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FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2012

Naifeh to retire after 38 years in House (Associated Press/Johnson)Rep. Jimmy Naifeh announced Thursday that he won't seek re-election for his District 81 seat after 38 yearsthe House of Representatives, saying it's time to "pass the torch to the next generation of leaders." Naifeh, wwas given the honorary title of speaker emeritus after holding the top House post for 18 years, made tannouncement on the House floor. The Covington Democrat said the late Tennessee Democratic Gov. NMcWherter, whom Naifeh described as a mentor in politics and life, "always told me when it was time to home, I'd know it." "After talking with my family and friends, I believe the time has come for me to pass the torcNaifeh said. He was elected to the House in 1974 after losing his first bid for office in 1972. He was succeedas House speaker in 2009 by Republican Rep. Kent Williams of Elizabethton, who edged Rep. Jason M umpowof Bristol on a vote of 50-49 after all 49 Democrats banded together to support Williams. Naifeh persuad

Williams to seek the speakership and was behind the plan for him to be elected. "During my one term as spea... his experience helped me through a very hard two years," Williams said Thursday on the H ouse floor. "Thayou for all you did."http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38752887?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Former House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh announces retirement (City Paper/Woods)House Speaker Em eritus Jimmy Naifeh, once one of the most powerful politicians in the state, said Thursdaywill not run for reelection in November after 38 years as a lawmaker. With Republicans now dominating tlegislature, Naifeh, who is 72, became the fifth Democrat in the House to announce retirements this sessiFour Democratic senators have announced they won’t seek re-election. “Governor McWherter, my mentalways told me I would know when it was time to go home and I know that time has come for me to step asidethe next generation of leaders,” Naifeh said on the House floor. Naifeh was the longest-serving House speake

Tennessee history, serving in that position from 1991 until 2009. He is perhaps best known across the stateone of the leading advocates for a state income tax in 2002. That effort failed and cost Democrats in laelections. Republicans won a 64-member House majority in 2010. This year during redistricting, they redrNaifeh’s district, taking away Democratic-leaning Haywood County and leaving only his home county of Tiptonan increasingly Republican Memphis suburb.http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/former-house-speaker-jimmy-naifeh-announces- retirement

Jimmy Naifeh, former TN House speaker, to end storied career (Tennessean/SiskLongtime House speaker urges cooperation in retirement address to cheering colleagues State lawmakcelebrated former House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh after he announced Thursday that he w ill not run for re-electthis year, ending a career in the state legislature that reached nearly four decades. Naifeh was allowedpreside over the state House o f Representatives one final time during a morning session in which he announc

his retirement. Telling lawmakers he had decided “it’s time to pass the torch,” the West Tennessee Democurged members to work together and listen to members of the other party, even as he acknowledged hreputation for partisanship. “I certainly played hardball — just once or twice — but I always maintainrelationships on both sides of the aisle,” he said. “This is a very unique fraternity. … We celebrate together, awe mourn together, and we work together for the people of Tennessee.” Lawmakers gave him a two-minstanding ovation, and long-serving legislators from both sides of the aisle praised the W est Tennessee Dem ocas a man who kept his word, listened to opposing points of view and offered honest advice, even as he ruover the House for a record 18 years beginning in 1991.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120309/NEWS21/303090086/Jimmy-Naifeh-former-TN-House-speaker-end-storied-career?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|N ews|s

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Former Tennessee House speaker Jimmy Naifeh won't seek re-electio

(CA/Locker)State Rep. Jimmy Naifeh of Covington, the son of Lebanese emigrants who served as House speaker lonthan anyone in Tennessee history, won't run for re-election this year after 38 years in the legislature, he sThursday. Naifeh, 72, a Democrat, was elected to the House in 1974 and re-elected 18 times. The Houelected him its speaker nine times, from 1991 to 2009, w hen Republicans won a House majority. He's remain

a vocal member, trading the podium for a desk at the back of the House chamber from which he has assaibills that he considered injurious to people. Addressing his colleagues on the House floor Thursday, he said mentor, the late governor and speaker Ned McWherter, "always told me that when it was time to go home,know it. ... I've given 40 years of my life to public service: 38 in the legislature and two as an infantry officer in Army. Now I'm looking forward to a little more time for myself and a lot m ore time with my grandkids."http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/mar/08/former-tennessee-house-speaker-jimmy-naifeh-wont-s/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

Naifeh Says He Will Retire After End of Current Session (Memphis Flyer)Jimmy Naifeh, the Covington Democrat who served in the state House of Representatives for 38 years, a rec18 of those years as Speaker, will serve no more after this year. Naifeh, who lost the Speakership in 200following the G OP's attaining a majority, took the floor to announce his forthcoming retirement at the end of

current session. The longtime Speaker — feared by his enemies, revered by his allies, respected by all — wapplause from members of both parties after he delivered himself of the following remarks: Madam SpeakMembers, I want to thank you for giving me a few minutes today to come to the well and make some remarI’ve served in this chamber for 38 years. That’s a long time, over half my adult life actually. This body, thinstitution is a part of me, it’s a part of my family and I will always have a special place in my heart for the mand women I’ve served with here over the last three decades.http://www.memphisflyer.com/JacksonBaker/archives/2012/03/08/naifeh-says-he-will-retire-after-end-o f-currensession

Former Speaker Naifeh Won’t Run for Re-Election to House Seat (WPLN-Radio)Former Tennessee House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh today announced that after 38 years, he won’t run for election in his Tipton County district. Jimmy Naifeh, 72, says he won’t run for the district he has represen

since 1974. “Governor McWherter, who was my mentor, always told me that I would know when it was timego. And I know that time has come for me to step aside for the next generation of leaders.” In a ten-minuspeech, the long-time speaker of the House urged members to consider “the people” rather than their party they do the work they were elected to. “I always saw myself as the speaker of this body, not a particular paNow I don’t think it’s any secret where my loyalties law. And I certainly played hardball, just once or twicNaifeh ran the House with an iron hand for 18 years, a record, installing Democrats in all important posts. became the figurehead of the enemy Dem ocratic Party to the state GOP.http://wpln.org/?p=348 70

 

‘Extenuating Situations’ Call for Expanding Grants to Businesses: Haslam (TNR)Gov. Bill Haslam Thursday afternoon explained his reasoning for a push to expand the use of taxpayer-fundcash grants given to businesses through the state’s FastTrack program. Since 2006 the state has allotted

average of $38.5 million annually to the FastTrack. The governor’s 2013 fiscal year budget plan outlindevelopment grants that would award up to $70 million through the program. “Right now, with cash grantsTennessee, you can spend them on two things, you can spend them on infrastructure or training,” he toTNReport after speaking to the Tennessee Hospital Association in Nashville Thursday. “What we’ve said issome extenuating situations – maybe we’re going into an area w ith high unemployment, one of our rural countwith high unemployment – we would like to use those grants for other things as well. For employee relocatcosts and some things that currently can’t be covered by infrastructure or training grants.”http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/03/09/extenuating-situations-call-for-expanding-government-grants-to-bu sinessehaslam / 

Haslam health task force to focus on Tenn. obesity (Associated Press)Reducing Tennessee's obesity rate will be the focus of the Governor's Health and Wellness Task Force. Gov.

