THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012 Solar tax bill dead for year (Tennessean/Cass)

Legislation would have raised property taxes on equipment A controversial bill that would have raised the property taxes on solar equipment is being dropped for this legislative session, the state comptrollers office said Wednesday. While there has been a good discussion during this session about how solar businesses should be assessed, it is not advisable to seek a quick resolution of the concerns that have been raised during the sessions waning days, Jason Mumpower, chief of staff in the comptrollers office, said in a written statement. The legislation, sponsored by Republicans in the House and Senate, would have raised the taxable value of solar equipment from 0.5 percent of the purchase price to 33.33 percent of the installed cost. Critics said it would have cut the legs out from under the states burgeoning solar industry by taking away an incentive to build electricity-generating solar installations in Tennessee and raising taxes some 6,500 percent. I think the decision to study it is the right decision, said Lowe Finneya Democrat from Jackson who voted against the Sen. , proposal in committee. It is a very complex bill that affects a lot of people and a lot of jobs and would affect a lot of potential jobs in a new and growing industry that we have. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120419/BUSINESS04/304190058/Solar-tax-bill-dead-year?odyssey=mod| newswell|text|News|s

Solar tax bill dead for this session (Nashville Business Journal)
A controversial bill on the taxation of solar installations will go to a summer study committee, effectively killing the bill for this session, with proponents opting to regroup on a complex debate. The Comptroller of the Treasurys Office, which had initiated the legislation, made the announcement this afternoon. Jason Mumpower, the comptroller's chief of staff, said proponents decided to delay the issue for study, rather than try to ram it through in the last days of session with so many questions lingering. "While there has been a good discussion during this session about how solar businesses should be assessed, it is not advisable to seek a quick resolution of the concerns that have been raised during the session's waning days," Mumpower said in a statement. That's a source of at least temporary relief for the solar industry, which had long argued that the impact of the tax change would be much larger than proponents of the bill were saying. The issue pertains to property tax treatment of solar installations and other renewable energy, which the comptroller was working to implement following a 2010 law. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/04/18/tennessee-solar-tax-comptroller.html

House votes to boost penalties for domestic abuse (Associated Press/Schelzig)

The House on Wednesday passed Gov. Bill Haslam's bill to require mandatory jail time for people with repeat domestic violence convictions. The chamber voted 98-1 to approve the bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Jim Coley of Bartlett, despite objections from some lawmakers that the measure could be seen as an unfunded mandate for local governments. "This cost is going to be passed on to local governments, and I don't know about y'all, but I told my people that I won't do them like the feds do the state," said Rep. Eddie Bass, D-Prospect, who voted against the bill. Haslam earlier this month brokered an agreement with the representatives of local governments to break an impasse over the domestic abuse measure. Under the deal, the state will increase the reimbursement to local jails by $2 dollars per day, at a total annual price tag of about $4 million. Haslam's bill was amended in committee to make the mandatory sentence for a second conviction 30 days the same as for a first conviction. The Republican governor had originally called for 45-day sentences for the second conviction. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=39070573.story

TN House passes bill for tougher domestic violence penalties (Tennessean/Sisk)

House passes measures for tougher penalties The state House of Representatives approved tougher penalties for domestic violence, including a minimum of 30 days in jail for second-time offenders. House Bill 2389, a measure put forward by Gov. Bill Haslam in January, passed the House Wednesday morning on a 98-1 vote. Lawmakers generally supported stricter punishments for domestic violence, and the only concerns raised about the bill dealt with the cost to local jails and that it did not require first-time offenders to receive counseling. The measure mandates a minimum sentence of 30 days for second offenders and 90 days for people convicted three or more times. Along with shifting supervision of felons and tracking sales of prescription drugs and methamphetamine precursors, increasing penalties for domestic violence was a major element of the anti-crime package Haslam announced before the legislative session. Supporters said tougher penalties are needed to combat Tennessees high rates of domestic violence. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120419/NEWS02/304190034/TN-House-passes-bill-tougher-domesticviolence-penalties?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Domestic violence offenders could soon face mandatory jail time (WBIR-TV Knox)
The House has passed Governor Bill Haslam's bill to require mandatory jail time for people with repeat domestic violence convictions. The chamber voted 98 to 1 in favor of the measure. The only representative who voted against the bill argues the measure should not go into effect until the state pays local governments for the entire cost of the increased jail time. The bill's sponsor says Haslam's budget includes about $5 million in direct and indirect funding for local governments, which is about half of the projected cost of the added penalties. http://www.wbir.com/news/article/216848/2/Domestic-violence-offenders-could-soon-face-mandatory-jail-time

Gov. Bill Haslam backs bill to end gift tax (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Sher)
Gov. Bill Haslam says he may go along with GOP lawmakers' effort to eliminate the state's tax on gifts. "I think there are a lot of things to be worked out here in the last couple of weeks," the Republican governor told reporters Wednesday. "I think it's something that all of us look at." Haslam noted that Tennessee and Connecticut are the only states that apply taxes to large gifts. "And we're not typically in Connecticut's neighborhood when it comes to tax policy," Haslam said. "So I think all of us can say that's probably not something that Tennessee wants to have." House Speaker Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, and House Finance Chairman Charles Sargent, R-Franklin, have a bill to eliminate the gift tax. The tax currently applies graduated taxes from 5.5 percent to 16 percent on gifts to family members of $13,000 or more. The tax affects gifts to people other than family member's gifts to others of $3,000 or more. Eliminating the tax would result in a $14.9 million annual revenue loss to the state. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/19/haslam-backs-bill-to-end-gift-tax/?businesstnvalley

Jump in GED Cost W orries State Officials (W PLN-Radio Nashville)

The price for taking the GED-the high school equivalency exam-is about to double. State officials are worried that many who need to take the test wont be able to afford it. For decades, the GED was a pencil and paper test, administered by a non-profit. Now, its about to become a computerized test from a for profit company. As a resultcome 2014the price of the test will jump from 65 dollars to 120. The GED will also get tougher, especially the math portion. Thats supposed to reflect stronger high school standards adopted by many states. Marva Doremus oversees adult education for the state Department of Labor. We dont mind the computerbased, we dont mind higher standards, we dont mind higher math. Were up to that challenge. Its the cost that has us concerned, just because we think its going to close the door for a lot of people. As a result, the state Legislature has directed the department of Labor to find a more affordable alternative. http://wpln.org/?p=36117

