Quote of the Day:
“I just wanted to feel like a winner.”
- Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher on Tuesday while wearing Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts jersey before introducing Manning's former coach Tony Dungy at a Nashville charitable event. Fisher spent most of the rest of the afternoon apologizing to irate Titans fans.
Tennessee News Clips
Education
Economic talks focused on education
October 21, 2009 Jackson Sun
The West Tennessee Megasite and a new initiative to help find funding for those wanting a secondary education dominated discussions at the sixth annual West Tennessee Economic Summit.
Memphis City Schools line up merit-pay PR worth $1.4 million
October 21, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Memphis City Schools has signed short-term contracts worth $1.4 million with several consultants, including a local public relations agency, as the district moves toward merit pay for teachers and getting rid of those who miss the mark.
Metro Schools Director Focused on Recruiting Teachers
October 20, 2009 Nashville Public Radio
Metro Schools Director Jesse Register says better pay and possibly a free Master’s degree will recruit and retain better teachers.
Politics
State lawmakers step to the fore of state sovereignty movement
October 20, 2009 Nashville City Paper
Tennessee lawmakers stepped to the front of the state sovereignty movement Tuesday, voting to enlist legislators from around the country to try to curb the power of the federal government.
Four Republicans file for Dist. 83 seat
October 21, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
If everyone turns in a petition, at least four Republicans may be seeking the state House seat that was held by Brian Kelsey.
Business
Tennessee to reform municipal financing
October 21, 2009 Tennessean
The state on Tuesday adopted new guidelines to overhaul the way local governments borrow money to build roads, schools and other municipal projects, aimed at shielding them from the type of risky deals that sank the financial markets last year.
Healthcare
Fight Over Medicare Cuts Plays Into Larger Debate
October 21, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Senators battled Tuesday over legislation to forestall a cut in Medicare payments to doctors, trying to seize the advantage in the larger health debate.
Obama Takes a Health Care Hiatus
October 20, 2009 New York Times
As Congressional leaders and White House officials huddle behind closed doors to settle their differences on health care legislation, one of the most powerful voices in the debate — President Obama’s — has grown noticeably quieter.
Economy
Income levels rise in 36 states
October 20, 2009 Nashville Business Journal
Personal income rose in 36 states and the District of Columbia during the second quarter of 2009, a sharp turnaround from the 49-state decline in the first quarter.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ten Counties Launch Workforce Development and Education Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2009
CONTACT:
Joe Barker
jwbarker@swtdd.org
731.668.6402
Ten Counties Launch Workforce Development and Education Initiative
“STEP” Program to Support Development of Megasite
Jackson, TN – Representatives from local government and area business leaders announced today the formation of STEP (Southwest Tennessee Educational Pathways), a college access initiative designed to boost workforce development in a ten-county region. The announcement came as part of the annual West Tennessee Economic Development Summit held at Jackson State Community College.
Modeled after the highly successful Ayers Foundation Scholarship Program, the STEP college access program will be implemented in two phases. First, an infrastructure of mentors will be recruited and trained to assist students in navigating the college admissions and financial aid processes. Secondly, participating counties will work to provide “last dollar” scholarships to fill in the tuition gaps for students after all other sources of financial aid have been accessed.
“The regional cooperation in this effort is unprecedented. We came together to explore ways to capitalize on the megasite and it became clear that improving the area’s workforce was crucial to enticing further economic development”, said Joe Barker, Executive Director of the Southwest Tennessee Development District.
STEP has engaged the Ayers Foundation to provide expertise through analyzing existing community resources, recommending how these resources may be leveraged and aligned, and developing training programs for mentors.
State Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley who attended the launch said “I am impressed with how local leaders have come together to address workforce needs. We at the department were happy to be a partner in this effort and support this initiative. It’s a great example for other communities”.
Local governments located in the following counties are participating in the STEP initiative: Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, and Tipton.
CONTACT:
Joe Barker
jwbarker@swtdd.org
731.668.6402
Ten Counties Launch Workforce Development and Education Initiative
“STEP” Program to Support Development of Megasite
Jackson, TN – Representatives from local government and area business leaders announced today the formation of STEP (Southwest Tennessee Educational Pathways), a college access initiative designed to boost workforce development in a ten-county region. The announcement came as part of the annual West Tennessee Economic Development Summit held at Jackson State Community College.
Modeled after the highly successful Ayers Foundation Scholarship Program, the STEP college access program will be implemented in two phases. First, an infrastructure of mentors will be recruited and trained to assist students in navigating the college admissions and financial aid processes. Secondly, participating counties will work to provide “last dollar” scholarships to fill in the tuition gaps for students after all other sources of financial aid have been accessed.
“The regional cooperation in this effort is unprecedented. We came together to explore ways to capitalize on the megasite and it became clear that improving the area’s workforce was crucial to enticing further economic development”, said Joe Barker, Executive Director of the Southwest Tennessee Development District.
STEP has engaged the Ayers Foundation to provide expertise through analyzing existing community resources, recommending how these resources may be leveraged and aligned, and developing training programs for mentors.
State Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley who attended the launch said “I am impressed with how local leaders have come together to address workforce needs. We at the department were happy to be a partner in this effort and support this initiative. It’s a great example for other communities”.
Local governments located in the following counties are participating in the STEP initiative: Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, and Tipton.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Clips and quote
Quote of the Day:
“No one has got the backbone or the guts to even talk about revenue enhancement.”
- House Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington) during a meeting to brief House leaders on the status of the state budget as tax collections continue to fall. (knoxnews.com)
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
A C Wharton wins with 60 percent of vote; turnout less than 25 percent
October 15, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton cruised to victory on Thursday with 60 percent of the vote, spanking 24 opponents in the special election to replace longtime Memphis mayor Willie Herenton.
Tea-Party Activists Complicate Republican Comeback Strategy
October 16, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The rise of conservative "tea party" activists around the country has created a dilemma for Republicans.
Wharton’s Memphis win to set off scramble for interim Shelby County leadership
October 15, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Sometime in the next few days, A C Wharton will submit a resignation letter to the Shelby County Commission, setting in motion a chain of events that will ripple through local government for months.
Education
Students Held Back Did Better
October 15, 2009 New York Times
A long-awaited study analyzing the Bloomberg administration’s student-promotion policy says that fifth graders who were held back did better in subsequent years, and that specialized instruction for struggling students showed moderate success.
School board questions teacher training plans
October 16, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Plans to send teachers and principals to educational conferences and development training opportunities came under harsh criticism from the Hamilton County Board of Education on Thursday night.
Stimulus
Early stimulus reports show gain in teaching, construction jobs
October 16, 2009 Stateline
Teachers, construction workers and public safety officials appear to be the initial winners from the states' share of the $787 billion federal economic stimulus package, according to the first quarterly reports filed by states to show how many jobs the rescue plan saved or created.
Healthcare
Funding and Middle-Class Relief Are Keys to Health Bills
October 16, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Don't be fooled by the turmoil. This is the week the odds tipped ever so slightly in favor of a health overhaul passing Congress.
Smoking Bans Reduce Heart Attacks and Disease
October 15, 2009 New York Times
Bans on smoking in places like restaurants, offices and public buildings reduce cases of heart attacks and heart disease, according to a report released Thursday by a federally commissioned panel of scientists.
Wellness Incentives Could Create Health-Care Loophole
October 16, 2009 Washington Post
Get in shape or pay a price.
Economy
State eyes $1.1 billion in budget cuts in ’10
October 16, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Tennessee may have to slash as much as $350 million more from its budget next year on top of $753 million in already planned reductions.
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“No one has got the backbone or the guts to even talk about revenue enhancement.”
- House Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington) during a meeting to brief House leaders on the status of the state budget as tax collections continue to fall. (knoxnews.com)
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
A C Wharton wins with 60 percent of vote; turnout less than 25 percent
October 15, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton cruised to victory on Thursday with 60 percent of the vote, spanking 24 opponents in the special election to replace longtime Memphis mayor Willie Herenton.
Tea-Party Activists Complicate Republican Comeback Strategy
October 16, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The rise of conservative "tea party" activists around the country has created a dilemma for Republicans.
Wharton’s Memphis win to set off scramble for interim Shelby County leadership
October 15, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Sometime in the next few days, A C Wharton will submit a resignation letter to the Shelby County Commission, setting in motion a chain of events that will ripple through local government for months.
Education
Students Held Back Did Better
October 15, 2009 New York Times
A long-awaited study analyzing the Bloomberg administration’s student-promotion policy says that fifth graders who were held back did better in subsequent years, and that specialized instruction for struggling students showed moderate success.
School board questions teacher training plans
October 16, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Plans to send teachers and principals to educational conferences and development training opportunities came under harsh criticism from the Hamilton County Board of Education on Thursday night.
Stimulus
Early stimulus reports show gain in teaching, construction jobs
October 16, 2009 Stateline
Teachers, construction workers and public safety officials appear to be the initial winners from the states' share of the $787 billion federal economic stimulus package, according to the first quarterly reports filed by states to show how many jobs the rescue plan saved or created.
Healthcare
Funding and Middle-Class Relief Are Keys to Health Bills
October 16, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Don't be fooled by the turmoil. This is the week the odds tipped ever so slightly in favor of a health overhaul passing Congress.
Smoking Bans Reduce Heart Attacks and Disease
October 15, 2009 New York Times
Bans on smoking in places like restaurants, offices and public buildings reduce cases of heart attacks and heart disease, according to a report released Thursday by a federally commissioned panel of scientists.
Wellness Incentives Could Create Health-Care Loophole
October 16, 2009 Washington Post
Get in shape or pay a price.
Economy
State eyes $1.1 billion in budget cuts in ’10
October 16, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Tennessee may have to slash as much as $350 million more from its budget next year on top of $753 million in already planned reductions.
Click here to Subscribe or Unsubscribe.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Former Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Joins Southern Strategy Group
Southern Strategy Group is proud to announce Electra Theodorides-Bustle has joined its Tallahassee, Florida office as its newest partner. Electra brings more than 15 years experience in executive, legal, and policy making positions.
Paul Bradshaw, the firm’s founder, said, “Electra brings to the firm deep subject matter expertise on a range of topics including law enforcement and the operation of state government. Combine that with her remarkable energy and stellar reputation among decision makers, and you have the perfect partner for our lobbying firm.”
Most recently, Electra served as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles where she was unanimously appointed by Florida’s Governor and Cabinet. As Executive Director, Electra was responsible for all activities of one of the nation’s largest safety and consumer oriented agencies, which includes the Florida Highway Patrol, the Division of Driver Licensing, and the Division of Motor Vehicles as well as a large information technology and administrative and business support divisions.
Prior to being appointed Executive Director, Electra served as Assistant Commissioner for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for three years and oversaw critical areas including legislative affairs office, sexual predator registry, the Capitol Police, criminal justice officer, records and discipline, and the State’s criminal history and fingerprint databases.
Electra also has a diverse legal career in the public sector serving as Assistant General Counsel for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, General Counsel for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy General Counsel for the Florida Sheriffs Association. Electra also represented the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.
Southern Strategy Group first opened its doors in 1999. Since then, the Tallahassee, Florida based business has grown to be one of the largest government relations firms in the United States, with over 17 affiliated offices throughout the country. For more information, please visit http://www.sostrategy.com/.
Paul Bradshaw, the firm’s founder, said, “Electra brings to the firm deep subject matter expertise on a range of topics including law enforcement and the operation of state government. Combine that with her remarkable energy and stellar reputation among decision makers, and you have the perfect partner for our lobbying firm.”
Most recently, Electra served as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles where she was unanimously appointed by Florida’s Governor and Cabinet. As Executive Director, Electra was responsible for all activities of one of the nation’s largest safety and consumer oriented agencies, which includes the Florida Highway Patrol, the Division of Driver Licensing, and the Division of Motor Vehicles as well as a large information technology and administrative and business support divisions.
Prior to being appointed Executive Director, Electra served as Assistant Commissioner for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for three years and oversaw critical areas including legislative affairs office, sexual predator registry, the Capitol Police, criminal justice officer, records and discipline, and the State’s criminal history and fingerprint databases.
Electra also has a diverse legal career in the public sector serving as Assistant General Counsel for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, General Counsel for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy General Counsel for the Florida Sheriffs Association. Electra also represented the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.
Southern Strategy Group first opened its doors in 1999. Since then, the Tallahassee, Florida based business has grown to be one of the largest government relations firms in the United States, with over 17 affiliated offices throughout the country. For more information, please visit http://www.sostrategy.com/.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Clips and quote
Quote of the Day:
“Heart attack rates fall 17% after smoking bans enacted”
- Headline from USA Today last week. Tennessee’s indoor smoking ban began two years ago this week. Two separate analyses – of 25 different studies - released last week found that heart attack rates fall 17% within a year after smoking bans take effect. Given that there are about 920,000 heart attacks every year in the US, the studies suggests that public smoking bans could prevent more than 150,000 of these.
Politics
Poll Finds Support for Ban on Texting at the Wheel
September 27, 2009 New York Times
The public overwhelmingly supports the prohibition of text messaging while driving, the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll finds.
Tennessee House Speaker Kent Williams gets help for PAC
September 28, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Thirty Republican state representatives and two state senators have signed up to help House Speaker Kent Williams launch a new political action committee with a Knoxville fundraiser.
