Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty today announced on Friday December 16th the release of nine regional strategic plans outlining how ECD’s field staff will lead new economic development efforts in their regions, support existing networks of local organizations and serve as an effective conduit between the department and regional stakeholders. The plans can be viewed at http://tn.gov/ecd/.
Gov. Haslam’s Jobs4TN economic development plan, announced earlier this year, decentralized ECD and established nine jobs base camps throughout the state. Jobs base camp regional directors and their staffs created the strategic plans through a variety of outreach efforts, stakeholder meetings and consensus building activities.
“Jobs4TN was designed to take a more regional approach to job creation so we can better understand and serve the needs of each region,” Haslam said. “The strategic plans will be a guide for economic development growth as we continue working to become the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
“With assets varying greatly throughout Tennessee, it is important that we address each region’s strengths and challenges individually, and the strategic plans help us do just that,” Hagerty said. “Working with our local partners, we were able to develop plans specifically tailored to the needs of our nine regions.”
Each strategic plan is unique to its region yet common themes emerged, including enhancing communication amongst economic development partners, sharing best practices, reaching out to existing businesses and partnering with area stakeholders. The plans will continue to be reviewed and revisited with local partners on a regular basis.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
State Report Card on Education
The Tennessee Department of Education on Friday released complete results from the 2011 state Report Card. The release includes district- and school-level data on a variety of indicators, from student achievement and growth on standardized tests, to attendance and behavior.
This is the department’s fourth major data release this year, following the summer release of statewide Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program and Adequate Yearly Progress results, as well as the recent list of Reward, Priority and Focus schools slated for state support under the state’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility request.
This year’s data release timeline aligns with the department’s strategic plan to get as much information as possible to parents and families, to help them be active participants in their children’s education, Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman said.
“Data-driven education reform only works when numbers and information can be used to make informed, timely decisions,” Huffman said. “We look forward to continuing to get data and information to the public in the most useful format possible.”
Tennessee submitted its flexibility request — a waiver from certain portions of the No Child Left Behind Act — on Nov. 14. Part of the state’s application included a proposed new accountability model and governance structure for the state’s schools and districts. If the U.S. Department of Education approves the waiver, the current accountability would be replaced with the department’s proposal, which can be found at: http://tn.gov/education/doc/ESEA_Flexibility_Request.pdf.
To see results from the 2011 Tennessee Report Card, visit: http://edu.reportcard.state.tn.us/pls/apex/f?p=200:1:7867592151504984.
This is the department’s fourth major data release this year, following the summer release of statewide Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program and Adequate Yearly Progress results, as well as the recent list of Reward, Priority and Focus schools slated for state support under the state’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility request.
This year’s data release timeline aligns with the department’s strategic plan to get as much information as possible to parents and families, to help them be active participants in their children’s education, Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman said.
“Data-driven education reform only works when numbers and information can be used to make informed, timely decisions,” Huffman said. “We look forward to continuing to get data and information to the public in the most useful format possible.”
Tennessee submitted its flexibility request — a waiver from certain portions of the No Child Left Behind Act — on Nov. 14. Part of the state’s application included a proposed new accountability model and governance structure for the state’s schools and districts. If the U.S. Department of Education approves the waiver, the current accountability would be replaced with the department’s proposal, which can be found at: http://tn.gov/education/doc/ESEA_Flexibility_Request.pdf.
To see results from the 2011 Tennessee Report Card, visit: http://edu.reportcard.state.tn.us/pls/apex/f?p=200:1:7867592151504984.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Tennessee Departmental Budget Hearings Underway in East Tennessee
Today, Governor Haslam's departmental budget hearings continue in Knoxville with the Department of Education budget hearing.
Also, today will feature budget hearings for the departments of Agriculture, Tourism, Children's Services, and Veterans Affairs. The TennCare budget will be heard on November 28th. These hearings will wrap up this round of the Governor's budget hearings. Video of these hearings is available at http://www.tn.gov/. at the link for budget hearings. If you miss the live presentations, the video is archived for later viewing.
One highlight from the Department of Education budget hearing is that the proposed funding increase for the BEP for FY 2011-2012 is $53.8 million. Of that figure, approximately $20 million is for expected growth in student enrollment. The remaining increase is due to inflationary factors in the BEP formula itself.
Also, today will feature budget hearings for the departments of Agriculture, Tourism, Children's Services, and Veterans Affairs. The TennCare budget will be heard on November 28th. These hearings will wrap up this round of the Governor's budget hearings. Video of these hearings is available at http://www.tn.gov/. at the link for budget hearings. If you miss the live presentations, the video is archived for later viewing.
One highlight from the Department of Education budget hearing is that the proposed funding increase for the BEP for FY 2011-2012 is $53.8 million. Of that figure, approximately $20 million is for expected growth in student enrollment. The remaining increase is due to inflationary factors in the BEP formula itself.
Feds Restore Funding for Meth Clean-Up
This past February, federal funds to offset clean-up costs for meth labs dried up. This past week, a federal appropriations act restored $12.5 million in funding for this program. In 2010, the funding was over $19 million. While this new funding is not likely to be enough to meet all demands, it should assist. There was concern nationally as the loss of revenue to deal with the costs associated with the labs seemed to discourage enforcement. Seizures in Tennessee were down 32% over the prior year.
For more on this issue, see this article in the Tennessean here.
For more on this issue, see this article in the Tennessean here.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
New Round of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Announced
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development yesterday announced that applications for a third round of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) will be accepted beginning on Oct. 17. The department has previously awarded $12.1 million in grants to 135 communities throughout the state to implement energy efficient projects.
“The EECBG grants have allowed us to work with communities across the state in their efforts to become more energy efficient,” said Molly Cripps, director, Energy Division, ECD. “These efforts will not only benefit our state environmentally but also provide jobs for Tennesseans.”
The grants will be used to fund a variety of energy efficiency and conservation programs in the local communities, including retrofits to lighting and HVAC systems, as well as the installation of renewable energy systems.
The application for the EECBG grants can be found at http://www.tn.gov/ecd/recovery/eecbg.html.
Applications will be accepted by the department starting on Oct. 17 and will be scored on the local government’s overall conservation strategy, project feasibility, readiness to proceed, community impact, partnerships and the ability to extend funding impact beyond a one-time use. Applications will be accepted and scored on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted. Previous recipients of the EECBG grants are not eligible.