Economic Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty's Romney Ties (Metro Pulse)

Gov. Bill Haslam and Bill Hagerty, his Economic Development Commissioner, support Mitt Romney and stumped for him in the primary. What people are wondering in Nashville is whether Hagerty will be around the capital much longer. Hagerty worked with Romney at Bain Capital and has been a longtime adviser. He served as National Finance Chairman for Romneys presidential bid in 2007 and 2008. Most people expect him to have a post in a potential Romney administration. The only question is whether Romney calls on Hagerty to join the campaign before or after the convention. Hagerty has been selected as a Romney delegate to the Republican 2

National Convention in Tampa, as has his wife. Hagerty has an impressive record as a business executive for a variety of companies. After Romney dropped out of the presidential race in 2008, Hagerty worked in John McCains campaign. Hagerty had Tennessee ties before signing on with Haslam. He went to Vanderbilt University as well as Vanderbilt Law School. http://www.metropulse.com/news/2012/apr/18/economic-development-commissioner-bill-hagertys-ro/

Haslam aide, alum to be honored (Knoxville News-Sentinel)

Alexia Poe, director of communications for Gov. Bill Haslam, will receive the 2012 Donald G. Hileman Distinguished Alumni Award at the spring commencement ceremony for the University of Tennessee College of Communication and Information.at 8:30 a.m. May 10, in Thompson-Boling Arena. The Donald G. Hileman Award is named for the first permanent dean of the College of Communications, the forerunner to the College of Communication and Information. The award was established in 1994 in celebration of the college's 25th anniversary. It is awarded to college alumni who have made notable contributions to the field of communication and information. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/17/higher-education-briefs-april-18/

State investigating fish kill toll from fire runoff (News-Sentinel/Coleman)

State conservation and wildlife officials are investigating just how many fish were killed this week in Third Creek as a result of runoff from the Shamrock Organic Products mulch fire, and they say local officials will have to determine who is responsible. Rob Lindbom, an aquatic habitat protection biologist for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, said 1.7 miles of the creek look like "a pot of coffee" because of the thousands of gallons of runoff. Runoff from the fire continues to flow into Third Creek, according to fire officials. "The creek, pretty much everything in it was dead and we evaluated the fish kill and we're working up that data now to figure up how many fish were whipped out," he said. "I'll be coordinating with (the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) to go from there." Lindbom said he knew of no state law holding emergency agencies responsible for preventing runoff into waterways. Knoxville Fire Department personnel have been fighting the fire at Shamrock, 2501 Ailor Ave., since around noon Sunday. "I can't think of any state law that says in an emergency situation, you have to protect a waterway. You have to protect the people first," he said. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/19/state-investigating-fish-kill-toll-from-fire-to/

Mulch contractor responds to criticism over fire (N-S/Hickman, Witt)

Responding to public criticism, Randy Greaves is "confounded" about what started the massive fire that swept through his mulch business and has kept Knoxville firefighters working for four days running. The owner of Shamrock Organic Products noted two inspection reports by the Knoxville Fire Marshal's Office both in response to anonymous complaints within a month of the April 15 blaze that found no violations at his Ailor Avenue operation. Even more puzzling, said Greaves, is how the mulch fire managed to flare up amid regular fire watch walk-throughs of the nine-acre property, including the Sunday morning check he made himself less than three hours before the Knoxville Fire Department was called to the scene. "I just don't believe that place could've gone up in 2 hours due to spontaneous combustion," said Greaves. "I would not rule out arson." His most immediate concern Wednesday, though, was for his employees, who are working alongside firefighters, operating heavy machinery atop burning, unstable piles of brush more than 30 feet tall. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/19/mulch-contractor-responds-to-criticism-over-fire/

3 medical professionals blocked from TennCare (Associated Press)

Officials of Tennessee's federally funded health care program have blocked three professionals from billing the system. According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press (http://bit.ly/I4urc9 ), all three are from Knoxville and were banned from TennCare after they prescribed large amounts of psychiatric drugs and addictive painkillers. TennCare spokeswoman Alyssa Lewis said Tuesday they are licensed physician's assistant Thomas Esser, Dr. Allen Foster and nurse practitioner Maimoune Wright. The newspaper cited state records in reporting Foster's medical license was revoked after a 2011 guilty plea to health care fraud and Wright's license was suspended in February for unprofessional conduct. . A letter from TennCare officials to U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley , R-Iowa, obtained by the newspaper also said several other medical professionals are under review. People who answered the phone at numbers listed for Esser and Foster hung up Wednesday when an Associated Press reporter called for comment. The number listed for Wright has been disconnected. The action against the three was referred to the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners, which can administer disciplinary action up to medical license revocation. It's unclear if the action against the three is a permanent or temporary ban. 3

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Authorities: Ex-trooper accused of sexual assault (Associated Press)

A former state trooper assigned to the Cookeville district was charged Wednesday with sexual assault, authorities said. Wade Williams was charged with two counts of aggravated statutory rape, sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, all felonies. Officials said the minor is a female under the age of 15. Williams, 38, resigned when faced with termination earlier this year. He became a trooper in 2000. He turned himself in to the Pickett County Sheriff's Department Wednesday and was released on a $100,000 bond. A spokeswoman at the department said there was no record of an attorney for Williams who could speak in his behalf. In an unrelated case last week involving the Tennessee Highway Patrol's Cookeville district, a captain was demoted and a sergeant was suspended for five days for failing to properly report an incident involving a trooper other than Williams. In the Williams case, an investigation followed a complaint that was investigated internally. "A charge of this nature is always disturbing, but it is particularly so when a law enforcement officer is accused," said Commissioner Bill Gibbons of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. "This type of behavior does not represent the men and women who put their lives on the line to serve and protect the citizens of Tennessee." http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx? cId=tennessean&sParam=39072805.story

Jefferson widening plan to be unveiled (Daily News Journal)