Education
Teacher bonus pay plan stalled over funding
September 28, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Until last week, Hamilton County School administrators thought they had a plan to pay teachers extra for performing well in typically undesirable jobs or for having a high level of education.
School board to adopt resolution urging adherence to new standards
September 28, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
The Knox County school board plans to adopt a resolution that will encourage state education officials and lawmakers not to "walk away or water down" tougher curriculum standards despite an initial drop in student test scores as they adjust to the changes.
TN college enrollments hit record highs
September 28, 2009 Tennessean
Tennessee Board of Regents colleges and universities are experiencing the highest enrollment in history, reaching more than 200,000 students, Chancellor Charles Manning said.
Healthcare
Employers try to limit rising health plan costs
September 28, 2009 Tennessean
Pat Stella is pondering his options after being told by an insurance broker that premiums on his employees' health benefits package could increase by as much as 11 percent next year.
Use of Federal Health Clinics Soars
September 28, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Federally funded health centers, originally created to serve the poor, are seeing a surge of patients as more Americans struggle financially.
Economy
Risky business: States tax the rich at their peril
September 27, 2009 Associated Press
This year, New York’s deep-pocketed rich were required to dig even deeper to help shore up state finances.
States counting on cheap credit to avoid spending cuts
September 28, 2009 USA Today
State governments are rushing to borrow money to take advantage of cheap and plentiful credit at a time when tax collections are tumbling.
Stimulus
States Rush to Avoid Losing $9 Billion in Highway Funds
September 28, 2009 Wall Street Journal
States are urging Congress and the White House to act fast to change a law that may soon deprive them of nearly $9 billion in federal highway funds, the equivalent of roughly one-third of the amount in the economic-stimulus package.
Click here to Subscribe to Southern Strategy Group of TN News Clips
“Heart attack rates fall 17% after smoking bans enacted”
- Headline from USA Today last week. Tennessee’s indoor smoking ban began two years ago this week. Two separate analyses – of 25 different studies - released last week found that heart attack rates fall 17% within a year after smoking bans take effect. Given that there are about 920,000 heart attacks every year in the US, the studies suggests that public smoking bans could prevent more than 150,000 of these.
Politics
Poll Finds Support for Ban on Texting at the Wheel
September 27, 2009 New York Times
The public overwhelmingly supports the prohibition of text messaging while driving, the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll finds.
Tennessee House Speaker Kent Williams gets help for PAC
September 28, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Thirty Republican state representatives and two state senators have signed up to help House Speaker Kent Williams launch a new political action committee with a Knoxville fundraiser.
Education
Teacher bonus pay plan stalled over funding
September 28, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Until last week, Hamilton County School administrators thought they had a plan to pay teachers extra for performing well in typically undesirable jobs or for having a high level of education.
School board to adopt resolution urging adherence to new standards
September 28, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
The Knox County school board plans to adopt a resolution that will encourage state education officials and lawmakers not to "walk away or water down" tougher curriculum standards despite an initial drop in student test scores as they adjust to the changes.
TN college enrollments hit record highs
September 28, 2009 Tennessean
Tennessee Board of Regents colleges and universities are experiencing the highest enrollment in history, reaching more than 200,000 students, Chancellor Charles Manning said.
Healthcare
Employers try to limit rising health plan costs
September 28, 2009 Tennessean
Pat Stella is pondering his options after being told by an insurance broker that premiums on his employees' health benefits package could increase by as much as 11 percent next year.
Use of Federal Health Clinics Soars
September 28, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Federally funded health centers, originally created to serve the poor, are seeing a surge of patients as more Americans struggle financially.
Economy
Risky business: States tax the rich at their peril
September 27, 2009 Associated Press
This year, New York’s deep-pocketed rich were required to dig even deeper to help shore up state finances.
States counting on cheap credit to avoid spending cuts
September 28, 2009 USA Today
State governments are rushing to borrow money to take advantage of cheap and plentiful credit at a time when tax collections are tumbling.
Stimulus
States Rush to Avoid Losing $9 Billion in Highway Funds
September 28, 2009 Wall Street Journal
States are urging Congress and the White House to act fast to change a law that may soon deprive them of nearly $9 billion in federal highway funds, the equivalent of roughly one-third of the amount in the economic-stimulus package.
Click here to Subscribe to Southern Strategy Group of TN News Clips
Friday, September 25, 2009
Clips and quote
Quote of the Day:
“President Obama was on six different TV shows pitching his healthcare plan over the last couple of days. You know the difference between Obama and the ShamWow guy? You can see the ShamWow guy on Fox.”
- Jay Leno
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Kirk Heads to Senate With Brief, Crucial Mission
September 24, 2009 New York Times
Given the myriad other roles Paul G. Kirk Jr. has played for Senator Edward M. Kennedy — strategist, divorce lawyer, master of ceremonies at the senator’s memorial service, executor of his estate — his appointment Thursday as the interim appointee to the Senate seat Mr. Kennedy held was both kismet and deeply pragmatic.
State Rep. Kelsey resigns to focus on race for state senate seat
September 24, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
As he promised, state Rep. Brian Kelsey of Germantown resigned Thursday from the Germantown and East Memphis district he has represented since 2005.
Education
Two 'early college' high schools proposed for Sullivan County
September 24, 2009 Kingsport Times News
Sullivan County needs to have two “early college” high schools, according to one of the teams formed after the education/work force development summit held earlier this year.
General praise for Memphis City Schools Supt. Cash's first year
September 25, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
City schools Supt. Kriner Cash got his first formal feedback from the Memphis board of education Thursday in a public meeting.
Student loan borrowers can apply for relief
September 25, 2009 USA Today
When money is tight and jobs are scarce, repaying your student loans is painful. But if you let your loans go into default, you'll enter a world of hurt.
Healthcare
Pelosi Presses for a Public Option
September 25, 2009 Wall Street Journal
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stepped up her push for a publicly run health plan that has divided congressional Democrats, saying it could "save enormous amounts of money.”
Senate Panel Rejects Bid to Add Drug Discount
September 25, 2009 New York Times
President Obama scored a big victory on Thursday as the Senate Finance Committee rejected a proposal to require pharmaceutical companies to give bigger discounts to Medicare on drugs dispensed to older Americans with low incomes.
Economy
Tax panels focus on states' long term fiscal health
September 25, 2009 Stateline
The crisis in declining tax revenues is forcing some states to ask big questions about how they will finance government services once they get through the recession.
Stimulus
Stimulus takes detour around ailing metropolitan area roads
September 24, 2009 USA Today
Nearly $10 billion in stimulus aid to repair the nation's tattered highways has largely bypassed dozens of metropolitan areas where roads are in the worst shape, a USA TODAY analysis shows.
Click here to Subscribe or Unsubscribe.
“President Obama was on six different TV shows pitching his healthcare plan over the last couple of days. You know the difference between Obama and the ShamWow guy? You can see the ShamWow guy on Fox.”
- Jay Leno
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Kirk Heads to Senate With Brief, Crucial Mission
September 24, 2009 New York Times
Given the myriad other roles Paul G. Kirk Jr. has played for Senator Edward M. Kennedy — strategist, divorce lawyer, master of ceremonies at the senator’s memorial service, executor of his estate — his appointment Thursday as the interim appointee to the Senate seat Mr. Kennedy held was both kismet and deeply pragmatic.
State Rep. Kelsey resigns to focus on race for state senate seat
September 24, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
As he promised, state Rep. Brian Kelsey of Germantown resigned Thursday from the Germantown and East Memphis district he has represented since 2005.
Education
Two 'early college' high schools proposed for Sullivan County
September 24, 2009 Kingsport Times News
Sullivan County needs to have two “early college” high schools, according to one of the teams formed after the education/work force development summit held earlier this year.
General praise for Memphis City Schools Supt. Cash's first year
September 25, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
City schools Supt. Kriner Cash got his first formal feedback from the Memphis board of education Thursday in a public meeting.
Student loan borrowers can apply for relief
September 25, 2009 USA Today
When money is tight and jobs are scarce, repaying your student loans is painful. But if you let your loans go into default, you'll enter a world of hurt.
Healthcare
Pelosi Presses for a Public Option
September 25, 2009 Wall Street Journal
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stepped up her push for a publicly run health plan that has divided congressional Democrats, saying it could "save enormous amounts of money.”
Senate Panel Rejects Bid to Add Drug Discount
September 25, 2009 New York Times
President Obama scored a big victory on Thursday as the Senate Finance Committee rejected a proposal to require pharmaceutical companies to give bigger discounts to Medicare on drugs dispensed to older Americans with low incomes.
Economy
Tax panels focus on states' long term fiscal health
September 25, 2009 Stateline
The crisis in declining tax revenues is forcing some states to ask big questions about how they will finance government services once they get through the recession.
Stimulus
Stimulus takes detour around ailing metropolitan area roads
September 24, 2009 USA Today
Nearly $10 billion in stimulus aid to repair the nation's tattered highways has largely bypassed dozens of metropolitan areas where roads are in the worst shape, a USA TODAY analysis shows.
Click here to Subscribe or Unsubscribe.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Scott White joins Southern Strategy Group
Press Release – September 21, 2009
Scott White joins Southern Strategy Group
Southern Strategy Group, the South’s largest government relations consulting firm, announced today that Scott White has joined its Nashville office. White served as Deputy Commissioner of the State of Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance from 2001 through 2006.
Since 2006, White has served as legislative counsel for several private companies. He has specialized in state government relations and administrative law with a concentration in the areas of insurance and professional regulation. White is an attorney and served as Chief Counsel and Director of Legal Services during his time at Commerce and Insurance. He joins former Bredesen administration officials Robert Gowan, Drew Kim and Patrick Smith in the Southern Strategy Group Nashville office.
Since 2006, White has served as legislative counsel for several private companies. He has specialized in state government relations and administrative law with a concentration in the areas of insurance and professional regulation. White is an attorney and served as Chief Counsel and Director of Legal Services during his time at Commerce and Insurance. He joins former Bredesen administration officials Robert Gowan, Drew Kim and Patrick Smith in the Southern Strategy Group Nashville office.
“We are very excited to have Scott White join Southern Strategy Group”, said Robert Gowan, managing partner of the Nashville office. “He is an expert in many areas of state government and he brings a broad base of knowledge and skills to Southern Strategy Group. While he is recognized in and around the State Capitol for his expertise in the areas of insurance and professional regulation, I know from working with Scott for several years that he is also generally an expert at getting things done. There’s very little red tape that he can’t cut through. He will be a tremendous asset to Southern Strategy Group and our clients.”
Scott White said, “Southern Strategy Group is known for its integrity and ability to navigate the complex world of local, state and federal government. I look forward to joining the talented team at Southern Strategy Group and contributing to an organization with a proven record of successful advocacy and sound advice in the governmental arena.“
Southern Strategy Group is part of an interlocking network of government relations consulting offices that spans coast to coast and border to border within the United States. With more than 50 government relations and business consultants, 300 clients, and 16 offices throughout the United States, Southern Strategy Group and its affiliated offices make up the largest government relations network in the United States. Southern Strategy Group represents a large array of clients in many fields, including health care, utilities, communications, banking, insurance, entertainment, and real estate development. Southern Strategy Group is a bi-partisan lobbying firm that uses teams of lobbyists trained to be insightful strategists and compelling advocates in order to achieve the client goals.
Please visit http://www.sostrategy.com/ for more information on the Tennessee office and other Southern Strategy Group offices.
Contact:
Robert Gowan
615.259.5509
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Clips and quote
Quote of the Day:
“President Obama made a televised speech to the nation's students during school hours. Many parents kept their kids home from school in protest. As a result, those kids have voted Obama 'Best President Ever. '”
- Conan O’Brien
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Kelsey to resign state House seat before Nov. 2
September 8, 2009 Associated Press
Rep. Brian Kelsey says he will resign his state House seat before Nov. 2 if he receives the Republican nomination for the vacant Senate seat representing District 31.
Poll finds soaring European support for U.S. policy
September 9, 2009 Associated Press
European support for the U.S. president's handling of foreign policy has soared since President Obama took over from former president George W. Bush, but Europeans continue to view major issues including Afghanistan, Iran and global warming differently than Americans view them, a poll released Wednesday found.
Obama's education pep-talk encourages Knox students to stay in school
September 9, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Following President Barack Obama's back-to-school address Tuesday, pupils in Valerie Bronson's third-grade class discussed main ideas and themes they picked up from the speech.
New campaign questions reliance on testing
September 7, 2009 USA Today
If public schools were baseball teams, says Sam Chaltain, Americans wouldn't have a clue who should be in the playoffs.
Tennessee colleges' enrollment grows, but budgets shrink
September 9, 2009 Tennessean
By next year, the Tennessee Board of Regents' universities, colleges and trade schools will be operating on state budgets that are 25 percent smaller than they were in 2007, regents learned at a Tuesday meeting of committee chairs.
Healthcare
Obama must confront 5 health-care questions in speech today
September 9, 2009 Tennessean Washington Bureau
Having just endured a tempest over his "work hard in school" speech, President Barack Obama now confronts an address with much higher policy and political consequences.
Congress may tax top executives' medical plans
September 9, 2009 Los Angeles Times
As the chief executive of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., John Plant received the company's generous health-care benefits in 2008, as well as special "executive medical" coverage worth an additional $38,272.
