May 20

Senate Bill No. 1292 (Tracy)
This bill specifies that physician-hospital organizations and any other provider may accept risk from an HMO provided that the HMO remains contractually responsible to its enrollees.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 85-0)

Senate Bill No. 1245 (Hensley)
This bill states that if a nursing home is more than 90 days delinquent in paying an installment of its annual assessment fee, the commissioner of Health shall initiate proceedings to suspend admissions to the facility.
(Passed Senate 28-3; Passed House 92-0)

Senate Bill No. 1175 (Kelsey, Crowe, Gresham, Niceley)
This bill states that each LEA shall develop a policy providing for an open enrollment period when parents can choose from a list of schools with available space and request a transfer.
(Passed Senate 26-1; Passed House 88-0)

Senate Bill No. 1089 (Kyle, Ford)
This bill states that the $40 fee that is paid to the court clerk on confirmation of private sales shall not apply to payments made pursuant to court order from funds held by the clerk.
(Passed Senate 28-0; Passed House 99-0)

Senate Bill No. 1052 (Kelsey)
This bill increases the penalty for drawing and filing a deed without actual ownership and filing a lien on property without any legal interest.
(Passed Senate 30-2; Passed House 91-0)

Senate Bill No. 1042 (Kelsey)
This bill states that the governor shall appoint six people to the TN Housing Development Agency, and those appointments shall meet the requirements set out in the bill.
(Passed Senate 30-1; Passed House 88-0)

Senate Bill No. 1032 (Kelsey, Ford, Crowe, Beavers, Burks)
This bill provides that if the person being promoted for prostitution is a minor, then the offense will be punishable as trafficking for a commercial sex act, which is a class B felony.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 92-0)

Senate Bill No. 1029 (Kelsey, Beavers, Burks, Ford, Haile, Overbey, Stevens, Yager)
This bill adds “trafficking for commercial sex acts” to the definition of criminal gang offenses.
(Passed Senate 30-0; Passed House 91-0)

Senate Bill No. 1028 (Kelsey, Ketron, Crowe, Bowling, Burks, Campfield, Ford, Haile, Harper, Massey, Overbey, Stevens, Yager)
This bill extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting a person for trafficking for commercial sex acts and soliciting a minor to observe sexual conduct.
(Passed Senate 33-0; Passed House 92-0)

Senate Bill No. 1015 (Bell)
This bill states that it is the intent of the General Assembly that current state law regarding weapons is preemptive with respect to transfer, ownership and possession of knives.
(Passed Senate 27-3; Passed House 77-18)

Senate Bill No. 982 (McNally, Bowling)
This bill urges the commissioner of revenue to study the advisability of using an occupation’s profitability ratio in determining the professional privilege tax amount.
(Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 89-0)

Senate Bill No. 942 (Southerland)
This bill states that the TN Real Estate Commission shall require applicants to submit fingerprints for purposes of obtaining a criminal background check.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 90-0)

Senate Bill No. 886 (Hensley, Burks, Ford)
This bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt an occupational diploma for students with disabilities.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 93-0)

Senate Bill No. 852 (Ketron, Bell, Tracy)
This bill enacts the Energy Independence Act of 2013.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 92-0)

Senate Bill No. 833 (Ketron)
This bill makes it a violation for any construction service provider to misclassify employees to avoid proper classification for workers’ compensation insurance premium calculations.
(Passed Senate 27-0; Passed House 84-1)

Senate Bill No. 832 (Overbey, Burks, Haile)
This bill prohibits release eligibility for a person convicted of attempted first degree murder where the victim suffers serious bodily injury until the person has served 85% of the sentence imposed.
(Passed Senate 27-0; Passed House 87-1)

Senate Bill No. 828 (Gresham, Haile)
This bill prohibits release eligibility for a person committing aggravated child neglect or endangerment until the person has served 70% of the sentence imposed.
(Passed Senate 27-0; Passed House 92-0)

Senate Bill No. 783 (Johnson, Ramsey)
This bill redefines how to calculate the base period of pay for unemployment benefits and temporary total disability under state law.
(Passed Senate 24-5; Passed House 66-23)

Senate Bill No. 719 (Crowe)
This bill allows dependent children of certain workers assigned to work full-time in a foreign nation to be eligible for the HOPE scholarship.
(Passed Senate 33-0; Passed House 91-0)

Senate Bill No. 687 (Tate)
This bill requires each higher education institute to report to THEC an accounting of student activity fees.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 95-0)

Senate Bill No. 676 (Yager)
This bill enacts the “Addison Sharp Prescription Regulatory Act of 2013”.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 94-0)

Senate Bill No. 675 (Yager)
This bill enacts “Lynn’s Law”.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 92-0)

Senate Bill No. 614 (Yager, Burks, Green, Haile)
This bill slightly alters the definition of “imitation controlled substance” to better reflect the new substances that are being abused.
(Passed Senate 33-0; Passed House 91-0)

Senate Bill No. 599 (Johnson)
This bill authorizes retired agents of the Dept. of Revenue to retain the agent’s service weapon and badge if the person retires after 25 years of honorable armed service.
(Passed Senate 28-0; Passed House 86-0)

Senate Bill No. 555 (Overbey, Kyle, Stevens, Beavers)
This bill makes various changes to the law on conservatorships and court-appointed guardians ad litem.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 93-0)

Senate Bill No. 446 (Overbey)
This bill expands the offense of solicitation of a minor.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 94-0)

Senate Bill No. 416 (Crowe)
This bill defines “removal service” as an entity that engages in arranging, directing, supervising or performing the transportation of deceased human remains for a fee.
(Passed Senate 30-0; Passed House 94-0)

Senate Bill No. 333 (Bell)
This bill extends the emergency communications board to June 30, 2014.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 97-0)

Senate Bill No. 302 (Niceley)
This bill requires local education agencies to continue to pay full compensation and benefits to teachers who are victims of a violent criminal act during the course of employment.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 90-0)

Senate Bill No. 265 (Massey)
This bill increases the per diem of the board of veterinary examiners from $50 per day to $100 per day.
(Passed House 89-0; Passed Senate 32-0)

Senate Bill No. 237 (Campfield)
This bill allows a petitioner to enter into a payment plan with the court clerk to pay the $350 expunction fee in installments.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 91-2)

Senate Bill No. 150 (Norris)
This bill imposes penalties and interest on surplus lines insurance agents for failing to pay the surplus lines tax on time.
(Passed Senate 30-0; Passed House 92-0)