Residents can get first glimpse of drawings at public meeting today A road notorious for its hills, blind curves and fatal accidents may be closer to getting safer. Employees of the Tennessee Department of Transportation plan to meet with area residents today to discuss a project that could affect anyone who regularly drives, lives or works on Jefferson Pike between state Route 840 and Nissan Drive. According to TDOT, a preliminary design that includes making Jefferson Pike a four-lane road will be unveiled at its informational meeting, planned for 5 to 7 p.m. at the Smyrna Town Centre at 100 Sam Ridley Parkway. For Mary Hardy, a resident of the 5400 block of Jefferson Pike, the improvements have been long overdue. Ive seen a lot of wrecks here over the year. One came in my yard right there and hit a tree, she said. Had it not been for that tree, it would have came right on in the house. Jefferson Pike, also known as state Route 266, is currently a winding two-lane road with heavy traffic flow, especially at peak morning and afternoon rush hours. W hile shoulders exist in some areas, dangerous dropoffs exist in others. http://www.dnj.com/article/20120419/NEWS01/304190032/Jefferson-widening-planunveiled?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE

Part of I-24 in Nashville to be shut down for weekend (Daily News Journal)
Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews will close a three mile section of I-24 near downtown Nashville this weekend for a major bridge rehabilitation project over Main and Woodland Streets. I-24 eastbound and westbound will be closed from the I-24/I-65 split north of downtown to the I-24/I-40 split east of downtown beginning at 9 p.m. Friday and reopen no later than 5 a.m. Monday. All work is weather dependent, but this weekends forecast of rain should not impact construction activities. During the projects first weekend interstate closure, workers will be removing deteriorated concrete from the bridge decks and setting barrier rail. The repairs are part of an $8.7 million project to rehabilitate bridges that were built in 1961. The project will require the total closure of a section of I-24 for 13 weekends this spring and summer. Drivers passing through downtown Nashville will follow detour signs instructing them to take the west loop around downtown. http://www.dnj.com/article/20120418/NEW S01/120418004/Part-24-Nashville-shut-down-weekend

State Trooper Arrested On Sexual Assault Charges (W PLN-Radio Nashville)

A state trooper from north of Cookeville was arrested today for having sex with an underage girl while he was off duty. State officials say theyre reacting strongly, in part out of concern for the reputation of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The 11-year THP veterans arrest for alleged statutory rape and exploitation marks a second blemish for troopers in the Cookeville area this month. THP Colonel Tracy Trott called the latest case embarrassing, and says he wants to move the Cookeville office past it. There are some things going on there that were not real happy about. Ive got a meeting scheduled next Tuesday to address all the supervisors in Cookeville. We will be naming the new captain next week. And were going to move on. Last week the districts captain was demoted and another trooper was reassigned after they didnt properly report a separate incident. Officials wont say what happened in that case yet because a prosecutor is still investigating. http://wpln.org/? p=36127 4

Bristol Nursing Home admissions suspension lifted (Herald-Courier)

Today, the Tennessee Department of Health lifted the suspension of admissions at Bristol Nursing Home. The Department of Health says the facility returned to compliance for state licensing purposes. According to a news release, federal and state authorities approved Bristol Nursing Home officials' plan of correction. http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/apr/18/5/bristol-nursing-home-temporarily-banned-accepting--ar-1850037/

Bill to reduce sales tax on food fails (Associated Press)

A proposal to make lowering the sales tax on groceries contingent on whether there's a surplus in state revenue has failed. The measure sponsored by Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jim Kyle of Memphis failed to get a majority vote in the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday. The companion bill is awaiting a vote in a House subcommittee. Under the legislation, half of the surplus would go toward student assistance awards. Gov. Bill Haslam plans to trim the sales tax on groceries by one-quarter percent, down to 5.25 percent, in the budget year beginning July 1, which is projected to cost $21 million. Haslam has said he wants to drop the sales tax on groceries to 5 percent in the next budget year. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=39073389.story

TN House votes to allow criminal prosecution for harming embryos (TN/Sisk)

House bill would extend last year's fetus-protection law to earlier stages of development The state House of Representatives approved a bill allowing homicide and assault prosecutions for the death of embryos in the earliest stages of development, in a vote tinged by the decades-long fight over abortion. House lawmakers voted 80-18 for a measure that would extend criminal punishments for killing a fetus to the first eight weeks of pregnancy. Supporters said the bill would clarify a law passed last year that made it easier to prosecute people for harming fetuses. Opponents said charges of harming an embryo will be difficult to prove because many pregnancies end naturally at that stage. They suggested the measure really is meant to set up future battles over abortion. Tennessee law has long allowed prosecutors to bring two charges when a person kills or assaults a pregnant woman. A charge of harming a fetus can be brought only as a second charge to harming the pregnant woman as well.http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120419/NEW S0201/304190031/TN-House-votes-allowcriminal-prosecution-harming-embryos?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Nashville

woman's

plight

leads

Senate

to

amend

guardian

law

(Tennessean/Roche)
The Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to amend the state guardianship law to require disclosure of any criminal record by individuals seeking to become conservators. The bill was prompted by the case of Jewell Tinnon, 82, of Nashville, who was placed in a conservatorship after a request by two of her grandchildren. Her story was featured in Sundays Tennessean as part of an examination of conservatorships, which are intended to protect those no longer able to care for themselves. W hile Tinnon was under court-ordered control, her house, car and all her possessions were sold off, with the proceeds going to pay legal and other fees. The judge overseeing the case, 7th Circuit Probate Court Judge David Randy Kennedy, eventually released her from the conservatorship after she obtained medical exams showing her competency. But with her assets gone, she is now living in government-subsidized public housing. State Sen. Mae Beavers, a Mt. Juliet Republican and the Senate sponsor, said the bill also would give judges considering a conservatorship petition greater discretion on who was responsible to pay lawyers fees and other costs related to the case. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120419/NEWS21/304190041/Nashville-woman-s-plight-leads-Senateamend-guardian-law?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Parents Get Chance to Veto School Club Membership for Their Children (WPLN)
Parents could stop their kids from joining extracurricular groups in public schools under a bill that passed today in the state Senate. As The proposed law would give parents veto power in advance. The proposal would require each school to publish a list of approved student clubs and organizations in a student handbook. Parents could then notify the school if they want to bar their child from belonging to any of the groups. Opponents have argued that the bill targets student groups like The Gay-Straight Alliance. Several such student organizations have demonstrated on Capitol Hill during the past two years. The Senate added an amendment to say the parental 5

option to prohibit membership must be featured prominently in the student handbook. The House is scheduled to vote on the amended version of the bill tomorrow. It is expected to pass easily, given the House approved the original version in mid-March by a vote of 75 to 14. http://wpln.org/?p=36299