Business
Fields of Gold
September 2009 Business TN
A study released in June by The Pew Charitable Trust identified Tennessee as one of the top three states in creating clean energy jobs and attracting investments in solar, wind and biofuel technologies.
Energy
U.S. Company and China Plan Solar Project
September 8, 2009 New York Times
Chinese government officials signed an agreement on Tuesday with First Solar, an American solar developer, for a 2,000-megawatt photovoltaic farm to be built in the Mongolian desert.
Economy
Record Drop Hits Borrowing
September 9, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Americans borrowed less for the sixth consecutive month in July, fueling concerns that strained consumers will stall an economic recovery.
Click here to Subscribe or Unsubscribe.
“President Obama made a televised speech to the nation's students during school hours. Many parents kept their kids home from school in protest. As a result, those kids have voted Obama 'Best President Ever. '”
- Conan O’Brien
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Kelsey to resign state House seat before Nov. 2
September 8, 2009 Associated Press
Rep. Brian Kelsey says he will resign his state House seat before Nov. 2 if he receives the Republican nomination for the vacant Senate seat representing District 31.
Poll finds soaring European support for U.S. policy
September 9, 2009 Associated Press
European support for the U.S. president's handling of foreign policy has soared since President Obama took over from former president George W. Bush, but Europeans continue to view major issues including Afghanistan, Iran and global warming differently than Americans view them, a poll released Wednesday found.
Obama's education pep-talk encourages Knox students to stay in school
September 9, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Following President Barack Obama's back-to-school address Tuesday, pupils in Valerie Bronson's third-grade class discussed main ideas and themes they picked up from the speech.
New campaign questions reliance on testing
September 7, 2009 USA Today
If public schools were baseball teams, says Sam Chaltain, Americans wouldn't have a clue who should be in the playoffs.
Tennessee colleges' enrollment grows, but budgets shrink
September 9, 2009 Tennessean
By next year, the Tennessee Board of Regents' universities, colleges and trade schools will be operating on state budgets that are 25 percent smaller than they were in 2007, regents learned at a Tuesday meeting of committee chairs.
Healthcare
Obama must confront 5 health-care questions in speech today
September 9, 2009 Tennessean Washington Bureau
Having just endured a tempest over his "work hard in school" speech, President Barack Obama now confronts an address with much higher policy and political consequences.
Congress may tax top executives' medical plans
September 9, 2009 Los Angeles Times
As the chief executive of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., John Plant received the company's generous health-care benefits in 2008, as well as special "executive medical" coverage worth an additional $38,272.
Business
Fields of Gold
September 2009 Business TN
A study released in June by The Pew Charitable Trust identified Tennessee as one of the top three states in creating clean energy jobs and attracting investments in solar, wind and biofuel technologies.
Energy
U.S. Company and China Plan Solar Project
September 8, 2009 New York Times
Chinese government officials signed an agreement on Tuesday with First Solar, an American solar developer, for a 2,000-megawatt photovoltaic farm to be built in the Mongolian desert.
Economy
Record Drop Hits Borrowing
September 9, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Americans borrowed less for the sixth consecutive month in July, fueling concerns that strained consumers will stall an economic recovery.
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Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Clips and quote
Quote of the Day:
“I came here to fight for others, not for myself. I cannot in good conscience ask my colleagues to expend precious time and energy defending or explaining my past. We need all hands on deck, fighting for the future.”
- Van Jones, a Jackson, Tennessee native and UT-Martin graduate, in his letter of resignation as President Obama’s Special Advisor for Green Jobs
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Congress returns to a full plate
September 8, 2009 USA Today
As Congress returns today after a monthlong recess, lawmakers face a pileup of pressing legislation, from immigration to energy, that so far has been eclipsed by the all-consuming battle over health care.
Employment talk dominates Memphis mayoral campaign trail
September 8, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Job growth dominated the Labor Day campaigning by Memphis mayoral candidates who shook hands and lobbied for votes throughout the city's parks and picnics.
Political hopefuls hitting up gun PAC
September 7, 2009 Associated Press
The head of a group that advocated for a slew of new Tennessee laws loosening handgun carry restrictions says lawmakers are hitting him up for campaign contributions.
Education
Nashville schools adopt eco-friendly lifestyle
September 7, 2009 Tennessean
Buckets for food waste in the school cafeteria.
Frist, Riley in Joint Support for Obama's Nationwide Speech to Students
September 7, 2009 Memphis Flyer
Former U.S. Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) and former Secretary of Education Richard Riley issued a joint statement of support Sunday for President Obama’s scheduled Tuesday address to the nation’s students, saying “we are supportive of the president of the United States — whether it is a Democrat or Republican — speaking directly to our nation's students to emphasize the core American values of education, hard work, and personal responsibility.”
Healthcare
Tennessee delegation opposes pace, path of health reform
September 8, 2009 Tennessean Washington Bureau
The nation may be in turmoil over what Congress should do about reforming health care, but there's surprising consensus among members of the Tennessee delegation as they return from their summer recess today.
Data Fuel Regional Fight on Medicare Spending
September 7, 2009 New York Times
For years, health policy experts have said health care spending is much higher in New York City and Boston because doctors and hospitals there provide more services, practicing medicine in a more intensive way.
Business
Homeless help spread the news
September 7, 2009 Tennessean
Tony Angello looks like a tourist, sunglasses on top of his bald head, wearing tidy jeans and a bright Hawaiian shirt.
Energy
The New Nukes
September 8, 2009 Wall Street Journal
If there ever were a time that seemed ripe for nuclear energy, it's now.
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“I came here to fight for others, not for myself. I cannot in good conscience ask my colleagues to expend precious time and energy defending or explaining my past. We need all hands on deck, fighting for the future.”
- Van Jones, a Jackson, Tennessee native and UT-Martin graduate, in his letter of resignation as President Obama’s Special Advisor for Green Jobs
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Congress returns to a full plate
September 8, 2009 USA Today
As Congress returns today after a monthlong recess, lawmakers face a pileup of pressing legislation, from immigration to energy, that so far has been eclipsed by the all-consuming battle over health care.
Employment talk dominates Memphis mayoral campaign trail
September 8, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Job growth dominated the Labor Day campaigning by Memphis mayoral candidates who shook hands and lobbied for votes throughout the city's parks and picnics.
Political hopefuls hitting up gun PAC
September 7, 2009 Associated Press
The head of a group that advocated for a slew of new Tennessee laws loosening handgun carry restrictions says lawmakers are hitting him up for campaign contributions.
Education
Nashville schools adopt eco-friendly lifestyle
September 7, 2009 Tennessean
Buckets for food waste in the school cafeteria.
Frist, Riley in Joint Support for Obama's Nationwide Speech to Students
September 7, 2009 Memphis Flyer
Former U.S. Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) and former Secretary of Education Richard Riley issued a joint statement of support Sunday for President Obama’s scheduled Tuesday address to the nation’s students, saying “we are supportive of the president of the United States — whether it is a Democrat or Republican — speaking directly to our nation's students to emphasize the core American values of education, hard work, and personal responsibility.”
Healthcare
Tennessee delegation opposes pace, path of health reform
September 8, 2009 Tennessean Washington Bureau
The nation may be in turmoil over what Congress should do about reforming health care, but there's surprising consensus among members of the Tennessee delegation as they return from their summer recess today.
Data Fuel Regional Fight on Medicare Spending
September 7, 2009 New York Times
For years, health policy experts have said health care spending is much higher in New York City and Boston because doctors and hospitals there provide more services, practicing medicine in a more intensive way.
Business
Homeless help spread the news
September 7, 2009 Tennessean
Tony Angello looks like a tourist, sunglasses on top of his bald head, wearing tidy jeans and a bright Hawaiian shirt.
Energy
The New Nukes
September 8, 2009 Wall Street Journal
If there ever were a time that seemed ripe for nuclear energy, it's now.
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Thursday, September 3, 2009
Clips and quote
Quote of the Day:
“Former governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer says he's going to run for governor again. Before he runs, he’s putting some feelers out. Isn't that what cost him his job?”
- David Letterman
Tennessee News Clips
Stimulus
Biden: Stimulus doing more 'than we had hoped'
September 3, 2009 Associated Press
Trumpeting economic progress to a skeptical nation, Vice President Joe Biden says the massive government program intended to stimulate and reshape the economy is reaching and exceeding goals.
Politics
Kennedy Memoir Doesn’t Ignore Lows
September 2, 2009 New York Times
In a memoir being published this month, Senator Edward M. Kennedy called his behavior after the 1969 car accident that killed Mary Jo Kopechne “inexcusable” and said the events might have shortened the life of his ailing father, Joseph P. Kennedy.
Education
University of Tennessee interim chief cites poor graduation rates
September 3, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
State higher education institutions need to improve graduation rates, University of Tennessee interim president Jan Simek said while visiting UT Health Science Center in Memphis as part of an annual tour of campuses.
Students Borrow More Than Ever for College
September 2, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Students are borrowing dramatically more to pay for college, accelerating a trend that has wide-ranging implications for a generation of young people.
Healthcare
Obama Relaunches Health Bid
September 3, 2009 Wall Street Journal
President Barack Obama will address a joint session of Congress next Wednesday, pressing lawmakers to accept new formulas for a politically charged overhaul of the health-care system.
Alternative medicine wants say in health reform debate
September 3, 2009 Tennessean
When patients come to see Dr. Cathy Stallworth with back pain, they're as likely to get enrolled in a therapeutic yoga class, receive hypnosis or be sent for acupuncture as they are to be prescribed drugs.
Economy
A Reluctance to Retire Means Fewer Openings
September 2, 2009 New York Times
To the long list of reasons American companies aren’t hiring — business losses, tight credit, consumer retrenchment — add the fact that many of their older workers are unable, or afraid, to retire.
Region's jobless number retreats
September 2, 2009 Nashville Post
The Nashville area's unemployment rate improved to 9.6 percent in July, retreating from the double-digit number it reached the month before.
Business
Women take over job market
September 3, 2009 USA Today
Women are on the verge of outnumbering men in the workforce for the first time, a historic reversal caused by long-term changes in women's roles and massive job losses for men during this recession.
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“Former governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer says he's going to run for governor again. Before he runs, he’s putting some feelers out. Isn't that what cost him his job?”
- David Letterman
Tennessee News Clips
Stimulus
Biden: Stimulus doing more 'than we had hoped'
September 3, 2009 Associated Press
Trumpeting economic progress to a skeptical nation, Vice President Joe Biden says the massive government program intended to stimulate and reshape the economy is reaching and exceeding goals.
Politics
Kennedy Memoir Doesn’t Ignore Lows
September 2, 2009 New York Times
In a memoir being published this month, Senator Edward M. Kennedy called his behavior after the 1969 car accident that killed Mary Jo Kopechne “inexcusable” and said the events might have shortened the life of his ailing father, Joseph P. Kennedy.
Education
University of Tennessee interim chief cites poor graduation rates
September 3, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
State higher education institutions need to improve graduation rates, University of Tennessee interim president Jan Simek said while visiting UT Health Science Center in Memphis as part of an annual tour of campuses.
Students Borrow More Than Ever for College
September 2, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Students are borrowing dramatically more to pay for college, accelerating a trend that has wide-ranging implications for a generation of young people.
Healthcare
Obama Relaunches Health Bid
September 3, 2009 Wall Street Journal
President Barack Obama will address a joint session of Congress next Wednesday, pressing lawmakers to accept new formulas for a politically charged overhaul of the health-care system.
Alternative medicine wants say in health reform debate
September 3, 2009 Tennessean
When patients come to see Dr. Cathy Stallworth with back pain, they're as likely to get enrolled in a therapeutic yoga class, receive hypnosis or be sent for acupuncture as they are to be prescribed drugs.
Economy
A Reluctance to Retire Means Fewer Openings
September 2, 2009 New York Times
To the long list of reasons American companies aren’t hiring — business losses, tight credit, consumer retrenchment — add the fact that many of their older workers are unable, or afraid, to retire.
Region's jobless number retreats
September 2, 2009 Nashville Post
The Nashville area's unemployment rate improved to 9.6 percent in July, retreating from the double-digit number it reached the month before.
Business
Women take over job market
September 3, 2009 USA Today
Women are on the verge of outnumbering men in the workforce for the first time, a historic reversal caused by long-term changes in women's roles and massive job losses for men during this recession.
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Clips and quote
Quote of the Day:
“Politics is a beautiful word.”
- Anna Belle Clement O’Brien, May 6, 1923 - August 31, 2009
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Unnamed Democratic donors' money goes to charity
September 2, 2009 Associated Press
Buckets of cash collected for a state legislative candidate during a major fundraising dinner put the Tennessee Democratic Party on the wrong side of state campaign finance regulations.
Education
College costs outpace aid: Could Pell Grants bill help?
August 31, 2009 Associated Press
President Obama says a bill in Congress would help him send millions more Americans to college.
Nashville school rezoning loses round
September 2, 2009 Tennessean
Opponents of Nashville's controversial school rezoning plan won their first victory in federal court Tuesday.
Healthcare
Democrats Try Tougher Tone on Health Plan
September 2, 2009 Wall Street Journal
A top White House adviser said Tuesday he doubts two Senate Republicans at the center of health-care talks are negotiating seriously, as Democrats adopted a new, more confrontational tone accusing key Republicans of blocking change.