The EECBG program is projected to cumulatively produce more than 92 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy savings annually, resulting in an estimated cost-savings of $8 million per year for Tennessee communities. In addition, approximately 149 jobs will be created by the more than 140 grants awarded. The EECBG program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, through the Department of Energy, Award Number DE-EE0000958.
For more information on the EECBG program in Tennessee, visit
http://www.tn.gov/ecd/recovery/eecbg.html.
“The EECBG grants have allowed us to work with communities across the state in their efforts to become more energy efficient,” said Molly Cripps, director, Energy Division, ECD. “These efforts will not only benefit our state environmentally but also provide jobs for Tennesseans.”
The grants will be used to fund a variety of energy efficiency and conservation programs in the local communities, including retrofits to lighting and HVAC systems, as well as the installation of renewable energy systems.
The application for the EECBG grants can be found at http://www.tn.gov/ecd/recovery/eecbg.html.
Applications will be accepted by the department starting on Oct. 17 and will be scored on the local government’s overall conservation strategy, project feasibility, readiness to proceed, community impact, partnerships and the ability to extend funding impact beyond a one-time use. Applications will be accepted and scored on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted. Previous recipients of the EECBG grants are not eligible.
The EECBG program is projected to cumulatively produce more than 92 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy savings annually, resulting in an estimated cost-savings of $8 million per year for Tennessee communities. In addition, approximately 149 jobs will be created by the more than 140 grants awarded. The EECBG program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, through the Department of Energy, Award Number DE-EE0000958.
For more information on the EECBG program in Tennessee, visit
http://www.tn.gov/ecd/recovery/eecbg.html.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Haslam Administration Plans for Responding to Potential Federal Funding Cuts
This summer, the Governor directed state departments to identify and prepare plans for the impact of potential cuts in Federal funding to state governments. A summary of those response plans are available on the Department of Finance and Administration Website here: http://www.tn.gov/finance/newsrel/Documents/2103FedRevLossPlanSummary.pdf
This document highlights the amount of potential cuts from departments and programs then provides a summary of where cuts are likely to be made. For additional detail, the Department has also posted detailed department plans with specific cuts indicated. Those detailed plans can be found here: http://www.tn.gov/finance/newsrel/Documents/2103FedRevLossPlanDetail.pdf
This document highlights the amount of potential cuts from departments and programs then provides a summary of where cuts are likely to be made. For additional detail, the Department has also posted detailed department plans with specific cuts indicated. Those detailed plans can be found here: http://www.tn.gov/finance/newsrel/Documents/2103FedRevLossPlanDetail.pdf
Monday, September 26, 2011
Impact of Recession on Local Tax Base
The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations has completed a report on the continuing impact of the recession on the local government tax base. The report can be found on their website at this address: http://www.tn.gov/tacir/Special%20html%20Reports/slowdown.html
One sobering statistic from the report: Fifty counties in Tennessee collected less sales tax revenue in Fiscal Year 2011 than in Fiscal Year 2007. So although there has been modest growth in revenue in many counties this past year, revenues still have not rebounded to pre-recession levels in over half the counties.
The report also discusses the impact of the recession on the local property tax base, a phenomenon that has been slower to appear due to appraisal cycles.
One sobering statistic from the report: Fifty counties in Tennessee collected less sales tax revenue in Fiscal Year 2011 than in Fiscal Year 2007. So although there has been modest growth in revenue in many counties this past year, revenues still have not rebounded to pre-recession levels in over half the counties.
The report also discusses the impact of the recession on the local property tax base, a phenomenon that has been slower to appear due to appraisal cycles.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Regional Meetings Going Well
I've got to see many county commissioners and mayors so far this month at the first 4 of our regional meetings across the state. The second half of these meetings kicks off tonight (September 13) with our meeting in Cleveland, Tennessee. Later in the week, we'll be at Paris Landing State Park. Next week is our meeting in Jackson with the final meeting in Springfield the following week. We've had some great discussions of issues of importance to counties. Thanks also to those state legislators and congressional staffers who have come to the meetings.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Debt Management Policies
From a press release from the State Comptroller:
Governments Have Four Months to Develop Debt Management Policies
Governments across Tennessee have four more months to develop or revise their debt management policies to conform with standards issued by the State Funding Board.
Last year, the Funding Board agreed to require governments that wish to borrow money to adopt policies no later than Dec. 31, 2011. The requirement applies not only to city and county governments, but other public entities that issue debt, including industrial development boards, utility districts and quasi-governmental agencies.
Comptroller Justin P. Wilson sent letters to local government leaders dated September 1, reminding them of the deadline.
The standards designed by the Funding Board are intended to give local governments discretion in crafting their debt management policies, provided they follow four guiding principles. Those principles are:
- Debt transactions should be clearly understood by those involved in making the decisions about them
- Citizens should be able to get clear explanations about the transactions
- Steps should be taken to avoid conflicts of interest among the parties involved in the transactions
- Costs and risks association with the transactions should be clearly disclosed
More information about the standards can be found online at: http://www.comptroller1.state.tn.us/sl/DebtManagement.asp
Many organizations, including the University of Tennessee’s County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS), are providing assistance to local governments in developing or refining their debt management policies. Local governments may also seek the help of professionals such as financial advisors or bond lawyers.
Additionally, those with questions about the standards may e-mail IGpublic.Finance@tn.gov or call Ann Butterworth, Assistant to the Comptroller for Public Finance, at (615) 401-7910.
Economic Development Webinar On-Line
Jobs4TN Regional Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program Webinar Now Available Online
NOTE: QUICK DEADLINE FOR LETTER OF INTENT FOR GRANT APPLICANTS
An information session about the competitive grant opportunity for the Jobs4TN Regional Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program was held in Nashville on Thursday, Sept. 1. Watch the webinar from the session here.
Commissioner Hagerty announced last week that the department is accepting applications for a competitive grant to support nine regional business accelerators across the state. The grants will award $250,000 to a regional entrepreneurial accelerator in each economic development region. Interested parties are encouraged to file a letter of intent with the department by Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. CST; applications are due to ECD by Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. CST.
With questions about the program or application, please email ECD.Innovation@tn.gov.