Senate Bill No. 129 (Ketron)
This bill amends laws related to the manufacturing of alcoholic beverages and distilleries.
(Passed Senate 22-9; Passed House 58-30)

Senate Bill No. 116 (Ketron)
This bill requires that certain legislative fiscal notes include a statement on the effect on commerce and jobs in the state.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 95-2)

Senate Bill No. 109 (Tate)
This bill allows the Cosmetology Board to create schools that specialize solely in natural hair styling, manicuring and the practice of aesthetics.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 88-0)

Senate Bill No. 105 (Massey)
This bill enacts the “Tennessee Alternative Diploma Act”.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 93-0)

Senate Bill No. 26 (Yager)
This bill allows a county legislative body to cast the deciding vote or call for a run-off election in the event there is a tie for county or civil district office.
(Passed Senate 30-0; Passed House 91-0)

Senate Bill No. 24 (Southerland)
This bill allows Cocke County to levy a privilege tax on litigation in all civil and criminal cases instituted in General Sessions Court.
(Passed Senate 30-0; Passed House 56-32)

Senate Bill No. 504 (Norris)
This is the constitutional spending limit bill for 2012-2013.
(Passed Senate 27-3; Passed House 93-4)

Senate Bill No. 503 (Norris)
This is the bond authorization bill.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 96-1)

Senate Bill No. 501 (Norris)
This is the budget reconciliation bill.
(Passed House 98-0; Passed Senate 32-0)

Senate Bill No. 23 (Tracy)
This bill authorizes various new specialty earmarked license plates.
(Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 96-0; Conference committee report adopted by Senate 22-6, by House 88-0)

Senate Bill No. 36 (Overbey)
This bill creates the “Tennessee STEP UP” scholarship program for postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities.
(Passed Senate 33-0; Passed House 91-0)

Senate Bill No. 64 (Tracy)
This bill is the omnibus sign bill for 2013 designating various signs on highways and bridges.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 92-0; Conference committee report adopted by Senate 26-0, by House 89-0)

Senate Bill No. 69 (Burks)
This bill creates the Accurate Vehicle Identification Number Reporting Advisory Committee.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 92-0)

Senate Bill No. 251 (Green)
This bill increases the penalty for noncompliance with the financial responsibility law if a noncompliant person is at fault for an accident resulting in bodily injury or death.
(Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 79-9)

Senate Bill No. 439 (Henry)
This bill extends the term of appointments to the Douglas Henry state museum commission.
(Passed Senate 31-0; Passed House 91-1)

Senate Bill No. 491 (Campfield)
This bill allows a manicurist to provide manicuring services to an ill, disabled or homebound individual in the individual’s residence.
(Passed Senate 28-0; Passed House 93-0)

Senate Bill No. 519 (Burks, Bowling, Stevens)
This bill states that a construction services provider who is conscientiously opposed to the acceptance of TN’s workers’ compensation benefits for religious reasons may apply for an exemption.
(Passed Senate 33-0; Passed House 93-1)

Senate Bill No. 595 (Johnson)
This bill creates the office of the repealer within the office of legal services.
(Passed Senate 30-1; Passed House 79-12; Conference committee report adopted by Senate 27-0, by House 70-16)

Senate Bill No. 608 (Yager)
This bill creates the Cumberland regional business and agribusiness marketing authority.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 93-0)

Senate bill No. 643 (Tracy)
This bill renames the state technology centers to state colleges of applied technology.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 94-0)

Senate Bill No. 653 (Tracy)
This bill authorizes the state to institute a civil action against a person or entity that knowingly or negligently damages any state highway structure.
(Passed Senate 33-0; Passed House 94-0)

Senate Bill No. 657 (Tracy)
This bill requires that any contract for the administration of service signs be awarded to the contractor whose proposal offers the best value for the state.
(Passed Senate 33-0; Passed House 94-0)

Senate Bill No. 796 (Beavers)
This bill enacts the “Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act”.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 91-0; Conference committee report adopted by Senate 28-1, by House 72-17)

Senate Bill No. 835 (Ketron)
This bill makes it unlawful for any person or entity to engage in contracting for any project unless the person or entity has been duly licensed with a sufficient monetary limitation.
(Passed Senate 25-0; Passed House 93-0)

Senate Bill No. 856 (Tate)
This bill decreases the minimum amount of medical insurance coverage that every promoter of a professional contest of unarmed combat must have to cover injuries.
(Passed Senate 30-0; Passed House 76-8)

Senate Bill No. 875 (Henry)
This bill expands the definition of “certain unfunded pension obligations”.
(Passed Senate 24-6; Passed House 63-16)

Senate Bill No. 948 (Campfield)
This bill requires the commissioner of the Dept. of Human Services to study issues related to the issuance of a photo identification card to eligible households in the food stamp and TANF programs.
(Passed Senate 29-2; Passed House 87-0)

Senate Bill No. 1033 (Kelsey, Ford, Crowe, Overbey, Yager)
This bill creates a new offense of promoting travel for prostitution.
(Passed Senate 33-0; Passed House 95-0)

Senate Bill No. 1036 (Kelsey, Crowe, Harper, Yager, Overbey)
This bill requires the governor to establish a Human Trafficking Task Force to develop and implement a plan for the prevention of human trafficking.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 88-0)

Senate Bill No. 1040 (Kelsey)
This bill authorizes a court to include in an order of abatement the costs for public services required to abate a nuisance.
(Passed Senate 30-2; Passed House 86-0)

Senate Bill No. 1054 (Kelsey)
This bill makes changes to the current law regarding municipalities’ annexation powers.
(Passed Senate 25-0; Passed House 92-0)

Senate Bill No. 1064 (Burks)
This bill redefines the offense of aggravated assault to include two new classifications of aggravated assault.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 92-0)

Senate Bill No. 1080 (Johnson, Ketron, Watson, Gardenhire, Kelsey, Haile, Beavers, Bowling, Campfield)
This bill requires the Commissioner of TDEC to develop a proposal for a revised plan that eliminates motor vehicle inspection testing requirements mandated for all vehicles that are newer than three years old.
(Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 79-10)

Senate Bill No. 1140 (Overbey, Massey)
This bill states that no minor child under 18 may be admitted to a movie theater if the movie has been found to be “harmful to minors”.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 78-2)