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Haslam noted in a news release Thursday that more than 1.5 million adults — or one in three Tennesseans are obese. Haslam said the state must encourage more healthy behavior and improve access to healthy fooand places to exercise. The governor formed the 16-mem ber task force in October. It is chaired by John Lacthe University of Tennessee's chief medical officer. The task force will work with organizations like the Y, tstate's coordinated school health program, the Tennessee Obesity Task Force and local health officials abusinesses.http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38753859?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Haslam asks Tennessee to confront obesity (Tennessean/Wilemon)Businesses urged to join fight Gov. Bill Haslam put himself at the center of a campaign to change the wTennesseans eat and exercise when he announced Thursday that tackling obesity is the priority of his Heaand Wellness Task Force. “When a third of us are obese and another third are overweight, we have to something about this,” Haslam said. His announcement means that groups already combating obesity havepowerful new ally, one they are counting on to garner other partners, particularly business leaders. Haslam lthe problem out in economic terms, noting that illnesses stemming from obesity, such as diabetes and canceat up health-care dollars and put Tennessee a t a disadvantage in attracting new employers. Health-care coaccount for almost a third of the state’s $30-billion-plus budget, he said.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120309/NEWS0201/303090068/Haslam-asks-Tennessee-confront-obesity?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|N ews

Obama, governors agree on schools (Associated Press/Hefling)A funny thing is happening between President Barack Obama and many R epublican governors when it comesimproving America’s schools: They are mostly getting along. After Obama spoke recently to the natiogovernors, Louisiana GOP Gov. Bobby Jindal publicly praised the administration’s efforts on education, aVirginia Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell said there was a lot of room for “common agreement” on fixing schooTennesseeGov. Bill Haslam,another Republican, introduced Obama in September at the White House beforethe president announced that states could be freed from stringent rules under the No Child Left Behind lawthey met certain conditions. GOP Gov. Mitch Daniels freely credits Obama and Education Secretary ArDuncan for helping to pave the way for a “tectonic” shift in education, including comprehensive law changpassed in his home state of Indiana last year that include the rigorous use of teacher evaluations and one of nation’s most expansive uses of vouchers to help parents send children to private schools.http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120309/NEWS01/303090010/Obama-governors-agree-schools

Haslam Won’t Oppose Sidewalk Honoring Former First Lady Conte (TN Report)Gov. Bil l Haslam says he has “no problem” naming a sidewalk at the bottom of Capitol Hil l after predecessor’s wife despite red-lighting the move as costly last month. “It’ll happen. It’ll happen,” Haslam laughwhen asked by reporters about the proposal Tuesday. “We’ll get that paid for, with state money.” The Republicgovernor’s staff raised objections to the cost of nam ing the perimeter track of B icentennial Capitol Mall — dothe hill from the Capitol Building — after former first lady Andrea Conte, wife of Phil Bredesen. FormDemocratic Speaker Jimmy Naifeh had brought forward the proposal.http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/03/08/haslam-wont-oppose-sidewalk-honoring-former-first-la dy-conte/ 

Haslam, DesJarlais to meet local GOP (Times-Gazette)

Gov. Bill Haslam w ill be the keynote speaker for Bedford County Republican Party's 2012 Reagan Day Dinnerbe held Thursday, March 29 at the Blue R ibbon Circle on the Celebration grounds. U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlaisalso scheduled to attend, his first official appearance in Bedford County since it was announced that the couwould move from the 6th Congressional District to the 4th in this year's election cycle. DesJarlais represents 4th district, although all House seats will be up for election this year. State Sen. Jim Tracy and State Rep. PMarsh plan to attend as well. Schedule A reception will be held at 5:45 p.m. with the dinner to follow at 6:30ticket for both events is $30, and reservations must be made in advance by March 24. Reservations may made by calling Barbara Frisby at 684-0544.http://www.t-g.com/story/1823718.html

Haslam Awards $565,000 in Parks and Recreation Grants (Clarksville Online)

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Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau todawarded $565,000 in Recreational Trails Program grants to recipients across Tennessee. Montgomery Couwill receive $120,000 for the Phase II construction of an ADA-accessible boardwalk trail “These grants help logovernments and organizations enhance or expand community amenities such as trails, greenways arecreational facilities,” Haslam said. “I am pleased this year’s grant awards will allow us to help communitacross the state make the outdoors more accessible to Tennesseans.” The Recreational Trails Program ifederally-funded program established to distribute funding for motorized, non-motorized and diverse recreattrail projects. The funds are available to federal, state and local government agencies, as well as non-prorganizations that have obtained IRS 501(c)(3) status and have a written trail management agreement with tagency that owns the property where the trail project is located.http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2012/03/08/tennessee-governor-bill-haslam-awards-565000-in-parks- and-recreation-grants/ 

TN Teacher Evals Discussed in WSJ (TN Report)Two M emphis music teachers and Tennessee’s top education official are featured in a W all Street Journal sttoday tracking teacher evaluation efforts across the country. The story looks at the challenge of using testsevaluating educators when standardized tests don’t generally cover social studies or science, focusing insteon reading and math. There’s also the potential for parent revolt, as in the case of Charlotte-MecklenbSchools’ failed attempt to test every single kindergartner one at a time. Here’s the Tennessee connectioMemphis m usic teacher Jeff Chipman is part of a small group of teachers piloting the new assessment basedstudent portfolios, and he acknowledges the district’s challenges. “We are about teaching kids to perform aexperience art, and that cannot be measured with a pencil-and-paper test,” he said. “We want to be evaluatedhow we help kids grow, but we don’t want to turn the arts program into a testing machine.”http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/03/08/tn-teacher-evals-discussed- in-wsj/ 

Tennessee ranks favorably among other states according to voter survey (CP)Tennessee ranked the third most favorable state in the U.S., according to results of the latest Public PolPolling survey. The survey, conducted throughout the country during a four-month period ending last monasked 700 of 3,300 likely voters how they view each of the 50 states. When asked about their impressionTennessee, voters ranked the state third most favorable. Hawaii and Colorado ranked first and secorespectively in the poll. Only five states — California, Illinois, New Jersey, Mississippi and Utah — were rankednegative territory. California fared the worst with 27 percent of voters ranking it favorably compared to 44 percranking it unfavorably. In addition to the overall ranking, Tennessee was one of only four Southern states rankfavorably among African-Americans polled.http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/tennessee- ranks-favorably-among-other-states-according-voter-s urvey

Tennessee tax revenue exceeds budgeted estimate by $20.3M in February (MBJ)Tennessee's sales tax collections continued their positive year-over-year growth in February. However, the stwarned rising gasoline prices could cut into that growth. Tennessee reported $706.6 million in tax revenueFebruary, $20.3 million more than had been budgeted, Finance and Administration Commissioner Mark Emkstated in a release. A general improvement in economic conditions was given credit for the increase, the 23consecutive month for a year-over-year increase, the state noted. “While we believe the healthy growth ratesales tax collections for February is indicative of an improving economy in Tennessee, we are concerned tescalating gasoline prices will soon begin to erode the positive growth trend we are now enjoying,” Emkes stain the release. The following are excerpts from the state’s revenue report: • Sales tax collections were $22 millmore than the estimate for February. The February growth rate was positive 10.24 percent. The year-to-dgrowth rate for seven months is positive 6.98 percent.http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2012/03/08/tennessee-tax-revenue-exceeds-budgeted.html

