THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2012 Haslam appoints president of Books from Birth (Nashville Post)

Gov. Bill Haslam has appointed Theresa Carl president of the Governors Books from Birth Foundation. A former strategy consultant at Solutions Simplified, Carl brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, relationship building, resource connecting and creative marketing to GBBF. She will focus on developing strategies for promoting and strengthening the statewide Imagination Library program, established in 2004 in each of Tennessees 95 counties. Carl has worked as director of development for LEAD Public Schools, Inc.; vice president of fund development for Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee; and director of development for the First Center for Visual Arts. A native of Union City, Carl has a B.A. with distinction in political science and urban studies from Rhodes College. http://nashvillepost.com/news/2012/5/16/haslam_appoints_president_of_books_from_birth

Gov. Haslam puts his signature on $31B spending plan (Associated Press)
Gov. Bill Haslam has signed the states more than $31 billion annual spending plan. The budget includes funding for reducing the sales tax on groceries from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent, increasing the exemption for the inheritance tax from $1 million to $1.25 million and enhanced penalties for gang and gun crimes. The House voted 63-27 to adopt the budget proposal agreed to in a rare conference committee following disagreements over local projects. The Senate passed it 31-2 shortly afterward with little debate. According to a spokesman for Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, the last time a conference committee was held on the state budget was in 2000. The governor also signed into law a bill to allow the state to exceed a constitutional spending cap long championed by Republicans. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120517/NEWS0201/305170067/Gov-Haslam-puts-his-signature-31Bspending-plan?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Good News For Job Seekers (Sevier County News)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Karla Davis today announced a new jobs database to help connect job seekers with Tennessee employers. Jobs4TN Online is a virtual recruiter, automatically notifying job seekers when jobs they may qualify for are posted and notifying employers when candidates who fit their needs register. The online database contains positions from job orders placed directly by Tennessee employers, from corporate Internet sites, and from major job search engines. Jobs4TN Online also identifies available green jobs.The unemployment rate for Tennessee is at its lowest since November 2008 and has fallen below the national rate, but it is still too high, Haslam said. The governor committed to developing a new jobs database during his gubernatorial campaign. With Jobs4TN Online, those without a job will have quicker and better access to job openings related to their skills, and as we work to make Tennessee an even better place to expand and start a business, we want to help employers find the employees they need. http://seviercountynews.com/mike-williams/good-news-job-seekers/30546

Tennessee governor signs tattoo legislation (Associated Press)

A proposal in Tennessee that seeks to crack down on the tattooing of minors has been signed into law by Gov. Bill Haslam. The measure, signed by the Republican governor this week, unanimously passed the Senate 31-0 and was approved 86-6 in the House. The law makes it illegal for anyone who is unlicensed to possess tattooing paraphernalia. The measure also encourages reporting incidents of underage tattooing to the Health Department. Those making the report might be a police officer or someone in education, such as a teacher or school resource officer. Currently, a person under 18 cannot get a tattoo. A 16-year-old can be tattooed to cover up an existing tattoo, but only if a parent or guardian is present.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-05/D9UPS1EO1.htm

Tennessee nursing homes celebrate Nursing Home Week (Elizabethton Star)

Nursing homes across Tennessee are planning a variety of events in honor of National Nursing Home Week, which began on Mothers Day, May 13, and continues through May 19. Gov. Bill Haslam also has proclaimed May 13-19 Nursing Home Week in Tennessee and encourages all Tennesseans to join in celebrating this special week.The 2012 National Nursing Home Week theme, Celebrating the Journey, honors the lives of nursing home residents and those who care for them. This week recognizes not only the journeys they have completed but the ones that are yet to come. From cookouts and carnivals to field trips and talent shows, Nursing Home Week is fun for residents, family, staff and volunteers. The weeks activities also provide opportunities for socializing, reminiscing and volunteering. Nursing Home Week is a special time for long-term care facilities, said Jesse Samples, executive director of the Tennessee Health Care Association (THCA), which is cosponsoring the annual event along with the American Health Care Association (AHCA). This is a great week to visit your local nursing home, take part in some of the activities theyve planned, and visit with those who live and work there. http://www.starhq.com/2012/05/16/tennessee-nursing-homes-celebrate-nursing-home-week/

$4M Grant to Help State Build Insurance Exchange (Associated Press)

Tennessee is one of six states that will share in more than $181 million in federal health care grants. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the grants Wednesday, saying Tennessee will receive $4.3 million to use in establishing Affordable Health Care Insurance Exchanges. The funds are part of the Affordable Care Act. The exchanges are designed as "one stop shops" to find and compare affordable, quality private health insurance options. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in announcing the grants that in 2014, consumers in every state will have a marketplace where they can buy affordable insurance coverage. The other grants announced Wednesday went to Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/17/4m-grant-to-help-state-build-insurance-exchange/

State Gets $4M To Plan For Precarious Healthcare Overhaul (WPLN-Radio Nash)
Tennessee is getting another $4 million to plan an insurance exchange as part of the politically uncertain federal healthcare overhaul. The grant is the fourth and so far biggest for planning Tennessees exchange, which would be a state-run marketplace online, like Expedia for people choosing insurance plans. The healthcare requirement could be undone by a Supreme Court decision this summer, or by this falls election. If it stands, Governor Bill Haslam has said Tennessee ought to be ready to set up its own exchange. And that puts the states Brian Haile in planning mode. Were doing that with federal money so that were not having to spend any state resources on this project. Were also doing it as diligently as we can, by consulting with a number of stakeholders, including people in the insurance industry, so that we approach this really, really smartly. Detailing the states plan calls for help from consultants on insurance risks, as well as complex computer systems. http://wpln.org/?p=37325

Tennessee gets $4 million for insurance exchange (Nashville Business Journal)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced today that Tennessee and five other states received $181 million in grants to help establish insurance exchanges, as mandated under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Starting in 2014, the exchanges will help consumers and small businesses choose a private health insurance plan. Tennessee will receive $4.3 million as part of today's award. Other states receiving grant awards include Illinois ($32.7 million), Nevada ($4.3 million), Oregon ($6.6 million), South Dakota ($5.8 million) and Washington ($127.8 million). Washington's was more substantial because its award was a "level two," which is provided to states that are further along in building their exchange and offers funding over multiple years. Tennessee and the other states received "level one" funding, which is provided to states that have just begun the building process. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/05/16/tennessee-gets-4-millionfor.html

