IN THE NEWS
IN THE CAPITOL
The House Floor
Week of 2/9: Prior to the Governor’s State of the State address, I led my first delegation press conference during which I reiterated my objections to Lt. Gov. Ramsey’s rigging of the special session and called on the Governor to keep fighting for Insure Tennessee. Following the Governor’s address, activity on the House floor was limited during the first legislative week of session as bills rolled in and were passed on first reading. We passed a joint resolution on February 9th honoring Coach Tim Corbin and his Vanderbilt University Baseball Team for its 2014 NCAA National Championship. Governor Haslam signed the joint resolution on February 13, 2015. Like the other great colleges and universities in District 55, I am proud that District 55 is the home of Coach Corbin and Vanderbilt University. As many of you know, I have been actively involved in Nashville RBI (Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities), a non-profit organization that is now part of the Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee, for several years. Coach Corbin and his Vanderbilt baseball players and alumni have always been supportive and active role models for the children of Nashville so it was a real privilege for me to be able to formally show my support for them and their significant achievement. On behalf of District 55, I wish Coach Corbin and his ‘Dores the best of luck in the 2015 season. Week of 2/16: The House briefly convened on Wednesday to pass several bills on first reading and hear announcements, special orders and the like before adjourning until tonight at 5:00pm.
All of my committee hearings were cancelled.
Sponsored Legislation
This week I am honored to unveil parts of my first ever legislative package as your state representative. The bulk of my legislation is a direct reflection of the issues on which I focused and the promises I made during my campaign. I take my vow to represent you and your family in the State Capitol as a progressive, forward-thinking legislator very seriously, and I hope you find that the following legislation reflects this promise.
Standing up for women and fighting income inequality:
I authored and introduced “The Tennessee Pay Equality Act” (HB903) to insure income equality and help shatter the glass ceiling. Sen. Sara Kyle (Memphis) is carrying the bill (SB864) in the Senate. Standing up for our children and strong public schools:
In response to feedback I received visiting with teachers and families across the district, I authored and introduced HB904. This bill would restrict the State Board of Education from denying licensure for principals based on whether the applicant graduated from a college or university’s master program located outside the state of Tennessee. The issue and my legislation received coverage in The Tennessean. Sen. Lee Harris (Memphis) is carrying the bill (SB1088) in the Senate. Standing up to Tea Party interest groups trying to prevent our progress:
I also agreed to introduce a piece of legislation (HB902) that was authored and introduced by Sen. Jeff Yarbo in the Senate. Sen. Yarbro’s bill (SB1117) would prohibit state and local candidates from receiving more than 50% of their campaign contributions for each election from multi-candidate political campaign committees.
Also, as you know, my Democratic colleagues and I feel strongly that passage of Insure Tennessee is far too important to too many Tennesseans to give up the fight. For this reason, several pieces of legislation were introduced to facilitate passage and implementation of the proposed plan.
Standing up for neighborhoods to protect their character:
Upon the last minute request of a Metro Councilman, I introduced a caption bill related to the scenic highway statute that arguably protects portions of West End Avenue. The purpose for the request and my action was the affected neighborhoods’ ongoing consideration of the proposed redevelopment of the Welch College property. The caption bill and its companion bill in the Senate, as they currently exist, serve no purpose other than to provide the affected neighborhoods with an opportunity to introduce legislation to accomplish some mutually agreed upon purpose at some later date during this legislative session. As I informed Richland/West End Neighborhood residents at West End Church of Christ last week, I approach this issue as a former historic neighborhood president who tirelessly fought to protect our neighborhood’s historic character. I lean heavily against giving up any protections afforded by the scenic highway designation, including height restrictions. The caption bills introduced on behalf of the neighborhoods will remain effectively idle unless and until the affected neighborhoods direct otherwise for some mutually agreed upon purpose.
Stay tuned for more info on the other parts of my legislative package, such as:
Standing up for Nashville and facilitating our progress:
A multi-bill “pro-public transportation/mass-transit” legislative package.
Standing up for working familes:
Legislation designed to provide and facilitate the protection and construction of workforce and affordable housing across our city.
IN OTHER NEWS - Kentucky Governor recruits auto industry by highlighting Tennessee leaders’ recent interference in union matters at Volkswagen.
- Tennessee’s total tax revenues exceeded budgeted expectations in January by $219.5 million.
- Commissioner of Education begins her statewide tour of classrooms.
- Shelby County Mayor Luttrell calls out his Republican senator who opposed Insure Tennessee for causing likely property tax hike increase.
- Republican lawmakers continue to take hits for opposing Insure Tennessee.
- Bob Bernstein combines two of my faves by opening a Bongo Java coffee shop in Johnny Cash Museum.
- Fat Bottom Brewing is looking for a new home. (I know some great areas in District 55 that would welcome another successful small business.)
- District 55’s very own Paul Kuharsky continues to provide excellent coverage of our Titans’ possible No. 2 draft pick during the NFL’s scouting combine that ends today.
- Belmont men’s basketball builds momentum heading into conference tournament.