Tennessee bill would allow students to express religious viewpoint (TFP/Sher)

Tennessee public school students can express their religious beliefs through homework and art in "permissible" subjects under legislation approved Wednesday in the Senate. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kerry Roberts, RSpringfield, passed on a 29-0 vote. The House version is awaiting a final vote. Roberts' bill prohibits schools from discriminating against a student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student in an otherwise permissible subject such as history or English. "I'm a little bit confused," said Sen. Beverly Marrero, D-Memphis, who questioned whether the bill would "pretty much blur the line" when it comes to the "separation of church and state. "It looks to me like this is the kind of thing I did in my Sunday school when I was a child," she added. "I didn't write essays about my religious beliefs in my public schools. I wrote them in my Sunday school." Roberts disagreed and gave the example of a student given an assignment to write "about the apparent decline of America." "One student might write that from a political standpoint, from an economic standpoint, from a military standpoint," Robert said. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/19/bill-would-allow-students-toexpress/?local

Bill to Allow Religious Expressions One Vote Away from Becoming Law (WPLN)
The Tennessee Senate approved a bill today to allow students to cite their religious beliefs in doing schoolwork and to allow prayer groups to be formed as easily as a chess club. Senator Kerry Roberts of Springfield says students should be allowed to express their religious world view in doing school work. His bill also sets up a right to form religious clubs. Under this bill, a student may organize student prayer groups, religious clubs, or other religious gatherings to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other non-curricular student activities and groups. Last year, in Roberts home county of Sumner, the American Civil Liberties Union brought a federal lawsuit against the school board to bar the promotion and endorsement of religious activity including teacher-led prayers and proselytizing by a particular youth minister in a school lunchroom. The two sides reached a settlement in December. Roberts says his proposed law would let schools and teachers know what is allowed and not. The bill passed the Senate 29 to zero. http://wpln.org/?p=36283

Students, alumni, state legislators press VU on 'all-comers' policy (CP/Greenberg)

Students, alumni and a handful of state legislators are voicing their opposition to Vanderbilt Universitys controversial "all-comers" nondiscrimination policy in advance of key Vanderbilt Board of Trust meetings on Thursday and Friday. A meeting by the full board on Friday will be the first time it has convened since Vanderbilt expounded on its all-comers policy at a town hall meeting in January. The policy requires that all universityrecognized student organizations, including religious groups, must be open to all students. It also maintains that religious groups cant discriminate based on beliefs which has created backlash from Christian organizations. Rep. Bill Dunn (R-Knoxville) and 22 other Republican House members addressed a letter to the board of trust and asked them to reconsider the application of all-comers to religious groups. Dunns office confirmed that the letter was supposed to be sent yesterday. We acknowledge that private institutions such as Vanderbilt University have the freedom to establish its associations and maintain the integrity of its institutional mission, Dunn wrote to the Board. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/students-alumni-state-legislators-pressvu-all-comers-policy

Vanderbilt anti-bias policy comes under attack before meeting (TN/Hall, Smietana)
Video details dislike of non-bias plan Christian groups opposed to Vanderbilt Universitys nondiscrimination policy are ramping up their efforts as the schools Board of Trust gathers for a two-day meeting in Nashville today. Commercials urging Vanderbilt alums to stop donating began airing late Wednesday on local cable channels, funded through groups with ties to the tea party and an anti-Islam organization. State Rep. Bill Dunn, R-Knoxville, and other lawmakers sent the Board of Trust a letter with legislation attached, threatening to block the policy because Vanderbilt receives state funds. W ednesday morning, Vanderbilt students from 11 Christian organizations began handing out 4,000 MP4 players loaded with a seven-minute video outlining their objections. The video, also on YouTube, features alumnus Tom Singleton, a retired health-care executive, who said later he 6

wont so much as renew his football season tickets until the school backs off. The universitys provost said Vanderbilt stands by the policy. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120419/NEWS01/304190044/Vanderbiltanti-bias-policy-comes-under-attack-before-meeting?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

GA To State Schools: You Cant Make Student Groups Take All Comers (WPLN)
Earlier this spring,student groups at Vanderbilt University fought back against a requirement that they accept all comers. Christian groups said if they couldnt require potential leaders to be Christian, theyd leave the campus. The rule upset some Tennessee lawmakers, too, and they can vote on Thursday for a bill to essentially express their disapproval. But one is asking for an opinion on whether the bill passes legal muster. The lawmakers cant overturn the Vanderbilt rule, since its a private school. The Board of Regents universities and the University of Tennessee are under the legislators control, so lawmakers drafted a bill to say public schools cant have such a rule. The bill would protect religious groups from having to accept members who dont profess the faith of the group. Its ready for a vote in each chamber. But the controversial measure faces one more hurdle House Democratic Leader Craig Fitzhugh has requested a state attorney generals opinion on whether it would be defensible. http://wpln.org/?p=36312

Legislature Approves Study of Special Courts for Vets (TN Report)

Tennessee veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological problems stemming from military service could soon have their own special courts should they find themselves facing prosecution in the states criminal justice system. The House unanimously passed a bill today, HB3394/SB3222, which directs the Administrative Office of the Courts to study whether its feasible for the state to establish specialized courts for veterans. The bill also passed the Senate unanimously on April 12. Such courts have been established in states around the country, including Oklahoma, New York and California. They are aimed at getting treatment for veterans who commit offenses and helping them adjust to to post-battlefield life. Passage of the bill in Tennessee is the first step in a two-step process, said Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, the sponsor in the House. Once the study is complete, Ragan said he plans to draft legislation based on the results. Ragan said Wednesday on the House floor one of the obvious reasons he is sponsoring the bill is the announced drawdown of U.S. troops serving overseas, which will bring a large number of veterans back to our state. http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/04/18/legislature-approves-study-of-special-courts-for-vets/

