Thumbnail image for Lawmakers Not Soon Likely to Open TBI Files

Lawmakers Not Soon Likely to Open TBI Files

by Steven Hale | Mar. 13, 2012

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation files are exempt from Tennessee’s Public Records Act, and look likely to stay that way for now at least.

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Thumbnail image for Governor Wants Standardized State-Agency Open-Records Request Processes, Policies

Governor Wants Standardized State-Agency Open-Records Request Processes, Policies

by Andrea Zelinski | Mar. 13, 2012

The governor’s office has so far met once with representatives of stakeholder interests about how they’d like to see the policy crafted. Additional meetings are expected in the coming weeks and months.

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Thumbnail image for Lawmakers Praise Naifeh Upon Retirement Announcement

Lawmakers Praise Naifeh Upon Retirement Announcement

by Andrea Zelinski | Mar. 9, 2012

Honored as a powerful politician and committed leader whose words were his bond, the Covington Democrat announced Thursday he will not seek re-election this fall. Naifeh’s legislative career spans almost four decades and includes an 18-year tenure as speaker.

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Thumbnail image for ‘Extenuating Situations’ Call for Expanding Government Grants to Businesses: Haslam

‘Extenuating Situations’ Call for Expanding Government Grants to Businesses: Haslam

by Steven Hale | Mar. 9, 2012

Areas suffering high unemployment or infrastructural exigencies can legitimately require taxpayer-financed payments and incentives to entice companies to locate there, Tennessee’s governor said Thursday.

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Thumbnail image for Polls Give Mixed Scores to Teacher Evaluation Reforms

Polls Give Mixed Scores to Teacher Evaluation Reforms

by Andrea Zelinski | Mar. 7, 2012

Almost half of Tennesseans questioned in a recent poll say they have no clue whether the state’s teacher evaluations help or hurt education. Some lawmakers and political onlookers say it’s simply too early to tell.

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Thumbnail image for Guns-in-Parking-Lots Foes Speak Their Piece

Guns-in-Parking-Lots Foes Speak Their Piece

by Steven Hale | Mar. 7, 2012

Representatives from FedEx, Volkswagen, Belmont University and other employers spoke against a bill to allow Tennesseans to keep their guns in their cars at work. Following the testimony, two state Senate committees delayed action on the bill.

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Thumbnail image for Republicans in Crossfire: Gun Rights vs. Property Rights

Republicans in Crossfire: Gun Rights vs. Property Rights

by Andrea Zelinski | Mar. 6, 2012

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey’s not liking the take-no-prisoners pressure tactics the Tennessee Firearms Association is exerting. Gov. Haslam says “balance” is needed coming up with a compromise suitable both to business interests and Second Amendment advocates.

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Thumbnail image for Another Round of ‘Hall Tax’ Reductions Unlikely This Year, says House Speaker Harwell

Another Round of ‘Hall Tax’ Reductions Unlikely This Year, says House Speaker Harwell

by Andrea Zelinski | Mar. 5, 2012

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey has said he wants the tax on investments reduced, but House Speaker Beth Harwell says she wants to take a pass on that this year.

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Thumbnail image for Opinion Survey Finds Overwhelming Public Support for TN Voter ID Law

Opinion Survey Finds Overwhelming Public Support for TN Voter ID Law

by Andrea Zelinski | Feb. 29, 2012

According to MTSU, 82 percent of Tennesseans favor sticking with 2011 law. Only 11 percent want it repealed. Law supporters in Legislature say poll reflects what they’ve been hearing from constituents.

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Thumbnail image for House Democrats Conflicted on ECD Transparency Bill

House Democrats Conflicted on ECD Transparency Bill

by Andrea Zelinski | Feb. 28, 2012

Most Democrats are concerned with the transparency component of the Haslam-backed measure. But House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner says a handful are more concerned with whether the business incentive system even needs changing.

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Thumbnail image for Ownership Information Still a Sticking Point in ECD Transparency Bill

Ownership Information Still a Sticking Point in ECD Transparency Bill

by Andrea Zelinski | Feb. 27, 2012

The Haslam administration bill would seek more information from businesses seeking government handouts than the Bredesen administration did, but lawmakers are still debating whether some of those details should be open to the public.

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Thumbnail image for Effort to Expel Tent-Dwellers from TN Statehouse Plaza Passes Senate

Effort to Expel Tent-Dwellers from TN Statehouse Plaza Passes Senate

by Alex Harris | Feb. 24, 2012

Setting up camp on state property not designated for it could earn a violator significant jail time and a hefty fine under bill. Critics argue the measure both undermines a fundamental right to protest and that otherwise law-abiding and well-meaning citizens could run afoul of it unknowingly.

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