Thumbnail image for TN Tightens Rules on Unemployment Benefits

TN Tightens Rules on Unemployment Benefits

by Editorial Staff | May. 10, 2012

Among other changes, government check recipients will have to document that they’re looking for work, and the department will audit 1,000 of those reports each week trying to nab cheaters.

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Primary Hostilities

by Editorial Staff | May. 4, 2012

Twenty-six out of 33 legislative primary races this year are match-ups between GOP incumbents. Ten sitting Democratic lawmakers also face primary elections — and as a result of redistricting, in four races against fellow incumbents.

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Over, Done With

by Editorial Staff | May. 2, 2012

Gov. Haslam praises the Legislature for a “terrific” session that included “some incredibly substantive work.” Democrats take credit for resurrecting discussions about cutting Tennessee’s food tax, working closely with governor on workforce hiring-and-retention reforms and doggedly trying to keep the General Assembly focused on job creation.

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State Budget Clears Legislature

by Andrea Zelinski | May. 1, 2012

The $31.5 billion spending package is about $400 million less than last year’s. It includes a 2.5 percent pay raise for state employees and accounts for cutting the tax on food to 5.5 percent from 5.25 percent, with expectations of dropping it further during Gov. Bill Haslam’s tenure. The plan also phases out the tax on inheriting estates over four years.

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Republicans Reach Budget Compromise in Conference Committee

by Editorial Staff | Apr. 28, 2012

GOP lawmakers set aside their disagreements and struck accord on a list of spending projects to cut and keep. The deal they achieved put the competing versions of the budget in line with one another and on track for final passage in both chambers Monday.

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Thumbnail image for With House Passage, Budget Action Moves to Senate

With House Passage, Budget Action Moves to Senate

by Editorial Staff | Apr. 27, 2012

Both the House and the Senate are dominated by Republicans, however in the past couple days rifts have emerged over how many “pork barrel” projects ought to be funded in the next fiscal year — and whether the projects in question are “local” or in fact ostensibly serve regional or statewide interests.

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Judicial-Selection Measures Pass on First Run Through TN Senate

by Andrea Zelinski | Apr. 23, 2012

The upper chamber has voted 23-8 to revamp the current system by giving the Legislature authority to approve or reject judges the governor appoints. Last week the Senate voted 21-9 to constitutionally enshrine the current way the state empanels judges. If approved by the House, both measures would have to pass the General Assembly by two-thirds majorities next session before going before voters in 2014.

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Gun Rights vs. Property Rights Debate Closer to Floor in House

by Mark Todd Engler | Apr. 18, 2012

Both Republican speakers in the Tennessee Legislature, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Rep. Beth Harwell, have indicated they’re uncomfortable with the legislation. Gun rights proponents argue, however, that a floor vote is only fair given that the measures have worked their way through the committee systems.

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Thumbnail image for Legislature Passes Limits on Foreign Staffers at TN Charter Schools

Legislature Passes Limits on Foreign Staffers at TN Charter Schools

by Mark Todd Engler | Apr. 16, 2012

Statehouse proponents portray measure as common-sense effort to increase charter-school transparency and encourage the hiring of Tennesseans. Detractors: It assumes the worst of people who’ve done nothing wrong.

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Tax Cuts Passed By State House

by Andrea Zelinski | Apr. 12, 2012

Reductions to the taxes on groceries and inheritances were approved by the state House Thursday. Leadership at the Legislature expressed confidence the tax cuts would ultimately pass and be signed into law.

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Plan to Elect Judges Fails

by Andrea Zelinski | Apr. 11, 2012

A bill to elect judges to Tennessee’s appellate and Supreme courts failed to advance out of a House Judiciary Committee Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Senate is considering two alternate judicial selection plans.

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GOP Not Unified on Judicial Selection

by Andrea Zelinski | Apr. 5, 2012

Republican leaders say consensus over how to pick the state’s most powerful judges is still “up in the air” despite efforts early this year to sell lawmakers on legitimizing the current practice.

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