Senate Bill No. 1345 (Yager)
This bill lowers the amount of rooms required to be operated by an establishment to be considered a hotel.
(Passed Senate 26-4; Passed House 60-17)

Senate Bill No. 1349 (Yager, Bowling, Niceley, Finney, Ketron)
This bill requires that a certain portion of the tire pre-disposal fee be returned to the county in which the fee was imposed.
(Passed Senate 32-0; Passed House 91-0)

Senate Bill No. 1380 (Bowling)
This bill changes the funding method for the Memphis Area Association of Governments development district.
(Passed Senate 25-0; Passed House 93-0)

Senate Bill No. 1392 (Kelsey)
This bill creates the Tennessee Council for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing.
(Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 89-0)

Senate Bill No. 1416 (Stevens)
This bill allows the general sessions judge in Obion County to exercise juvenile court jurisdiction in the event the office of the juvenile court judge is vacant.
(Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 87-0)

Senate Bill No. 1418 (Yager)
This bill makes a minor change related to local ordinances in the city of Dayton.
(Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 87-0)

Senate Bill No. 1419 (Beavers)
This bill rewrites the charter for the city of Smithville.
(Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 87-0)

Senate Bill No. 1420 (Green)
This bill creates a special juvenile court in Montgomery County.
(Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 87-0)

Senate Bill No. 1421 (Southerland)
This bill makes various changes to the city charter of the town of Parrotsville.
(Passed Senate 29-0; Passed House 87-0)

The post Bills Signed by Haslam: May 20 appeared first on TNReport.

Tennesseans who bought electronic books (E-books) from Penguin Group (USA) Inc. in the past two years may be eligible for a refund as part of a multistate price-fixing agreement, Attorney General Bob Cooper announced today. Consumers in Tennessee along with 33 other states and territories will receive a total of $75 million in restitution.

Today’s agreement is the latest in a widespread investigation into allegations some of the largest publishers agreed with one another and some distributors to artificially set the prices of E-books sold in the United States.

The agreement with Penguin must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. When finalized, the agreement with Penguin will grant E-book outlets greater freedom to reduce the prices of their E-book titles.

Tennessee has previously settled with four other publishers–Hachette Book Group Inc., HarperCollins Publishers L.L.C., Simon & Schuster Inc., and Holtzbrinck Publishers LLC d/b/a Macmillan–for allegations relating to the same conduct.

An antitrust action based on the same allegations against Apple Inc., meanwhile, remains pending with a trial scheduled for June 3.

Specifically, the complaint states, the publishers agreed to increase retail E-book prices for all consumers and to eliminate E-book retail price competition between E-book outlets regardless of where the consumers bought their E-books.

“We hope this agreement will help stop anyone who attempts to gouge consumers in the future by artificially inflating prices for goods and services,” Attorney General Cooper said. “As a result of this activity, consumers paid millions more than they should have in a naturally competitive marketplace.”

The lawsuit and today’s settlement stem from a two-year antitrust investigation conducted by the states and U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. That investigation developed evidence that the conspired to end E-Book retailers’ freedom to compete on price by taking control of pricing from E-Book retailers and substantially increasing the prices that consumers paid for E-Books. The States contend that the publishers prevented retail price competition resulting in consumers paying millions of dollars more for their e-books. Under the proposed settlement agreement, the publishers will compensate consumers who purchased E-books from any of the publishers cited during the period between April 1, 2010 through May 21, 2012.

The post AG: More Refunds Coming From Penguin E-Book Price-Fixing Agreement appeared first on TNReport.

Haslam Named Co-chair of Nat’l Governor’s Assoc. Health Care Task Force (TNR)

As lawmakers at both state and federal levels of government look for ways to improve the quality of health care and reduce the costs of public programs, governors are developing innovative Medicaid programs and must retain flexibility to implement these measures. To assist in these efforts, the National Governors Association (NGA) today announced the members of a new Health Care Sustainability Task Force (Task Force). Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber and Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam will serve as co-chairs of the Task Force.

Gov. Haslam named to governors task force on health care (Tennessean/Sisk)

Gov. Bill Haslam has been named co-chair of a National Governors Association task force on health care sustainability, an appointment that comes as the Tennessee Republican tries to hammer out a deal with the federal government on Medicaid expansion. The NGA tapped Haslam and Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, a Democrat, to lead the group studying “innovative Medicaid programs.” Haslam is one of several governors who have expressed interest in expanding Medicaid by using federal funds to buy private coverage for the uninsured.

Haslam Signs Bill Criminalizing Abandonment of Mentally Disabled (TN Report)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today held a ceremonial bill signing of “Lynn’s Law,” or HB 531/SB 675, legislation allowing district attorneys to prosecute an individual who knowingly abandons a person with an intellectual disability. This bill makes it illegal for a person who has assumed responsibility for and is knowledgeable of another’s inability to care for him or herself to abandon that person. The law adds abandonment to the current statute that covers abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult person or persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

‘Lynn’s Law’ signed into effect by Haslam (Knoxville News-Sentinel/Arnold)

It was nearly a year ago that a developmentally disabled 19-year-old was abandoned in a Caryville bar by her mother, hundreds of miles from their Illinois home. On Tuesday, state officials vowed to take steps to prevent Lynn Cameron’s experience from recurring. Gov. Bill Haslam signed “Lynn’s Law” into effect at the Caryville City Hall, making it a felony to knowingly abandon an intellectually disabled person. “Unfortunately, these things happen,” Haslam said after signing the bill into law.

Haslam Appoints New Heads to DCS, DIDD (TN Report)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced Debra Payne as the new commissioner of the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) as Jim Henry becomes the permanent commissioner at the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). Payne currently serves as deputy commissioner of DIDD and Henry as the interim commissioner of DCS. “These two departments handle some of the state’s most difficult work concerning our most vulnerable citizens,” Haslam said.

Haslam names interim chief Henry to permanent DCS position (Associated Press)

Gov. Bill Haslam has named interim Children’s Services Commissioner Jim Henry to fill the post permanently. Henry was the commissioner of the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities before he was appointed to Children’s Services upon the resignation of Kate O’Day in February. O’Day resigned while under fire for problems that included failure to keep track of how many of the children the department was supposed to be helping had died. Taking over the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities department will be Debra Payne, who is currently a deputy commissioner there.