Tennessee gets money for health care changes (Times Free-Press/Martin)

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With the federal health care reform law awaiting a Supreme Court decision due by the end of June, Tennessee officials continue to hedge their bets as they move to implement a key part of the law. On Wednesday, the state accepted an additional $4.3 million in federal funds to establish a state-based health insurance exchange, bringing the total the state has received to more than $9 million. However, lawmakers adjourned their session earlier this month without passing legislation to implement an exchange where consumers can shop for health insurance. "No one wants to invest a lot of money in a concept when we're not sure, that come July 1, after the Supreme Court has made its decision, whether we have to deal with it or not," Sen. Bo Watson said Wednesday. "My understanding is that we are fine and there is no need to be too urgent." The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the grant W ednesday as part of $181 million awarded to six states. So far, states have been awarded more than $1 billion over the last two years to create the exchanges. States will have until Nov. 16 to submit a blueprint for their health exchange and must have an operational exchange by January, 2014, officials said. That blueprint will have to include information about how the state will authorize the legislation. But actual passage of the legislation does not need to be in place, officials said. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/17/tennessee-state-gets-money-for-health-care-changes/? businesstnvalley

Tennessee receives money as part of Affordable Care Act (Herald-Courier)

A federal health care grant will help Tennesseans find an insurance option that's right for them. The Department of Health and Human services awarded Tennessee $4.3 million. It's part of $181 million distributed between six states as part of the Affordable Care Act. The money will be used to establish affordable health care insurance exchanges which will provide consumers with ways to find and compare affordable, quality private health insurance options. http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/may/16/tennessee-receives-money-part-affordable-care-act-ar-1919989/

Bid to Coax States On Health Exchanges (Wall Street Journal)

The Obama administration on Wednesday made a fresh bid to coax reluctant governors to work with the federal government to help enact the health-overhaul law. The move centers on new marketplaces that sell health insurance, a key plank of the law that states are supposed to open by 2014. Republican governors, who lead 29 of the 50 states, are divided over whether to set up the exchanges, which would allow consumers to shop for insurance plans if they don't receive affordable coverage through an employer. Some governors are moving ahead in the lengthy process, arguing it is better for the state government to control its local exchange than to let the federal government step in. Other Republican governors have said they want no participation in the law and that they are counting on its being overturned either partly or fully by the Supreme Court, in a ruling expected in June, or by Mitt Romney, the likely Republican nominee, should he be elected president. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303879604577408571903143912.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1 (SUBSCRIPTION)

Authorities stage one-day security blitz at truck scales (News-Sentinel/Coleman)

Truck drivers have a unique perspective that local law-enforcement officers believe will help them curb crime on the state's highways. "Operation Safe Highways" was held W ednesday as a one-day, simultaneous effort across the state, said Dalya Qualls, spokeswoman with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, during a press conference at the tractor-trailer scales complex on Interstate 40 at mile marker 372. "We're encouraging commercial vehicle drivers to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity while on the road," she said. "Truck drivers have a unique perspective and can help us fight crime in Tennessee, and we're asking for their assistance." Qualls said local law enforcement and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency personnel are working on the simultaneous, statewide initiative. Police K-9 units were to be used to inspect rigs for narcotics and, at the Knox County scale, TEMA had a radiation detector to check vehicles. "It is an enhanced security effort taking place simultaneously at all scale complexes across the state," she said. "We're only inspecting commercial vehicles. Something we will look for is seat belt usage, and we'll be looking at commercial vehicles that are hauling dangerous material." http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/16/authorities-stageone-day-security-blitz-at/

State flags Signal School staffers' licenses (Times Free-Press/Harrison)

Five Signal Mountain Middle/High School staff members disciplined for drinking alcohol on a senior trip may appeal to the state to keep their teaching licenses after the Tennessee State Board of Education recommended 3

their licenses be suspended for one year. Those five members and two others were suspended without pay in April after the county schools' central office staff investigated their behavior during the five-day cruise to the Bahamas in March. They were chaperones on the trip. Hamilton County school board Chairman Mike Evatt said the school received notice of the state action Tuesday. "Our office is obligated to send a report to the state. They evidently thought this was serious enough to do something further about it," Evatt said. Prinicipal Tom McCullough -- who announced his retirement early Wednesday -- said the incident did not affect his decision to retire, though he acknowledged that "any time a school principal has to deal with issues like this it can cause a lot of stress." The staff members have 30 days to request an appeal hearing. If they do, an administrative law judge in Nashville would determine whether to enforce the state board's recommendation. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/17/signal-mountain-state-flags-staffers-licenses/?local

TDOT looking to minimize I26 improvements' impact on East Lawn Cemetery (T-N)
Tennessee Department of Transportation representatives will meet with other resource agencies next week to talk about potential improvements to the 8-mile section of State Route 126 between Center Street and Interstate 81, a TDOT spokesman told the Times-News Monday. TDOT will propose some design changes to further minimize impacts to East Lawn Cemetery, TDOT Region 1 Community Relations Officer Mark Nagi said. Those changes, of course, will involve other regulatory agencies, Nagi said. We are currently working with those agencies to see if these changes are feasible before bringing anything to the public. Two months ago, TDOT canceled a scheduled public hearing on a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the SR 126 project. That document outlines how three alternatives would impact among other things homes, businesses, historic sites, graves, wildlife and plantlife along the corridor. http://www.timesnews.net/article/9046682/tdot-looking-to-minimize-i26-improvements39-impact-on-east-lawncemetery

Proposed safety improvements could impact graves, homes, businesses (H-C)