Tennessee's Sen. Alexander: Start over on health plan
September 2, 2009 Tennessean Washington Bureau
Congress needs to throw out the current comprehensive legislative proposals to reform health care and start over by taking on the issue in smaller chunks, Sen. Lamar Alexander said Tuesday.
Conservative Democrats Expect a Health Deal
September 1, 2009 New York Times
Like her colleagues, Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, a South Dakota Democrat and leader of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, has been weathering the summer of health care discontent.
Stimulus
U.S. Economy Gets Lift From Stimulus
September 2, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Government efforts to funnel hundreds of billions of dollars into the U.S. economy appear to be helping the U.S. climb out of the worst recession in decades.
Business
Cash for Clunkers program lifts Ford, but not GM, Chrysler
September 2, 2009 Los Angeles Times
Ford Motor Co., boosted by the wildly popular Cash for Clunkers program, reported a 17 percent increase in August sales compared with a year ago, but Detroit rivals Chrysler Group and General Motors posted lower results for the month.
Economy
Call to Jury Duty Strikes Fear of Financial Ruin
September 1, 2009 New York Times
One by one, jurors answered Judge Robert A. Rosenberg when he asked whether serving a trial of four to five weeks would be a hardship.
Manufacturing Grows After 18 Weak Months
September 1, 2009 New York Times
After 18 months of layoffs, plant shutdowns and other declines, the country’s manufacturing sector grew in August, offering another piece of evidence that the economy was pulling out of recession.
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“Politics is a beautiful word.”
- Anna Belle Clement O’Brien, May 6, 1923 - August 31, 2009
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Unnamed Democratic donors' money goes to charity
September 2, 2009 Associated Press
Buckets of cash collected for a state legislative candidate during a major fundraising dinner put the Tennessee Democratic Party on the wrong side of state campaign finance regulations.
Education
College costs outpace aid: Could Pell Grants bill help?
August 31, 2009 Associated Press
President Obama says a bill in Congress would help him send millions more Americans to college.
Nashville school rezoning loses round
September 2, 2009 Tennessean
Opponents of Nashville's controversial school rezoning plan won their first victory in federal court Tuesday.
Healthcare
Democrats Try Tougher Tone on Health Plan
September 2, 2009 Wall Street Journal
A top White House adviser said Tuesday he doubts two Senate Republicans at the center of health-care talks are negotiating seriously, as Democrats adopted a new, more confrontational tone accusing key Republicans of blocking change.
Tennessee's Sen. Alexander: Start over on health plan
September 2, 2009 Tennessean Washington Bureau
Congress needs to throw out the current comprehensive legislative proposals to reform health care and start over by taking on the issue in smaller chunks, Sen. Lamar Alexander said Tuesday.
Conservative Democrats Expect a Health Deal
September 1, 2009 New York Times
Like her colleagues, Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, a South Dakota Democrat and leader of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, has been weathering the summer of health care discontent.
Stimulus
U.S. Economy Gets Lift From Stimulus
September 2, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Government efforts to funnel hundreds of billions of dollars into the U.S. economy appear to be helping the U.S. climb out of the worst recession in decades.
Business
Cash for Clunkers program lifts Ford, but not GM, Chrysler
September 2, 2009 Los Angeles Times
Ford Motor Co., boosted by the wildly popular Cash for Clunkers program, reported a 17 percent increase in August sales compared with a year ago, but Detroit rivals Chrysler Group and General Motors posted lower results for the month.
Economy
Call to Jury Duty Strikes Fear of Financial Ruin
September 1, 2009 New York Times
One by one, jurors answered Judge Robert A. Rosenberg when he asked whether serving a trial of four to five weeks would be a hardship.
Manufacturing Grows After 18 Weak Months
September 1, 2009 New York Times
After 18 months of layoffs, plant shutdowns and other declines, the country’s manufacturing sector grew in August, offering another piece of evidence that the economy was pulling out of recession.
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Clips and quote
Quote of the Day:
“It is voluntary; it is not a death panel. I don’t understand why responsible members of your party do not refute them and make it clear. One thing that is clear is that this is frightening elderly people, and there’s nothing fair about that. And I want to know if you would refute that today and say, ‘There is no such thing as death panels in the health care legislation.’”
- Lady A. Bird to Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN) at the Downtown Nashville Rotary Club on Monday. Wamp refused to refute that death panels were part of the health care legislation being considered by Congress.
Tennessee News Clips
Education
Memphis a stop on Secretary of Education's listening tour
August 31, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
In Tennessee, about 81,000 high school freshmen start school every fall. Four years later, 62,000 graduate, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan told the community Monday.
Williamson County Schools director search nears end
September 1, 2009 Tennessean
By all accounts, will have a new leader by the end of this week.
Politics
Democrats set gubernatorial straw poll
September 1, 2009 Tennessean
Democrats hope to get an early indicator of whom the party will support in the 2010 gubernatorial election with an upcoming straw poll.
Next gun battle is about local control
September 1, 2009 Tennessean
Handguns may now be permitted in hundreds of parks across the state, but the battle over the issue might not be over.
Healthcare
Health-Care Anger Has Deeper Roots
September 1, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Recent town-hall uproars weren't just about health care.
Report maps out solutions to child obesity
August 31, 2009 USA Today
To make it easier for children to eat healthfully and move more, local governments in towns and cities across the country need to help create a better environment, a new report says.
Criminal Justice
New approach aimed at reducing recidivism
September 1, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Repeat offenders continue to trouble local and state law enforcement officials, who say a new approach is needed to prevent criminals from repeatedly cycling through the prison system.
Economy
Cities Brace for a Prolonged Bout of Declining Tax Revenues
September 1, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The recession is finally hitting city budgets, with overall city revenues inching down in fiscal 2009 for the first time since 2002, according to a report to be released Tuesday by the National League of Cities.
Energy
Europe’s Ban on Old-Style Bulbs Begins
August 31, 2009 New York Times
Restrictions on the sale of incandescent bulbs begin going into effect across most of Europe on Tuesday in the continent’s latest effort to get people to save energy and combat global warming.
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“It is voluntary; it is not a death panel. I don’t understand why responsible members of your party do not refute them and make it clear. One thing that is clear is that this is frightening elderly people, and there’s nothing fair about that. And I want to know if you would refute that today and say, ‘There is no such thing as death panels in the health care legislation.’”
- Lady A. Bird to Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN) at the Downtown Nashville Rotary Club on Monday. Wamp refused to refute that death panels were part of the health care legislation being considered by Congress.
Tennessee News Clips
Education
Memphis a stop on Secretary of Education's listening tour
August 31, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
In Tennessee, about 81,000 high school freshmen start school every fall. Four years later, 62,000 graduate, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan told the community Monday.
Williamson County Schools director search nears end
September 1, 2009 Tennessean
By all accounts, will have a new leader by the end of this week.
Politics
Democrats set gubernatorial straw poll
September 1, 2009 Tennessean
Democrats hope to get an early indicator of whom the party will support in the 2010 gubernatorial election with an upcoming straw poll.
Next gun battle is about local control
September 1, 2009 Tennessean
Handguns may now be permitted in hundreds of parks across the state, but the battle over the issue might not be over.
Healthcare
Health-Care Anger Has Deeper Roots
September 1, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Recent town-hall uproars weren't just about health care.
Report maps out solutions to child obesity
August 31, 2009 USA Today
To make it easier for children to eat healthfully and move more, local governments in towns and cities across the country need to help create a better environment, a new report says.
Criminal Justice
New approach aimed at reducing recidivism
September 1, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Repeat offenders continue to trouble local and state law enforcement officials, who say a new approach is needed to prevent criminals from repeatedly cycling through the prison system.
Economy
Cities Brace for a Prolonged Bout of Declining Tax Revenues
September 1, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The recession is finally hitting city budgets, with overall city revenues inching down in fiscal 2009 for the first time since 2002, according to a report to be released Tuesday by the National League of Cities.
Energy
Europe’s Ban on Old-Style Bulbs Begins
August 31, 2009 New York Times
Restrictions on the sale of incandescent bulbs begin going into effect across most of Europe on Tuesday in the continent’s latest effort to get people to save energy and combat global warming.
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Monday, August 31, 2009
Clips and quote
Quote of the Day:
“You didn’t stay long enough Ms. Chumney. You can’t just pop up when the cameras are there.”
- Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton during a debate with the other eight candidates for Memphis City Mayor last week. Wharton was responding to mayoral candidate Carol Chumney’s statement that she had not seen Mayor Wharton in neighborhoods she had visited to help victims of recent storms.
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Clinton, Gore bolster Democrats for tough 2010 elections
August 30, 2009 Tennessean
The Tennessee Democratic Party brought the stars of the state and national party to a Nashville fundraiser meant to fire up loyalists ahead of critical elections for governor and the state legislature.
Tennessee Democrats eye 12 state House seats
August 31, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Democrats will be focusing on a dozen seats now held by Republicans in efforts to regain control of the state House next year, Rep. Mike Turner told the Tennessee Democratic Executive Committee on Saturday.
Healthcare
Insurance pricing is fairness question
August 31, 2009 Kaiser Health News
Chris Denny, who runs a small marketing firm in Santa Rosa, Calif., buys his own health insurance for $117 a month.
Health Bill Would Cut Drug Spending for Many on Medicare, Budget Office Says
August 30, 2009 New York Times
Medicare beneficiaries would often have to pay higher premiums for prescription drug coverage, but many would see their total drug spending decline, so they would save money as a result of health legislation moving through the House, the Congressional Budget Office said in a recent report.
Economy
As Big Banks Repay Bailout Money, U.S. Sees a Profit
August 30, 2009 New York Times
Nearly a year after the federal rescue of the nation’s biggest banks, taxpayers have begun seeing profits from the hundreds of billions of dollars in aid that many critics thought might never be seen again.
Commercial Real Estate Lurks as Next Potential Mortgage Crisis
August 31, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Federal Reserve and Treasury officials are scrambling to prevent the commercial-real-estate sector from delivering a roundhouse punch to the U.S. economy just as it struggles to get up off the mat.
Stimulus
$37M in federal stimulus for Tennessee could yield cures
August 31, 2009 Tennessean
Middle Tennessee's biomedical researchers are getting a two-year financial boost as they seek cures for HIV, autism and cancer.
$3.1B set aside for jobless unclaimed
August 31, 2009 USA Today
More than $3.1 billion in stimulus money for state unemployment insurance programs is sitting in a federal trust fund because 23 states haven't expanded their jobless benefits, Labor Department records show.
Energy
Tax credits revive interest in solar water heating in Tennessee
August 29, 2009 Tennessean
Most of the hot water at the home of Eric and Beth Lewis near Bellevue comes courtesy of solar panels that are remnants of tight energy times and a TVA program from almost 30 years ago.
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“You didn’t stay long enough Ms. Chumney. You can’t just pop up when the cameras are there.”
- Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton during a debate with the other eight candidates for Memphis City Mayor last week. Wharton was responding to mayoral candidate Carol Chumney’s statement that she had not seen Mayor Wharton in neighborhoods she had visited to help victims of recent storms.
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Clinton, Gore bolster Democrats for tough 2010 elections
August 30, 2009 Tennessean
The Tennessee Democratic Party brought the stars of the state and national party to a Nashville fundraiser meant to fire up loyalists ahead of critical elections for governor and the state legislature.
Tennessee Democrats eye 12 state House seats
August 31, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Democrats will be focusing on a dozen seats now held by Republicans in efforts to regain control of the state House next year, Rep. Mike Turner told the Tennessee Democratic Executive Committee on Saturday.
Healthcare
Insurance pricing is fairness question
August 31, 2009 Kaiser Health News
Chris Denny, who runs a small marketing firm in Santa Rosa, Calif., buys his own health insurance for $117 a month.
Health Bill Would Cut Drug Spending for Many on Medicare, Budget Office Says
August 30, 2009 New York Times
Medicare beneficiaries would often have to pay higher premiums for prescription drug coverage, but many would see their total drug spending decline, so they would save money as a result of health legislation moving through the House, the Congressional Budget Office said in a recent report.
Economy
As Big Banks Repay Bailout Money, U.S. Sees a Profit
August 30, 2009 New York Times
Nearly a year after the federal rescue of the nation’s biggest banks, taxpayers have begun seeing profits from the hundreds of billions of dollars in aid that many critics thought might never be seen again.
Commercial Real Estate Lurks as Next Potential Mortgage Crisis
August 31, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Federal Reserve and Treasury officials are scrambling to prevent the commercial-real-estate sector from delivering a roundhouse punch to the U.S. economy just as it struggles to get up off the mat.
Stimulus
$37M in federal stimulus for Tennessee could yield cures
August 31, 2009 Tennessean
Middle Tennessee's biomedical researchers are getting a two-year financial boost as they seek cures for HIV, autism and cancer.
$3.1B set aside for jobless unclaimed
August 31, 2009 USA Today
More than $3.1 billion in stimulus money for state unemployment insurance programs is sitting in a federal trust fund because 23 states haven't expanded their jobless benefits, Labor Department records show.
Energy
Tax credits revive interest in solar water heating in Tennessee
August 29, 2009 Tennessean
Most of the hot water at the home of Eric and Beth Lewis near Bellevue comes courtesy of solar panels that are remnants of tight energy times and a TVA program from almost 30 years ago.