Gun Rights vs. Property Rights Debate Closer to Floor in House (TN Report)
Its clear that reports of the guns-in-parking-lots legislations death have been greatly exaggerated, but the proposed laws long-term chances for survival are still in question. Bills that would add legal protections to Tennessee law safeguarding the right of employees to keep guns stored in their own vehicles while parked on their employers property even if the business owner disapproves are currently parked in the calendar committees of both the Tennessee House and Senate. Typically, bills that reach that stage are virtually assured a vote on the chamber floor. However, both Republican speakers in the Tennessee Legislature, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Rep. Beth Harwell, have indicated theyre uncomfortable with the legislation. Theyve said they worry the bills infringe upon the rights of employers to control what happens on their own property. House Bill 3560 seeks to ensure gun-carry permit holders can bring their firearms with them on their work-commute by banning their employers from prohibiting employees from storing weapons in their vehicles parked on company property. A companion bill, HB3559, bars a company or business owner from requiring that prospective employees disclose if they own or carry a gun. http://tnreport.com/blog/2012/04/18/gun-rights-vs-property-rightsdebate-closer-to-floor-in-house/

'No Sex Bill' headed for House floor vote (Associated Press)
An outside vendor that promotes sexual activity in "family life education" curricula taught in schools could be sued by a parent under legislation that advanced Wednesday in the House. The measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Jim Gotto of Hermitage passed the House Education Committee on a voice vote. The Senate approved the companion bill 29-1 earlier this month. The measure seeks to ban the teaching of any type of sexual activity in schools. Gotto said he proposed the legislation after complaints that some outside vendors were telling students that any kind of sexual activity is permissible, as long as it's not sexual intercourse. Gotto 7

said safe sex can be taught in schools' "family life education" curricula, but it must be abstinence-centered. The curriculum has to emphasize that abstinence is withholding from "any kind of sexual contact," according to the legislation. If not, Gotto said a parent has the right to sue the vendor. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=39075247.story

Lawmakers continue talks on plan to drug test welfare recipients (TN/Gonzalez)

With the 2012 legislative session winding down, lawmakers on Wednesday scrambled to tune up a proposal requiring drug testing of welfare applicants so it doesnt run afoul of the Constitution. Members of the Senate Finance Committee wanted to know whether all recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds would be required to take drug tests. The sponsor of SB 2580, Sen. Stacey Campfield, R-Knoxville, said they would, prompting his peers to debate an amendment to require testing of only those recipients who raise a reasonable suspicion of using drugs. In that scenario, prior drug or alcohol-related arrests or convictions, or previous drug test failures, would prompt testing. Why should anyone who has never had an issue with this matter have to prove that they are innocent? asked Sen. Jim Kyle, D-Memphis. Kyle pushed for financial information and estimates as to the number of people to be tested. Campfield said 58,000 low-income Tennesseans would be tested, according to a legislative analysis, which he said estimated that 10 percent would fail a drug test. He did not elaborate on how that figure was reached. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120419/NEWS02/304190061/Lawmakers-continue-talks-plan-drug-testwelfare-recipients?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Knox 'pilot projects' approved on alcohol laws, mental health (N-S/Humphrey)

The state will pay for a "pilot project" to put 10 people suffering from "mental illness or severe emotional disturbance" into outpatient treatment instead of a psychiatric hospital under legislation approved Wednesday by the Senate. The House, meanwhile, gave final approval and sent to Gov. Bill Haslam a bill that makes Knox County part of a larger "pilot project" on enforcing laws governing the sale of alcoholic beverages. The mental health pilot project was launched as an amendment to SB420, sponsored by Sen. Becky Duncan Massey and Rep. Ryan Haynes, both Knoxville Republicans. It follows negotiations with the state Department of Mental Health, the Helen Ross McNabb Center and others. The measure sets up a program wherein individuals suffering mental illness and perhaps charged with a minor crime would undergo evaluation and, if deemed a likely candidate, go before a judge who would send them into "intensive outpatient treatment" instead an institution. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/19/legislative-notebook-knox-pilot-projects-on-laws/

Catch-22 (Memphis Flyer)

There was a time, back during the heyday of Boss E.H. Crump in Memphis, when A) Shelby County's various political arms observed an imposed unity that was virtually complete; B) the county itself was indisputably the most populous and influential in Tennessee; and C) as a result, Shelby County could and did exercise a power over state government that was nigh onto total. Historians can argue over the ebbs and flows of this power and the exact dates of its prevalenc e, but arguably it lasted, to one degree or another, from early in the 20th century, when Crump, who served as mayor and congressman and, finally and most memorably, as puppet-master, began hitting his stride, until 1954, when the Great Man died. In those years, laws were passed or repealed, legislators came and went, and U.S. senators and Tennessee governors were established or dispatched, more or less according to Boss Crump's dictates. http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/catch-22/Content? oid=3163844

Norris defends school bill (Commercial Appeal/Locker)

Squares off with Shelby lawmakers over municipal districts Memphis lawmakers aired their differences with Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris over suburban school districts Wednesday, at one point comparing the dispute to the Civil War. The Shelby legislative delegation heard Norris outline his efforts on the issue for the first time this year at its weekly meeting, and he defended his work as helping the school unification process. Norris, R-Collierville, described the bill allowing the suburbs to conduct referendums and school board elections this year, in advance of next year's lifting of the state's 14-year-old ban on new municipal school districts. Memphis lawmakers critiqued the effort as further balkanization of schools countywide. "We could go from two to one ... to perhaps seven" school districts, said Rep. Johnnie Turner, D-Memphis. But Norris said allowing the suburbs to decide this year what they're going to do next year will aid planning for merging Memphis and Shelby County 8

schools, which becomes final in August 2013. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/18/shelby-county-lawmakers-air-differences-over-schoo/ (SUB)

Williamson and Montgomery counties among nation's fastest growing (NBJ)