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is re-assessing its design for safety improvements to State Route 126 in Kingsport. After years of discussions, the state is still trying to decide if it should improve an eight-mile stretch of 126 between Interstate 81 and Center Street. If the state decides to move forward with the project, a draft environmental impact study revealed the two options currently on the table could displace 126 to 241 homes, 30 to 43 businesses, and 90 to 350 graves at East Lawn Cemetery. "TDOT will be meeting with other resource agencies next week to discuss the design of the SR 126 project," TDOT Spokesperson Mark Nagi said. "TDOT is proposing some design changes to further minimize impacts to the cemetery in that area. Those changes, of course, will involve other regulatory agencies. We are currently working with those agencies to see if these changes are feasible before bringing anything to the public." The possibility of grave displacement is especially concerning to Peggy Snavely. Her uncle, aunt, and cousin are buried right near the edge of the road. "I think that they probably would be involved since it's so close to the road," Snavely said ."My preference is that they leave them alone." http://www2.tricities.com/news/2012/may/16/proposed-safety-improvements-sr-126-could-impact-g-ar-1919917/

ETSUs economic impact booms (Johnson City Press)

The combination of student spending, employment opportunities and activities in the community offered by East Tennessee State University contributes close to $620 million to the regional economy, according to a study released Wednesday by the universitys Bureau of Business and Economic Research. The study was done by Steb Hipple, a professor of economics at ETSU. It measured the economic impact of ETSU and the Medical Education Assistance Corp., the physician practice group for the James H. Quillen College of Medicine. The total for both reaches $683 million. We use a methodology developed by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Hipple said. It looks at the regional economy on input and output, and traces the spending impact. The study measured ETSU in terms of production, number of full-time jobs created and the household earnings of the people who hold those jobs. Washington County Mayor Dan Eldridge believes ETSU is extremely valuable to his county. ETSU is very significant to driving investment and it makes the community more desirable, he said. ETSU is one of two or three critical aspects, not only to Washington County, but to all of Northeast Tennessee. http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=100333#ixzz1v7mdv9e6

Tennessee Squeezes $45 Million Out of Skechers for Shape-Ups Claims (WPLN)
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Consumers who bought sneakers with rounded soles thinking the shoes might improve their health and appearance may be eligible for a partial refund. The Tennessee Attorney General helped lead a national investigation into advertising claims about Shape-ups. Footwear manufacturer Skechers has not admitted wrongdoing. But Jeff Hill with the Tennessee Attorney General says the company hasnt been able to back up its advertising. Some of the claims that were made were that without even entering the gym, people could lose weight, burn calories, tone and strengthen their thighs, buttocks and backs. The settlement is one of the largest ever for cases involving advertising substantiation. It requires Skechers to pay $45 million, most of which will be available as $20 or $30 refunds. The company also has to stop saying the rocker-bottom shoes can get rid of cellulite unless it can be proven. http://wpln.org/?p=37276

Skechers agrees to $40M settlement with TN, 41 other states (N. Biz Journal)
Skechers USA Inc. has reached a $45 million settlement regarding allegations of unsupported health claims about Shape-Ups and other "rocker-bottom" athletic shoes. Following an investigation led by the Federal Trade Commission , the Tennessee and Ohio Attorneys General Offices led a multistate investigation including 42 states, according to a news release from Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper. The settlement resolves alleged deceptive advertising complaints against Skechers USA. According to Cooper's lawsuit, Skechers made unsubstantiated health-related claims regarding its line of rocker-bottom shoes. The lawsuit alleges that Skechers ads touted the shoes as helping trim weight, burn calories, improve circulation, combat cellulite and tone the legs and back despite insufficient evidence of such benefits. Despite the settlement, the company does not admit wrongdoing and denies the allegations. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2012/05/16/skechers-agrees-to-40m-settlement.html

Jurisdiction issue precedes candidate's residency question (N-S/Balloch)

A Chattanooga judge has promised a quick decision in the Shelley Breeding residency case if he first decides he has the jurisdiction to do so. At the start of Wednesday's hearing on the Democrat hopeful's qualification to run for the new 89th House District seat in Knox County, Hamilton County Chancellor W . Frank Brown gave lawyers copies of a Tennessee Supreme Court decision that raises the jurisdiction issue. Lawyers have stipulated a number of facts and exhibits in the case. Brown heard oral arguments so he will be prepared to rule if he decides he can. He told lawyers to file any more briefs filed by Friday, so he can make a decision "very, very quickly" thereafter. "If she gets on the ballot, our work is over," said Breeding's led lawyer, Bill Stokes. "If she doesn't, then we've got a lot more work to do." Stokes said the jurisdictional issue is if a judge can rule on a local election commission matter that the commission has not voted on. "The only fair thing to do is to put her on the ballot," Stokes' fellow attorney Jon Cope told the judge. In the meantime, Breeding's campaign plans are in limbo. She said she is "tentatively trying to plan" fundraising activities. "We will pencil them in, (rather than use ink)," she said. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/17/jurisdiction-issue-precedes-candidates-residency/

Tennessee legislative event costs totaled (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Sher)

Tennessee businesses, professional and trade groups as well as other organizations spent at least $458,000 on legislative receptions during this year's General Assembly, records show. Expenditures ranged from breakfast, luncheon and dinner receptions to an ice cream "social," heart health screenings and the opportunity to ride in a Nissan Leaf electric car. All told, there were 67 such events by the time lawmakers adjourned May 1. It's all legal provided all 33 senators and 99 representatives are invited and the spending is disclosed publicly. That move was made in the mid-1990s when lawmakers banned entertainment of individual lawmakers by special interests because it appeared a little too cozy to the public. Tennessee Ethics Commission filings show telecommunications giant AT&T had the highest priced single event -- a Jan. 10 welcome-back-to-Nashville gala featuring an "open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres" on the 27th floor of the AT&T Tower in downtown Nashville. The annual event carried an equally heavy $23,537 price tag, according to AT&T's filing. Not all of that was for lawmakers, emphasized AT&T Tennessee spokesman Chris Walker. "Invited guests included policy experts, business leaders, employees, representatives of phone companies and Internet providers across Tennessee, and members of the Tennessee General Assembly," Walker said in an email. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/17/legislative-event-costs-totaled-tennessee/?local

Citizenship journey in Tennessee goes smoother with a little help (Tenn/Hall)

