By now, everyone has heard that Governor Bredesen vetoed legislation for only the 6th time during his tenure as the governor. It was the “Guns in Bars” bill. Surrounded by 50 law enforcement officers, including Metro Police Chief Ronal Serpas, the governor said he was vetoing the bill because “guns and alcohol do not [...]
Archive for May, 2009
Guns in Bars Veto
May 29, 2009
Is This What He Meant?
May 27, 2009
What the governor said about the possibility of state layoffs yesterday afternoon:
“I think we have found a way to mitigate that. Over the long run, we are going to have to reduce staffing somewhat. But I would love to do it in an environment where there were a few more jobs out there and people [...]
More on the Budget
May 27, 2009
As I mentioned before, there are 717 layoffs in the budget. Here is a department by department breakdown:
Court System-8
District Attorneys General-8
Commission on Aging and Disability-14
Finance and Administration-18
Board of Probation and Parole-8
Agriculture-3
Environment and Conservation-23
Correction-2
Economic and Community Development-14
Education (K-12) -2
Commerce and Insurance-5
Labor and Workforce Development-2
Mental Health-244
Military-1
Health-3
Mental Retardation-298
TBI-3
Children’s Services-51
Layoffs at 717
May 27, 2009
Yesterday, several lawmakers in the know told me there would be anywhere from 500-1000 layoffs in the budget amendment. The governor then said he was trying to avoid layoffs and had managed to do that. Obviously, at that point, you know someone is not telling the entire story.
Today, Finance Commissioner Goetz is telling [...]
Campaign Cash Changes?
May 26, 2009
The Senate State and Local Government Committee advanced a bill today that would allow sitting lawmakers to be able raise campaign cash during the legislative session. Right now, lawmakers can’t raise money for campaigns until session ends or June 1st, whatever comes first. In this case, it’s going to be June 1st. As you probably [...]
Kent Williams Fights Back
May 26, 2009
House Speaker Kent Williams is fighting back after GOP Chair Michael Steele vowed to “take him out” in the next election cycle. Here’s what he had to say in a statement released to the media:
“Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele has publicly stated that he is going to take me out. He came in from [...]
Edison To Move Forward?
May 21, 2009
The stories about the Project Edison have been the pet project of my colleague, Dennis Ferrier. However, the governor responded today to Comptroller Justin Wilson’s request to conduct an independent review of the issues with Edison. He basically said the system hasn’t been perfect, and there will still be issues that arise. He has confidence [...]
Menu Labeling Fight
May 19, 2009
Rep. Lynn’s menu labeling prohibition bill is up in committee. This will keep nonelected boards from enacting menu labeling regulations. You may remember, Metro’s Health Department voted to require menu labeling for eating establishments with 15 or more locations. The governor’s administration has a bill to require menu labeling statewide for similar restaurants. That is [...]
Closing the Doors
May 19, 2009
House Democrats had “bouncers” (legislative aides) guarding the doors to a committee room today, keeping the press at bay. Looking through the window, Deputy Governor John Morgan and Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz were speaking to lawmakers, and it became obvious this closed-door meeting was about the budget. Afterwards, we asked Rep. Mike Turner to explain [...]
SJR 127 Debate
May 18, 2009
SJR 127 is up on the House floor. Rep. Odom has an amendment that would guarantee exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother.
Rep. Mike Turner says he will vote for SJR 127 with or without the amendment, but he will vote for the amendment.
Rep. Dunn says that this same [...]