Gov. Haslam confirms Jim Henry as permanent DCS commissioner (TN/Sisk)

Jim Henry, named as the temporary head of the troubled Department of Children’s Services in February, will now assume the role permanently, Gov. Bill Haslam announced Tuesday. Henry had held dual roles as interim commissioner of DCS and commissioner of the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities since the abrupt resignation of former DCS chief Kate O’Day on Feb. 5 amid a growing series of controversies at the state’s child welfare agency. Replacing Henry at DIDD is Debra Payne, currently deputy commissioner at the agency.

Jim Henry named head of Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services (TFP)

Gov. Bill Haslam on Tuesday named Jim Henry as the permanent head of the state’s troubled Department of Children’s Services. Henry has been working as acting commissioner after the abrupt departure in February of then-Commissioner Kate O’Day, whose department has been engulfed in controversies over inadequate protections for children, children’s deaths and questions about how investigations have been handled. Henry, a former state lawmaker, already was commissioner of the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and has been holding down a dual role at Children’s Services as well as Intellectual and Development Disabilities, working to bring order back to DCS operations.

Interim DCS Chief Made Permanent (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

The man appointed to temporarily head the embattled Department of Children’s Services will be there a while longer. Tuesday Governor Bill Haslam announced Jim Henry will become the permanent DCS commissioner. In his few months at the helm, Henry has been widely praised by Democrats and child advocates for listening to their concerns and improving record keeping. At age 67, Henry has said he’ll help the governor any way he can. “When he asks me to do something, I try to do it. I think I’ve got the energy and a little bit of knowhow.”

Haslam says coal keeps businesses in Tennessee running (Herald-Courier)

Coal keeps the businesses in Tennessee running, Gov. Bill Haslam told a group of coal officials and contractors here Tuesday afternoon. “We have good tax rates and a good regulatory environment, but when competing for jobs one of the biggest [points I emphasize] is the low energy rate,” he said during the second day of the annual Eastern Coal Council convention, held this year at MeadowView Convention Center in Kingsport. He pointed to Eastman Chemical Co., which employs thousands in Kingsport and uses energy to make hundreds of products.

Haslam sells Tenn. to coal executives in Kingsport (Times-News)

Tennessee doesn’t have many coal mining jobs, but Gov. Bill Haslam was selling the state to a room full of coal executives Tuesday. “We’re not blessed with quite as much coal or as much oil or natural gas as other folks are, but the little we have is an important part of our economy,” Haslam, a Republican, told members of the Eastern Coal Council on the final day of their annual conference. “We think it’s about 17,000 (energy sector) jobs in Tennessee…It enables us to be competitive with other folks in attracting industry who want low-cost reliable power.”

New Cut to TN’s Food-Tax Signed (TN Report)

Gov. Bill Haslam stopped off Monday at a Monroe County family-owned market and hardware store and put ink to a another reduction in the state’s food tax. Flanked by a number of East Tennessee Republican state lawmakers, the governor told a crowd of about two dozen locals that any tax cut on groceries benefits “all Tennesseans.” Last year, the Tennessee General Assembly passed an initial reduction on the state’s portion of the sales tax on groceries, lowering the rate from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent.

Haslam signs food tax reduction into law (Memphis Business Journal)

Monday Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed legislation to reduce the state sales tax on groceries .25 percent at a ceremony at Sloan’s Grocery in Vonore, Tenn. The state portion of the sales tax on groceries was 5.25 percent, now it is 5 percent. “We’re lowering taxes and balancing the state budget by managing conservatively, making strategic investments in our priorities and finding new ways to make government more efficient and effective,” Haslam said. The bill was introduced by the governor.

Haslam signs Food Tax Reduction Bill at Monroe County Grocery (C. Online)

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam today traveled to Monroe County to sign legislation to reduce the state portion of the sales tax on groceries from 5.25 percent to 5 percent. Haslam held a ceremonial bill signing at Sloan’s Grocery in Vonore, Tennessee. In 2012, the General Assembly passed and the governor signed the first step in reducing the state portion of the sales tax on groceries, lowering the rate from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent. “We’re lowering taxes and balancing the state budget by managing conservatively, making strategic investments in our priorities and finding new ways to make government more efficient and effective,” Haslam said.

Haslam honored by Vietnam veterans during Clarksville visit (Leaf Chronicle)

Governor Bill Haslam was honored with a presentation flag during his visit to Clarksville on Friday, May 17, to take part in the groundbreaking for the new Montgomery County Tennessee State Veterans Home. The flag, flown over the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 17, 2011, at the request of Tenn. 7th District Congressman Marsha Blackburn, was given to Haslam by Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club representative A.J. Perrone on behalf of Haslam’s efforts to support recognition of Tennessee POW/MIAs.

VU poll: Support for Medicaid increases, Haslam’s approval steady (CP/Zelinski)

Support is on the uptick for expanding Medicaid and approval for the governor is holding steady despite upheaval in his administration over how child abuse cases are handled, according to a recent poll. Meanwhile, two-thirds of respondents said they are in favor of some sort of school voucher program, according to the Vanderbilt University poll conducted between May 6 and 13…Gov. Bill Haslam enjoys a 63 percent approval rating, down from 68 percent in Vanderbilt’s December poll, although the rating falls within the margin of error and is not statistically significant, said Geer.

Vanderbilt poll: Tennesseans oppose online tax (Associated Press/Schelzig)

A majority of Tennesseans oppose the state enforcing online sales taxes, though respondents were split on whether the current system is fair to local businesses, according to a Vanderbilt University poll released Tuesday. The survey also found that 60 percent support expanding Medicaid under the federal health care law, up nine percentage points from the last time the school polled on the issue in December. Gov. Bill Haslam announced in March that he would not accept $1.4 billion in federal money to cover about 140,000 of Tennessee’s nearly 1 million uninsured.

VU Poll: Support Growing For Medicaid Expansion In Tennessee (WPLN-Radio)

If Governor Bill Haslam were simply to go with what a majority of Tennesseans want, he would expand the state’s Medicaid program as envisioned in the Affordable Care Act. A Vanderbilt poll finds support has grown to 60 percent of respondents, up from less than half in December. “The data are compelling and – in this case – worth discussing,” says political science professor John Geer. Divided by party, a slim majority of Republicans still oppose Medicaid expansion, but a smaller number than just a few months ago.