Provisional ballot form sends voters to bank call center (Tennessean/Wilson)A phone number intended to tell Nashville voters where they could go to get a photo ID so they can casprovisional ballot sent them instead to a Bank of America call center for servicing delinquent loans. The continformation was listed on a form given to those who cast a provisional ballot because they did not presenphoto ID as required under the state’s new voter identification law. The phone number was printed as tnumber to contact the state Department of Safety’s call center to find the closest place to receive a photo Albert Tieche, the Davidson County administrator of elections, said the local election commission knew about

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error but wasn’t sure how it happened. “It’s a fairly small detail,” he said. “It’s kind of laid out there. We’ve ahanded out thousand of documents that give all the information on where to go. It’s been in the newspaper. been on TV . It’s been everywhere.” There was no indication that anyone was denied the right to vote. In additto the phone number, the instruction form included an Internet address for a website telling voters where to goreceive a photo ID, as well as the phone number for the Davidson County Election Comm ission.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120309/NEWS02/303090059/Provisional-ballot-form-sends-voters-bank-call-center?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|N ews

State promoting comm unity supported agriculture (Associated Press)The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is promoting community supported agriculture. CSA is a businemodel through which a non-farmer purchases a share or half-share of a real farmer's harvest — often before crops are even planted. State officials say such arrangements are a national trend. They are popular wfarmers because they can pay for the seed, fuel and other expenses to farm for the year. For consumers, thget fresh, local food already paid for. Fees vary. CSAs keep food dollars — and the farmlands where theyproduced — in the community. A spring-summer CSA share typically lasts from late May until early NovembTennessee CSAs are accepting customers now. A directory of CSAs is at www.picktnproducts.org .http://www.tennessean.com/usatoday/article/38757847?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

TennCare hospital reimbursements vary widely (Tennessean/Wilemon)

Some Tennessee hospitals are questioning why they should continue paying a self-imposed tax to prop up tstate’s Medicaid program because competitors are getting back much more in reimbursements while they lomoney treating TennCare patients. Hospital executives were shocked to learn that insurance contractors TennCare, the state health-care program for the poor, were paying more than four times as much to sohospitals as to others for outpatient procedures. In some cases, the disparities amounted to m illions of dollarsenough to make or break a hospital’s budget. The tension threatens to fracture a carefully negotiated allianthat keeps the state from losing hundreds of m illions of dollars in federal matching money. One of the stalargest hospitals, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Memphis, has left the Tennessee Hospital Association, organization that came up with the idea for the “enhanced coverage fee,” a 3.5 percent assessment on patirevenue. Craig Becker, THA president, said a solution is in the works. His organization has asked TennCareset new guidelines to narrow the disparities in reimbursements. The state agency has agreed to a more equitapayment scale, and a bill is moving through the legislature to do that.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120309/NEWS07/303090071/TennCare-hospital-reimbursements-vary-widely?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

TBI accepting applications for Citizens Academ y (Daily News Journal)The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now accepting applications for the 2012 TBI Citizens’ Academy opto Tennessee residents interested in learning more about the state’s lead investigative law enforcement agenThe four-week academy is scheduled for May 1-22 at TBI Headquarters in Nashville. It will offer citizens a lookTBI’s work, ranging from its investigations of crime scenes, cyber crime, tracking terrorism information and otaspects of criminal activity in Tennessee. Classes will be held for three hours, one night a week. The Academydesigned to develop a better understanding and awareness in the community of TBI through a first hand lookthe Bureau and its responsibilities across the state. Due to limited classroom size, the Academy will be limited15 citizens. Requirements for applicants are as follows:http://www.dnj.com/article/20120308/NEWS01/120308002/TBI-accepting-applications-Citizens-Academy

Philyaw drops out of General Sessions Court judge race (Times Free-Press/SoutThe field of candidates for the General Sessions Court judge election in August now is smaller by one. RPhilyaw, the part-time city judge in Graysville, Tenn., was one of three candidates who had qualified for the raaccording to the Hamilton County E lection Com mission website. Eight people have picked up applications. Bua statement to supporters and a brief phone conversation with the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Philyaw she has decided “to forgo seeking this seat and w ill suspend my campaign.” “Judge David Norton is an excellchoice, and he will serve honorably,” Philyaw wrote in his statement. The Hamilton County Commission voted1 on M arch 1 to appoint Norton, the Soddy-Daisy city judge, to the post left vacant by the Jan. 26 death of Jud

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Bob Moon. Philyaw received the only vote not for Norton.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/mar/09/judge-rob-philyaw-drops-out-general-sessions-c ourt/?local

Judiciary reprimands Cocke County judge (Knoxville News-Sentinel/Satterfield)For the fourth time, a Cocke County judge is getting his hand slapped by a state panel tasked with policing hThe Tennessee Court of the Judiciary late last month issued a public reprimand of Cocke County GeneSessions Court Judge John Bell. It is the fourth action against Bell since he took office in 1998. According to

notice by the Court of the Judiciary, Bell confessed guilt in the latest infraction rather than submit to a pubaccounting of the allegations against him. This is itself a reversal of Bell's prior history of fighting via pubhearings claims made against him. Bell agreed to a public reprimand for conduct that occurred in April 20while Bell, an Army National Guardsman who served in the Judge Advocate General's Corps handling militalegal affairs, was stationed in Germany. Bell agreed that he allowed a lawyer, who had not been previouapproved as temporary judge by the state Supreme Court, to stand in his stead as judge. Lawyers tappedspecial judges are paid for their services.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/mar/09/judiciary-reprimands-cocke-county-judge/ 

DA: Death penalty out in all but one of four torture s laying suspec

(NS/Satterfield)

It's official. Death is no longer a possible fate for three of four defendants in the January 20007 torture slayingsa Knox County couple. Assistant District Attorney General Leland Price has filed notice of an intention to sethe death penalty as punishment in the deaths of Channon Christian, 21, and boyfriend Christopher Newsom, only against alleged ringleader Lemaricus Davidson. Price this month notified attorneys for Davidson's brothLetalvis Cobbins, and Cobbins' friend, George Thomas, that he will push for a fate in their cases no more thlife without possibility of parole. Because Cobbins' girlfriend, Vanessa Coleman, was acquitted of a direct rolethe deaths, Price hasn't filed a notice of punishment sought in her case. The move comes after a special judordered up new trials for all four defendants in the w ake of a prescription pill abuse scandal involving the judwho once presided over the case.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/mar/09/da-death-penalty-out-in-all-but-one-of-four / 

Senate approves Amazon sales-tax agreement (Times Free-Press/Sher)