Process is long, confusing, costly The cavernous conference room was nearly empty except for Maria Evans, 5

silently occupying a seat near the end of the second row, trying not to look nervous. On one side sat her husband, Robert, a native-born American citizen. On the other side, her sample citizenship test booklet, meticulously wrapped in red Christmas paper, offering what she hoped would be a gift of family stability, her dream job and the chance to vote. After seven years of lawyers, paperwork and studying, Maria Evans watched minutes tick away before an interview at the Nashville Public Library, one that would make or break her attempt to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. It was the last step, the end of an immigration process so lengthy, confusing and expensive that it keeps many in the shadows of regular American life. In banking, Ive realized the importance of becoming a citizen to get a specific position, the Clarksville, Tenn., resident said in perfect English, using grammar she started learning in Mexico. It has been a barrier. Seven thousand immigrants became citizens last year through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Memphis, which serves Tennessee and parts of Arkansas and Mississippi. It costs $680 for the naturalization application alone, never mind thousands more spent on lawyers and trips to Memphis. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120517/NEWS01/305170058/Citizenship-journey-Tennessee-goessmoother-little-help?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Candidates steer clear of Dean's tax hike on council's first vote (CP/Garrison)
A handful of Metro Council members led by those campaigning for higher offices made it clear Tuesday they dont want their fingerprints on Mayor Karl Deans proposed property tax hike. But other than that, the councils 30-4 vote, with three abstentions, Tuesday to approve the mayors property tax increase on the first of three required votes amounted to very little. The same can be said for the 30-3 vote to sign off on the mayors $1.71 billion budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year. Both actions were made to advance the proposals to the councils committee system. Even a few anti-tax council members voted for the tax hike. Though Deans proposed 53-cent increase to Metros combined property tax rate will now move on to a crucial second of three votes in June, Tuesdays initial vote didnt signal a clear ringing endorsement. It doesnt mean much to the outcome, At-large Councilman Ronnie Steine said of the nights events. What you saw was the council members that are running for other offices this summer wanting to be Nos Under council procedure, virtually all legislation is approved on first reading to move the items to council committees for further debate. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/candidates-steer-clear-deans-tax-hike-councils-first-vote

200 police officers may lose jobs if Dean's budget proposal fails (TN/Haas)
City has to fund officers or repay grant money Mayor Karl Dean warns that he may have to lay off 200 police officers if his proposed budget and tax increase fail to pass. His $1.71 billion budget proposal, which would be funded partly by the first property tax increase in years, includes $6.3 million in increases dedicated solely to public safety. The increase would fund a new police DNA forensics lab and 50 police officers hired under a federal policing grant. Dean says if those officers arent funded, the city would lose not only those 50 officers, but also an additional 150 who would have to be laid off so the city could repay the grant money. We have been able to make, I think, tremendous progress in public safety and now is not the time to back off, Dean said Wednesday. Wed be foolish not to fund the fourth year. That would be a dramatic reduction for public safety in Nashville. But critics say that Metro government should look to cut elsewhere. I would want to allocate resources from other areas to make sure that department was made whole, said Metro Councilman Robert Duvall. Hes not sure where the money would come from but is certain other departments could absorb the cuts. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120517/NEWS0202/305170051/200-Nashville-cops-may-lose-jobs-Dean-sbudget-plan-fails?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Hamilton County corrections officer seeks pay increase (TFP/Haman, Sohn, South)
Hamilton County corrections officer Jonathan W alker says he knew he might be laying his job on the line Wednesday when he appeared before county commissioners to ask for a raise for the department's officers. Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond's budget, which seeks an extra $1.85 million next fiscal year, doesn't include a salary increase for staff members who haven't had a raise in four years. W alker, a six-year department veteran, cited problems in the jail such as high turnover among corrections officers who work one or more mandatory overtime shifts a week. "We asked the sheriff several years now for a raise," W alker said. "I was just told that you all are the ones that gave the raises." Hammond told the Times Free Press Friday he requests additional money for his staff every year. He told his officers the County Commission controls raises, Walker said 6

Wednesday. Commissioners are currently considering department budget proposals for the 2013 fiscal year, which begins July 1. County Mayor Jim Coppinger will present the full budget to the commission on June 14. County Commissioner Fred Skillern told Walker that the sheriff is a constitutional officer who is responsible for administering his personnel policies and setting his own budget. Commissioners just appropriate the money, Skillern said. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/17/corrections-officer-pay-increase-hamiltoncounty/?local

Under mayor's budget plan, Rockwood administrator out of a job (N-S/Fowler)

On duty since December, Rockwood City Administrator Jim Miller will be out of a job by July in Mayor Jim Watts' proposed new budget. The spending plan also calls for a 25-cent property tax hike from 75 cents to $1 for each $100 of assessed value. Miller, former Crossville city manager, said Watts "has some bizarre ideas" when it comes to budgeting. "He's using the excuse of the financial plight of the city as a reason," Miller said of his proposed ouster, "yet he's also proposing giving the newly hired city recorder an almost 30 percent pay increase." Miller said the mayor's new budget plan also allocates money for a new position director of parks and recreation. Watts said he's proposing to boost the pay of Becky Ruppe, former Morgan County executive and now the Rockwood city recorder, by $10,000 to $49,500 a year. He also wants to increase her job duties. The city charter requires a city recorder but not a city administrator, Watts said. "And from what council has told me, they want a full-time parks and recreation director," he added. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/17/under-mayors-budget-plan-rockwood-administrator/

Shelby County Commission adds spending to budget (C. Appeal/Connolly)

In budget discussions Wednesday, Shelby County commissioners voted to increase spending by $872,000, including an additional $450,000 to house the homeless. The changes came over the objections of county Mayor Mark Luttrell's administration, which had given commissioners a balanced budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1 and wanted to keep it that way. The administration has said its $1.2 billion spending plan includes no property tax increase, no layoffs and a 1 percent pay raise for employees. More budget amendments are likely at Monday's full commission meeting, said county chief financial officer Mike Swift. "Where it will end up, I don't know," he said. Commissioners offered no cuts to balance the additional spending. Swift said that for now, officials would take additional spending out of the "fund balance" -- the amount left over after the government covers expenses. The homeless funding would go for two projects. A one-time payment of $200,000 would create additional housing units for the poor. And $250,000 in recurring annual funding would help the 100 most vulnerable homeless people in Memphis. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/17/commissionadds-spending-to-budget/ (SUB)

Counting the Chips (Memphis Flyer)