NOTE: QUICK DEADLINE FOR LETTER OF INTENT FOR GRANT APPLICANTS
An information session about the competitive grant opportunity for the Jobs4TN Regional Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program was held in Nashville on Thursday, Sept. 1. Watch the webinar from the session here.
Commissioner Hagerty announced last week that the department is accepting applications for a competitive grant to support nine regional business accelerators across the state. The grants will award $250,000 to a regional entrepreneurial accelerator in each economic development region. Interested parties are encouraged to file a letter of intent with the department by Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. CST; applications are due to ECD by Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. CST.
With questions about the program or application, please email ECD.Innovation@tn.gov.
Monday, August 8, 2011
U.S. Secretary of Education Cites TN as Example of State Deserving NCLB Waiver
From the Knoxville News Sentinnel site Humphrey on the Hill:
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today cited Tennessee as an example of a state that has "done a great job" in setting education standards and deserving of a waiver from No Child Left Behind.
Duncan's comments came in a telephone news conference with reports around the nation to outline his general plans for granting waivers to NCLB. Specifics will be provided next month, he said, and the process of granting approvals will begin shortly thereafter.
While he stopped short of specifically saying Tennessee would be granted a waiver, Duncan came pretty close.
For the full article, go here.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today cited Tennessee as an example of a state that has "done a great job" in setting education standards and deserving of a waiver from No Child Left Behind.
Duncan's comments came in a telephone news conference with reports around the nation to outline his general plans for granting waivers to NCLB. Specifics will be provided next month, he said, and the process of granting approvals will begin shortly thereafter.
While he stopped short of specifically saying Tennessee would be granted a waiver, Duncan came pretty close.
For the full article, go here.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Economic Development Workshops Offered in August
The UT County Technical Assistance Service will be offering a series of workshops entitled Baisc Principles of Economic development for County Officials during the month of August. The classes will be taught August 23 in Knoxville, August 24 in Franklin and August 25 in Jackson. All courses are held 8:00 am to 12:00 noon local time. For more information about the classes or to register, go to www.ctas.tennessee.edu.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
CTAS Index of Acts Available On-Line
The 2011 edition of the CTAS Index of Acts Related to County Government is on the Legislative Information page of the CTAS website. To view the document, click here.
This publication contains summaries of the public and private acts affecting county government that were passed by the General Assembly this year. These summaries are intended to give county officials notice of changes in the laws affecting their offices. Prior to taking action based on these new laws, the actual text of the law should be reviewed. The full text of all of the new laws can be found on the website of the Tennessee Secretary of State listed by public or private chapter number: http://tennessee.gov/sos/acts.
This publication contains summaries of the public and private acts affecting county government that were passed by the General Assembly this year. These summaries are intended to give county officials notice of changes in the laws affecting their offices. Prior to taking action based on these new laws, the actual text of the law should be reviewed. The full text of all of the new laws can be found on the website of the Tennessee Secretary of State listed by public or private chapter number: http://tennessee.gov/sos/acts.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Release of TCAP Data on School System Performance
Last Friday, the Tennessee Department of Education released district-level 2010-2011 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test results. Now available online, the statewide and district-by-district breakdown shows how each school district performed in advancing student growth in all subject areas and grade levels three through eight.
Across the state, Tennessee students scored higher in all subject areas and grade levels in grades three through eight on this year’s TCAP achievement tests by comparison to 2009-2010 results. Student math scores grew by 7% and reading scores grew by 3.7%. These improvements show student success with the heightened academic standards implemented last year. An extended version of the statewide press conference is available online.
For the first time, TCAP achievement test results are being made publicly available on the department’s website in a district-by-district breakdown that shows the percentage of students who scored at the below basic, basic, proficient, and advanced levels in grades three through eight. High school end of course results and AYP determinations are not finalized and will likely be released in the coming weeks.
Students in Grades 3-8 take the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test each spring. The Achievement Test is a timed, multiple choice assessment that measures skills in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Student results are reported to parents, teachers and administrators. To view the 2010-2011 TCAP results, visit the Tennessee Department of Education website homepage at http://tn.gov/education.
Across the state, Tennessee students scored higher in all subject areas and grade levels in grades three through eight on this year’s TCAP achievement tests by comparison to 2009-2010 results. Student math scores grew by 7% and reading scores grew by 3.7%. These improvements show student success with the heightened academic standards implemented last year. An extended version of the statewide press conference is available online.
For the first time, TCAP achievement test results are being made publicly available on the department’s website in a district-by-district breakdown that shows the percentage of students who scored at the below basic, basic, proficient, and advanced levels in grades three through eight. High school end of course results and AYP determinations are not finalized and will likely be released in the coming weeks.
Students in Grades 3-8 take the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test each spring. The Achievement Test is a timed, multiple choice assessment that measures skills in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Student results are reported to parents, teachers and administrators. To view the 2010-2011 TCAP results, visit the Tennessee Department of Education website homepage at http://tn.gov/education.
All 2011 Tennessee Legislation Now Available On-Line
All of the legislation approved this year, during the first session of the 107th General Assembly, is now available online at the Office of Secretary of State web site. These documents - including 510 public acts, 32 private acts and 1,071 resolutions – can be found at: http://www.tn.gov/sos/acts/index.htm
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Laws Taking Effect July 1, 2011
The General Assembly has a listing available on their website of new laws and changes to laws that take effect July 1 of this year. Much of the legislation that passes takes effect at the start of the new fiscal year, particularly if it relates to finance or taxation. Other bills may take effect immediately (i.e. when signed by the Governor) or, in rare cases, at some later date established specifically in the legislation.
Here is a link to those laws taking effect on Friday, July 1, 2011.
New Laws Effective July 1
Here is a link to those laws taking effect on Friday, July 1, 2011.
New Laws Effective July 1
Monday, June 27, 2011
Governor Appoints State's First Procurement Officer
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced the appointment of Jessica Robertson as the state's first Chief Procurement Officer today. Robertson most recently served as Deputy Commissioner for the Indiana Department of Administration managing the operations for the state's procurement division. In this position, Robertson set policy for procurement and negotiated multi-million dollar contracts.
Tennessee Public Act 1098 of 2010 created a Tennessee state procurement commission, a procurement office, a chief procurement officer, a state protest committee and an advisory committee on procurement. The Act consolidates all procurement responsibility and allows negotiations and decisions to be handled by the procurement commission, procurement office and chief procurement officer. The procurement office will be managed by the Tennessee Department of General Services.