Montgomery County and Williamson County are among the top 100 fastest-growing counties in the country, according to census data released earlier this month. Williamson ranked No. 67 on the list while Montgomery skirted in at No. 92. No other Tennessee counties broke into the top 100. Between 2010 and 2011, Williamson County added 5,378 people, marking a 2.9 percent increase from the prior year. Montgomery County added 4,283 people, a 2.5 increase over 2010. The benefit? Business investment often follows workers. "Talent drives corporate relocation decisions," said Matt Largen, head of economic development in Williamson County. "Companies move to the same place their current and potential employees move to." For Montgomery County, the accolade has as special meaning as other communities struggle with tough economic decisions. "ClarksvilleMontgomery County continues to be a leader in growth. In a time when so many communities across the U.S. are faced with difficult decisions due to the lack of growth, we are blessed to be dealing with issues and opportunities presented by our ongoing population growth," said James Chavez, CEO of the ClarksvilleMontgomery County Economic Development Council. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/blog/2012/04/williamson-and-montgomery-counties.html

Tax Hike At Center Of Budget Debate (Memphis Daily News)

Even as he made his case for a 47-cent property tax hike Tuesday, April 17, Memphis Mayor A C W harton Jr. outlined alternatives to the full tax hike. This is a product in progress, he said after his annual budget address. Whartons formal presentation was followed by comments from several council members who indicated a tax hike is far from a sure thing. When council budget committee hearings begin on April 28, council member Jim Strickland will chair the committee. And Strickland was the first on the council to voice criticism of the premise behind the tax hike. This is the largest budget in the history of the city of Memphis, Strickland said. W e need to start with the belief that Memphis and Memphians cannot afford a tax increase. Strickland said an increase in what is already the highest property tax rate in the state of Tennessee could prompt more Memphians to leave the city. But council member Joe Brown denied there was such an exodus. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/apr/19/tax-hike-at-center-of-budget-debate/

New Senate bill could save 100 USPS plants from closing (M. Business Journal)
The Senate announced a new effort to save about 100 mail processing plants currently slated to be closed or consolidated next month, according to CNNMoney. Lawmakers began debate Tuesday on a bipartisan plan to save the struggling U.S. Postal Service . The bill has the potential to save about 100 processing plants from closing, but it has not been determined which 100 plants could be saved or how many jobs would be impacted by the plan if the measure is passed into law. The new proposal would also force the Postal Service to ease away from its plan to slow down delivery of first-class mail. Congress has until May 15 before a moratorium on postal service closures expires. If Congress does not come through, Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe intends to close and consolidate 223 postal plants including three in the Mid-South in Jonesboro, Ark., Tupelo, Miss., and Jackson, Tenn. Under that plan, the mail processing work at those facilities would move to USPS' Memphis facility. http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/blog/morning_call/2012/04/new-senate-bill-could-save-100-usps.html

Education leader visits TN to talk college costs (Associated Press)

U.S. Under Secretary of Education Martha Kanter is hosting a town hall at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis to talk about providing affordable college educations. Kanter will give remarks and take questions and input from students and educators during the meeting on Thursday afternoon. She will discuss available aid and grant funds, affordable student loan repayment options and other initiatives that the department is taking to make college more affordable. She will also talk with college presidents in Memphis in a closed meeting. The visit is part of a series of discussions that W hite House officials are having with higher education leaders across the country about the need to keep college affordable. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=39077557.story

States Mine Federal Funds Long After Need Is Gone (Wall Street Journal)
When the University of W yoming needed an extra $10 million for renovations to its basketball arena last month, state legislators turned to an unlikely source: a federal fund for cleaning up abandoned coal mines. The fund was set up to pay for things like sealing up old mine shafts and dealing with collapsed tunnels and abandoned surface mines. But, as allowed under law, the university plans to use the money to fix up its Arena-Auditorium, where its Cowboys play, providing an exterior face lift and rotating the court 90 degrees. The U.S. Interior Department is likely to fork over the money for the arena despite years of bipartisan efforts in Washington to close the spigot of federal dollars to states that no longer need so much money for abandoned mines. In the fight to curb government spending, the Obama administration, the Simpson-Bowles deficit-reduction commission and a host of Republican and Democratic lawmakers have advocated cutting the $180 million in mine cleanup money that goes to four states and three Native American tribes that have largely fixed their abandoned coal mines. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304023504577319864015209678.html?mod=ITP_pageone_0 (SUBSCRIPTION)

Are sex offense laws too broad? (Stateline)

Over eight years in the Missouri House, Republican Representative Rodney Schad has gotten numerous phone calls, letters, and emails from registered sex offenders and their families about the damage the registry has caused in their lives the harassment, persistent unemployment, and community ostracism. Three years ago, Schad decided to start researching the state's registration policy, and what he found surprised him. "There's no way to tell who's dangerous and who isn't," says Schad. "[People] look up their address and see 10 offenders living or working near their house." In his view, the list is becoming bloated and less helpful to ordinary citizens than it should be. To try and refine who actually shows up on the public registry, Schad crafted legislation to create a tier system so that only the most dangerous offenders are listed publicly. Currently, anyone convicted of any type of sex crime, from public urination to child molestation, is placed on the list. The bill also creates an appeals process, so that offenders can petition to be removed from the registry after 10 or 20 years, depending on their crime, and removes all juvenile sex offenders tried in juvenile court from the public registry. http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=646089

Report: Tennessee ranks 3rd in construction job growth (Nashville Biz Journal)
Nashville's construction job market, one of the hardest hit industries during the economic downturn, is getting stronger. Construction employment was up 8 percent in Nashville this February compared to one year ago, according to the Associated General Contractors of Tennessee. In Nashville, the industry employed 29,200 people in February, an increase of 2,400 jobs from the previous year. Nashville ranked No. 49 out of 337 metros in terms of construction job growth. Memphis ranked No. 68, with 7 percent job growth. Knoxville ranked No. 23, posting 12 percent growth. With 7.9 percent growth, Tennessee ranked third nationally behind North Dakota (18.8 percent) and Washington, D.C. (13.2 percent). Nevada, where construction employment declined by 12 percent, ranked last. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/04/18/report-tennessee-ranks-3rd-in.html

ConAgra acquires Tennessee Pride sausage (Tennessean/Williams)