Legislation requiring Am azon to begin collecting Tennessee sales tax beginning in 2014 passed the Senate tmorning. The bill, the result of an agreement between the Internet retailing giant and Gov. Bill Haslam, wapproved on a 30-1 vote. “I’d really like to thank the governor’s office for working this out,” said the bill’s sponsSenate Finance Committee Chairman Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, who had criticized the original verbal dstruck by former Gov. Phil Bredesen and Amazon. That deal w ould have let Amazon avoid ever collecting sataxes in exchange for locating two $139 mill ion distr ibution centers in Chattanooga and near Clevelaemploying about 4,000 full-time and seasonal workers. Under the agreement, Amazon is building two additiodistribution centers, one in Rutherford County and one in W ilson County.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/mar/08/tennessee-senate-approves-amazon-sales-tax-agreeme/?breakingnews

Legislative impasse on ECD, guns and zoning - for now (Nashville Biz Journal)It was a week of standoffs in the Tennessee General Assembly. A look a t three of the biggest business issues

tap in recent days — Gov. Bill Haslam’s economic development package, a pair of controversial gun bills andflare up over zoning issues — reveals some of the most difficult lines lawmakers in the Republican-controlLegislature are debating over. All three show an ongoing search for com promise, with little new word on whermay come from. Here's the breakdown from my notebook this week: • The Republican governor's economdevelopment package remains bogged down as the administration and legislators discuss how to find commground on what sort of information the state should disclose about companies. But the fate of another bill, whapart from the disclosure issue expands the types of expenses companies can receive FastTrack grants foralso getting cloudier. Earlier this w eek, Haslam said he wants that bill to move forward regardless of whappens on the disclosure issue. Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, the R epublican head of the Senate, signaled that he hseparate concerns about expanding the use of grants.http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/2012/03/ramsey-haslam-ecd-fasttrack-tenne ssee.html

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'Boro armory named for 1st Lt. Emmert (Daily News Journal)Gov. Bill Haslam has signed into law legislation sponsored by Sen. Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro, and Rep. RWomick, R-Rockvale, naming the National Guard Armory in Murfreesboro the First Lieutenant William EEmmert N ational Guard Armory. Senate B ill 2159 is co-sponsored by Senators Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, OpheFord, D-Memphis, and Eric Stewar, D-Belvidere, and Representatives Joe Carr, R-Lascassas, Mike Sparks,Smyrna, Barrett Rich, R -Hickory Withe and Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, according to a news releafrom the state. “Lt. Emmert was a shining example of courage and the volunteer spirit for which our state

known,” said Sen. Ketron. “His name will forever be associated with this Armory as new generationsTennessee soldiers will know the sacrifices he made for freedom.” First Lt. Emmert was killed in the line of don Feb. 24, 2009, while serving his country in Mosul, Iraq. He was assigned to the 269th Military PoliCompany, 117th Military Police Battalion, in the Tennessee Army National Guard. Emmert was a cum laugraduate of Middle Tennessee State University and a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as a counintelligence agent during tours of duty in Korea, Germany and Cuhttp://www.dnj.com/article/20120309/NEWS/303080036

Ramsey questions Governor Bill Haslam’s FastTrack changes (TFP/Sher)Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey voiced reservations Thursday about Gov. Bill Haslam’s plan to expand the statFastTrack economic development incentive program into other areas. R amsey said he likes the FastTraprogram as is. The program funnels taxpayer money through local development boards or other lo

government entities in the form of reimbursements for infrastructure and job-training programs. Haslam hlegislation that adds a third leg to FastTrack: It would provide more flexibility to economic development spendiwhich officials say companies favor. The list includes, but is not limited to, grants or loans for retrofittinrelocating or purchasing equipment; building repairs and improvements; and temporary office space or othtemporary equipment related to relocation or expansion. The bill states that such funds would be used exceptional circumstances when the funds will make a proportionally significant economic impact on the affeccommunity.” But Ramsey m akes a distinction between the current uses for economic development funds aHaslam’s proposed additions.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/mar/09/senate-speaker-ron-ramsey-questions-governor-bill-/?local

Ramsey questions using state cash to recruit businesses (N-S/Humphrey)Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey said Thursday he supports the state paying infrastructure costs for business

expanding in Tennessee but has misgivings about Gov. Bill Haslam's plans to give them cash grants. Ramsacknowledged to reporters that he had opposed in concept a state payment last year of $97 million in cashElectrolux Inc. as part of a $188 million state and local government package toward building a plant in M emphHe went along with legislation to approve the one-time funding, saying legislators should honor a commitmmade by former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen even though disapproving of the precedent. "I'm still concernabout that (providing cash grants)," Ramsey said Thursday. The state's so-called FastTrack program for finanhelp to companies relocating or expanding in the state, he said, should entail "doing for businesses what thcan't do for themselves." "By that I mean, if a new company's coming in, we ought to put in the infrastructure. Wneed to put in the sewer lines. We need to make sure the gas line is there and the utilities," he said.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/mar/08/ramsey-questions-using-state-cash-to-recruit/ 

Faulk announces he won't seek re-election (Times-News)Tennessee state Sen. Mike Fau lk announced Thursday he won’t seek re-election after one term in office. FauR-Church Hill, made the announcement during a video meeting with Surgoinsville Middle School studestreamed live via Skpe over the Internet. He had been non-committal about his political future during a simimeeting with students last month. “My ailing mother and my business need me m ore than the Senate needs mFaulk, an attorney, said of his decision in a prepared release. “Most folks understand the need to care fogravely ill parent. Being at her side is a higher priority of m ine than campaigning for reelection for the next eimonths." In regard to his law practice, Faulk added: “For the past three years, having time to work in business after first doing my Senate responsibilities has been a struggle. As a solo attorney, I need to womuch, much more over the next four years to keep my business going.” Faulk also noted his term-limits pledwas a part of his decision. “As candidate Faulk, I told folks I’d serve a term or two. I’ll be keeping that promise

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becoming citizen Faulk,” Faulk added.http://www.timesnews.net/article/9043439/faulk-announces-he-won39t-seek-re-election

Republican State Senator to Leave, Cites Family Duties (WPLN-Radio Nashville)A state senator from upper East Tennessee announced Thursday that he’ll step down after serving only ofour-year term. Republican Mike Faulk says his solo-legal practice and his ailing mother are higher priorities ththe eight-month-long campaign it would take to retain his seat. The senator made the announcement to

“student town hall” meeting. “For the past three years, having time to work in my business after first doing mSenate responsibilities has been a struggle. As a solo attorney, I need to work much, much more over the nefour years to keep m y business going.” Faulk represents Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson aUnion counties. He narrowly won the seat over the incumbent, who had left the GOP to become an independeFaulk noted that he believes in term limits for politicians. “As Candidate Faulk, I told folks I’d serve a term or twhe said. “I’ll be keeping that promise by becoming Citizen Faulk.”http://wpln.org/?p=348 76

