Stimulus in Tennessee October 12, 2009

   According to a release, the state has created or saved 7,710 jobs through the federal stimulus plan.  Here’s the release:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee has successfully met its first federal reporting requirements for funds that have flowed to or through the state under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Recovery Act is providing [...]

I’m Back! September 29, 2009

     I know, I’ve been bad.  I have no excuses as to why I stopped blogging for so long.  There has certainly been plenty going on in the wide world of state government.  Several people have approached me over the past few weeks and told me they missed my blogs.   So, I’m back! 
      Today the [...]

Stanley, Morrison and Everything Else I’ve Neglected to Write About for Two Weeks August 3, 2009

Normally, I would have been updating this blog routinely with the news that Sen. Paul Stanley (R-Germantown) had been having an affair with his legislative intern, the ensuing alleged extortion plot, etc. Please know, the reason I haven’t updated the blog is because I have spent every second of my time working to get information [...]

Governor Vetoes Menu Labeling Ban July 1, 2009

The governor has vetoed the second bill of the session…it’s the one that would prohibit unelected boards from enacting menu labeling provisions (like the Metro Health Board did earlier this year).  Remember, the administration had wanted to institute statewide menu labeling for restaurants with at least 15 nationwide locations.
Here’s the veto letter to Lt. Governor [...]

New “Guns in Bars” Development June 30, 2009

    Tomorrow, Randy Rayburn and 10 Nashville citizens will file a lawsuit in Davidson County Chancery Court  asking for a temporary restraining order and injunction against “guns in bars” legislation, according to a media release.
    “The plaintiffs will allege that the bill is illegal on eight counts.  Among them being, that the law is an [...]

Budget Quotes June 18, 2009

 Both sides are claiming victory in the budget battle.  House and Senate Democrats held a joint news conference this morning.  Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey met with the media about an hour later.  Here is what both sides had to say:
“We’re not going to quit educating our kids, or putting people to work because we are [...]

Budget is Done June 18, 2009

85-12 in the House.  32-1 in the Senate.  Both sides came to a compromise after days of negotiating.  Will update more tomorrow…or I should say later today.

Email Day 2 June 17, 2009

   I realize I’m a little late posting, but reporting on the budget progress (or lack thereof) kept me busy all day.  I did want to put Sherri Goforth’s statement regarding the email on the blog, because based on the number of blog hits today, there is a lot of interest in this story.  Here’s [...]

The Email Everyone is Talking About June 15, 2009

   Sherri Goforth, and aide to Sen. Diane Black (R-Gallatin), sent out an email last month to 20 other Republican staffers.  It included this picture:
 

Needless to say, this has sparked outrage among many people.  Chip Forrester, TN Democratic Party Chair, is calling on Sen. Black to fire Goforth.  Many members of the Black Caucus are asking for [...]

Governor Signs Guns in Parks June 12, 2009

     Apparently, the deal for the House to recall the “guns in parks” bill broke down today, so the governor was forced to sign it, veto it, or let it becomes law without his signature.  He took option 1.   Handgun carry permit holders will now be allowed to carry their guns into state and local [...]