Farm boy figure on packaging will survive ConAgra wont be taking the barefoot country boy off the label of Tennessee Pride sausage products, company officials said Wednesday, even though the giant Omaha, Neb.based food chain is buying the iconic Nashville brand from the Odom family within 45 days. Youre kidding, right? said ConAgra Foods spokesman Dan Hare when asked whether the farm boy figure would survive the transition. The farm boy has been featured on Odoms sausage packaging and in advertising for decades, and jingles referring to him have been heard on local radio and TV almost as long, including many years on the Grand Ole Opry. That wont change because ConAgra intends to take advantage of Odoms strong position in the frozen breakfast sandwich segment and expand the brand, Hare said. Theyve assured us they want to capitalize on our brand equity, and the farm boy is a big part of that, said Larry Odom, the companys president and grandson of its founder, Douglas Odom Sr. One of Larry Odoms aunts drew the original farm boy figure in the 1950s. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120419/BUSINESS01/304190049/ConAgra-acquires-Tennessee-Pridesausage?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

Chattanooga loses Audi plant to Mexico (USA Today)

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After a bit of drama and intense lobbying, Audi said it has decided to build a new automotive factory in Mexico rather than in Chattanooga where Volkswagen already makes the popular Passat. Audi said it hasnt decided exactly where in Mexico to put its plant, but the facility will make SUVs starting in 2016. Sister brand Volkswagen has long had a plant in Puebla, Mexico, making cars for both the United States and Mexico. VW also opened its first production plant in the U.S. in decades about a year ago in Chattanooga, leading to recent speculation that Audi might build next door and give Tennessee one more jolt of auto industry jobs. That didnt occur. Tennessee officials took the news in stride on W ednesday, saying that trade issues were the likely cause of the loss rather than a flaw in how the state courted the Audi project. Todays news of Audis plant going to Mexico was an expected outcome given U.S. trade issues beyond our control, said Bill Hagerty, state commissioner of economic development. He said Tennessee will continue to aggressively pursue other auto manufacturing projects. Tennessee certainly competed for the project, he added. Our understanding is that a portion of this new facilitys output will target certain South American markets. Tariff treaties between Mexico and certain countries there made a material difference. We understand Audi had to choose the location that best fit its business needs. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120419/BUSINESS03/304190050/Chattanooga-loses-Audi-plant-Mexico? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

Audi picks Mexico for plant site (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Pare)

State and local officials spent little time lamenting Audi's decision Wednesday to build a plant in Mexico rather than Tennessee as they look to future growth by Volkswagen. Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield said he expects VW's need to grow its local operations will rival Audi's plans and do so as quickly. "I'm confident Volkswagen will need or use all the land we've set aside for them," said the mayor, citing the 1,200 acres on which VW has an option in addition to its existing plant at Enterprise South industrial park. Audi, VW 's luxury-car unit, announced Wednesday it will put up a factory in Mexico at a site it will choose later this year. The company, which is aiming to unseat BMW in terms of premium sales worldwide, said it will make a sport utility vehicle, reportedly the Q5, by 2016. Bill Hagerty, state economic and community development commissioner, said Tennessee competed for the project. But he cited trade issues beyond the control of state and local officials. "Our understanding is that a portion of this new facility's output will target certain South American markets," he said in a statement. "Tariff treaties between Mexico and certain countries there made a material difference. We understand Audi had to choose the location that best fit its business needs." http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/19/audi-picks-mexico-for-plant-site/?business

The Med triples diversity expenditures (Commercial Appeal/Sells)

The Regional Medical Center at Memphis nearly tripled the amount it spends with suppliers owned by minorities, veterans, women or small businesses in the two years since it began a diversity spending program. The Med spent $3.48 million with these groups eight months into its current fiscal year. The figure is 3.6 percent of its total supply spending this year, which is projected at around $143 million. The Med spent 1.3 percent of its supply budget with minority-, female- or veteran-owned businesses or small companies after it began its diversity spending program in 2010. The hospital ramped up that spending to 2.5 percent in 2011. Med CEO Reginald Coopwood said it has been a "learning process" for him and Rick Wagers, the hospital's chief financial officer, both of whom came to The Med from Nashville hospitals. "Coming from Nashville, there wasn't as much emphasis on minority participation," Coopwood said during a Wednesday finance committee meeting. "The growth we've seen over the last two or three years really does reflect our our growth and understanding of the importance of us making sure we invest in the Memphis community in all these areas." http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/19/the-med-triples-diversity-expenditures/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

Outsourced services contracts proposed savings for unified system (CA/Kelley)

Outsourcing custodial work, transportation and other proposed operational changes could save the new unified school district $70 million a year, according to proposed recommendations that will make their way onto the Transition Planning Commission agenda over the next few weeks. But TPC member Martavius Jones, who also is a member of the unified school board, gave the TPC's Logistics Committee a taste of what the architects of the new system can expect to hear as some of the more controversial recommendations climb the TPC ladder. During the debate over privatizing custodial services -- the current practice of Shelby County Schools -- Jones explained why he had to vote no. "Custodians are residents of Memphis and Shelby County," he pointed out. "... I'm looking at the human impact on people I see when I go into the grocery store." Committee chairman Richard Holden maintained that "there won't be a major cut" in the number of people employed by the district. The 11

proposed recommendation stipulates that current employees who have earned recommendations should get preferential treatment in the vendor's hiring decisions. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/apr/19/outside-school-services-debated/ (SUBSCRIPTION)

Head of new Hamilton County STEM school announced (Times Free-Press)

An engineer-turned-educator will lead Chattanooga's new science, technology, engineering and math high school. Hamilton County Schools officials announced that Tony Donen, principal of Nashville's Fairview High School, will take helm of the school, which is set to open in the fall on the campus of Chattanooga State Community College. Donen has an engineering degree from Virginia Technical University but has worked in education for 15 years, nine of those as a principal, officials said. The local STEM school, which is yet to be named, is being partly funded by a state grant aimed at better preparing students for jobs in math and science. The school will open with 75 freshman in the fall and will reach its capacity of 300 students within four years. STEM students will be selected from all Hamilton County high schools in a live lottery on April 30. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/19/head-of-new-hamilton-county-stem-school-announced/?local