In a community where head-on collisions in the public sphere are becoming commonplace, a new one is about to occur. We can designate it as Strickland vs. Wharton a term that is both shorthand metaphor for a more complicated conflict and a literal foreshadowing of a likely political contest to come. In a nutshell, Memphis mayor A C W harton has proposed a 47-cent tax increase in order to pay for the last year of the city's liability to Memphis City Schools and to provide what the mayor describes as a streamlined version of essential services. Second-term councilman and current budget chairman Jim Strickland not only resists the idea of a tax hike, he has publicly called for quite the opposite a tax decrease that would reduce the current city property tax rate by roughly half as much as Wharton's proposal would raise it. Strickland, who represents a largely Midtown/Poplar Corridor constituency, has pinpointed the city's problems as stemming from three specific areas "schools, crime, and taxes." http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/counting-the-chips/Content?oid=3185352

Bed Tax Hike Talks Turn To High Airfares (Memphis Daily News)
This weeks discussion by the Memphis City Council about raising the hotel-motel bed tax sprouted wings and was bound early on for the much larger and emotional topic of high airfares at Memphis International Airport. The council voted down the proposed 2.7 percent tax increase proposed by council member Edmund Ford Jr., which he said amounted to an additional 75 cents a night on an average daily room rate in Memphis of $74. Seventyfive cents on a room average, Ford said, holding up three quarters. I dont think you can compare it to an air fare that is $400 or $500 more in Memphis. Doug Brown, general manager of The Peabody put it at $6 extra for an average four-day convention stay in a $200 a day room there. And he and other tourism industry leaders said that combined with high airfares into the city could be enough to discourage convention and meeting planners already looking at places like Nashville, whose new convention center is about to open. Ford originally proposed 7

the 2.7 percent increase in the tax to finance the operation of city museums. But he said Tuesday the additional revenue could be used to fund a $2 million deficit in Memphis Convention Center operations the council learned about Tuesday in committee sessions. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/17/bed-tax-hike-talks-turn-to-high-airfares/

City manager likes look of proposed new budget (Times-Gazette)

It's budget time for the city of Shelbyville, with a series of meetings set for over the next few week to look at the numbers. City manager Jay Johnson said he was "fairly pleased where we are" on the numbers, which were made public Tuesday. He also said that the figures amassed so far are "just preliminary, there will be changes from now until June 30 ... this is just the starting point." The council will hold a special called meeting next Tuesday at 6 p.m. for an overview and first reading of the budget, with a public hearing set for June 14. There are to be no new programs or services, but Johnson believes that the city will be able to acquire new equipment and get some programs started internally to provide better services, noting there is money in the budget to continue to do needed drainage work and street paving. "Good shape" Johnson said that on the current budget, covering the year ending on June 30, it is projected that the city would receive 92 percent of budgeted revenue, while spending 91 percent of what was authorized last http://www.t-g.com/story/1849543.html year.

County mulls pay vs. tax hike (Daily News Journal)

Schools expected to need more, threatening workers' raises Next years Rutherford County budget could turn into a showdown between pay raises for government workers or an estimated 4.5 percent property tax hike for schools. County Commissioner Steve Sandlin said Tuesday it would be misleading to suggest that most of the governments 1,023 employees would be getting an average 1.75 percent raise July 1 when tax increases could be possible. We (may) have a change of heart at the very end, he told the Budget, Finance & Investment Committee. What if we eliminated all pay increases? asked fellow Commissioner Charlie Baum, who suggested they first find out what the Rutherford County Board of Education is going to request. The pay raise plan proposed by County Mayor Ernest Burgess is part of an overall $443.9 million spending plan for fiscal 2013. The commissions budget committee and Health & Education Committee will learn about the school systems spending plans when they meet with the school board at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the districts administration building at 2240 Southpark Blvd http://www.dnj.com/article/20120517/NEW S05/305170021/County-mulls-pay-vs-tax-hike?odyssey=tab|topnews| text|FRONTPAGE

Scottie Mayfield: Welfare, Medicaid charities (Times Free-Press/Carroll)

Republican congressional candidate Scottie Mayfield called Medicaid recipients "non-taxpayers" in a position paper released W ednesday. "Social Security and Medicare are programs we've promised to older Americans and they are entitled to them," Mayfield wrote. "Medicaid is not an entitlement. Welfare is not an entitlement. These and many other programs are charity, taking from one taxpayer and giving to a non-taxpayer." The paper omits two facts -- that some have jobs and collect paychecks with regular deductions for Social Security, Medicare and other government-funded programs, and that all Medicaid enrollees who live in Tennessee pay state sales tax every time they buy groceries. Records show that 1.2 million Tennesseans are enrolled in TennCare, the state's Medicaid program for poor, elderly and disabled residents. TennCare spokeswoman Kelly Gunderson said she could not provide a firm percentage or number of enrollees with jobs. "But I can confirm with you that, yes, there are members of our program that are employed," Gunderson said. The 1.2 million figure includes about 150,000 in Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District -- the 11-county area Mayfield wants to represent. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/17/mayfield-welfare-medicaid-charities/?local

Checks

&

balances:

Corker

opponents

share

spotty

financial

pasts

(NS/Humphrey)
U.S. Senate candidate Brenda Lenard said Wednesday that she has been urged to leave the race and endorse another of incumbent Sen. Bob Corker's opponents in the Republican Party primary because of a bad check felony conviction and bankruptcies in her background. Lenard, a Tea Party activist and single mother working on a doctorate in political science at the University of Tennessee, said she will "absolutely not" do so and believes that her life experiences including the 1990s financial problems make her a better person and a better 8

candidate. "There is not one thing in my past or even now that I'm ashamed of," said Lenard, 45, of Sweetwater. "Life is tough and sometimes you have to roll with the punches." InvestigativeCheck, a Washington-based firm that conducts research for corporate and political clients, turned up the information on Lenard when running background checks on all U.S. Senate candidates, according to company CEO Jim Popkin. The review also showed a bankruptcy in the background of Larry Crim, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate. Through a spokesman, Crim says that is one reason he decided to enter the race. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/17/checks-and-balances-sen-corker-opponents-share/