Robertson will begin as chief procurement officer on July 1. "Transforming the way Tennessee negotiates contracts will be an exciting new chapter for me," Robertson said. "I look forward to making Tennessee my new home while working to make a difference for the state's stakeholders."
Tennessee Public Act 1098 of 2010 created a Tennessee state procurement commission, a procurement office, a chief procurement officer, a state protest committee and an advisory committee on procurement. The Act consolidates all procurement responsibility and allows negotiations and decisions to be handled by the procurement commission, procurement office and chief procurement officer. The procurement office will be managed by the Tennessee Department of General Services.
Robertson will begin as chief procurement officer on July 1. "Transforming the way Tennessee negotiates contracts will be an exciting new chapter for me," Robertson said. "I look forward to making Tennessee my new home while working to make a difference for the state's stakeholders."
Thursday, May 26, 2011
TBI Crime in Schools Report
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation today released its annual study dedicated to crime in Tennessee’s schools. Produced by TBI’s Crime Statistics Unit, the study spans a three-year period between 2008 and 2010 and is based on numbers submitted by Tennessee law enforcement agencies to the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System (TIBRS). The state’s first ever school crimes study was released in May of 2009.
The reported number of crimes that occurred at schools decreased by 1.6% from 2009 to 2010 and there was an overall decrease of 3.4% between 2008 and 2010. There were 13,110 crimes reported at schools in 2010 compared to 13,327 in 2009. This report is based on incidents submitted by law enforcement agencies and excludes offenses reported by colleges and universities. Those statistics are compiled in TBI’s “Crime on Campus” report that was released earlier this year.
“School Crimes Study” Quick Facts
- 2.3% of all crimes reported in the state occurred at a school.
- The reported numbers of crimes occurring at schools decreased by 1.6% from 2009. There were 13,110 crimes reported in 2010 compared to 13,327 in 2009.
- Simple assault was the most frequently reported crime at 4,885 offenses.
- Crimes against persons increased by 3.4%, but crimes against property decreased by 9.1%.
- More crimes occurred on Friday than any other day of the week and most resulted in no injury to the victim.
- 51% of the time, the relationship between the offender and victim was acquaintance.
It is important to understand the characteristics surrounding school crime and its offenders and victims. This understanding will help schools, policy makers, law enforcement and the public learn how to better combat crime that occurs at these institutions. To view the “School Crimes Study” for 2010 in its entirety, go to the TBI website at www.tbi.tn.gov.
The reported number of crimes that occurred at schools decreased by 1.6% from 2009 to 2010 and there was an overall decrease of 3.4% between 2008 and 2010. There were 13,110 crimes reported at schools in 2010 compared to 13,327 in 2009. This report is based on incidents submitted by law enforcement agencies and excludes offenses reported by colleges and universities. Those statistics are compiled in TBI’s “Crime on Campus” report that was released earlier this year.
“School Crimes Study” Quick Facts
- 2.3% of all crimes reported in the state occurred at a school.
- The reported numbers of crimes occurring at schools decreased by 1.6% from 2009. There were 13,110 crimes reported in 2010 compared to 13,327 in 2009.
- Simple assault was the most frequently reported crime at 4,885 offenses.
- Crimes against persons increased by 3.4%, but crimes against property decreased by 9.1%.
- More crimes occurred on Friday than any other day of the week and most resulted in no injury to the victim.
- 51% of the time, the relationship between the offender and victim was acquaintance.
It is important to understand the characteristics surrounding school crime and its offenders and victims. This understanding will help schools, policy makers, law enforcement and the public learn how to better combat crime that occurs at these institutions. To view the “School Crimes Study” for 2010 in its entirety, go to the TBI website at www.tbi.tn.gov.
Legislative Session Ends
On May 21st, the General Assembly concluded its business and adjourned till 2012. This ended a long week of late nights and extensive debates on a wide variety of topics. The Tennessee County Services Association Legislative Conference in Gatlinburg on June 7 and 8 will include sessions to update county officials on the impact of the state budget and new legislation affecting counties. I hope to see you there.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Governor Files Supplemental Budget Amendment
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has filed an amendment with the General Assembly that adjusts next year’s budget proposal to reflect new estimates on increased state revenues. The supplemental appropriations amendment (SB2090/HB2139) includes funding that was not included in the budget the governor presented in March, which was based on earlier revenue projections.
Notable funding priorities in the governor’s budget amendment include:
• $71.3 million for disaster relief resulting from recent storms and flooding.
• $4.7 million for the Department of Intellectual Disabilities Services to restore residential rates.
• $1.9 million for mental health services for residents of Northeast Tennessee through the Mountain State Health Alliance.
• $8.5 million to restore previously scheduled rate reductions of 8.5 percent to mental health providers in TennCare.
• $5 million for payments to the Memphis Regional Medical Center, Nashville General Hospital and Jellico Community Hospital.
• $3.5 million additional for smoking cessation assistance in TennCare.
• $6.9 million grant for three programs at Meherry Medical College.
• $220,000 for first-year debt service on construction bonds for $22.6 million, 108-bed State Veterans’ Home in Clarksville.
• $2.5 million for the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.
• $1 million recurring to limit the impact of the Hall Income Tax on eligible seniors 65 years and older, beginning in fiscal year 2012-2013.
• $19.9 million additional for lottery scholarships to fund students’ ability to utilize them during summer school.
• $5 million to the University of Memphis for operations on the Lambuth campus in Jackson.
• $21.1 million for state building maintenance, plus $1 million for a statewide capital improvements master plan for Higher Education and state facilities.
• $16.5 million for a potential major economic development expansion project.
The budget amendment assumes a reimbursement of approximately $82 million in Medicaid funding errors, which the federal government says is owed to the state. Several healthcare-related investments are contingent on receiving those funds, as well as higher education investments:
The General Assembly is expected to consider the budget this week.
Notable funding priorities in the governor’s budget amendment include:
• $71.3 million for disaster relief resulting from recent storms and flooding.
• $4.7 million for the Department of Intellectual Disabilities Services to restore residential rates.
• $1.9 million for mental health services for residents of Northeast Tennessee through the Mountain State Health Alliance.
• $8.5 million to restore previously scheduled rate reductions of 8.5 percent to mental health providers in TennCare.