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OPINION Frank Cagle: Gov. Haslam Has Shaken Up the Structure of State Government (MP)
Democratic leader Mike Turner said last week that Gov. Bill Haslam is now the most powerful (Tennessee) governor ever. Hyperbole? Or is there an element of truth in it? Turner was referring to a Haslam administration bill that guts civil service and allows the governor discretion when it comes to layoffs and hiring. In other words, you dont have to lay off young workers in an economic downturn if there is an unproductive longtime employee on the state payroll. Call it the deadwood elimination bill. This sort of effort led public employee unions in Wisconsin to launch a recall of the governor. The difference here is that Haslams team negotiated with the state employees to come up with a system that satisfied both groups. This comes after Haslam already extended the time to award a teacher tenure, another issue that has put teacher unions in the streets in other states. Haslam is the most powerful governor because he is the first Republican governor in a hundred years to have a majority Republican House and Senate. http://www.metropulse.com/news/2012/apr/18/gov-haslam-has-shaken-structure-state-government/

Times Editorial: Guns, or lost jobs and safety (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)
Last week, the Washington Post published an editorial criticizing the Tennessee Legislature's passage of a law -and Gov. Bill Haslam's refusal to veto it -- that seems designed solely to safeguard teaching in public schools of 12

the pseudo-science theory of creationism as a legitimate counterpoint to science-based knowledge of evolution, and such issues as global warming. Next time, the Post may be writing about the Tennessee Legislature's willingness to sacrifice the state's rising job-creation prospects on the NRA altar of gun-carry rights on employer parking lots, and the parking facilities of public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities. Word gets around. So surely, Tennessee's governor, mayors and job recruiters at chambers of commerce -- not to mention a lot of Tennesseans who would like new job opportunities -- must be wondering why state legislators are so willing to shoot Tennessee's economic prospects in the foot. And why, at the same time, they're so willing to raise the stakes against student safety when the logical priority is to improve the reputation and academic standing of our schools and universities. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/19/guns-or-lost-jobsand-safety/?opiniontimes

Columnist: Dear Governor Haslam... (Memphis Flyer)

Recently, you blamed the media for the unfavorable attention being paid to the social agenda of your party. I have held my opinion of your administration mainly to myself. But you have crossed the line with this latest "move." As a moderate conservative, I supported you during your campaign. There was a time when I thought you might stand up for the best interests of the state. That time has passed. First of all, the legislature is objectively embarrassing. There is no positive way to spin hate. The party mantra of "job creation" not only rings hollow but plainly stinks when compared to the slate of social laws that are pitched every session. What sort of jobs are you people after? Inquisitors? A man of your privilege should know that educated people who can be depended upon to solve critical problems in medical research, logistics, and higher management don't respond well to xenophobia and witch-hunt politics. If you want the media to stop reporting this tomfoolery, then stand up for educated, well-mannered people who live here and who are horrified and ashamed by the backward and hateful agenda that apparently equates to success in our General Assembly. http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/dear-governor-haslam/Content?oid=3163849

Editorial: 'Don't say gay' rears its ugly head again (Tennessean)
Never count a bad bill out in this session. The House Education Committee overrode the wishes of its leadership and pushed the Dont Say Gay bill (HB229) out on an 8-7 vote; the nay votes included committee chair Richard Montgomery, R-Sevierville, who you would expect understands what the leadership would like to see. Which is not for us to watch our representatives monkeying around when they should be getting down to business. The bill now sits in the calendar committee which is responsible for scheduling a floor vote. The Senate version of the bill (SB49) passed last May. The House sponsors had agreed to table the bill in February, but brought it back up this week and pushed it through committee. As Gov. Bill Haslam has said before, and repeated yesterday, this bill is just not necessary. Current state law forbids teaching sex education below the ninth grade, adding new the language and additional penalties in this law are superfluous. If a teacher today is reaching beyond their mandated curriculum, a new law will not stop that behavior. Parents and administrators can find remedy within the existing disciplinary structure, which does include the ability to fine a teacher. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120419/OPINION/304190021/-Don-t-say-gay-rears-its-ugly-head-again? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Clay Bennett Political Cartoon: Murphys Lawmaker (Times Free-Press)

http://media.timesfreepress.com/img/news/tease/2012/04/18/120419_Murphys_Law_t618.jpg? ba5b5b122dd3d37cc13d83e92a6a0ec0d5bfa32a

Free-Press Editorial: UTC's and our great future (Times Free-Press)

Our University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has great and positive plans for its next 10 to 15 years. And UTC's future is very important to us all, not just for the university's fortunate students, but for all of our people in this wonderful community. The enrollment of students at the university is expected to be about 12,000 next fall -- with more in the future. So university officials are planning ahead. UTC is expected to invest more than $300 million in the next five to seven years -- and that, obviously, will be positive for our whole community. UTC has spent about $400 million here in the last decade, with great positive impact. Our university has been immeasurably important to students, of course, and also to the whole community, educationally, culturally, economically and in many other ways. UTC already is great, for which we are thankful -- but there is much optimism as "the best is yet to come" for the university, its students and the Chattanooga community. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/apr/19/utcs-and-our-great-future/?opinionfreepress 13

Editorial: Untangling the knots that bind tourism groups (Knoxville News-Sentinel)
Officials are busy untangling the interwoven threads between the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corp., the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and Sports Management Inc., a crucial first step toward restoring public confidence in local tourism efforts. Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett might not wait for the unraveling. He is looking at bidding out the county's tourism marketing job, possibly sending the Tourism and Sports Corp. to the sidelines for good. While that might be premature, defining the roles of each entity once run by former Tourism and Sports Corp. President Gloria Ray is crucial for promoting tourism in Knoxville. Ray stepped down in February amid outrage over a generous pay package of more than $400,000. The Tourism and Sports Corp. receives the bulk of its funding from Knoxville and Knox County tax revenues. Under Ray's direction, the Tourism and Sports Corp. and Sports Management Inc., which manages the W omen's Basketball Hall of Fame under a licensing agreement with the hall's board of directors, were intimately linked. The Tourism and Sports Corp. funneled county tax revenues to Sports Management Inc. as a subsidy for managing the hall. The hall's building, with its oversized basketball a landmark on the eastern edge of downtown, is owned by the county. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/apr/19/editorial-untangling-the-knots-that-bind-tourism/ ###

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