Federal Grant Helps RTA Add Route from Clarksville (WPLN-Radio Nashville)
The Regional Transportation Authority is rounding out its express bus service with a new route from Clarksville. The money to pay for it comes from a federal grant meant to air quality. With ridership at record levels, RTA officials say theyre asked to add routes all the time. They just dont have the money to do it. The new Clarksville service still required matching money for the federal grant. That funding comes from city coffers and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The twice-a-day trips to and from Clarksville will cost passengers $4 each way. RTA says it could also work for reverse commuters who live in Nashville and work in Clarksville. RTA already operates express bus service to Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner and Williamson Counties. Wilson County has the regions only rail service. RTA contracts with Gray Line to operate the express service, using 54passenger buses with restrooms and TVs. The highest ridership is on the route between Murfreesboro and Nashville. http://wpln.org/?p=37320

States Have Second Thoughts About Juveniles in Adult Court (Stateline)

In 1993, in what was called Denvers summer of violence, high-profile gang warfare attributed to youth superpredators seemed to overtake the city. Drive-by shootings were a common occurrence. Then-Governor Roy Romer called a special session of the Colorado legislature and rolled out his iron fist plan to address the violence, which included giving prosecutors the full authority to transfer youths under 18 directly into adult court. Now, nearly 20 years later, the tide is turning against the transfer, or direct-file, system, in response to national trends away from mass incarceration and criticism over the lack of judicial involvement in juvenile prosecution decisions. Last month, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed a bipartisan measure to require judicial hearings before any juvenile case can be moved to adult court. I respect the work that the district attorneys do to try to keep communities safe, says Representative B.J. Nikkel, who co-sponsored the recent legislation, but this [direct-transfer authority] is just too much power for any one entity to have. There need to be checks and balances so that youth are not caught in the middle of the system. http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-have-second-thoughts-about-juveniles-in-adultcourt-85899388620

Solantic renamed CareSpot Express, adds jobs in TN (Tennessean/Ward)

CareSpot Express Healthcare is the new name for the urgent-care chain (formerly Solantic) that moved its corporate headquarters from Florida to Brentwood late last year. The company plans to add 70 employees in the Nashville area to bring its local total to 100. Its billing operations will remain in Jacksonville, Fla., with about 500 workers in that city. CareSpot operates 29 urgent-care centers in Florida. It plans to expand beyond Florida and double its locations within the next six months, said Mike Klein, the CEO. Its a new vision for the company, Klein said of the name change. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120517/BUSINESS05/305170049/Business-briefs-Solantic-renamedCareSpot-Express-adds-jobs-TN?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p

Bluegrass festival to leave Nashville for Raleigh (Nashville Business Journal)

The International Bluegrass Music Association's W orld of Bluegrass festival is leaving Nashville in favor of Raleigh, N.C., The City Paper reports. Citing multiple media reports in North Carolina, The City Paper reports that the festival will be held in Raleigh beginning in 2013. An official announcement is expected this afternoon. This year's festival is still scheduled to be held in Nashville from Sept. 24 to 30. In 2011, the festival's Fan Fest attracted just under 4,000 unique visitors on each of three days. According to a 2008 estimate, the festival's total economic impact is about $4 million. http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/morning_call/2012/05/bluegrass-festival-to-leave-nashville.html 9

World of Bluegrass festival to leave Nashville for Raleigh (City Paper/Greenberg)

The International Bluegrass Music Associations World of Bluegrass festival and conference is moving from the Nashville Convention Center to Raleigh, N.C., in 2013. NBC-17 reported Tuesday afternoon that Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane was expected to make the announcement Wednesday. The W orld of Bluegrass includes a business conference, the IBMA Awards show and Fan Fest, which included more than 60 acts last year. In 2011, the Fan Fest had 3,900 unique visitors each day for three days and the business conference attracted 1,610 over four days. Nashville Convention and Visitor's Bureau spokeswoman Andrea Arnold said the NCVB, as well as the hospitality industry, gave incentives totaling roughly $330,000 to IBMA to host past festivals. The NCVB also worked with the IBMA to develop plans to help make W orld of Bluegrass work in Nashville, but those plans weren't implemented. We've worked with them over 10 years to help grow and develop their event, Arnold said. It's very unfortunate that they haven't been able to be as successful in Nashville as they've needed to be. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/world-bluegrass-festival-leave-nashville-raleigh

End Of Course Score Delay Affects Graduates (WPLN-Radio Nashville)

High school graduations in Nashville begin tomorrow, but some of the diplomas handed out will just be empty placeholders. Metro Schools officials say theres been a delay in the results for End of Course exams. For seniors whose spring schedules include classes that are subject to the state-run tests, those scores are part of the calculation to determine whether theyve passed, and therefore, whether they can graduate. Seniors who are otherwise on track to graduate will still be allowed to walk, and if they pass the exam, their officials diplomas will be available sometime this summer. If they dont pass, the students can do work over the summer to earn that credit. http://wpln.org/?p=37333

Memphis may fire 150 teachers (Associated Press)

Up to 150 Memphis City Schools teachers could be fired over performance issues, officials say. The Commercial Appeal reported many teachers have begun receiving notices they were being terminated. Under a contract, teachers must be notified by June 15 if they are not being retained for the next academic year. The number is three times as many teachers who were fired for any reason last school year, when principals recommended about 60 terminations. Principals identified teachers for termination based on the last three years of their students test scores and the teacher evaluation process begun this year. Nearly 20 percent of the districts 6,400 teachers rank either a 1 or 2, meaning they perform either below expectations or significantly below expectations on a 5-point scale. According to board policy, they can be recommended for termination. Its likely that fewer than one-tenth will actually be let go. Most of the 1,200 will get training to help them improve. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120517/NEWS21/305170066/Memphis-may-fire-150-teachers? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Ritz says tax-hike projections for suburban school districts too low (CA/Kelley)
Proposed municipal school districts will cost more than suburban leaders think and voters need better information before deciding in the Aug. 2 election, Shelby County Commissioner Mike Ritz said Wednesday. Ritz, a retired banker and investor, made those claims in a report distributed during the Commission's Education Committee meeting Wednesday. Ritz challenged the financial assumptions suburban leaders have been using that were included in reports delivered early this year by Southern Education Strategies LLC, hired by the suburbs to conduct feasibility studies. With a different set of assumptions, Ritz estimated that additional property tax increases needed to fully fund new school districts -- beyond the tax hikes that suburban leaders already concede -- would begin at $1.36 for Bartlett, $1.06 for Germantown, $.84 for Collierville, $3.91 for Arlington, $1.28 for Millington and $.34 for Lakeland. Suburban residents need to hear a neutral analysis of the costs, several commissioners agreed Wednesday. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/17/ritzchallenges-suburban-districts-cost/ (SUB)