Click here to Subscribe or Unsubscribe.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
News and quote of the day
Quote of the Day:
“The White House is denying rumors that President Obama has plans to play a round of golf with Tiger Woods while the President is on vacation, although Obama is planning to ask Tiger Woods if the government can borrow $300 trillion.”
- Conan O’Brien
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Push Grows for Fast Choice on Successor to Kennedy
August 26, 2009 New York Times
The push for swiftly naming an interim successor to Senator Edward M. Kennedy intensified Wednesday in the wake of his death, with Gov. Deval Patrick coming out strongly in favor of the idea and other top state lawmakers indicating they were reluctant to leave the seat vacant for months.
GOP governor's race centers on Nashville
August 27, 2009 Tennessean
For gubernatorial candidate Bill Gibbons, the course is clear.
A C's Rollout: More or Less?
August 27, 2009 Memphis Flyer
The campaign for Memphis mayor of acknowledged frontrunner A C Wharton got under way this past week with a hyper-active opening round.
Education
Knox County selected for teacher incentive program
August 27, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Amy Crawford has transformed her classroom into what she and her Sarah Moore Greene Elementary School fourth-grade pupils call the locker room.
State Treasurer May Ask to Suspend Pre-Paid College Trust Fund
August 26, 2009 Nashville Public Radio
The state could soon suspend a program that allows parents to pre-pay for college credits at today’s tuition rates.
Healthcare
Dennis Rivera Leads Labor Charge for Health Reform
August 26, 2009 New York Times
For more than a decade, Dennis Rivera was New York’s mightiest labor leader, running a union of 300,000 health care workers that often bent Albany to its will as it scared — and angered — governors, Democratic and Republican, with its hard-hitting ads.
Hospitals may benefit under health-care reform
August 27, 2009 Bloomberg News
Hospitals may gain as much as $16 billion over a decade from the Obama administration's proposals to overhaul the health-care system.
Business
Energy efficient appliances will soon come with rebate
August 26, 2009 WKRN
Tennesseans in the market for a new major appliance may want to wait a few months.
Energy
U.S. Biofuel Boom Running on Empty
August 27, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The biofuels revolution that promised to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil is fizzling out.
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“The White House is denying rumors that President Obama has plans to play a round of golf with Tiger Woods while the President is on vacation, although Obama is planning to ask Tiger Woods if the government can borrow $300 trillion.”
- Conan O’Brien
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Push Grows for Fast Choice on Successor to Kennedy
August 26, 2009 New York Times
The push for swiftly naming an interim successor to Senator Edward M. Kennedy intensified Wednesday in the wake of his death, with Gov. Deval Patrick coming out strongly in favor of the idea and other top state lawmakers indicating they were reluctant to leave the seat vacant for months.
GOP governor's race centers on Nashville
August 27, 2009 Tennessean
For gubernatorial candidate Bill Gibbons, the course is clear.
A C's Rollout: More or Less?
August 27, 2009 Memphis Flyer
The campaign for Memphis mayor of acknowledged frontrunner A C Wharton got under way this past week with a hyper-active opening round.
Education
Knox County selected for teacher incentive program
August 27, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Amy Crawford has transformed her classroom into what she and her Sarah Moore Greene Elementary School fourth-grade pupils call the locker room.
State Treasurer May Ask to Suspend Pre-Paid College Trust Fund
August 26, 2009 Nashville Public Radio
The state could soon suspend a program that allows parents to pre-pay for college credits at today’s tuition rates.
Healthcare
Dennis Rivera Leads Labor Charge for Health Reform
August 26, 2009 New York Times
For more than a decade, Dennis Rivera was New York’s mightiest labor leader, running a union of 300,000 health care workers that often bent Albany to its will as it scared — and angered — governors, Democratic and Republican, with its hard-hitting ads.
Hospitals may benefit under health-care reform
August 27, 2009 Bloomberg News
Hospitals may gain as much as $16 billion over a decade from the Obama administration's proposals to overhaul the health-care system.
Business
Energy efficient appliances will soon come with rebate
August 26, 2009 WKRN
Tennesseans in the market for a new major appliance may want to wait a few months.
Energy
U.S. Biofuel Boom Running on Empty
August 27, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The biofuels revolution that promised to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil is fizzling out.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Today's news clips and quote of the day
Quote of the Day:
“For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”
- Sen. Edward Moore “Ted” Kennedy – from his 1980 Concession speech at the end of his campaign for nomination as the Democratic Presidential candidate at the Democratic Convention in New York City (12 August 1980).
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) died last night at the age of 77.
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Edward Kennedy, Senate Stalwart, Dies
August 26, 2009 New York Times
Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, a son of one of the most storied families in American politics, a man who knew triumph and tragedy in near-equal measure and who will be remembered as one of the most effective lawmakers in the history of the Senate, died late Tuesday night.
Education
Business leaders critical of state higher-education system
August 26, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Some of East Tennessee's most prominent business leaders say the state's higher education system is falling short on providing a skilled work force that can compete in a global economy.
SAT Scores Fall as Gap Widens; Asians Gain
August 26, 2009 Wall Street Journal
High-school students' performance last year on the SAT college-entrance exam fell slightly, and the score gap generally widened between lower-performing minority groups and white and Asian-American students, raising questions about the effectiveness of national education reform efforts.
Officials say UT system no longer 'Knoxville-driven'
August 26, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
The University of Tennessee system is perceived to be too "Knoxville-centric," and a greater distinction between the statewide university system and the flagship campus in Knoxville could improve relations among campuses, trustees and campus leaders said Tuesday.
Healthcare
Real Choice? It’s Off Limits in Health Bills
August 25, 2009 New York Times
Consider the following health insurance plan.
Health Care and the Democratic Soul
August 25, 2009 Wall Street Journal
What is at stake in the debate over health care is more than the mere crafting of policy.
Economy
Cities, states wrangle over cuts to local aid
August 26, 2009 Stateline
In Minnesota, Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s cuts in state funding to local government forced cities and counties to consider their own round of layoffs, furloughs and benefit freezes.
Business
States go head-to-head to lure businesses
August 26, 2009 USA Today
Las Vegas is running ads in California warning businesses they can "kiss their assets goodbye" if they stay in the Golden State.
Environment
Climate change bill brings fight for spotlight in rallies
August 26, 2009 Tennessean
Move over, health-care reform rallies: Advocates on both sides of climate change legislation want a piece of the spotlight.
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“For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”
- Sen. Edward Moore “Ted” Kennedy – from his 1980 Concession speech at the end of his campaign for nomination as the Democratic Presidential candidate at the Democratic Convention in New York City (12 August 1980).
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) died last night at the age of 77.
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Edward Kennedy, Senate Stalwart, Dies
August 26, 2009 New York Times
Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, a son of one of the most storied families in American politics, a man who knew triumph and tragedy in near-equal measure and who will be remembered as one of the most effective lawmakers in the history of the Senate, died late Tuesday night.
Education
Business leaders critical of state higher-education system
August 26, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Some of East Tennessee's most prominent business leaders say the state's higher education system is falling short on providing a skilled work force that can compete in a global economy.
SAT Scores Fall as Gap Widens; Asians Gain
August 26, 2009 Wall Street Journal
High-school students' performance last year on the SAT college-entrance exam fell slightly, and the score gap generally widened between lower-performing minority groups and white and Asian-American students, raising questions about the effectiveness of national education reform efforts.
Officials say UT system no longer 'Knoxville-driven'
August 26, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
The University of Tennessee system is perceived to be too "Knoxville-centric," and a greater distinction between the statewide university system and the flagship campus in Knoxville could improve relations among campuses, trustees and campus leaders said Tuesday.
Healthcare
Real Choice? It’s Off Limits in Health Bills
August 25, 2009 New York Times
Consider the following health insurance plan.
Health Care and the Democratic Soul
August 25, 2009 Wall Street Journal
What is at stake in the debate over health care is more than the mere crafting of policy.
Economy
Cities, states wrangle over cuts to local aid
August 26, 2009 Stateline
In Minnesota, Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s cuts in state funding to local government forced cities and counties to consider their own round of layoffs, furloughs and benefit freezes.
Business
States go head-to-head to lure businesses
August 26, 2009 USA Today
Las Vegas is running ads in California warning businesses they can "kiss their assets goodbye" if they stay in the Golden State.
Environment
Climate change bill brings fight for spotlight in rallies
August 26, 2009 Tennessean
Move over, health-care reform rallies: Advocates on both sides of climate change legislation want a piece of the spotlight.
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tennessee News Clips
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Willie Herenton says he won't run in special election for Memphis mayor
August 24, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
He pulled a petition Aug. 13 to run for mayor, but Willie Herenton said Monday that he will not try to replace himself in the Oct. 15 special election.
Candidate touts his executive experience
August 25, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam said Monday he is the only candidate with the executive experience to be the next governor.
Education
Memphis City Schools Finalist for Multi-Million Dollar Grant
August 24, 2009 WPTY-TV Memphis
Memphis City School leaders are anticipating some big help to improve the education system.
Nashville State weighs satellite campus at Hickory Hollow Mall
August 25, 2009 Tennessean
Antioch's Hickory Hollow Mall, with corridors of empty shops, may experience a surge of new customers in the future — college students.
Healthcare
Swine flu could infect up to half of the U.S.
August 25, 2009 USA Today
The global flu pandemic expected to return to the United States this fall is likely to infect as much as half of the population, flooding hospitals with nearly 2 million patients and causing 30,000 to 90,000 deaths, according to the first official prediction of the scope of the coming epidemic.
GOP Tees Up Medicare Manifesto
August 25, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The Republican Party issued a new salvo in the health debate Monday with a "seniors' health care bill of rights" that opposed any moves to trim Medicare spending or limit end-of-life care to seniors.
Economy
U.S. Raises Estimate for 10-Year Deficit to $9 Trillion
August 25, 2009 New York Times
The Obama administration, citing an economic downturn that has been deeper than it had first thought, raised its estimate on Tuesday of the government’s deficit over the next decade to $9 trillion from $7.1 trillion.
Energy
Knox County energy project to pay for itself
August 25, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Spend some money in order to save more money.
Energy efficiency could reduce coal plant need
August 25, 2009 Associated Press
An aggressive strategy to replace aging equipment with more energy efficient products throughout the South would reduce the need to build more coal-fired power plants in the region through 2020, according to a Georgia Tech study released Monday.
Politics
Willie Herenton says he won't run in special election for Memphis mayor
August 24, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
He pulled a petition Aug. 13 to run for mayor, but Willie Herenton said Monday that he will not try to replace himself in the Oct. 15 special election.
Candidate touts his executive experience
August 25, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam said Monday he is the only candidate with the executive experience to be the next governor.
Education
Memphis City Schools Finalist for Multi-Million Dollar Grant
August 24, 2009 WPTY-TV Memphis
Memphis City School leaders are anticipating some big help to improve the education system.
Nashville State weighs satellite campus at Hickory Hollow Mall
August 25, 2009 Tennessean
Antioch's Hickory Hollow Mall, with corridors of empty shops, may experience a surge of new customers in the future — college students.
Healthcare
Swine flu could infect up to half of the U.S.
August 25, 2009 USA Today
The global flu pandemic expected to return to the United States this fall is likely to infect as much as half of the population, flooding hospitals with nearly 2 million patients and causing 30,000 to 90,000 deaths, according to the first official prediction of the scope of the coming epidemic.
GOP Tees Up Medicare Manifesto
August 25, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The Republican Party issued a new salvo in the health debate Monday with a "seniors' health care bill of rights" that opposed any moves to trim Medicare spending or limit end-of-life care to seniors.
Economy
U.S. Raises Estimate for 10-Year Deficit to $9 Trillion
August 25, 2009 New York Times
The Obama administration, citing an economic downturn that has been deeper than it had first thought, raised its estimate on Tuesday of the government’s deficit over the next decade to $9 trillion from $7.1 trillion.
Energy
Knox County energy project to pay for itself
August 25, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
Spend some money in order to save more money.
Energy efficiency could reduce coal plant need
August 25, 2009 Associated Press
An aggressive strategy to replace aging equipment with more energy efficient products throughout the South would reduce the need to build more coal-fired power plants in the region through 2020, according to a Georgia Tech study released Monday.
Quote of the day
“Tramps like us, baby we were born to run…”
- Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen’s landmark album “Born to Run” was released 34 years ago today. Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform the album in its entirety on November 18th in Nashville.
- Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen’s landmark album “Born to Run” was released 34 years ago today. Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform the album in its entirety on November 18th in Nashville.
Monday, August 24, 2009
News Clips
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Pakis-Gillon to Seek Democratic Nomination for Right to Succeed Stanley
August 24, 2009 Memphis Flyer
Although Republican state Representative Brian Kelsey of Germantown would seem to be the likely successor to former state Senator Paul Stanley in District 31, he’ll have competition from at least one Democrat, activist Adrienne Pakis-Gillon.
Education
Parents Give MCS "No Child Fails" Policy a Failing Grade
August 23, 2009 WPTY-TV Memphis
Jose Campbell has three children who fall into the district's "No Child Fails" age group.
Tenn. legislature again considers bill to start schools after Labor Day
August 24, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Public schools across Tennessee would open as late as the day after Labor Day if a group of parents, some state legislators and parts of the tourism industry have their way.