• $5 million for payments to the Memphis Regional Medical Center, Nashville General Hospital and Jellico Community Hospital.
• $3.5 million additional for smoking cessation assistance in TennCare.
• $6.9 million grant for three programs at Meherry Medical College.
• $220,000 for first-year debt service on construction bonds for $22.6 million, 108-bed State Veterans’ Home in Clarksville.
• $2.5 million for the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.
• $1 million recurring to limit the impact of the Hall Income Tax on eligible seniors 65 years and older, beginning in fiscal year 2012-2013.
• $19.9 million additional for lottery scholarships to fund students’ ability to utilize them during summer school.
• $5 million to the University of Memphis for operations on the Lambuth campus in Jackson.
• $21.1 million for state building maintenance, plus $1 million for a statewide capital improvements master plan for Higher Education and state facilities.
• $16.5 million for a potential major economic development expansion project.
The budget amendment assumes a reimbursement of approximately $82 million in Medicaid funding errors, which the federal government says is owed to the state. Several healthcare-related investments are contingent on receiving those funds, as well as higher education investments:
The General Assembly is expected to consider the budget this week.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Redistricting Manual Available On-Line
The Office of Local Government within the State Comptroller's Office has developed a 36 page manual on Redistricting. The 2011 Guide to Local Redistricting in Tennessee is availablehere. The manual outlines both legal and administrative requirements for completing this process, discussing the impact of the constitution and state and federal laws on redistrcting as well as the requirements for the proper use of census data.
At our County Government Day event earlier this month, Tom Fleming, the Director of the Office of Local Government, spoke and ran through a quick reference guide to the process. That document, which was distributed at the meeting, is included as an appendix to this larger manual along with a glossary of important terms. Additional training on the subject will be available to county officials at the TCSA Post-Legislative Conference in Gatlinburg June 7 and 8.
At our County Government Day event earlier this month, Tom Fleming, the Director of the Office of Local Government, spoke and ran through a quick reference guide to the process. That document, which was distributed at the meeting, is included as an appendix to this larger manual along with a glossary of important terms. Additional training on the subject will be available to county officials at the TCSA Post-Legislative Conference in Gatlinburg June 7 and 8.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
County Government Day
Thanks to everyone for coming to the county government day event this week. The turnout was amazing and you really helped to make the event a success. The general session breakfast featured an excellent slate of speakers, including Governor Bill Haslam, Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey, Speaker of the House Beth Harwell, and we were also honored and pleased to hear from U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander who became available as a last minute addition.
Friday, April 1, 2011
The State of Tennessee's Bridges
A new report by the group Transportation for America highlights the problems in our country with our aging infrastructure. Their main website: http://t4america.org/ has a report on the state of bridges in our nation. The site includes an interactive map that allows you to get information about where you live, or see info on a state by state basis. Tennessee performs better than most other states, but still has a significant number of structurally deficient bridges. A report specific to Tennessee can be found here. It includes a ranking of the 95 counties based on the percentage of their bridges that are deficient. The data is based on a required federal bridge survey of all structures greater than 20 feet. Therefore, there are a significant number of locally maintained structures that are too small to be included in this study. For this reason, it will not give you a complete picture of the needs of your transportation system, but still can show you where your county ranks generally.
Out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Tennessee ranks 44th in terms of deficiency. This is one report where it is good to be in the 40's as the report orders the states with number 1 being the most deficient and number 51 being in the best condition. Although Tennessee generally looks good compared to the rest of the nation there is still tremendous concern for an increasing backlog of repairs which are building up faster than funding is available to address the needs. Nationwide, Federal estimates indicate that the United States needs approximately $71 Billion to eliminate the backlog of needed repairs while on an annual basis, only $5.2 Billion has been allocated for bridge repair funding. As the years go by, more and more bridges are aging beyond their designed use and the problem is only expected to grow.
Out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Tennessee ranks 44th in terms of deficiency. This is one report where it is good to be in the 40's as the report orders the states with number 1 being the most deficient and number 51 being in the best condition. Although Tennessee generally looks good compared to the rest of the nation there is still tremendous concern for an increasing backlog of repairs which are building up faster than funding is available to address the needs. Nationwide, Federal estimates indicate that the United States needs approximately $71 Billion to eliminate the backlog of needed repairs while on an annual basis, only $5.2 Billion has been allocated for bridge repair funding. As the years go by, more and more bridges are aging beyond their designed use and the problem is only expected to grow.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
County Health Rankings
A national report issued this week ranks all counties in the county for health issues. This is a joint project of the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. At www.countyhealthrankings.org you can find detailed information arranged state by state and county by county on a variety of heatlh related issues. By clicking on an individual county, you can then see how that community scored on a number of factors.
There are two primary categories: Health Factors and Health Outcomes. A number of different individual health factors shape a community’s health outcomes. The County Health Rankings model includes four types of health factors: health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic, and the physical environment. The site then compares two types of health outcomes to represent how healthy each county is: how long people live (mortality) and how healthy people feel (morbidity).
There are two primary categories: Health Factors and Health Outcomes. A number of different individual health factors shape a community’s health outcomes. The County Health Rankings model includes four types of health factors: health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic, and the physical environment. The site then compares two types of health outcomes to represent how healthy each county is: how long people live (mortality) and how healthy people feel (morbidity).
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Tennessee 2010 Census Data
Governor Haslam's Budget Available on the Internet
UPDATED
The entire budget document is available on the Internet as well as video of the speech, the text of the speech, a fact sheet and a 30 slide overview presentation which was used to present the budget to the Senate and House finance committees.
These can all be accessed through http://tn.gov/stateofthestate/media/
The entire budget document is available on the Internet as well as video of the speech, the text of the speech, a fact sheet and a 30 slide overview presentation which was used to present the budget to the Senate and House finance committees.
These can all be accessed through http://tn.gov/stateofthestate/media/
Monday, March 7, 2011
U.S. County Population Estimates
The Census Bureau today released a downloadable file with county population estimates from April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2010. These estimates are neither 2010 Census counts nor are they based on the 2010 Census. Once official 2010 Census counts have been released for counties in all states, the Census Bureau will release a comparison of April 1, 2010, census counts and April 1, 2010 population estimates.
The data can be accessed here.