Vanderbilt poll finds growing support for same-sex marriage (Tennessean/Sisk)

About half of Tennesseans support legal recognition of same-sex couples, an apparent shift in their views as states across the country have moved toward allowing gay marriage…. Vanderbilt also found that Gov. Bill Haslam and U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander remain popular 15 months before the Republican primary and 18 months before the 2014 general election, when both are up for re-election. Haslam’s approval rating among registered voters stands at 63 percent, despite a run of coverage that has included resignations by two top administrators and a federal probe into his family’s chain of truck stops.

TennCare expansion backed by most voters (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Sher)

The majority of Tennesseans favoring an expansion of the state’s Medicaid program is now 60 percent, but most still don’t like the federal law that allows it, according to a new Vanderbilt University poll. The survey of 813 registered voters also found that Republican Gov. Bill Haslam’s job approval rating remains high at 63 percent despite turmoil over his administration’s handling of child abuse cases. Another finding: depending on how the question is asked, Tennesseans are conflicted on the issue of the state being able to collect sales taxes for online purchases.

Vanderbilt University Poll: Tennesseans favor Medicaid expansion (CA/Locker)

About 60 percent of Tennesseans support expanding Medicaid to cover more working Tennesseans without health insurance, up from 51 percent last December, according to the new statewide Vanderbilt Poll. Meanwhile, about 66 percent favor some type of program allowing taxpayer money for a voucher program at private schools. But that number is divided between 35 percent who favor limiting vouchers to low-income students in low-performing schools and 31 percent who favor an unlimited program in which vouchers are available to any student.

Huffman joins other ‘chiefs’ in letter supporting Common Core (TN/Fingeroot)

Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman and education officials from several other states released an open letter this morning supporting the new Common Core standards and rejecting any call to delay the accompanying testing. The officials, all members of the Chiefs for Change education reform coalition, addressed their letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, but it also was released to the media. “As state education chiefs, we know firsthand how critical preserving and strengthening accountability is to raising the quality of our schools,” the letter stated.

DCS caseworker faulted by judge wasn’t disciplined (Tennessean/Wadhwani)

Caseworker faulted by judge still investigating child abuse claims A Department of Children’s Services caseworker who failed to follow agency guidelines admitted backdating paperwork after a teen’s death and provided testimony during a wrongful-death trial in 2012 that a judge called not very credible was never disciplined. The caseworker continues to investigate child abuse claims for the state agency, a review of DCS personnel files found. In November, DCS was found liable in the 2009 West Tennessee shooting deaths of Stevie Noelle Milburn, 15, and Todd Randolph, 46.

Holly Bobo’s family slams TBI over official’s tweet (Tennessean/Haas)

They accuse agency of ignoring their pain The family of missing Tennessean Holly Bobo on Tuesday accused the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation of ignoring their pain after what they call a “very inappropriate, very unprofessional” tweet by the agency’s spokeswoman. The tweet, by TBI spokeswoman Kristin Helm, referred to a story on Saturday detailing the TBI’s criticism of a Brentwood nonprofit’s involvement in the investigation and WSMV-Channel 4 reports on the group’s findings. Helm posted a picture on Twitter showing The Tennessean’s story about the controversy with the caption, “Great way to start off my day and the coffee is brewing.”

State comptroller Memphis debt warning prompts City Council moves (CA/Sells)

The Memphis City Council accepted a set of corrective financial measures from the state comptroller Tuesday but not before asking Mayor A C Wharton to bring bold ideas to overhaul the administration’s proposed budget. A Monday letter from State Comptroller Justin P. Wilson warned Memphis officials about its fiscal condition, especially about a debt refinancing plan to defer some debt to about 2025. Wilson’s report ordered several corrective measures to receive his approval. Some steps are technical but the city needs to address its fiscal problems of low fund reserves, a declining tax base and budgetary imbalance, Wilson said.

Critical State Report Remakes City Budget (Memphis Daily News)

An April report from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury critical of city finances threw the budget season at City Hall into remake mode Tuesday, May 21. The bottom line for the budget is a remediation plan that will increase the city’s long term debt, force the city to use its reserves, and take reserves below the 10 percent level considered key with bond-rating agencies. “We were already going to have a bad budget year,” said council member Shea Flinn as he projected total debt of $63 million by 2019 on the debt from the fix.

Shelby County Tax Rate Endgame Takes Shape (Memphis Daily News)

To some it’s a calculation with no binding effect on what is to come. To others on the Shelby County Commission it is an indication that a county property tax increase is about to be railroaded through. The certified county property tax rate of $4.32 approved Monday, May 20, by the commission is an indication that the annual county budget season is reaching its end game. The commission’s debate over the action and the 8-3 vote is an indication of the discussion to come once the commission moves to set the Shelby County property tax rate next month.

Prosecutors: Lowe paid employees who didn’t work (News-Sentinel/Donila)

Ex-Knox County Trustee Mike Lowe and two of his former aides participated in a four-year “continuous larcenous scheme” in which the employees earned salaries and vacation time yet never actually showed up for work to do their jobs, according to documents recently submitted by prosecutors. The “Bill of Particulars,” filed in Knox County Criminal Court, mark the first time the state has said publicly what local politicos and officials have long suspected: Lowe kept two so-called ghost employees on the payroll, one of whom allegedly bilked taxpayers out of almost $200,000.

Nashville Tea Party Groups Rally To Protest IRS (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

Around a hundred conservative activists protested in Nashville Tuesday over revelations the Internal Revenue Service singled out tea-party groups for extra scrutiny. Similar protests took place in Chattanooga and cities across the country. The event was largely symbolic, with the federal courthouse substituting for the IRS. In terms of a show of force, turnout was not bad, albeit a far cry from a few years ago, when a thousand or more filled legislative plaza to protest taxes and the healthcare overhaul.

Chattanooga Tea Party rallies against IRS (Times Free-Press/Brogdon)

Amid a cluster of nearly 50 local Tea Partyers holding handwritten signs emblazoned with anti-income tax and Libertarian slogans Tuesday, Barry Barsoumian held a sheet of white posterboard bearing a simple question in black marker: “Is this still America?” Barsoumian, 54, came to the United States in 1977. His family was fleeing Armenia, at the time part of the Soviet Union. “My father brought me to this country, because he was very anti-communist,” Barsoumian said Tuesday at a local Tea Party rally in front of the Chattanooga branch of the Internal Revenue Service on Uptain Road.

