending from the Governor's $19.2 billion proposed budget.
The budget legislation was passed to the Governor following a 20-9 vote in
the Senate and 72-25 vote in the House. Senator Rosalind Kurita voted
"yes" for the no new taxes budget.
Senator Kurita said this year's budget process was complicated by the
Governor's proposal to start an array of new programs requiring more state
funding and placing unfunded mandates on local governments. "The
Governor's budget called for a lot of new money. The administration
proposed costly new programs that the state couldn't afford without new
taxes," Senator Kurita said. "I strive to be the voice of the people that
I represent when I vote on legislation on Capitol Hill. The people in my
district clearly said they did not want to 'grow' government and did not
want an income tax. I listened."
Senator Kurita said the $338 million in budget cuts reflect the "will of
Tennesseans" who favor spending cuts over additional taxes. "These cuts
send a clear signal to taxpayers that members of the Tennessee General
Assembly listen."
Sen. Kurita said the budget places funding priorities on education, health
care and public safety.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Panel Approves Bill to Fix Drivers'
Testing Station Crisis

CONTACT: Senator Rosalind Kurita
Pamela George
Office: (615) 741-2374*Home: (931) 358-2005



Senator Kurita: 'Proposed legislation would require proof of residency
and fee for re-testing'

Proposed legislation requiring proof of Tennessee residency and fees
for re-testing would help end the long lines and hours of waiting at
drivers' testing stations across the state, according to Senator Rosalind
Kurita. Last week a special Senate panel approved the emergency measure as
a back-up plan to be used if the Sundquist administration doesn't quickly
enact new regulations to fix the problem.
"The problems at drivers' testing stations can be corrected with
legislation or with action by the Governor who can issue new regulations,"
Sen. Kurita said. "We have a legislative remedy that is ready to go, but
the Governor asked the General Assembly not to move forward on the
legislation, preferring instead to draft new regulations. Either approach
is acceptable; delaying action is not."
Under the legislation, driver's license applicants who do not have a
social security number would be required to have documentation from the U.S.
Immigration and Naturalization Service, plus two documents proving residency
in Tennessee. Accepted documents for proof of residency include:
* Utility bills, including telephone service, showing a valid
Tennessee residence;
* Bank statements showing a valid Tennessee residence address;
* Employer verification acceptable by the Dept. of Safety;
* Life or health insurance policies showing a valid Tennessee
residence; and,
* Driver's license issued by the state of Tennessee to a parent, legal
guardian or spouse showing a valid Tennessee residence.
Students enrolled in public or private education institutions in the state
could provide a photo ID and documentation to show the student resides on
campus.
According to the Dept. of Safety, much of the current problem can be
attributed to applicants who fail the test and repeatedly return to retake
the test. The legislation requires a $10 fee for each testing and allows
the Dept. of Safety to impose reasonable waiting periods between re-testing.

ChattanoogaNow | Chattanooga Times Free Press

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Senator Rosalind Kurita
Pamela George
Office: (615) 741-2374*Home: (931) 358-2005

May 11, 2001

Senator Kurita: 'Legislation promotes independent living for seniors'

Legislation aimed at helping seniors keep their independence longer
is moving forward in the General Assembly. Senator Rosalind Kurita
sponsored legislation that will allow seniors who develop minor medical
needs to continue to reside in assisted living homes instead of moving to
more expensive nursing home care.
"This is win-win legislation for seniors and their families for two
important reasons: independence and cost," Sen. Kurita said. "Under current
law, seniors could be moved from assisted living homes to institutional
nursing homes when even minor on-going medical procedures are needed. The
proposed legislation would change state regulations to allow some temporary
medical procedures to be performed by trained professionals in assisted
living homes. This enables seniors to keep the high level of independence
and privacy associated with the homelike atmosphere of assisted living."
Sen. Kurita said an added benefit is cost savings, because assisted
living care is less expensive than nursing home care.
Sen. Kurita said studies have shown that seniors prefer to receive
long-term care services in their own homes or in homelike environments
whenever possible.
The measure passed the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee
this week.