The data can be accessed here.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Legislature Files Over 2000 Bills in Each Chamber
The general bill filling deadline for the Tennessee General Assembly passed last Thursday. After this point, private acts and certain budgetary acts may be filed, but otherwise, general legislation is not to be filed unless approved by a late bills committee. The Senate ended up with 2082 bills to date. The House with 2124. Those bills that do not have a companion bill filed in the other chamber will not be eligible for passage this year. The legislation deals with a wide variety of issues. Many of the bills impact services provided by county government or the general administration of county government. We are working through the process of analyzing all this legislation and will be reporting bills of interest to you.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Governor Haslam Announces Legislative Package
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam this week introduced his administration’s legislative package for the 2011 session, focusing on educating the workforce, identifying the best teachers and revising the state’s civil justice system.
Haslam’s legislative package is a single piece of his jobs agenda to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.
The legislation seeks to:
• Make tenure tied to classroom performance; extend probationary time from three to five years
• Lift the cap on charter schools and allow open enrollment
• Allow the state’s Achievement School District (part of First to the Top) to authorize charter schools
• Extend use of the lottery scholarship for summer courses and cap the total number of hours based on required degree completion
• Limits non-economic damages for both healthcare liability action and other personal injury actions
• Limits and clarifies standards for assessing punitive damages
• Limits appeal bond amounts
“Our legislation being filed with the Tennessee General Assembly is tightly focused on opportunities to enhance job creation and is one piece of our agenda to make Tennessee more competitive in the Southeast,” Haslam said.
Other pieces of Haslam’s jobs agenda include streamlining state government and aggressively examining rules and regulations to assure this three-part test is met: will they make a difference, are they performance-based, and what the expected outcomes are.
Also, the Department of Economic and Community Development is focused on a top-to-bottom approach that aligns state efforts with returns on investment.
“These initial steps in transforming state government will lead to more efficiency and effectiveness and deliver excellent customer service,” Haslam said.
For more, see the full press release and statement here: http://news.tnanytime.org/node/6721
Haslam’s legislative package is a single piece of his jobs agenda to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.
The legislation seeks to:
• Make tenure tied to classroom performance; extend probationary time from three to five years
• Lift the cap on charter schools and allow open enrollment
• Allow the state’s Achievement School District (part of First to the Top) to authorize charter schools
• Extend use of the lottery scholarship for summer courses and cap the total number of hours based on required degree completion
• Limits non-economic damages for both healthcare liability action and other personal injury actions
• Limits and clarifies standards for assessing punitive damages
• Limits appeal bond amounts
“Our legislation being filed with the Tennessee General Assembly is tightly focused on opportunities to enhance job creation and is one piece of our agenda to make Tennessee more competitive in the Southeast,” Haslam said.
Other pieces of Haslam’s jobs agenda include streamlining state government and aggressively examining rules and regulations to assure this three-part test is met: will they make a difference, are they performance-based, and what the expected outcomes are.
Also, the Department of Economic and Community Development is focused on a top-to-bottom approach that aligns state efforts with returns on investment.
“These initial steps in transforming state government will lead to more efficiency and effectiveness and deliver excellent customer service,” Haslam said.
For more, see the full press release and statement here: http://news.tnanytime.org/node/6721
Friday, February 4, 2011
Amazing Turnout Expected for Education Workshops
So far, the four evening education workshops for county commissioners have a total of 168 people registered. It's a great problem to have, but the Knox County meeting has maxed out at 75 and can take no more registrations.
These classes will be very informative for county commissioners and relate to one of the most important and complicated aspects of county government services and budgeting. I'm very excited and encouraged that there has been such a strong response to the classes.
These classes will be very informative for county commissioners and relate to one of the most important and complicated aspects of county government services and budgeting. I'm very excited and encouraged that there has been such a strong response to the classes.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Articles Related to Hall Income Tax Proposals
Tom Humphreys of the Knoxville News Sentinnel has two excellent articles on his blog from AP reporter Erik Schelzig about a legislative proposal to abolish the Hall Income Tax in Tennessee. He focuses on the impact such a proposal would have on local governments that currently receive a share of the tax. In total, the local government share is around $62 million out of a total in Hall Income Tax collections of $172 million.
One article breaks down the revenue distributed to local governments by county. Keep in mind though, that these figures include distributions to the county as well as all municipal governments in the county. The lion's share of the revenue going to local governments from the Hall Income tax goes to municipalities - somewhere between two thirds to three fourths depending on the year.
You can find the articles at his blog: http://blogs.knoxnews.com/humphrey/
Tom is considered the dean of Capital Hill reporters and generally has his finger on the pulse of things going on at the Legislative Plaza.
One article breaks down the revenue distributed to local governments by county. Keep in mind though, that these figures include distributions to the county as well as all municipal governments in the county. The lion's share of the revenue going to local governments from the Hall Income tax goes to municipalities - somewhere between two thirds to three fourths depending on the year.
You can find the articles at his blog: http://blogs.knoxnews.com/humphrey/
Tom is considered the dean of Capital Hill reporters and generally has his finger on the pulse of things going on at the Legislative Plaza.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Analysis of the Basic Education Program
In December, the Offices of Research and Education Accountability wtihin the State Comptroller's Office released a Legislative Brief on Tennessee's Basic Education Program. The 34 page document summarizes the provisions of the law, explains how the various funding components work and provides several charts of system by system comparisons of funding and costs.
The publication is available on-line here.
The publication is available on-line here.
Training Available on K-12 Education Funding and Reform
The County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) and TCCA are offering a training session about Education Funding and Reform. This is the second class in the series of evening workshops that began last fall with the Overview of the County Commission in Tennessee classes.
This class is designed to inform county commissioners about how education funding in Tennessee is structured while also providing an overview of major developments in education reform currently being implemented in our school systems. The funding portion of the class will give officials a general understanding of the Basic Education Program formula which is used to determine state and local funding for K-12 school systems in Tennessee. The funding portion of the class will focus on how an individual system’s share of education funding is determined, including the calculation of local fiscal capacity, and describe the funding requirements that state law places on local funding bodies. The reform portion of the class will review recent developments in Tennessee related to k-12 education reform, including changes in school standards and assessments through the Tennessee Diploma Project, the impact of Race to the Top Grants, the First to the Top program, changes in teacher assessments and other possible reforms. The intent is to help county officials understand new changes that are currently being implemented and how they will impact the overall performance, operation and evaluation of their local school system. Dinner will be provided at 6:00 p.m. with the session offered from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Attendance is free for county officials.