Knoxville Tea Party supporters protest IRS (Knoxville News-Sentinel/Lakin)

A lunchtime protest Tuesday outside the Knoxville office of the IRS drew about two dozen people of all ages. Members of the Knoxville Tea Party organized the rally at the steps of the John J. Duncan Federal Building on Locust Street, which houses the agency’s local office. The rally was intended as a protest against recent revelations of the IRS scrutiny of some conservative groups but was open to all comers, said James Arthur, vice chair of the Knoxville Tea Party. “The government is actively suppressing free speech,” Arthur said.

House vote sends Cumberland River fishing bill to Obama (Tennessean/Gang)

Congress took another step Tuesday toward blocking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from putting in place boating and fishing restrictions below Cumberland River dams. Following the Senate’s action last week, the House approved a measure preventing the Corps from following through on its plan for the next two years. When the Corps releases water from the 10 dams it operates on the Cumberland and its tributaries, the water immediately below becomes turbulent. Since last year, the Corps has worked on a plan to prohibit boats and anglers from getting too close, citing safety as its top priority.

Carr Adds Big Name Manager to Congressional Campaign (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

State Rep. Joe Carr has signed on a high profile campaign manager in his bid to unseat Republican Congressman Scott DesJarlais. The primary race is heating up more than a year out from Election Day. Chip Saltsman is a guy Republicans want on their team. He led Mike Huckabee’s run for president. He’s worked on the campaigns of both of Tennessee’s senators and most recently helped put Chattanooga’s congressman in office. Carr says Saltsman brings “firepower and experience” to the campaign.

Supreme Court case similar to Hamilton County prayer lawsuit (TFP/Brogdon)

Local attorneys expect the U.S. Supreme Court to give a final “amen” to prayers in public meetings after the high court agreed Monday to hear a New York case. Whether that will be an expression of assent or a pronounced ending for government prayer is yet to be seen. Either way, attorneys Robin Flores and Steve Duggins say the outcome of the case, Town of Greece v. Galloway, will ultimately decide Hamilton County’s own prayer lawsuit. Flores is representing Thomas Coleman and Brandon Jones, who filed a federal suit in June 2012 to stop prayers before Hamilton County Commission meetings. Coleman and Jones say the prayers, which are majority Christian, blur the line between church and state.

Electronic Health Data Gaining Favor (Wall Street Journal)

More than half of U.S. doctors have switched to electronic health records and are using them to manage patients’ basic medical information and prescriptions, according to federal data set to be released Wednesday. The Department of Health and Human Services says it has reached a tipping point as it seeks to steer medical providers away from paper records. Advocates for electronic health records say they have the potential to make medical care safer and more efficient. In 2015, the federal government will start penalizing providers that haven’t begun using electronic health records in reimbursements they get for treating patients.

Midstate’s Technology Job Market Maintaining Strength (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

Demand for tech workers in Middle Tennessee is holding steady, according to a new report from the Nashville Technology Council. The group looked at public job listings around the area. It found almost 840 open positions were advertised in the first quarter of the year. That’s basically the same as its findings for the same period last year. Many of the jobs are in the health care sector. 

Number of tech job openings not falling in Middle Tennessee, report shows (NBJ)

Technology-related job openings in the first quarter were consistent with previous quarters, according to a Nashville Technology Council’s report. There were 838 technology-related jobs advertised in the Middle Tennessee area in the first three months of the year, compared to 836 in the last quarter of 2012. In Tennessee, 1,225 tech jobs were advertised, according to the report. Filling tech jobs has been an ongoing focus for the tech council and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Rockwood plant to half its workforce (Knoxville News-Sentinel/Fowler)

Toho Tenax closing carbon fiber line He cautioned that a company downturn, or worse, loomed on the horizon. Hamstrung by a hefty tariff that he said didn’t make sense, Toho Tenax America Inc. president Rob Klawonn recently warned that his company could go out of business. While that isn’t occurring, Toho Tenax is slashing its work force in half and closing a production line, Klawonn said. By Sept. 30, 65 employees will be out of work, he said. The company is located in a 100,000-square-foot building in the Roane County Industrial Park.

Nashville’s new convention center sets challenge for Memphis (C. Appeal/Locker)

After nine years of discussion, controversy, planning and construction, Nashville’s mammoth, gleaming new $585 million convention center opened with two days of public events and concerts Sunday and Monday. The new Music City Center is three times bigger than the city’s existing convention center, which opened in 1987, and nearly 3½ times bigger than the Memphis Cook Convention Center that opened in 1974. An 800-room Omni Nashville Hotel under construction next door will open this fall and has already booked 250,000 room nights through conventions and meetings in the years ahead.

TN schools weigh cost vs. risk of storm safe rooms (Tennessean/Hall, Gross)

Beside Joplin’s temporary high school sits a field of concrete boxes with steel doors — bunkers trusted to guard students against 200-plus-mph winds like those that ripped their Missouri school apart two years ago today. At the new Joplin High, a 16,000-square-foot music room will serve as a better version of the same thing. After tornadoes leveled the same school twice — the first time in 1971 — district leaders accelerated plans to include safe rooms in all new school construction, Superintendent C.J. Huff said.

Memphis-Shelby school board leaning toward maintaining dress codes (CA/Kelley)

A proposal calling for no immediate change in how students dress in Memphis and Shelby County Schools generated a lively debate among unified school board members Tuesday night, but appeared to have considerable support on the 23-member body. The proposal, which could be approved by the board at its monthly business meeting next Tuesday, calls for a process under which schools could change to a more or less restrictive policy, on an individual school basis and with parental input, in 2014-15.

Suburbs Return School Districts to Ballot (Memphis Daily News)

As three of Shelby County’s six suburban towns and cities locked in July 16 referendums on forming municipal school districts, there were indications of renewed discussions between the suburban leaders and Shelby County Commissioners on the terms of forming those districts. Aldermen in Millington, Arlington and Collierville gave final approval Monday, May 20, to referendum ordinances that would put ballot questions on the formation of the school districts to voters. Lakeland commissioners were expected to take the same action toward a July 16 referendum at a meeting Tuesday, with Bartlett and Germantown aldermen following on Thursday.

Rutherford County school budget passes first hurdle (Daily News Journal)

Rutherford County Schools Tuesday night cleared the first hurdle in the process of having its $299 million budget for fiscal 2014 approved, thanks to a 6-1 vote by the County Commission’s Health and Education Committee. The budget is $19.77 million more than the school system’s current plan. Its adoption would require a 4-cent increase on the county’s property tax rate of $2.4652 per $100 of assessed value. The school system’s proposed budget includes 131.8 new positions, with 62.1 designated for Stewarts Creek High, which opens in August in Smyrna.