TN lawmaker says green policies are part of secret U.N. plot (Tennessean/Paine)A resolution in the state legislature opposes what is depicted as an insidious United Nations scheme to taaway citizens’ property rights through radical environmentalism. The legislation, which refers to “Agenda 21,pending as planners and property rights advocates spar over a series of bills related to how development shobe regulated. Several were deferred Wednesday in the House State and Local Government subcommittee. T

separate House Joint Resolution 0587, which passed the full committee Tuesday, is expected to go to the Houfloor for a vote as early as next week. Agenda 21, a nonbinding U.N. plan adopted by at least 178 governmein 1992, talks about the need to work together to find ways to ensure clean water and air and stable fosupplies as the planet’s population grows, along with hunger and poverty. The 20-year-old program is viewedsome as a plot for world dominance. The proposed resolution says that global political control is one of tintentions of the U.N. program and that it is being covertly pushed into local communities through policies tincorporate words like “sustainable development,” “green” or “regional visioning.”http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120309/NEWS0201/303090079/TN-lawmaker-says-green-policies-part-secret-U-N-plot?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|N ews

Taft Youth Development Center’s supporters say facility works (TFP/Benton)While state lawmakers prepare to pass judgment on T aft Youth Development Center, either sending it to

guillotine or keeping it alive, some voices calling for its rescue come from those who say they know it best. OHamilton County m other with lupus weeps at the thought that Taft could be shuttered before her son gets GED and welding certificates that could put his life on the right path. A Davidson C ounty mother praises “turnaround” her son saw at Taft, while her son says the center set him on a course for the future. A Lew isbuTenn., teen claims Taft “helped me accomplish every goal I had and more” as he earned his GED and weldicertificates and found strength in faith. Since state officials announced a proposal to trim the DepartmentChildren’s Services budget by closing Taft Youth Development Center, lawmakers in the region, Taft workeand juvenile judges have cried foul. But there a re others with more intimate know ledge of the 92-year-old fac — home to the state’s toughest juvenile offenders, mostly between 16 and 19 years old — and the benefits it chave on its inmates.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/mar/09/taft-youth-development-centers-supporters-say-faci/?local

Occupy Nashville clears camp; 1 protester to defy ban (Tennessean/Sisk)Demonstrators have until today to leave plaza; after midnight, no sign of arrests; in early morning, noncampsupporters remain on scene at Nashville plaza Early Friday morning only one occupied tent was left at the WMemorial Plaza encampment. Overnight, protesters packed up their tents and cleaned up, and by about 2 athe tents were gone except for one, which was moved to the center of the plaza. That tent was occupied blone protester, Christopher Humphrey. Humphrey, of Nashville, said he has been at the campsite since tbeginning of the Occupy Nashville protest and has decided to stay to test the law. About 15 Occupy Nashvpeople, who are not camping, remain on the scene to support Humphrey, despite the cold. Despite m oving teand throwing some camping items into garbage cans as m idnight approached, there was no sign of police at WMemorial Plaza. There were about 40 people around the plaza tonight, including at least a dozen journalists.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120309/NEWS01/303090064/Occupy-Nashville-prepares-to-defy-ban-plans-for-arrests?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONT PAGE

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Occupiers “Biding Time” Until Eviction (WPLN-Radio Nashville)It’s been nearly a week since Governor Bill Haslam signed a law prohibiting unauthorized camping government property. The measure was aimed squarely at O ccupy Nashville protesters. A dedicated few waiting to test law enforcement. The s tate posted notices, giving Occupiers like Benjamin Grady a week to leaWar Memorial Plaza “It could be as early as 12:01 AM Friday morning that they come. We really don’t knowthis point. We’re kind of just biding time.” Grady says he won’t be sticking around, but a handful of protesters

making plans to be arrested. The penalties are stiffer than they were in October when more than 50 people wehauled away in handcuffs. The new state law unauthorized camping a Class A misdemeanor, with a maximfine of $2,500 and a year in jail. According to Occupy Nashville’s official Twitter account, state troopers wearound overnight reminding protesters they would have to leave by midnight Thursday.http://wpln.org/?p=348 59

Murfreesboro Judge: City camping ordinance Constitutional (Daily News JournaOccupy cases could be heading to trial A city court judge decided Thursday that a city ordinance prohibitcamping on Civic Plaza and other public property is constitutional, thus denying a request to dismiss chargagainst local Occupiers for violating the law. The decision by M urfreesboro City Court Judge Ewing Sellers caafter an approximately 90-minute hearing Thursday in the courtroom at Murfreesboro City Hall on Vine Streand means the cases against individual protesters cited by Murfreesboro Police could potentially be headingtrial. During the Thursday hearing, Occupy attorneys Will York and Joan H ill argued unsuccessfully that the cit

law was unconstitutional as written because it infringed on the group’s First Amendment rights to free speesymbolic expression and to peaceably assemble.http://www.dnj.com/article/20120309/NEWS/303090028/Murfreesboro-Judge-City-camping-ordinance-Constitutional?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAG E

Robertson County unveils economic plan (Tennessean/Marsteller)4-year effort's goals: new jobs, better marketing Robertson County officials unveiled a $1.275 million pThursday night to improve the county’s economic base. Called “Realizing R obertson’s Future,” the four-yeffort aims to create more than 600 jobs, better market the county to corporate consultants who pick sites, adeepen ties between schools and the local business community, among other goals. The program is modeafter similar economic development plans in Clarksville, Jackson, Murfreesboro and Cleveland, Tenn., as welltheir respective counties. “With one of the highest out-commute rates in Middle Tennessee, we have a resid

workforce ready for high-paying jobs,” said Scott Raynes of NorthCrest Medical Center, who is chairman of teffort’s fundraising campaign. “We just need to proactively market our community and our advantagescompanies whose operations will complement our community,” Raynes said. Almost 3 of every 4 peopleRobertson’s workforce commute to other counties for their jobs, said Bill Allen, the effort’s project director. Abo$661,000 has been raised for the effort, which is slated to officially begin July 1.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120309/BUSINESS01/303090072/Robertson-County-unveils-economic-plan?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

Local board appeals state decision on landfill (Jackson Sun)The local solid waste board met once again Thursday morning to fine tune a resolution it will send to the staurging it to reconsider its decision to approve a landfill in the Denm ark commun ity. The Tennessee Solid WaDisposal Control Board approved landfill owner Bill McMillen’s appeal for a solid waste permit for his Be

Manley Road landfill on Feb. 27, despite previous urging from the local solid waste board not to do so. The losolid waste board met last Friday to put together the resolution and came together again Thursday to make aamendments to it before sending it to the state board for an appeal. John Newm an, chairman of the local boasaid that when the state made the previous decision the local solid waste board’s plan w as not put into evidenHe said the resolution should convince the board to reverse its decision. “When they hear the resolution, I ththey will be convinced that we do not need another landfill,” he said. “I think we will prevail.”http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120309/NEWS01/303090014/Local-board-appeals-state-decision-landfill

Fincher gets a bill through the House for the first time (Gannett/Bewley)First lawmking victory for Tennessee freshman Rep. Stephen Fincher’s bill aimed at making it easier for smand medium-sized businesses to go public passed the House on Thursday, marking the first major legislat