County Commissioners should be receiving a mail notice and registration form about these workshops. The dates and locations are below.
SouthEast Tennessee
Tuesday, February 8 Athens
Athens Conference Center
2405 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN
East Tennessee
Wednesday, February 9 Knoxville
UT Conference Center Building (Room 413A)
600 Henley Street. Knoxville, TN
West Tennessee
Thursday, February 17 Jackson
West TN Research and Education Center (Room A)
605 Airways Boulevard, Jackson, TN
Middle Tennessee
Wednesday, March 23 Franklin
Williamson County Ag Expo Park
4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN
This class is designed to inform county commissioners about how education funding in Tennessee is structured while also providing an overview of major developments in education reform currently being implemented in our school systems. The funding portion of the class will give officials a general understanding of the Basic Education Program formula which is used to determine state and local funding for K-12 school systems in Tennessee. The funding portion of the class will focus on how an individual system’s share of education funding is determined, including the calculation of local fiscal capacity, and describe the funding requirements that state law places on local funding bodies. The reform portion of the class will review recent developments in Tennessee related to k-12 education reform, including changes in school standards and assessments through the Tennessee Diploma Project, the impact of Race to the Top Grants, the First to the Top program, changes in teacher assessments and other possible reforms. The intent is to help county officials understand new changes that are currently being implemented and how they will impact the overall performance, operation and evaluation of their local school system. Dinner will be provided at 6:00 p.m. with the session offered from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Attendance is free for county officials.
County Commissioners should be receiving a mail notice and registration form about these workshops. The dates and locations are below.
SouthEast Tennessee
Tuesday, February 8 Athens
Athens Conference Center
2405 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN
East Tennessee
Wednesday, February 9 Knoxville
UT Conference Center Building (Room 413A)
600 Henley Street. Knoxville, TN
West Tennessee
Thursday, February 17 Jackson
West TN Research and Education Center (Room A)
605 Airways Boulevard, Jackson, TN
Middle Tennessee
Wednesday, March 23 Franklin
Williamson County Ag Expo Park
4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN
Statement of Disclosure of Interest due by January 31
All local elected officials are required to file a Statement of Disclosure of Interests (Form 22-8005) with the Tennessee Ethics Commission. This requirement also applies to officials who were appointed to fill a vacancy in an elected public office. The deadline for filing the statement is January 31. You can file this report online by going to www.tennessee.gov/sos/tec/forms.htm and clicking on the appropriate link or you can download the file, fill it out and mail it in. It is available for download here.
If you have questions about the disclosure requirement or form, contact the commission office at (615) 741-7959 or by email at ethics.counsel@state.tn.us.
If you have questions about the disclosure requirement or form, contact the commission office at (615) 741-7959 or by email at ethics.counsel@state.tn.us.
Social Media Publication
The University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) has created a publication that is a guide for municipalities in the use of social media. I often refer to CTAS publications and training programs here. What CTAS does for counties, MTAS does for municipalities. While the publication is directed more toward cities, there is information that may be of interest to any local government. It discusses how social media may be used for interacting with employees, communicating with citizens and marketing your community. It reviews the benefits of using social media but also provides warnings for potential areas of concern related to privacy, employment and harassment.
The 22 page publication can be found here.
The 22 page publication can be found here.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Flurry of Activity this Week
This week marks the organizational session of the Tennessee General Assembly. New members have been sworn in. The Speaker of the House and Lieutenant Governor of the Senate have been elected. Other leadership positions have been filled.
There were no surprises at the top in either chamber. Ron Ramsey returns as Lt. Governor. Beth Harwell was elected the Speaker of the House 98-0 when the Democrats choose not to nominate a candidate. (The one missing vote was due to the vacancy that resulted from the death of long-time Representative Ulyssses Jones of Memphis.)
In joint session, the legislature returned David Lillard to the position of State Treasurer and Justin Wilson to the office of Comptroller of the Treasury. Secretary of State Tre Hargett still has two years remaining on his term.
Today, standing committee appointments were named. There were few changes in the State Senate, except that Sen. Ken Yager was named chair of the State and Local Government Committee. Sen. Yager takes the post after Sen. Ketron moved to the position of Republican Caucus Chair with the departure of former Sen. Diane Black to Congress. Sen. Yager has extensive experience in county government, having served several terms as County Executive of Roane County.
In the House on the other hand, virtually every committee has new leadership. One exception is the State and Local Government Committee, where Rep. Curry Todd of Shelby County continues to serve as chair. Rep. Bob Ramsey of Blount County will serve as Vice Chair and Chair of the general subcommittee of the State and Local Government Committee. Speaker Harwell instituted the first major change under her leadership today when she revamped the subcommittee structure in the House of Representatives. Previously, every House committee had 2 or 3 subcommittees and all bills moved through a subcommittee before passage in a full committee. Now, each committee will have only one general subcommitee and not all bills will be referred to a subcommitee. The Speaker announced the change as a means of streamlining the legislative process.
The full leadership and membership of commitees and subcommittees should be available on the General Assembly's website soon.
This week's events will culminate Saturday with the innauguration of Governor-Elect Bill Haslam. After that event, the General Assembly is expected to recess for a 3 week break so that offices can be moved and staff can prepare for the many changes.
There were no surprises at the top in either chamber. Ron Ramsey returns as Lt. Governor. Beth Harwell was elected the Speaker of the House 98-0 when the Democrats choose not to nominate a candidate. (The one missing vote was due to the vacancy that resulted from the death of long-time Representative Ulyssses Jones of Memphis.)
In joint session, the legislature returned David Lillard to the position of State Treasurer and Justin Wilson to the office of Comptroller of the Treasury. Secretary of State Tre Hargett still has two years remaining on his term.
Today, standing committee appointments were named. There were few changes in the State Senate, except that Sen. Ken Yager was named chair of the State and Local Government Committee. Sen. Yager takes the post after Sen. Ketron moved to the position of Republican Caucus Chair with the departure of former Sen. Diane Black to Congress. Sen. Yager has extensive experience in county government, having served several terms as County Executive of Roane County.