Oklahoma: Search for survivors of massive tornado nearly complete (AP)

Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children. Scientists concluded the storm was a rare and extraordinarily powerful type of twister known as an EF5, ranking it at the top of the scale used to measure tornado strength. Those twisters are capable of lifting reinforced buildings off the ground, hurling cars like missiles and stripping trees completely free of bark.

OPINION 

Frank Munger: Uranium Processing Facility still trying to catch up (News-Sentinel)

The designers of the Uranium Processing Facility are almost back to where they once were. According to Steven Wyatt, a spokesman for the National Nuclear Security Administration, the redesign of the multibillion-dollar UPF — one of the biggest government projects in the offing — is now about 70 percent completed. That reflects some progress since the big design effort was restarted last August. But it’s not quite back to where the original design was (75 percent) when it got scrapped because it wasn’t big enough to accommodate all the equipment and operational space needed for the uranium work at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant in Oak Ridge.

The post May 22 TN News Digest appeared first on TNReport.

WASHINGTON—As lawmakers at both state and federal levels of government look for ways to improve the quality of health care and reduce the costs of public programs, governors are developing innovative Medicaid programs and must retain flexibility to implement these measures.

To assist in these efforts, the National Governors Association (NGA) today announced the members of a new Health Care Sustainability Task Force (Task Force). Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber and Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam will serve as co-chairs of the Task Force.

Other governors serving include Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, California Gov. Jerry Brown, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin. NGA Health and Homeland Security Chair Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Vice Chair Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval will serve as ex-officio members.

“Right now states are looking to change how they do business in order to more effectively serve their constituents,” said Gov. Kitzhaber. “This Task Force will help states sit down together to figure out what’s working and what isn’t and identify how the federal government can best support these efforts.”

“Governors are working in their states to find ways to cut costs when it comes to health care,” said Gov. Haslam. “It is our responsibility to examine every possible option in an effort to make sure promising new initiatives can be fully utilized.”

The Task Force will focus on state innovations that require the redesign of health care delivery and payment systems with the objectives of improving quality and controlling costs. Through the sharing of state experiences and best practices, the Task Force will work to identify areas where federal legislative or regulatory action is necessary to reduce barriers and further support state initiatives.

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LASCASSAS, TENN. – Jobless Consultants for Joe Carr today announced that infamous campaign consultant John “Chip” Saltsman, Jr. has joined the Carr for Congress team as general consultant. Saltsman will be involved in “strategic” decisions as well as day-to-day operations of the campaign.

Starting as a driver for Tennessee’s most forgettable tax-loving governor, Saltsman’s career highlights include creating a racially-charged national media firestorm and getting sued by members of his own political party.

“I’m pleased as punch to join this effort. As you may know, I’ve been struggling since I ‘left’ the office of Congressman Fleischmann. There are only so many daytime soaps and cartoons I can watch in a day,” explained Saltsman. “I’m a newlywed and my wife’s tastes in clothes and food are not, shall we say, pedestrian. I mean I got a bill from Jimmy Choo the other day that would make your head spin. I need work.”

“Long story short, I saw Congressman Desjarlais’s difficulties as an opportunity to make some bank,” Saltsman continued. “After Jim Tracy refused to call me back and the myriad of potential candidates I attempted to recruit elected not to run, I was left with the choice between Joe Carr and bankruptcy and eventual divorce. I chose the money. I mean, I chose Joe. Rep. Carr is without a doubt the best candidate in the race that will pay me. Without a doubt.”

Rep.Joe Carr explained the decision to employ the frequent television talking head as his consultant.

“Chip sat me down and explained that fundraising was overrated and what my fledgling campaign really needed was a highly-paid general consultant who would come up with various strategies to overcome the limitations of an increasingly small budget,” said Carr. “I know the logic seems circular but when Chip explains it it makes total sense.”

Chip Saltsman began his career in politics as a driver for former Governor Don Sundquist. Sundquist is recognized for his failed attempt to give Tennessee a state income tax and thus delaying Republican ascendancy in Tennessee for more than a decade. Sundquist would eventually install his driver Saltsman as chairman of the Republican Party in Tennessee.

“I remember getting the call that they needed someone over at the party to oversee things for us,” said Sundquist. “Of course, since we had the governor’s mansion every Republican worth a damn already had a government job. So, we let Chip be chair. He was very excited.”

After his stint as chairman, Saltsman started a longtime association with Senator Bill Frist. Saltsman served as campaign manager in Frist’s aborted run for President in 2008.

“I was majority leader of the Senate and on track to make a formidable presidential run. Then Chip came on board and, well, I never ran,” remembered Frist. “Of course, it wasn’t all Chip’s fault. He tried real hard. He means well. He really does.”

After Frist faltered, Saltsman deftly positioned himself as a campaign manager to Governor Mike Huckabee. The charismatic former governor who had already secured a strong grassroots following among the religious conservative community was excited to have Saltsman join his campaign..

“When I started my campaign, a lot of bigwigs and reporters would ask who my campaign manager was. I didn’t have an answer,” recollected Huckabee. “After Chip joined the team, I had an answer. From that point on, whenever ever anybody asked if I had a campaign manager I would say, ‘Yes. Yes, I do. His name is Chip Saltsman and he is standing right over there.’”

Fresh from presiding over the Huckabee campaign, Saltsman next made a run for Republican National Committee chair. Acting as his own political consultant, Saltsman mailed out a Christmas CD containing the song “Barack, the Magic Negro” to fellow RNC members. Saltsman’s campaign quickly imploded under the weight of the resulting media firestorm.

Saltsman made news most recently as the pivotal figure in an ongoing intra-party dispute that represents one of the most odious examples of Republican-on-Republican violence in recent Tennessee history.

In 2010, while serving as a campaign consultant to congressional candidate Chuck Fleischmann, Saltsman obtained confidential information stolen from Tennessee Republican Party headquarters to defame the campaign of former TNGOP chairwoman Robin Smith. When confronted with the theft and the use of illegal materials in a sworn deposition, Saltsman denied wrongdoing. He subsequently billed the Fleischmann campaign for thousands of dollars of legal expenses related to the suit. The suit is still pending.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – House Democrats are applauding the move by Governor Haslam to appoint Interim Commissioner Jim Henry as the permanent Commissioner of the Department of Children’s Services.