Healthcare
Health insurers' profits induce ire
August 24, 2009 Tennessean Washington Bureau
President Barack Obama has complained that health insurance companies are making record profits "at a time when everybody else is getting hammered.”
Senate Democrats Consider Tactic to Push Through Government Health Plan
August 23, 2009 New York Times
Senate Democrats said Sunday that they were fleshing out plans to pass health legislation, particularly the option of a new government-run insurance program, with a simple majority, instead of the 60 votes that would ordinarily be needed to overcome a filibuster.
Health-Bill's Pace Prompts Calls for Delay
August 24, 2009 Wall Street Journal
President Barack Obama should re-evaluate his push to overhaul the nation's health-care system and move more slowly, key senators in the debate said Sunday.
Economy
Budget Pain Spreads to Energy-Rich States
August 24, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Energy-rich states, flooded with cash last year when oil and natural-gas prices soared to record highs, are now being drained as gas prices plunged to a seven-year low Friday.
Business
Sales soar as Cash for Clunkers nears end
August 24, 2009 Associated Press
From Vermont to California, exhausted but appreciative car dealers watched their lots grow empty as crowds rushed to trade in gas guzzlers during the final weekend of the popular Cash for Clunkers program.
Energy
A Solar-Powered Oil Field?
August 24, 2009 New York Times
BrightSource Energy has broken ground on a 29-megawatt solar steam plant at a Chevron oil field in Coalinga, Calif.
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Politics
Pakis-Gillon to Seek Democratic Nomination for Right to Succeed Stanley
August 24, 2009 Memphis Flyer
Although Republican state Representative Brian Kelsey of Germantown would seem to be the likely successor to former state Senator Paul Stanley in District 31, he’ll have competition from at least one Democrat, activist Adrienne Pakis-Gillon.
Education
Parents Give MCS "No Child Fails" Policy a Failing Grade
August 23, 2009 WPTY-TV Memphis
Jose Campbell has three children who fall into the district's "No Child Fails" age group.
Tenn. legislature again considers bill to start schools after Labor Day
August 24, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Public schools across Tennessee would open as late as the day after Labor Day if a group of parents, some state legislators and parts of the tourism industry have their way.
Healthcare
Health insurers' profits induce ire
August 24, 2009 Tennessean Washington Bureau
President Barack Obama has complained that health insurance companies are making record profits "at a time when everybody else is getting hammered.”
Senate Democrats Consider Tactic to Push Through Government Health Plan
August 23, 2009 New York Times
Senate Democrats said Sunday that they were fleshing out plans to pass health legislation, particularly the option of a new government-run insurance program, with a simple majority, instead of the 60 votes that would ordinarily be needed to overcome a filibuster.
Health-Bill's Pace Prompts Calls for Delay
August 24, 2009 Wall Street Journal
President Barack Obama should re-evaluate his push to overhaul the nation's health-care system and move more slowly, key senators in the debate said Sunday.
Economy
Budget Pain Spreads to Energy-Rich States
August 24, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Energy-rich states, flooded with cash last year when oil and natural-gas prices soared to record highs, are now being drained as gas prices plunged to a seven-year low Friday.
Business
Sales soar as Cash for Clunkers nears end
August 24, 2009 Associated Press
From Vermont to California, exhausted but appreciative car dealers watched their lots grow empty as crowds rushed to trade in gas guzzlers during the final weekend of the popular Cash for Clunkers program.
Energy
A Solar-Powered Oil Field?
August 24, 2009 New York Times
BrightSource Energy has broken ground on a 29-megawatt solar steam plant at a Chevron oil field in Coalinga, Calif.
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Quote of the Day
"Brett Favre is coming out of retirement and joining the Minnesota Vikings. He's getting $12 million from Minnesota. Talk about cash for clunkers.”
- David Letterman
- David Letterman
Thursday, August 20, 2009
SSG-TN News Clips
Tennessee News Clips
Education
Memphis Schools in Running For Multi-Million-Dollar Gates Grant
August 20, 2009 Memphis Daily News
Memphis City Schools is one of five finalists that could receive part of $500 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve teacher effectiveness.
ACT scores will help gauge new standards
August 20, 2009 Tennessean
Tennessee's 2009 scores on the ACT may not show much change, but this is a big year regarding the college readiness test.
Politics
Ailing Kennedy asks for speedy replacement process
August 20, 2009 Associated Press
A cancer-stricken Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has asked Massachusetts leaders to change state law to allow a speedy replacement if it becomes necessary for him to surrender his seat, fearing a months-long vacancy would deny Democrats a crucial vote on President Obama's health care overhaul.
Entrenched Democrats are a challenge to GOP
August 20, 2009 Tennessean Washington Bureau
Hoping to capitalize on voter discontent, leaders of the National Republican Congressional Committee are targeting several Middle Tennesseans as potential GOP challengers to entrenched House Democrats.
Economy
U.S. Deficit Projection Trimmed for 2009
August 20, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The Obama administration next week will project a federal budget deficit for fiscal 2009 of about $1.58 trillion, slightly less than previously predicted, a senior administration official said.
Healthcare
New Rx for Health Plan: Split Bill
August 20, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The White House and Senate Democratic leaders, seeing little chance of bipartisan support for their health-care overhaul, are considering a strategy shift that would break the legislation into two parts and pass the most expensive provisions solely with Democratic votes.
Obama Calls Health Plan a ‘Moral Obligation’
August 19, 2009 New York Times
President Obama sought Wednesday to reframe the health care debate as “a core ethical and moral obligation,” imploring a coalition of religious leaders to help promote the plan to lower costs and expand insurance coverage for all Americans.
Business
Program to Offer Appliance Rebates
August 20, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Appliance manufacturers are counting on a "cash for clunkers"-type rebate program to revive slumping sales of refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers.
Energy
Ford Studying Techniques to Charge Electric Vehicles
August 18, 2009 New York Times
Well before its electric vehicles hit the road, the Ford Motor Company is focusing on how consumers will charge their car batteries.
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Education
Memphis Schools in Running For Multi-Million-Dollar Gates Grant
August 20, 2009 Memphis Daily News
Memphis City Schools is one of five finalists that could receive part of $500 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve teacher effectiveness.
ACT scores will help gauge new standards
August 20, 2009 Tennessean
Tennessee's 2009 scores on the ACT may not show much change, but this is a big year regarding the college readiness test.
Politics
Ailing Kennedy asks for speedy replacement process
August 20, 2009 Associated Press
A cancer-stricken Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has asked Massachusetts leaders to change state law to allow a speedy replacement if it becomes necessary for him to surrender his seat, fearing a months-long vacancy would deny Democrats a crucial vote on President Obama's health care overhaul.
Entrenched Democrats are a challenge to GOP
August 20, 2009 Tennessean Washington Bureau
Hoping to capitalize on voter discontent, leaders of the National Republican Congressional Committee are targeting several Middle Tennesseans as potential GOP challengers to entrenched House Democrats.
Economy
U.S. Deficit Projection Trimmed for 2009
August 20, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The Obama administration next week will project a federal budget deficit for fiscal 2009 of about $1.58 trillion, slightly less than previously predicted, a senior administration official said.
Healthcare
New Rx for Health Plan: Split Bill
August 20, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The White House and Senate Democratic leaders, seeing little chance of bipartisan support for their health-care overhaul, are considering a strategy shift that would break the legislation into two parts and pass the most expensive provisions solely with Democratic votes.
Obama Calls Health Plan a ‘Moral Obligation’
August 19, 2009 New York Times
President Obama sought Wednesday to reframe the health care debate as “a core ethical and moral obligation,” imploring a coalition of religious leaders to help promote the plan to lower costs and expand insurance coverage for all Americans.
Business
Program to Offer Appliance Rebates
August 20, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Appliance manufacturers are counting on a "cash for clunkers"-type rebate program to revive slumping sales of refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers.
Energy
Ford Studying Techniques to Charge Electric Vehicles
August 18, 2009 New York Times
Well before its electric vehicles hit the road, the Ford Motor Company is focusing on how consumers will charge their car batteries.
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Follow SSG-TN on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ssg_tn
Monday, August 17, 2009
News Clips
Quote of the Day:
“President Obama has been explaining his healthcare plan now to senior citizens. And yesterday, at a town hall meeting, he promised the crowd that he will not, quote, 'pull the plug on Grandma.' Then, there was an awkward moment when Grandpa stood up and booed.”
- Conan O’Brien
Tennessee News Clips
Education
Covenant would guarantee grads 2 years of college
August 17, 2009 Tennessean
Graduate from McGavock High School and get money for college — that's a promise some local leaders are hoping to make to Metro students.
Dangling Money, Obama Pushes an Education Shift
August 16, 2009 New York Times
Holding out billions of dollars as a potential windfall, the Obama administration is persuading state after state to rewrite education laws to open the door to more charter schools and expand the use of student test scores for judging teachers.
GED test taking spikes in Tennessee, Georgia
August 17, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
A sputtering economy and a desire to rethink educational options spurred more adults in Tennessee, Georgia -- and across the nation -- to take the GED test last year, according to a new report.
Healthcare
Tennessee Experiment's High Cost Fuels Health-Care Debate
August 17, 2009 Wall Street Journal
In 1994, Tennessee launched an ambitious public insurance program to cover its uninsured. The plan, TennCare, fulfilled that mission but nearly bankrupted the state in the process.
‘Public Option’ in Health Plan May Be Dropped
August 16, 2009 New York Times
The White House, facing increasing skepticism over President Obama’s call for a public insurance plan to compete with the private sector, signaled Sunday that it was willing to compromise and would consider a proposal for a nonprofit health cooperative being developed in the Senate.
Politics
Nashville restaurateur seeks quick ruling on guns lawsuit
August 17, 2009 Tennessean
A Nashville restaurant owner plans to ask today for a quick decision in his lawsuit challenging the new state law that allows guns in restaurants and bars.
Economy
Mixed signals better than all bad news
August 17, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
A downtick in the unemployment rate and a positive report on productivity aren't signaling to the University of Tennessee's Matt Murray that an economic rebound is around the corner.
Business
Soda makers: Don't tax our soft drinks
August 17, 2009 USA Today
Industry groups are fighting a soft-drink tax proposal that is not part of any pending health care measure.
Energy
A New Test for Business and Biofuel
August 16, 2009 New York Times
An unusual experiment featuring equal parts science, environmental optimism and Native American capitalist ambition is unfolding here on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in southwest Colorado.
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“President Obama has been explaining his healthcare plan now to senior citizens. And yesterday, at a town hall meeting, he promised the crowd that he will not, quote, 'pull the plug on Grandma.' Then, there was an awkward moment when Grandpa stood up and booed.”
- Conan O’Brien
Tennessee News Clips
Education
Covenant would guarantee grads 2 years of college
August 17, 2009 Tennessean
Graduate from McGavock High School and get money for college — that's a promise some local leaders are hoping to make to Metro students.
Dangling Money, Obama Pushes an Education Shift
August 16, 2009 New York Times
Holding out billions of dollars as a potential windfall, the Obama administration is persuading state after state to rewrite education laws to open the door to more charter schools and expand the use of student test scores for judging teachers.
GED test taking spikes in Tennessee, Georgia
August 17, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
A sputtering economy and a desire to rethink educational options spurred more adults in Tennessee, Georgia -- and across the nation -- to take the GED test last year, according to a new report.
Healthcare
Tennessee Experiment's High Cost Fuels Health-Care Debate
August 17, 2009 Wall Street Journal
In 1994, Tennessee launched an ambitious public insurance program to cover its uninsured. The plan, TennCare, fulfilled that mission but nearly bankrupted the state in the process.
‘Public Option’ in Health Plan May Be Dropped
August 16, 2009 New York Times
The White House, facing increasing skepticism over President Obama’s call for a public insurance plan to compete with the private sector, signaled Sunday that it was willing to compromise and would consider a proposal for a nonprofit health cooperative being developed in the Senate.
Politics
Nashville restaurateur seeks quick ruling on guns lawsuit
August 17, 2009 Tennessean
A Nashville restaurant owner plans to ask today for a quick decision in his lawsuit challenging the new state law that allows guns in restaurants and bars.
Economy
Mixed signals better than all bad news
August 17, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
A downtick in the unemployment rate and a positive report on productivity aren't signaling to the University of Tennessee's Matt Murray that an economic rebound is around the corner.
Business
Soda makers: Don't tax our soft drinks
August 17, 2009 USA Today
Industry groups are fighting a soft-drink tax proposal that is not part of any pending health care measure.
Energy
A New Test for Business and Biofuel
August 16, 2009 New York Times
An unusual experiment featuring equal parts science, environmental optimism and Native American capitalist ambition is unfolding here on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in southwest Colorado.
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Friday, August 14, 2009
Clips and Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day:
“Whoever the mayor of Memphis is, we are going to work with them, whether they like it or not.”
- Congressman Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) on former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton picking up papers to run for mayor after resigning the position two weeks ago.
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Willie Herenton picks up petition to run for Memphis mayor — again
August 13, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
In a move that baffled both allies and critics, Willie W. Herenton took an initial step Thursday toward reclaiming the Memphis mayor’s office he retired from less than two weeks ago.
Education
Metro Schools Revamp Discipline Policy
August 13, 2009 Nashville Public Radio
It may become tougher for suspended students to fall off the radar in Metro Nashville schools this year.