Ritz: Districts Will See Cost Run-Ups (Memphis Daily News)

Shelby County Commissioner Mike Ritz said municipal school districts could cost suburban towns and cities much more in expenses and taxes than initially estimated. Ritz rolled out his critique of the numbers in the reports from earlier this year by Southern Educational Strategies LLC for each of the six suburban towns and cities in Shelby County. And he added some numbers of his own that the reports didnt include, like the cost for 10

each suburb of buying the existing Shelby County schools within their borders and the annual cost of operating those schools. With those added in, Ritz estimated a 60 to 400 percent increase in taxes for all those suburbs. In most cases they are starting up a school system thats as big as their government. In Germantown, the school board is supposed to have a $62 million budget to start, Ritz said. The city of Germantowns budget is $73 million. The SES reports were each built around an assumption from attorneys the firm consulted that the existing schools in the suburbs would be transferred to the new school districts at no cost. http://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2012/may/17/ritz-districts-will-see-cost-run-ups/

Nashville schools' diversity praised on final day of rezoning trial (TN/Hubbard)

Desegregation consultant says Metro offers choices; ruling in case expected in June or July Metro Nashvilles school zoning plan promotes integration by offering choice, national desegregation expert Leonard Stevens testified Wednesday in the final day of a trial over whether the district unfairly moved black students. The district fought for magnet school grants to recruit white students to six predominantly black schools, and gave North Nashville families choices to be bused across town or attend neighborhood schools after the 2009 rezoning. A district that goes to the trouble is intentionally promoting diversity, said Stevens, a consultant based in Sarasota, Fla. A district that has an array of choices is a district that is opening doors. Ten of Metros more than 140 schools are racially isolated with 90 percent or more black student enrollment. And 50 schools up from 38 before rezoning are diverse with no more than half their students of any one race, he said. The Hillwood cluster has lost 12 percent of its black population because the students are exercising choice, he said. In 2009, Frances and Jeffrey Spurlock filed suit against Metro schools after their daughter was rezoned from Bellevue Middle School. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120517/NEW S04/305170052/Metro-schools-diversitypraised-final-day-rezoning-trial?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

Knox County Schools Dont Suck Bad Enough (Metro Pulse)

Are Knox County schools too good to get more money? No, we arent talking about County Commission and the school board request for a $35 million increase in its annual budget. The state of Tennessee announced passthrough federal grants for schools this past week and Knox County was alone among metropolitan school systems in getting none of the money. The grants totaled $14.8 million for Memphis, $12.4 million for Nashville, and $600,000 for Hamilton County (Chattanooga). Knox County was not considered to be bad off enough to qualify for the federal grants. The state has identified the 85 schools in Tennessee that suck the worst, and Knox County doesnt have any of them. They are all in Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga. Chattanooga only got $600,000 to help them apply for a multimillion-dollar grant in the next round. http://www.metropulse.com/news/2012/may/16/knox-county-schools-dont-suck-bad-enough/

Proposed School Budget Hike Includes Unprecedented iPad Program (M. Pulse)
Are county residents ready to fund an iPad for every student in Knox schools? The topic of the morning in Dexter Murphys fifth grade class at Pond Gap Elementary School is recognizing the difference between facts and inferences. On a big computer screen, he displays an article about prairie dogs accompanied by four short statementstwo of which are drawn directly from the text and two of which draw conclusions from it. As he asks his students to categorize them, the same display pops up on iPad screens on each of their desks that are linked to his. To enter her responses, Cailee Patterson deftly manipulates her keyboarda skill that Murphy taught her when each fifth-grader at Pond Gap was furnished with an iPad at the beginning of this school year. At most schools, you sit there and use books. I think its a lot more interesting to use computers, Patterson says. Pond Gaps principal, Susan Espiritu, is convinced that the many iPad applications now in use have made her students more engaged and are enhancing their performance. I just got the writing results back [on a state assessment for fifth-graders], and we had the best results in 11 years, she says. http://www.metropulse.com/news/2012/may/16/proposed-school-budget-hike-includes-unprecedented/

Alabama: Changes Made to Immigration Law (New York Times)

With advocates for immigrant rights protesting outside, the Legislature voted Wednesday to make modest changes to the states immigration enforcement law, the nations most far-reaching. The bill, which awaits the governors signature, leaves much of the original law intact but adds a few provisions, like requiring the state to publish detailed information about every case in which an illegal immigrant appears in court for a violation of state law. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/17/us/alabama-changes-made-to-immigration-law.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper 11

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Nebraska: Battle Lines Are Drawn in Nebraska Senate Race (Wall Street Journal)
Hours after state Sen. Deb Fischer's upset win in Nebraska's Republican Senate primary, the campaign battle lines were drawn, with Ms. Fischer stressing her deep roots as a rancher in the state and former Sen. Bob Kerrey, a Democrat, emphasizing his record of deviating from his party's orthodoxy. "We don't need the same type of person who's supposedly going to represent us in Washington," Ms. Fischer told supporters Tuesday night. "We need somebody different, somebody who's tough, somebody who's effective, somebody who's a Nebraskan." That might have been a dig at Mr. Kerrey, who has lived in New York for a decade as president of the New School in Manhattan, though he's served as Nebraska governor and senator and owns restaurants and fitness clubs in the state. Mr. Kerrey, in an interview, said solving the country's biggest problems requires lawmakers willing to buck their parties, and he questioned whether Ms. Fischer would do that. "I do not think we will get the deficit behind us unless people are willing to break from their caucuses," Mr. Kerrey said. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303879604577408551549070784.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1 (SUBSCRIPTION)