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victory for the first-term Republican from Frog Jump. Fincher’s bill formed a key piece of a larger jobs packadesigned to spur the growth of start-ups and help small businesses raise capital. The group of bills passed tHouse 390-23 in a rare moment of bipartisan agreement. All of Tennessee’s House members voted for it excRepublican Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. of Knoxville, who did not vote. “This was a good day, hopefully, for tworkers in America, the job creators who can do some positive things for people who are hurting aunemployed,” Fincher said after the vote. His m easure would reduce regulatory costs for an initial public offerby creating an IPO “on-ramp” for companies with less than $1 billion in annual revenue, phasing in certrequirements over five years. Those requirements now take effect as soon as – or in some cases before –company goes public.http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20120309/NEWS01/303090022/Fincher-gets-bill-through-House-first-ti

Rep. Diane Black's husband buys office building for $8.7M (Tennessean/Allyn)Property is nearly 80 percent occupied at last report U.S. Rep. Diane Black’s husband, David L. Black, hpurchased a three-story office building with a gleaming glass facade for $8.7 million, according to couproperty records. David B lack, who ow ns the drug-testing laboratory Aegis Sciences Corp., bought the high-runder the name Ebon Falcon LLC from Embassy Square LLC, the listed seller. Known as the First ImaBuilding, the Class A property was appraised in 2010 for $9.2 million; the building was sold in 2006 for $million. It was built in 1985. Black bought the office, on 6.2 acres of land, for about $80 per square foot. Tproperty is about 77 percent occupied, and has around 25,000 square feet of available space. By comparisthe average office occupancy rate in MetroCenter was 89.1 percent in last year’s fourth quarter, accordingCassidy Turley’s latest report. Currently, Saint Thomas Hospital and Brown and Caldwell are the building’s otwo tenants. They occupy a combined 84,000 square feet. Black’s operation bought the building to prepare “long-term growth” and Saint Thomas and B rown and C aldwell will stay in the building until their leases expirespokesman said.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120309/BUSINESS01/303090056/Rep-Diane-Black-s-husband-buys-office-building-8-7M?odyssey=tab|topnews|text| News

TNGOP: Tight Margins Delaying Exact Delegate Totals (WPLN-Radio Nashville)It could be a couple weeks before Tennessee’s Republican party gives an exact count of the delegates eapresidential hopeful picked up in Tuesday’s primary. The state GOP says that’s because some district resuwere so close they want to wait until the state certifies the election late this month. In upper East Tennessee, MRomney and Newt Gingrich are said to have come within a few votes of each other for one delegate. Meanwhofficials confirmed a separate statewide pool of delegates split with 12 going to R ick Santorum, 9 to Romney a7 to G ingrich.http://wpln.org/?p=348 89

Nursing hom e backers seek answers to VA funding priority list (TFP/Higgins)Advocates for a regional veterans' nursing home want to know why projects in Bradley and Montgomery countlost ground last month on the Veterans Administration funding priority list. Representatives for U.S. Reps. ChuFleischman and Scott Dejarles and U.S. Sens. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander attended the SoutheTennessee Veterans Nursing Home Council on Thursday. "We are still very much in the running, but we waiting for an official explanation," said Larry McDaris, Bradley County veterans services director. Since the nlist was published in February, supporters have learned of another priority previously unknown: the VA can raaccording to need as well as local funding support. Bradley and Montgomery counties were ranked as "limitneed" previously, the same as the Virginia projects that jumped ahead this year. But now the three Virgiprojects are ranked as "significant need," the highest level. "The question is why they weren't moved ahead oflast year," said Cid H eidel, council co-chairman along with County Comm issioner Mark Hall. "Please let us knwhat happened," Heidel told the federal staff representatives. "We can accept reality."http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/mar/09/nursing-home-backers-seek-answers-to-va-list/?local

Fate of ballot measures often depends on the wording (Stateline)Just a couple of m onths ago, Dan Pellissier was leading an effort to ask California voters to overhaul the statpublic retirement system. The ballot initiative campaign looked like it had momentum, with polls showingmajority of Californians in support of pension changes. The stage appeared set for a November showdobetween fiscal conservatives and public employee unions. Then, says Pellissier, just as the campaign w

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gearing up to begin collecting signatures to gain a spot on the ballot, it came to a screeching halt in the officeCalifornia Attorney General Kamala Harris. Harris didn’t kick the initiative off the ballot or challenge it in coInstead, her office played a seemingly technical role. In California, the attorney general is responsible for writthe summary that petitioners use when they gather signatures to place an initiative on the ballot. For initiativthat qualify, the attorney general comes up with the words voters see in the voting booth. Pellissier, who headgroup called California Pension Reform, thinks that Harris’s ballot summary for the initiative was falmisleading and prejudicial — all in under 100 words. The summ ary says the initiative “reduces pension benefor current and future public employees.”http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=6 37691

Yates Construction opens new Nashville office (Nashville Business Journal)W.G. Yates & Sons Construction announced today the opening of a new office in Nashville The Mississipbased firm is working on several high-profile projects in Tennessee, including the $84 million Nissan elecvehicle battery plant in Smyrna, the $95 m illion Electrolux Home Products project in Mem phis and the $1.5 billWacker Chemie polysilicon plant in Cleveland, Tenn. Yates Vice President Rocky Wooten will lead Nashville office, which will be located at Lakeview II, Suite 303, 15 Century Blvd. “Our goal is to exceexpectations and help clients achieve their vision on time and within budget,” Wooten said in a news relea“The opening of the Nashville offices will allow us to offer a higher level of attention and service to ou r projeand clientele in Middle Tennessee.” Yates has had a Memphis office since 1993. The Nashville office will besecond in Tennessee. It also operates locations in Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas.http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2012/03/08/yates-construction-opens-new-nashville.html

Music City Center considers solar panels (Tennessean/Cass)Consultant will explore options for solar panels Nashville’s new convention center, already set to have a greroof, probably will have a solar one, too. The Convention Center Authority has hired a local consulting firmexplore options for solar panels on top of the Music City Center, the $585 million building under constructdowntown. An installation on the roof above the ballroom on the building’s north end would make the facility oof the most high-profile in Middle Tennessee to use the alternative energy source. “The building is uniqenough and obviously prominent enough that it can serve as an example to other property owners, astestimonial to the long-term value of solar,” Mayor Karl Dean said Thursday. “I don’t want to do a project jushave panels up there. I want a real, tangible benefit for the city.” The consulting firm, Energy Source Partnewill look at “small,” “medium” and “large” solar options for the convention center, including costs, energy savinfinancing structures and maintenance. Ron Merville, the company’s president and CEO, said 50 kilowatts or leis considered small by Tennessee Valley Authority standards, while 200 or more is considered large.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120309/NEWS0202/303090066/Music-City-Center-considers-solar-paneodyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Erlanger at Hutcheson board changes proposed (Times Free-Press/Martin)Proposed changes for Erlanger at Hutcheson’s tri-county hospital authority board would increase the numbertrustees and change how they are appointed. All three counties — Catoosa, Dade and Walker — must approchanges. Catoosa County officials call the moves reasonable and necessary, but Dade and Walker officials sThursday they have not discussed the issue and need more information before acting. The hospital authoritythe governing board for Hutcheson, which has lost m illions of dollars in the last year — now has nine membefour from Walker, three from Catoosa and two from Dade. One proposed change would give Walker aCatoosa f ive trustees and Dade three. The other gives county commissions more power over boappointments. Catoosa County commissioners approved the resolutions Friday at a special meeting, then sthem to the other counties’ lawyers and to local lawmakers, Catoosa County A ttorney Skip Patty said. Hutcheswas taken over by Erlanger Health System last year and has a new CEO, Roger Forgey. When Erlangassumed management and began lending the hospital money last year, Walker and Catoosa counties pledg$10 million each to back the loans.http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/mar/09/erlanger-hutcheson-board-changes-proposed/?local