Schools Enact Tougher Education Standards
August 13, 2009 WSMV
he state is making big changes in hopes of better preparing students for college and the workforce.
Programs to help unemployed college graduates with debt
August 14, 2009 USA Today
New public, private and college-based programs are targeting a grim and growing market: unemployed college graduates who can't afford to repay their student loans.
Healthcare
Health-care rally hits Nashville rush hour
August 14, 2009 Tennessean
The heated debate over President Barack Obama's proposed health-care reforms came to the streets of Nashville on Thursday.
Health care showdown shifts to TV ads
August 13, 2009 USA Today
The health care battle bubbling over in town-hall forums across the country this month is shifting to television screens as groups on each side of the issue launch multimillion-dollar ad blitzes to influence the debate.
Economy
Geithner Sees Good Vital Signs
August 14, 2009 Wall Street Journal
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the Obama administration wouldn't allow Wall Street to return to such old habits as taking on excessive risk, and that plans to overhaul financial-market regulation were on track.
Business
'Clunkers' Plan Needs a Tuneup
August 14, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The Obama administration eased the rules of its "cash for clunkers" program Thursday, saying it would let consumers order autos that dealers don't have in stock.
Energy
TVA testing energy-efficiency technology in modified homes
August 14, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
TVA has developed three homes in a Campbell Creek subdivision in Farragut in which showers come on by themselves, lights mysteriously turn off and on, and refrigerator doors open and close without a soul in the kitchen — all without the use of psychic power.
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“Whoever the mayor of Memphis is, we are going to work with them, whether they like it or not.”
- Congressman Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) on former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton picking up papers to run for mayor after resigning the position two weeks ago.
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Willie Herenton picks up petition to run for Memphis mayor — again
August 13, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
In a move that baffled both allies and critics, Willie W. Herenton took an initial step Thursday toward reclaiming the Memphis mayor’s office he retired from less than two weeks ago.
Education
Metro Schools Revamp Discipline Policy
August 13, 2009 Nashville Public Radio
It may become tougher for suspended students to fall off the radar in Metro Nashville schools this year.
Schools Enact Tougher Education Standards
August 13, 2009 WSMV
he state is making big changes in hopes of better preparing students for college and the workforce.
Programs to help unemployed college graduates with debt
August 14, 2009 USA Today
New public, private and college-based programs are targeting a grim and growing market: unemployed college graduates who can't afford to repay their student loans.
Healthcare
Health-care rally hits Nashville rush hour
August 14, 2009 Tennessean
The heated debate over President Barack Obama's proposed health-care reforms came to the streets of Nashville on Thursday.
Health care showdown shifts to TV ads
August 13, 2009 USA Today
The health care battle bubbling over in town-hall forums across the country this month is shifting to television screens as groups on each side of the issue launch multimillion-dollar ad blitzes to influence the debate.
Economy
Geithner Sees Good Vital Signs
August 14, 2009 Wall Street Journal
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the Obama administration wouldn't allow Wall Street to return to such old habits as taking on excessive risk, and that plans to overhaul financial-market regulation were on track.
Business
'Clunkers' Plan Needs a Tuneup
August 14, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The Obama administration eased the rules of its "cash for clunkers" program Thursday, saying it would let consumers order autos that dealers don't have in stock.
Energy
TVA testing energy-efficiency technology in modified homes
August 14, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
TVA has developed three homes in a Campbell Creek subdivision in Farragut in which showers come on by themselves, lights mysteriously turn off and on, and refrigerator doors open and close without a soul in the kitchen — all without the use of psychic power.
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Thursday, August 13, 2009
SSG-TN News Clips
Tennessee News Clips
Education
Expanding the Charter Option
August 12, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Andrea Byrd, mother of two boys, had enough with her son's school.
Tennessee gets $22 million grant for charter schools
August 12, 2009 Nashville Business Journal
The Tennessee Department of Education has been awarded a $22 million Charter School Program Grant, to be distributed over the next five years, from the U.S. Department of
Education.
Politics
Sen. Stanley stand-in likely
August 12, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
State Sen. Paul Stanley left office this month following news that he had an affair with an intern, and now the Shelby County Commission appears likely to pick a short-term replacement for the Germantown Republican.
Knoxville already bans guns in parks
August 13, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
As it turns out, going armed in Knoxville city parks is illegal and has been for at least three decades, regardless of the state’s recent “guns in parks” law, according to Knoxville City Council’s attorney.
Stimulus
Some states get share of stimulus faster
August 13, 2009 USA Today
Stimulus money is flowing far more slowly to some states than others, a USA TODAY analysis shows, despite the Obama administration's push to speed up spending to help jump start the nation's economy.
Economy
U.S. Employers Grow More Optimistic
August 12, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Major U.S. employers are growing more optimistic, with few planning additional layoffs and many planning to reverse course in coming months on cost-cutting initiatives such as salary freezes, according to a new survey.
Healthcare
More Health Care Town Halls Planned
August 12, 2009 Nashville Public Radio
More of Tennessee’s congressional delegation has planned in-person town hall meetings to discuss proposals for health care overhaul.
Energy
Al Gore's group for clean energy opens Nashville office
August 13, 2009 Tennessean
The activist arm of former Vice President Al Gore's nonprofit Alliance for Climate Protection has opened a Nashville office as part of a growing ripple of volunteers nationwide advocating a limit on greenhouse gases.
Renewable energy plan risks blackouts
August 13, 2009 Bloomberg News
President Barack Obama's push for wind and solar energy to wean the U.S. from foreign oil carries a hidden cost: overburdening the nation's electrical grid and increasing the threat of blackouts.
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Education
Expanding the Charter Option
August 12, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Andrea Byrd, mother of two boys, had enough with her son's school.
Tennessee gets $22 million grant for charter schools
August 12, 2009 Nashville Business Journal
The Tennessee Department of Education has been awarded a $22 million Charter School Program Grant, to be distributed over the next five years, from the U.S. Department of
Education.
Politics
Sen. Stanley stand-in likely
August 12, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
State Sen. Paul Stanley left office this month following news that he had an affair with an intern, and now the Shelby County Commission appears likely to pick a short-term replacement for the Germantown Republican.
Knoxville already bans guns in parks
August 13, 2009 Knoxville News Sentinel
As it turns out, going armed in Knoxville city parks is illegal and has been for at least three decades, regardless of the state’s recent “guns in parks” law, according to Knoxville City Council’s attorney.
Stimulus
Some states get share of stimulus faster
August 13, 2009 USA Today
Stimulus money is flowing far more slowly to some states than others, a USA TODAY analysis shows, despite the Obama administration's push to speed up spending to help jump start the nation's economy.
Economy
U.S. Employers Grow More Optimistic
August 12, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Major U.S. employers are growing more optimistic, with few planning additional layoffs and many planning to reverse course in coming months on cost-cutting initiatives such as salary freezes, according to a new survey.
Healthcare
More Health Care Town Halls Planned
August 12, 2009 Nashville Public Radio
More of Tennessee’s congressional delegation has planned in-person town hall meetings to discuss proposals for health care overhaul.
Energy
Al Gore's group for clean energy opens Nashville office
August 13, 2009 Tennessean
The activist arm of former Vice President Al Gore's nonprofit Alliance for Climate Protection has opened a Nashville office as part of a growing ripple of volunteers nationwide advocating a limit on greenhouse gases.
Renewable energy plan risks blackouts
August 13, 2009 Bloomberg News
President Barack Obama's push for wind and solar energy to wean the U.S. from foreign oil carries a hidden cost: overburdening the nation's electrical grid and increasing the threat of blackouts.
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Quote of the day
"I started that campaign that afternoon with two votes – mine and his. And his was soft."
- Sen. Jim Kyle (D-Memphis) during his gubernatorial campaign kick-off in Memphis on Tuesday. Kyle was describing his brother's support for his first race for the state Senate.
- Sen. Jim Kyle (D-Memphis) during his gubernatorial campaign kick-off in Memphis on Tuesday. Kyle was describing his brother's support for his first race for the state Senate.
SSG-TN News Clips
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
A President as Micromanager
August 12, 2009 Wall Street Journal
In briefing President Barack Obama one day this spring, White House economist Jared Bernstein delved into such arcana as the yields on different forms of credit relative to the risk.
Rep. Jim Cooper backs out of Nashville school speech
August 12, 2009 Tennessean
Health-care reform opponents hoping to give Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper a piece of their mind at a town hall meeting Friday at West End Middle School may be in for a surprise.
Overhauling Social Security on the Agenda, Summers Says
August 11, 2009 New York Times
About the same time that President Obama was at a town-hall meeting in New Hampshire, pitching the benefits of a health care overhaul, one of his top economic advisers was fielding questions about what might come next.
Education
Economy, desire for degrees fill Tennessee community colleges
August 12, 2009 Tennessean
In a bad economy, a good education is looking more and more attractive to Tennesseans.
Metro still needs to hire teachers
August 12, 2009 Nashville City Paper
Nashville public school students are back in class on Friday.
Even as kids pack to go to college, it's not too late for aid
August 11, 2009 USA Today
Few things are more demoralizing than receiving a bill that exceeds the amount of money in your bank account.
Economy
Economists Call for Bernanke to Stay, Say Recession Is Over
August 11, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Economists are nearly unanimous that Ben Bernanke should be reappointed to another term as Federal Reserve chairman, and they said there is a 71% chance that President Barack Obama will ask him to stay on, according to a survey.
Healthcare
Obama battles health care 'chatter'
August 12, 2009 USA Today
This is not the August that President Obama had planned.
Survey Finds High Fees Common in Medical Care
August 11, 2009 New York Times
A patient in Illinois was charged $12,712 for cataract surgery. Medicare pays $675 for the same procedure.
Business
G.M. Puts Electric Car’s City Mileage in Triple Digits
August 11, 2009 New York Times
General Motors said Tuesday that its Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle, scheduled for release in 2011, would achieve a fuel rating of 230 miles a gallon in city driving.
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Politics
A President as Micromanager
August 12, 2009 Wall Street Journal
In briefing President Barack Obama one day this spring, White House economist Jared Bernstein delved into such arcana as the yields on different forms of credit relative to the risk.
Rep. Jim Cooper backs out of Nashville school speech
August 12, 2009 Tennessean
Health-care reform opponents hoping to give Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper a piece of their mind at a town hall meeting Friday at West End Middle School may be in for a surprise.
Overhauling Social Security on the Agenda, Summers Says
August 11, 2009 New York Times
About the same time that President Obama was at a town-hall meeting in New Hampshire, pitching the benefits of a health care overhaul, one of his top economic advisers was fielding questions about what might come next.
Education
Economy, desire for degrees fill Tennessee community colleges
August 12, 2009 Tennessean
In a bad economy, a good education is looking more and more attractive to Tennesseans.
Metro still needs to hire teachers
August 12, 2009 Nashville City Paper
Nashville public school students are back in class on Friday.
Even as kids pack to go to college, it's not too late for aid
August 11, 2009 USA Today
Few things are more demoralizing than receiving a bill that exceeds the amount of money in your bank account.
Economy
Economists Call for Bernanke to Stay, Say Recession Is Over
August 11, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Economists are nearly unanimous that Ben Bernanke should be reappointed to another term as Federal Reserve chairman, and they said there is a 71% chance that President Barack Obama will ask him to stay on, according to a survey.
Healthcare
Obama battles health care 'chatter'
August 12, 2009 USA Today
This is not the August that President Obama had planned.
Survey Finds High Fees Common in Medical Care
August 11, 2009 New York Times
A patient in Illinois was charged $12,712 for cataract surgery. Medicare pays $675 for the same procedure.
Business
G.M. Puts Electric Car’s City Mileage in Triple Digits
August 11, 2009 New York Times
General Motors said Tuesday that its Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle, scheduled for release in 2011, would achieve a fuel rating of 230 miles a gallon in city driving.
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Monday, August 10, 2009
SSG-TN News Clips
Politics
State Rep. Campfield says he'll seek Senate seat
August 10, 2009 Tennessean
State Rep. Stacey Campfield says he'll seek the Senate seat being vacated next year by Tim Burchett.
State Sen. Jim Kyle prepares to run for governor
August 10, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
State Sen. Jim Kyle of Memphis launches his campaign for governor Tuesday emphasizing his experience as chief legislative sponsor of Gov. Phil Bredesen's initiatives and his role in the upcoming push for higher education reform.
Development
Phone, cable giants to provide data for government's broadband map
August 10, 2009 Associated Press
The country's biggest phone and cable companies have agreed to hand over information about their broadband networks to help the federal government produce a national map showing where high-speed Internet connections are available across the U.S.
Education
Subpar Tennessee raises bar for public schools
August 10, 2009 Tennessean
Tennessee's attempt to drastically transform its poorly performing public schools begins this year with a new curriculum, new tests and a new list of textbooks.
Stimulus
Stimulus keeps checks coming as job hunts fail
August 10, 2009 Tennessean
This is not the first time that Gary Mendenhall has been out of a job. But this is different.
Healthcare
Consumer protections lost in health care debate
August 10, 2009 Associated Press
It’s one issue in the health care debate that nearly everyone — even the insurance lobby — seems to agree on: Better consumer protections are needed to end the nightmare of not being able to get covered for a treatable, if costly, illness.