“Jim Henry is a great public servant who is unquestionably the best choice to move DCS forward,” said House Democratic Leader Craig Fitzhugh. “His qualifications, knowledge and professionalism will be a stark contrast and welcome respite from the mismanagement and scandal we have seen from so many other Commissioners in this administration.”

Commissioner Henry assumed control of the Department of Children’s Services in February when then Commissioner Kate O’Day resigned. Since then he has taken positive steps towards fixing an agency that was mired in allegations of secrecy and poor handling of cases.

“We would also like to congratulate Debra Payne for being selected to fill Commissioner Henry’s role as Commissioner of DIDDS,” said Leader Fitzhugh. “This is an extremely important agency and I am confident that Deputy Commissioner Payne will be up to the task of leading this department with the same level of professionalism that Commissioner Henry did.”

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CARYVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today held a ceremonial bill signing of “Lynn’s Law,” or HB 531/SB 675, legislation allowing district attorneys to prosecute an individual who knowingly abandons a person with an intellectual disability.

This bill makes it illegal for a person who has assumed responsibility for and is knowledgeable of another’s inability to care for him or herself to abandon that person.

The law adds abandonment to the current statute that covers abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult person or persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

“I want to thank the General Assembly for passing this sensible piece of legislation,” Haslam said. “One of the state’s primary responsibilities is caring for the most vulnerable, and this bill gives us a tool to help protect those with developmental and intellectual disabilities from being abandoned.”

The legislation stemmed from the much-publicized incident in June 2012 when Lynn Cameron, a disabled 19-year-old, was driven from her home in Illinois by her mother and abandoned at a bar in Caryville.

After the case was publicized, it took 10 days to determine Cameron’s identity, but under state law at the time, her abandonment was not an indictable offense.

State Sen. Ken Yager (R-Harriman) and state Rep. Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro) sponsored the bill.

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NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced Debra Payne as the new commissioner of the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) as Jim Henry becomes the permanent commissioner at the Department of Children’s Services (DCS).

Payne currently serves as deputy commissioner of DIDD and Henry as the interim commissioner of DCS.

“These two departments handle some of the state’s most difficult work concerning our most vulnerable citizens,” Haslam said. “I want to thank Debbie for taking on this new role in such a young department. Her experience and hard work will continue to serve the state of Tennessee very well.”

As deputy commissioner of program operations at DIDD, Payne has overseen two development centers, a statewide community-based service delivery system supported by more than 2,000 employees, 475 community providers and three regional offices.

“I want to thank Gov. Haslam for the opportunity to continue to serve Tennesseans with disabilities,” Payne said. “I look forward to working with this department and all of our providers in continuing to offer quality care.”

Payne has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Middle Tennessee State University. She has served in numerous capacities throughout her career and is credited with assembling a nationally recognized Protection from Harm system as the statewide director of Protection from Harm for DIDD.

Payne lives in Mt. Juliet with her husband, Mike, and she has three children, two step-children and one granddaughter.

Henry was the first commissioner of DIDD, which was formerly a division of the Department of Finance and Administration before becoming a state department on January 15, 2011. He has headed up both DIDD and DCS since February when he became interim commissioner of DCS.

“I am honored to serve in this capacity with Gov. Haslam,” Henry said. “We have taken important steps at DCS, and we will continue to strengthen our processes and policies as well as continue to improve the department as a whole.”

The appointments are effective June 1.

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VONORE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today traveled to Monroe County to sign legislation to reduce the state portion of the sales tax on groceries from 5.25 percent to 5 percent.

Haslam held a ceremonial bill signing at Sloan’s Grocery in Vonore, Tenn.

In 2012, the General Assembly passed and the governor signed the first step in reducing the state portion of the sales tax on groceries, lowering the rate from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent.

“We’re lowering taxes and balancing the state budget by managing conservatively, making strategic investments in our priorities and finding new ways to make government more efficient and effective,” Haslam said. “The sales tax on food impacts all Tennesseans, and I applaud the General Assembly for passing this important piece of legislation this year.”

The bill, SB 199/HB 193, was introduced by the governor and was one of two tax cuts passed by the legislature and signed by Haslam this year as the state continues its work toward providing the best customer service at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers.

Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville), House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick (R-Chattanooga) and state Rep. Ryan Haynes (R-Knoxville) sponsored the bill.

Haslam included $23 million in the FY 2013-2014 state budget to fund the legislation. The legislation goes into effect July 1, 2013.

The reduced tax rate does not apply to prepared foods such as a meal at a restaurant, candy, alcoholic beverages or tobacco.

The post Grocery Sales Tax Cut Signed by Haslam appeared first on TNReport.

Flanked by a number of East Tennessee Republican state lawmakers, the governor told a crowd of about two dozen locals that any tax cut on groceries benefits “all Tennesseans.”

Last year, the Tennessee General Assembly passed an initial reduction on the state’s portion of the sales tax on groceries, lowering the rate from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent. This year it dropped to 5 percent even.

“Some people say, ‘That doesn’t save the average Tennessean a whole lot of money.’ Think of it this way: Of the total food tax that you pay, we have cut it 10 percent of the total amount that you pay,” said Haslam. “That is a good start on saving every Tennessean money.”

Haslam also took the opportunity to boast on navigation of the state’s fiscal ship in the rough economic weather the past few years.

“Maybe the most important thing we didn’t do is that we didn’t raise taxes — as a mater of fact, we cut them,” the governor said. “We cut the death tax, we cut the gift tax, we’re cutting the Hall income tax for folks over 65. But the most important tax I think we cut is this one, because the grocery tax is one tax that every Tennessean pays, regardless of where you live and regardless of how much money you make.”

With respect to lowering the grocery tax in the future, while Haslam said “we want to keep that going,” he stopped short of promising Tennesseans to expect another slice taken off next year.

“We obviously have to wait and see what happens with the economy and revenue,” he said during a press conference after the signing ceremony. “Our budget has taken some pressure. The addition of the Affordable Care Act meant a lot of additional costs to the state and some other things. We obviously would like to (cut it more), but like with every other budget you have to wait and see how it develops.”

State Sen. Randy McNally, who chairs the Tennessee Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee, also wouldn’t commit to cutting the sales tax on groceries again in 2014.

“You know, there are other issues — (like) the professional privilege tax, that’s not uniformly applied, and a lot of people would like to see it go away,” said McNally, a Republican from Oak Ridge. “So there are number of things we can do as far as tax relief.”

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