Nashville schools chief Jesse Register outlines state of schools (Tennessean/HaMetro Nashville’s top school administrator lauded the district’s accomplishments Thursday while assurlisteners the lowest-performing schools are getting attention. Jesse Register delivered his annual State of Schools address to a receptive crowd of district employees, elected officials and others at Metro’s Ma

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Professional Development C enter, personalizing it with music from a Nashville School for the Arts guitar quaand a student’s personal story. Past year's successes He began with a litany of successes in the past year: fostudents in the 80,000-student district scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT college readiness exam, plus sevestudents graduating high school having already earned associate’s degrees and others winning internatioscience and math awards. But Register also noted 33 consistently low-performing schools and an agreemwith England-based consultants Tribal Education Group aimed at turning them around. “Prior to this year, oturnaround strategies weren’t as focused as we needed,” he said. “Now they are, and we’re making grprogress.”http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120309/NEWS04/303090081/Nashville-schools-chief-Jesse-Register-outlines-state-schools?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|N ews|p

Memphis-Shelby County schools merger panel picks six-regions mod

(CA/Kelley)The unified Memphis and Shelby County school district set to open its doors in the fall of 2013 will be divided isix regions, each with 20 to 30 schools and each led by a regional director, if a plan designed by the TransitPlanning Commission is ratified by the unified school board. The structure, which was approved by the TThursday night, would accommodate a strong degree of local autonomy on decisions such as hiring, budgeticurriculum development, the length of the school day and the school calendar. The "Multiple Achievement Patmodel was approved by the Transition Planning Commission on a vote of 20-0, with one abstention, afte

presentation by the Boston Consulting Group's J. Puckett, who assured TPC members that the multi-dimensiostructure could accommodate their quest for high-performing schools throughout the district that would accessible to every student. The model is a combination of two previous versions -- the United model and Path to Autonomy. Its supporters insist that the structure was not designed to dissuade suburban cities frdodging unification with separate municipal school districts. Decentralization and local autonomy are poputrends in school district administration nationwide.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/mar/09/panel-picks-schools-model/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

Planning Commission Approves Schools S tructure (Memphis Daily News)The group drafting the blueprint for the structure of a new consolidated countywide school system approvestructure for that school system Thursday, March 8, that offers multiple options for school autonomy. Tproposal the commission approved on a voice vote has what are called “multiple achievement paths.” It allo

for schools with some degree of autonomy wh ich would be operated by the countywide school district as parthe centralized part of the system. Other schools operating separate from that part of the system would comunder an innovation office and would include some low performing schools being considered for the state-rAchievement School District. The “awarded autonomy” would be a more limited autonomy to do things lchange the school calendar or change school hours. It could also be extended to include curriculum changBut the school distr ict would sti ll be the direct authority over the school. And the school would have attendance zone.http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/mar/9/planning-commission-approves-schools-structure/ 

Feasibility report: Millington must annex, raise taxes to form d istrict (CA/Wolff)The city of Millington learned Thursday that the only way it can create a municipal school district would beannex the nearby Lucy comm unity, close one of three elementary schools and raise taxes, according to a stu

that examined the feasibility of creating a school system. Millington is the last of the six suburban cities to receits school feasibility report from the consulting firm, Southern Educational Strategies. On Thursday evenialdermen approved on second readings two school-related ordinances: one to create a referendum for citizensdecide if they want a municipal school district, and another, asking voters if they would support a half-ceincrease in the local option sales tax rate to help fund schools. City officials didn't discuss the report Thursdhowever, because many had just received it. But Alderman Don Lowry said that the key points showed thstarting a school system is feasible. "It's going to be a challenge, I know that," Alderman Mike Ca ruthers saidan interview before the meeting. The north Shelby County city will be required to jump through more hoops ththe other suburban cities if it decides to create its own district.http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/mar/08/feasibility-report-millington-must-annex-raise-tax/ (SUB)

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Mississippi: Mississippi Governor's Pardons Are Upheld (Wall Street Journal)Mississippi's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the more than 200 pardons granted by Haley Barbour as left the governor's office in January, sparking a spirited debate over clemency powers. The justices ruled 6-tthat the 215 pardons and other forms of clemency issued by Mr. Barbour, a two-term Republican, were vastating the clemency decisions "may not be set aside or voided by the judicial branch." The pardons—corrective against overly harsh sentencing granted to governors and the president—were decisions that "felthe governor alone to decide whether the Constitution's publication requirement was met," according to t

opinion. The decision follows the death Tuesday of several bills aimed at curbing clemency powers, as measufailed to reach a vote in either the Mississippi House or Senate. Gov. Phil Bryant, who won office in Novembhas said he wouldn't grant pardons except when there are clear-cut examples of injustice. In a statement, Barbour said the court decision "has reaffirmed more than a century of settled law in our state."http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203961204577269930706253716.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1(SUBSCRIPTION)

Texas: State Cuts Squeezing the Elderly Poor and Their Doctors (NY Times)After Dr. Javier Saenz completed his family-medicine residency in 1985, he returned home to the Rio GranValley to open a practice in the impoverished town of La Joya. Today, Saenz Medical Center treats up to 1patients a day. Dr. Saenz is the volunteer physician for the local high schools and their football teams. A m idschool is named after him. Despite his success, Dr. Saenz, 56, said he feels nothing like a hero these days.

practice, he said, is hanging by a thread. His troubles reflect a statewide problem for doctors who treadisproportionately high number of the reported 320,000 low-income Texans who are dually eligible for Medicathe federal insurer of the elderly, and Medicaid, the joint state-federal health care program for indigent childrdisabled people and the very poor. On Jan. 1, the state reduced its share of co-payments for such patienPhysicians who treat them are seeing less revenue. Many, like Dr. Saenz, are not sure they can make enoumoney to stay in business. The Legislature directed the state’s Health and Human Services Comm ission lyear to cut the Medicaid budget by $3 billion over two years, including savings of $475 million for this sinchange.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/09/us/texas-limits-are-squeezing-the-elderly-poor-and-their-doctors.h tml? _r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=todayspaper&adxnnlx=1331294998-+ZuvZ1UA2mzEfoMtZbGnDw

OPINION

Times Editorial: Preserving Hope grants (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)Democrats haven't won m any battles in the Tennessee G eneral Assembly since Republicans took control of legislative body, but it seems that they m ight have prevailed in one important skirmish. Victory isn't assured, the minority party's convincing argument that there is no need to tighten eligibility rules for the Tennessee HoScholarships for college seems to have carried the day, at least for the moment. If that eventually proves tcase, the road to higher education and to the training and degrees and the jobs it provides should be easiernavigate for many state students. Republicans had proposed a bill that would have required freshmen entercollege in the fall of 2015 and afterwards to earn at least a 3.0 high school GPA and score a 21 or higher on ACT test to qualify for a full $4,000 per year Hope Scholarship. Current rules allow students to qualify for tscholarship by meeting only one of the two standards. Republicans said that the tougher standards wenecessary to close a projected $17 million difference between lottery proceeds and the cost of scholarshiThat's a fine sounding argument, but only if it based on the truth. It wasn't.