Poll: Americans divided on health care overhaul
August 10, 2009 USA Today
As supporters and opponents of overhauling the health care system try to shape public opinion at congressional town-hall-style meetings, both sides face a big complication: Public opinion on the issue is complex in ways that defy an easy Republican-Democratic divide.
Economy
Recession may force revisions to the operation of state government
August 10, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
The worst economy since the Great Depression could leave state government finances in the ditch for years to come, ultimately forcing painful decisions by Tennessee’s next governor about the services the state provides, fiscal experts say.
Buyouts lure 9,000 state workers into retirement
August 10, 2009 Stateline
Looking to shield their work forces from tumultuous cutbacks, at least six cash-strapped states have decided this year to spend millions on incentives to encourage government employees to retire.
Energy
Builders fear energy law could stall housing rally
August 10, 2009 Bloomberg News
Legislation requiring new U.S. homes to be more energy-efficient threatens to smother a rebound in the housing market, homebuilders say.
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State Rep. Campfield says he'll seek Senate seat
August 10, 2009 Tennessean
State Rep. Stacey Campfield says he'll seek the Senate seat being vacated next year by Tim Burchett.
State Sen. Jim Kyle prepares to run for governor
August 10, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
State Sen. Jim Kyle of Memphis launches his campaign for governor Tuesday emphasizing his experience as chief legislative sponsor of Gov. Phil Bredesen's initiatives and his role in the upcoming push for higher education reform.
Development
Phone, cable giants to provide data for government's broadband map
August 10, 2009 Associated Press
The country's biggest phone and cable companies have agreed to hand over information about their broadband networks to help the federal government produce a national map showing where high-speed Internet connections are available across the U.S.
Education
Subpar Tennessee raises bar for public schools
August 10, 2009 Tennessean
Tennessee's attempt to drastically transform its poorly performing public schools begins this year with a new curriculum, new tests and a new list of textbooks.
Stimulus
Stimulus keeps checks coming as job hunts fail
August 10, 2009 Tennessean
This is not the first time that Gary Mendenhall has been out of a job. But this is different.
Healthcare
Consumer protections lost in health care debate
August 10, 2009 Associated Press
It’s one issue in the health care debate that nearly everyone — even the insurance lobby — seems to agree on: Better consumer protections are needed to end the nightmare of not being able to get covered for a treatable, if costly, illness.
Poll: Americans divided on health care overhaul
August 10, 2009 USA Today
As supporters and opponents of overhauling the health care system try to shape public opinion at congressional town-hall-style meetings, both sides face a big complication: Public opinion on the issue is complex in ways that defy an easy Republican-Democratic divide.
Economy
Recession may force revisions to the operation of state government
August 10, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
The worst economy since the Great Depression could leave state government finances in the ditch for years to come, ultimately forcing painful decisions by Tennessee’s next governor about the services the state provides, fiscal experts say.
Buyouts lure 9,000 state workers into retirement
August 10, 2009 Stateline
Looking to shield their work forces from tumultuous cutbacks, at least six cash-strapped states have decided this year to spend millions on incentives to encourage government employees to retire.
Energy
Builders fear energy law could stall housing rally
August 10, 2009 Bloomberg News
Legislation requiring new U.S. homes to be more energy-efficient threatens to smother a rebound in the housing market, homebuilders say.
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Quote of the Day
"This week the Toyota Corolla became the most traded-in car as part of the 'Cash for Clunkers' program. After hearing about it, the CEO of General Motors said, 'Oh my God, don't tell me Toyota makes even a better clunker than we do.'"
- Conan O'Brien
- Conan O'Brien
Friday, August 7, 2009
Good quote
“The race starts today. I'm issuing a challenge to our nation's governors, to school boards, principals, and teachers, to businesses and non-for-profits, to parents and students: if you set and enforce rigorous and challenging standards and assessments, if you put outstanding teachers at the front of the classroom, if you turn around failing schools, your state can win a Race to the Top grant that will not only help students outcompete workers around the world but let them fulfill their God-given potential. This competition will not be based on politics or ideology or the preferences of a particular interest group. Instead, it will be based on a simple principle -- whether a state is ready to do what works. We will use the best evidence available to determine whether a state can meet a few key benchmarks for reform, and states that outperform the rest will be rewarded with a grant. Not every state will win, and not every school district will be happy with the results, but America's children, America's economy, and America itself will be better for it.”
- President Barack Obama (7/24/09), announcing Race to the Top at the Department of Education
- President Barack Obama (7/24/09), announcing Race to the Top at the Department of Education
SSG-TN News Clips
Tennessee News Clips
Energy
Grants sought for grid
August 7, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
EPB and other TVA distributors are asking Uncle Sam for help to make their electric systems smarter.
Politics
Sotomayor vote divides Tenn. Senators
August 7, 2009 Gannett Washington Bureau
Tennessee's Republican senators split their votes Thursday on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, with Sen. Lamar Alexander voting for her, while Sen. Bob Corker voted against her appointment to the high court.
Senate Stuff
August 6, 2009 Memphis Flyer
It will soon be official, on Tuesday of next week, in fact. State senator Jim Kyle of Memphis, who in recent years has been serving as the Democrats' leader in the Senate, will officially declare his candidacy for governor in the course of a combination announcement/rally at the McWherter Library at the University of Memphis.
Education
Added classes cut into Memphis City Schools teachers' time for planning, grading
August 7, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
High school teachers in Memphis City Schools will teach seven classes a week this year instead of five.
Stimulus
Economists See a Limited Boost From Stimulus
August 6, 2009 New York Times
Even as the Obama administration braces for another grim report about job losses on Friday, economists say that the president’s $787 billion stimulus package has helped blunt the downturn in limited but discernible ways.
Healthcare
Senators Hear Concerns Over Costs of Health Proposal
August 6, 2009 New York Times
Senior members of the Senate Finance Committee, trying to put together a bipartisan bill to guarantee health insurance for all Americans, were told Thursday that their proposals might be unaffordable to states and to many low-income people.
Blackburn urges transparency in health care
August 6, 2009 Nashville Business Journal
U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn told members of the technology and health industry on Thursday that she wants to microtarget areas of health care that need reform like information technology and dealing with those who have pre-existing conditions.
Criminal Justice
Tennessee to cut prison population by 3,000
August 7, 2009 Tennessean
The Tennessee Department of Correction will reduce the state's prison population by 3,000 over the next two years, focusing on keeping low-risk offenders from going back to jail, as a way to cope with an ongoing budget crunch.
Business
Clunkers plan saps dealers of popular models
August 7, 2009 Associated Press
Under normal circumstances, it would take Ford Motor Co. about a month to replace a Focus sold at one of Richard Bazzy's two Pittsburgh-area dealerships.
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Energy
Grants sought for grid
August 7, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
EPB and other TVA distributors are asking Uncle Sam for help to make their electric systems smarter.
Politics
Sotomayor vote divides Tenn. Senators
August 7, 2009 Gannett Washington Bureau
Tennessee's Republican senators split their votes Thursday on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, with Sen. Lamar Alexander voting for her, while Sen. Bob Corker voted against her appointment to the high court.
Senate Stuff
August 6, 2009 Memphis Flyer
It will soon be official, on Tuesday of next week, in fact. State senator Jim Kyle of Memphis, who in recent years has been serving as the Democrats' leader in the Senate, will officially declare his candidacy for governor in the course of a combination announcement/rally at the McWherter Library at the University of Memphis.
Education
Added classes cut into Memphis City Schools teachers' time for planning, grading
August 7, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
High school teachers in Memphis City Schools will teach seven classes a week this year instead of five.
Stimulus
Economists See a Limited Boost From Stimulus
August 6, 2009 New York Times
Even as the Obama administration braces for another grim report about job losses on Friday, economists say that the president’s $787 billion stimulus package has helped blunt the downturn in limited but discernible ways.
Healthcare
Senators Hear Concerns Over Costs of Health Proposal
August 6, 2009 New York Times
Senior members of the Senate Finance Committee, trying to put together a bipartisan bill to guarantee health insurance for all Americans, were told Thursday that their proposals might be unaffordable to states and to many low-income people.
Blackburn urges transparency in health care
August 6, 2009 Nashville Business Journal
U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn told members of the technology and health industry on Thursday that she wants to microtarget areas of health care that need reform like information technology and dealing with those who have pre-existing conditions.
Criminal Justice
Tennessee to cut prison population by 3,000
August 7, 2009 Tennessean
The Tennessee Department of Correction will reduce the state's prison population by 3,000 over the next two years, focusing on keeping low-risk offenders from going back to jail, as a way to cope with an ongoing budget crunch.
Business
Clunkers plan saps dealers of popular models
August 7, 2009 Associated Press
Under normal circumstances, it would take Ford Motor Co. about a month to replace a Focus sold at one of Richard Bazzy's two Pittsburgh-area dealerships.
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Quote of the Day
Ferris Bueller: Look, it's real simple. Whatever mileage we put on, we'll take off.
Cameron: How?
Ferris Bueller: We'll drive home backwards.
- John Hughes, February 18, 1950 – August 6, 2009
Cameron: How?
Ferris Bueller: We'll drive home backwards.
- John Hughes, February 18, 1950 – August 6, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
SSG-TN News Clips
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
Neither Speaker Nor State GOP Chair Rushing to Reconcile
August 5, 2009 Nashville Public Radio
The Speaker of the state House of Representatives and the new Chairman of the Tennessee GOP both say they’re open to talks with the other.
Do the crime, pay for the time, as in $90 a day
August 6, 2009 Associated Press
A one-night stay? Ninety dollars. Need to see a doctor? Ten bucks. Want toilet paper? Pay for it yourself.
Education
First charter high school spurred by Gates grant
August 5, 2009 Nashville City Paper
Development of Nashville’s first charter high school has received a substantial financial shot from a $320,000 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded grant.
New textbooks open for public review
August 5, 2009 Nashville City Paper
A slate of possible new textbooks for public schools are open for public viewing and input.
Healthcare
Healthcare debate gets uglier
August 6, 2009 Los Angeles Times
An effigy of Rep. Frank Kratovil Jr. was hung outside his office on the eastern shore of Maryland.
Seniors defend Medicare plan Obama calls 'wasteful'
August 5, 2009 USA Today
One of the largest spending cuts Congress could rely on to pay for an overhaul of the nation's health care system comes from a Medicare program President Obama has called a "wasteful" subsidy for the health insurance industry.
Development
Electric car chargers to come early to Nashville
August 6, 2009 Associated Press
Nashville will be one of the first cities to get chargers for electric vehicles, according to an Arizona-based company working with Nissan and getting an almost $100 million federal grant.
Economy
Sales tax breaks erode state revenues
August 6, 2009 Stateline
As shoppers in 15 states rush to buy tax-free clothing and school supplies this August, some lawmakers are experiencing buyer's remorse: Their "sales-tax holidays" are pinching revenues at a time when state coffers are hurting.
Bredesen tells state agencies to slash another $56 million
August 5, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Faced with a continuing revenue decline, Gov. Phil Bredesen is withholding another $56.1 million from state agencies on top of $750 million in cuts and $151 million in planned savings already built into the state budget.
Energy
A Bloom in Biofuels
August 5, 2009 Seed Magazine
The fossil fuels of today largely came from the aquatic single-celled photosynthesizers of yesterday.
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Politics
Neither Speaker Nor State GOP Chair Rushing to Reconcile
August 5, 2009 Nashville Public Radio
The Speaker of the state House of Representatives and the new Chairman of the Tennessee GOP both say they’re open to talks with the other.
Do the crime, pay for the time, as in $90 a day
August 6, 2009 Associated Press
A one-night stay? Ninety dollars. Need to see a doctor? Ten bucks. Want toilet paper? Pay for it yourself.
Education
First charter high school spurred by Gates grant
August 5, 2009 Nashville City Paper
Development of Nashville’s first charter high school has received a substantial financial shot from a $320,000 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded grant.
New textbooks open for public review
August 5, 2009 Nashville City Paper
A slate of possible new textbooks for public schools are open for public viewing and input.
Healthcare
Healthcare debate gets uglier
August 6, 2009 Los Angeles Times
An effigy of Rep. Frank Kratovil Jr. was hung outside his office on the eastern shore of Maryland.
Seniors defend Medicare plan Obama calls 'wasteful'
August 5, 2009 USA Today
One of the largest spending cuts Congress could rely on to pay for an overhaul of the nation's health care system comes from a Medicare program President Obama has called a "wasteful" subsidy for the health insurance industry.
Development
Electric car chargers to come early to Nashville
August 6, 2009 Associated Press
Nashville will be one of the first cities to get chargers for electric vehicles, according to an Arizona-based company working with Nissan and getting an almost $100 million federal grant.
Economy
Sales tax breaks erode state revenues
August 6, 2009 Stateline
As shoppers in 15 states rush to buy tax-free clothing and school supplies this August, some lawmakers are experiencing buyer's remorse: Their "sales-tax holidays" are pinching revenues at a time when state coffers are hurting.
Bredesen tells state agencies to slash another $56 million
August 5, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Faced with a continuing revenue decline, Gov. Phil Bredesen is withholding another $56.1 million from state agencies on top of $750 million in cuts and $151 million in planned savings already built into the state budget.
Energy
A Bloom in Biofuels
August 5, 2009 Seed Magazine
The fossil fuels of today largely came from the aquatic single-celled photosynthesizers of yesterday.
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