OPINION Editorial: Gov. Bill Haslam correct to ignore Agenda 21 resolution (News-Sentinel)
Of all the measures considered this year by the Tennessee General Assembly that drew ridicule from many quarters, perhaps none was as silly as the resolution condemning a United Nations program called Agenda 21. Gov. Bill Haslam prudently declined to sign the nonbinding resolution, a show of restraint that represents the triumph of common sense over the forces of paranoia. The "saggy pants bill" produced chuckles, a bill that would have prevented teachers from discussing homosexuality elicited jokes from comedians around the country and the bill allowing unscientific questioning of evolution prompted comparisons to the Scopes Monkey Trial, but the resolution condemning Agenda 21 conjured images of legislators looking for intergalactic aliens. Agenda 21 has an Orwellian ring to it, but it's actually benign. It is a nonbinding set of actions that states can take to promote sustainable development, based on a set of principles set forth after a U.N. conference in Rio De Janeiro in 1992. Some, however, see a nefarious plot to rob Americans of their property rights. 12

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2012/may/17/editorial-gov-bill-haslam-correct-to-ignore-21/

Editorial: Potential legal test faces drug screening (Paris Post-Intelligencer)

As predicted, legal challenges could face Tennessees new law requiring welfare recipients to pass a drug screening test in order to receive benefits. Maybe. The uncertainty stems largely from the fact that the law isnt clear about whos going to pay for the testing. The law was passed on the legislatures final day, and Gov. Bill Haslam said he plans to sign it. The latest fiscal note on the measure said recipients of aid from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Family program would foot the bill, which could come to about $30 a person. However, the bills Senate sponsor said the Department of Human Services will try to help people pay for screenings and perhaps for drug tests. DHS will begin developing its program in July, with a goal of minimizing financial impact for all parties, an official said. Another key question is a legal one: Is failure to pass a screening enough to prove there is probable cause to suspect violation of drug law? Without sufficient evidence to suggest wrongdoing, the plan almost certainly would be struck down as unconstitutional on the grounds that it discriminates against one class of society. http://www.parispi.net/articles/2012/05/16/opinion/editorials/doc4fb3c9f3d8b19983765128.txt

Editorial: Tax opposition so far just say 'No!' (Tennessean)

There will always be groups of folks who think the only way you can be in favor of a tax increase or in favor of a government spending program is if you, personally, are going to see some of that money go into your pocket. I mean, thats the only way they would support it, right? So when auto magnate Lee Beaman, radio host Ralph Bristol, tea-party activist Ben Cunningham and commenter Justin Owen banded together to oppose Mayor Karl Deans proposed 53-cent property tax, and they picked on the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerces contract with Metro government to provide economic development services as the reason why the chamber endorsed a tax increase for Davidson County, we understood where these gentlemen were coming from. To our mind, it would have been startling news that the Chamber of Commerce would oppose the mayor, but not because 4.5 percent of the chambers revenues are from the Metro agreement, or because the chamber is in bed with the mayor, as many Tennessean commenters have asserted. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120517/OPINION01/305170016/Tax-opposition-far-just-say-No-? odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Times Editorial: Why STEM funding is short (Chattanooga Times Free-Press)

When county school officials received a $1.85 million grant from the state in March to initiate a pilot STEM school on the Chattanooga State Community College campus, the prospects for opening the school by Aug. 1 seemed bright. The state grant provided immediate funds for obtaining and prepping the former Olan Mills building by the campus for conversion into a high school. Additional grants of $500,000 from the business and manufacturing community would be solicited -- as stipulated by the state as a condition for its grant -- to fund completion of the renovation. The plan for the advanced science, technology, engineering and math school appeared fixed. But now there's a hitch. Until two private grants for the community's cost were announced Tuesday, the school system had received no donations from area business and manufacturers to finish the school. And the two grants that were announced -- commitments by Unum and First Tennessee Bank for $100,000 and $25,000, respectively -- leave the bulk of the $375,000 balance yet to be secured. As a result, the school board is expected to agree tonight to advance the balance of the renovation cost from its already committed capital fund. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/may/17/chattanooga-state-commun-why-stem-funding-is-short/? opiniontimes .

Guest columnist: 58 years after Brown, Metro, other schools still divided (TN)
I read with some disappointment but not surprise Tuesday of Metro Schools Director Jesse Registers testimony in a federal court school rezoning case that hes not in favor of achieving school diversity by forcing black students from Nashvilles urban area on buses to predominantly white suburban schools. Yes, there are probably better ways of desegregating schools than busing but where are they? In Sundays New York Times, there was a news story that said New York classrooms are among the nations most segregated. At a Brooklyn charter school, students and teachers wrestle with the lack of diversity. Why Dont We Have Any White Kids? read a headline about Explore Charter School in Brooklyn, where 92.7 percent of the students are black and 61 percent of teachers are white. But that picture could have been here in Nashville. In a city where AfricanAmericans make up less than 25 percent of the overall population, blacks accounted for 37,138, 45.8 percent, of the students in Metros public schools in 2011, according to the Tennessee Department of Education. W hites 13

accounted for 26,972, or 33.3 percent of the systems students. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120517/COLUMNIST0107/305170017/58-years-after-Brown-Metro-otherschools-still-racially-divided?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Editorial: No practicality in this proposal (Commercial Appeal)

Auto inspection fees: Trying to collect a vehicle inspection fee from frequent visitors to the city isn't a practical idea. We'll give Memphis City Council member Edmund Ford Jr. a "C+" for proposing ways to increase revenues for the city. But frankly, one of his ideas appears to be flat-out impractical. Ford Tuesday proposed fees for vehicle inspections that would apply to Memphians and non-Memphians who frequently enter the city. And, just how would Memphis identify those frequent visitors? Ford said the city could place license plate readers that are now on Memphis police vehicles at strategic entrances into the city and use red-light cameras that are spread across the city to determine which nonresidents are traveling in the city at least two or three days a week, every week. He said the fee could offset the $2.7 million the city spends on vehicle inspections. But here's one rub. Who's going to monitor the information picked up by the plate readers or all the photos taken by the red-light cameras? Police officers already have enough to do. Should we expect them to take on this time-consuming task? http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/may/17/editorials-no-practicality-in-this-proposal/ (SUB) ###

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