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http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/mar/09/preserving-hope-grants/?opiniontimes

Editorial: Lottery scholarship eligibility standards need no adjustments (N-S)Tennessee's legislators apparently have figured out that the Tennessee Lottery is not teetering on the edgefinancial collapse after all. A bill that would have slashed lottery-funded HOPE scholarships for many studewas revised in the Senate Education Committee this week to keep the current eligibility requirements. Trewritten bill raises the bar for lottery revenues without cutting scholarships, a compromise both parties shou

support. The original bill would have cut HOPE scholarships in half for students who do not score a 21 on ACT college entrance exam and earn a 3.0 grade-point average in high school. According to the analysis fiwith the bill, more than 5,000 students statewide would have received reduced scholarships in the first yerising to m ore than 8,000 the next. Savings were projected at $13 million the first year and $17 m illion every yafterward. The amendment keeps in place the requirement that students meet either standard. HOscholarships provide $4,000 a year to recipients.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/mar/09/editorial-lottery-scholarship-eligibility-need/ 

Editorial: Megasite counsultant will aid final development (Jackson Sun)Development of the Haywood County industrial megasite continues to unfold and hold promise for WTennessee’s future. The latest development in the years-long process is the hiring of the Canup & Associa

consulting firm to assist with final development strategies and marketing of the megasite. In 2009, after seveyears of work by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, more than 3,8contiguous acres of land were purchased by the state to create the industrial megasite. That includes the singuse core of 1,720 acres, plus an additional 2,100 acres in adjoining property. That was the first step in attracta major industry to rural West Tennessee. Since that time, additional funds have been allocated to plan adevelop the site, install infrastructure and prepare it for use. The megasite was conceived and the lapurchased during Gov. Phil Bredesen’s administration. Gov. Bill Haslam similarly has embraced the projectwhich the state now has well over $100 million invested. The project also is supported by Haywood Cougovernment, the city of Brownsville, Jackson-Madison County and M emphis-Shelby County governments.http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20120309/OPINION/303090001/Our-View-Megasite-counsultant-will-aid-findevelopment

Editorial: Local communities can p lan better than legislature (Tennessean)Americans have a natural sentiment against other folks telling us what we can do with what we own. So, we wto thank Tennessee legislators for alerting us to the impending danger of a United Nations conspiracy thoriginated in 1992 (called Agenda 21) to deprive us of our rights; though we find ourselves insulted thlegislators think their attempt to deprive local comm unities of the ability to propose, discuss, and implement thown zoning regulations is any less of a conspiracy. What is the difference between well-meaning, self-servbureaucrats from outside the United States trying to tell us in our neighborhoods and local communities howmanage our property planning and the disputes that inevitably arise, and well-meaning, self-serving politiciafrom some other county trying to dictate what we can and cannot resolve among ourselves? Not much. Land-uplanning and zoning are difficult tasks, and often the process and results raise the hackles. W ho wants to hathe enjoyment of his property limited by a zoning law? N o one; that is, until someone wants to build an eyesoon the property next to us.

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Guest columnist: Resolution twists facts to hinder sustainability (Tennessean)Tennessee House Joint Resolution 587 is concerned with “the destructive and insidious nature of United NatioAgenda 21.” This is an alarming statement, principally because it is based on distortions and factual errors. us look at the facts. Agenda 21 was adopted by the 1992 U.N. C onference on Environment and Developmentall 178 governments represented at the conference, including the United States. It is not legally binding, buhas the force of global consensus behind it. Agenda 21 is a program of action for sustainable developmentrecognizes that all countries aspire to develop and grow economically. How they choose to do so will determ

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whether or not that growth is sustainable. Agenda 21 is a blueprint for global action but not global controcontains 40 chapters that cover social and economic issues, resource management, access to information atransparency and the elements required for implementation, from financing and education to business aindustry. Like any blueprint, it needs to be adapted to circumstances. Agenda 21 also underlines the importanof participatory decision-making, certainly a hallmark of democracy. All parts of society are called uponcontribute, including local government authorities and nongovernmental organizations.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120309/OPINION03/303090051/Resolution-twists-facts-hinder-sustainability?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Pam Strickland: Despite law, ID was not needed to vote (News-Sentinel)Tuesday was only the third t ime that I 've voted at Sequoyah Hil ls Elementary School. I moved to neighborhood in March 2011 simply because some folks at my church had a condo for rent. It was a big chanfrom Old North Knoxville, but one I've come to enjoy for a variety of unexpected reasons, one being tSequoyah Hills Elementary is always busy on Election Day. M y preference is to vote mid-morning, scheduling wouldn't permit that. Instead, I found myself pulling up to the school around 6:30 p.m. I dug m y waout of my purse and walked inside, pleased to see parents accompanied by children coming and going. Thewas a short line. The gentleman in front of me was in dark dress slacks and a white shirt with a tie. His drivelicense was on the table, but I don't believe anyone specifically asked to see it. I filled out the piece of papName printed, name signed, address, ZIP code. Then checked that I would vote in the Republican Primary. Alamented my decision, someone told me it would be O K. I got into a conversation with one of the workers abmy reasoning. I moved to the line to sign the book by my name. Not once did anyone ask m e to open my waand show them my ID, photo or otherwise.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/mar/09/pam-strickland-despite-law-id-was-not-needed-to/ 

Greg Johnson: GOP conservatives flexed muscles again (News-Sentinel)Tennessee Republicans stayed true to recent form in presidential primaries on Tuesday, favoring the candidwhose social conservatism shows. Former Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum won decisively, earning percent of the vote to 28 percent for Mitt Romney, slowing the former Massachusetts governor's slog to whwas once seen as an inevitable nomination. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich was third with percent. Santorum's victory was broad, winning 91 counties. Romney eked out wins in Loudon, MariDavidson and Williamson counties. Santorum w on by a point in Knox — 35 to 34 percent — by four in Blount, in Sevier and four in Anderson. Rural Appalachian counties in Tennessee were solid for Santorum. Whevangelicals made up 73 percent of the Republican primary electorate, according to CNN exit polls, and thwent for Santorum by 42 percent to 24 percent for Romney. Interestingly, Romney, a M ormon, won 35 percenthe 9 percent of Republican voters who said they were Catholic. Santorum, a Catholic, got only 36 percentCatholic votes.http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/mar/09/greg-johnson-gop-conservatives-flexed-muscles/ 

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