In the House on the other hand, virtually every committee has new leadership. One exception is the State and Local Government Committee, where Rep. Curry Todd of Shelby County continues to serve as chair. Rep. Bob Ramsey of Blount County will serve as Vice Chair and Chair of the general subcommittee of the State and Local Government Committee. Speaker Harwell instituted the first major change under her leadership today when she revamped the subcommittee structure in the House of Representatives. Previously, every House committee had 2 or 3 subcommittees and all bills moved through a subcommittee before passage in a full committee. Now, each committee will have only one general subcommitee and not all bills will be referred to a subcommitee. The Speaker announced the change as a means of streamlining the legislative process.
The full leadership and membership of commitees and subcommittees should be available on the General Assembly's website soon.
This week's events will culminate Saturday with the innauguration of Governor-Elect Bill Haslam. After that event, the General Assembly is expected to recess for a 3 week break so that offices can be moved and staff can prepare for the many changes.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Additional Haslam Appointments
This week, Bill Haslam announced two more members of his cabinet. He retained Susan Whitaker as the Commissioner of the Department of Tourist Development. She becomes the second hold over from the Bredesen administration. The other is Greg Gonzales at the Department of Financial Institutions.
Then today, the Governor-elect named Derrick Schofield as Commissioner of Corrections. Schofield is currently the assistant commissioner and chief of staff for the Georgia Department of Corrections. He is the first non-Tennesseean named to Haslam's cabinet.
With these appointments, Haslam has announced 10 of 22 state government department heads.
For more on the Schofield appointment, see Tom Humphrey's blog with the Knoxville News Sentinnel at http://blogs.knoxnews.com/humphrey/
Then today, the Governor-elect named Derrick Schofield as Commissioner of Corrections. Schofield is currently the assistant commissioner and chief of staff for the Georgia Department of Corrections. He is the first non-Tennesseean named to Haslam's cabinet.
With these appointments, Haslam has announced 10 of 22 state government department heads.
For more on the Schofield appointment, see Tom Humphrey's blog with the Knoxville News Sentinnel at http://blogs.knoxnews.com/humphrey/
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Six Tennessee Counties Recognized by GFOA
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has recognized the State of Tennessee and six Tennessee Counties for outstanding work in preparing last year's budget. The six counties are Bradley, Hamilton, Knox, Davidson, Shelby and Weakley.
In addition, 11 Tennessee cities were recognized.
The GFOA is an organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting the professional management of government finances through education, training, member networking and leadership programs. The GFOA has members throughout the United States and Canada.
In addition, 11 Tennessee cities were recognized.
The GFOA is an organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting the professional management of government finances through education, training, member networking and leadership programs. The GFOA has members throughout the United States and Canada.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Franklin City Mayor John Schroer Named as Commissioner of Transportation
Tennessee Governor-elect Bill Haslam today announced Franklin Mayor John Schroer as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Schroer was sworn in as Franklin Mayor in 2007, and is a member of the Middle Tennessee Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Regional Transit Authority.
Schroer spent a decade working in commercial real estate finance before starting his own development business. Prior to his election, he served on the Franklin Special School Board for 13 years, and he also has served on the board of the Tennessee School Board Association.
For more on this appointment, go to www.billhaslam.org
Schroer was sworn in as Franklin Mayor in 2007, and is a member of the Middle Tennessee Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Regional Transit Authority.
Schroer spent a decade working in commercial real estate finance before starting his own development business. Prior to his election, he served on the Franklin Special School Board for 13 years, and he also has served on the board of the Tennessee School Board Association.
For more on this appointment, go to www.billhaslam.org
TCCA Board Meeting - February 1
The Board of Directors of the Tennessee County Commissioners Association will meet in the ground floor conference room of the 226 Capitol Boulevard Building in Nashville on February 1st at 10:00 a.m. central time. The board will receive regular quarterly reports, discuss legislative initiatives for the upcoming session of the General Assembly, review legislation impacting county governments that has been filed to that date and conduct other business. The meeting is open to the public and the full membership. However, members should be aware that this board meeting, which is not held in conjunction with a broader conference, will include no presentations or programs other than the board meeting itself.
Unless a special meeting is called, the other board meetings of the association will occur in conjunction with the three major Tennessee County Services Association meetings and conferences:
County Government Day - Nashville - April 19 and 20
Legislative Conference - Glenstone Lodge, Gatlinburg, June 7 and 8
TCSA Fall Conference and Trade Show - Murfreesboro - October 26-28
Unless a special meeting is called, the other board meetings of the association will occur in conjunction with the three major Tennessee County Services Association meetings and conferences:
County Government Day - Nashville - April 19 and 20
Legislative Conference - Glenstone Lodge, Gatlinburg, June 7 and 8
TCSA Fall Conference and Trade Show - Murfreesboro - October 26-28
Congrats to David Purkey
With the holidays, this post is a little belated, but congrats to former Hamblen County Mayor David Purkey on his appointment as Assistant Commissioner for Homeland Security.
The Office of Homeland Security (OHS) was transferred from the Governor’s Office to the Tennessee Department of Safety in 2008, and OHS’s primary responsibility is directing statewide activities for the prevention of and protection from terrorist-related events. The office also serves as a liaison between federal, state and local agencies and the private sector on security matters.
For more information on this appointment, go to the Haslam transition website www.billhaslam.org.
The Office of Homeland Security (OHS) was transferred from the Governor’s Office to the Tennessee Department of Safety in 2008, and OHS’s primary responsibility is directing statewide activities for the prevention of and protection from terrorist-related events. The office also serves as a liaison between federal, state and local agencies and the private sector on security matters.
For more information on this appointment, go to the Haslam transition website www.billhaslam.org.
Tennessee Receiving $1.4 million in Ag Funds for Schools and Some County Programs
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that more than $389 million is being distributed to 41 states and Puerto Rico for public schools and roads and specific county programs. Tennessee will get $1.4 million.
In addition to payments for schools and roads, the Secure Rural Schools Act supports Firewise Communities programs, reimburses counties for emergency services on national forests and funds development of community wildfire protection plans.
For more on this, see the full article from the Kingsport Times News at http://www.timesnews.net/article.php?id=9028771
In addition to payments for schools and roads, the Secure Rural Schools Act supports Firewise Communities programs, reimburses counties for emergency services on national forests and funds development of community wildfire protection plans.
For more on this, see the full article from the Kingsport Times News at http://www.timesnews.net/article.php?id=9028771
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