The First Day
The First Day -- It was the first day back for state lawmakers with the new legislative session starting yesterday. Here's a breakdown of some of the events of the first day:
- The State Senate welcomed two new members - Andy Berke and Steve Roller, who replaced Ward Crutchfield and Jerry Cooper respectively. Two lawmakers were absent - State Sen. Ophelia Ford on an excused health abscence and State Rep. Rob Briley with an excused health abscence.
- ISSUE: State Budget - State Fin Comm Dave Goetz started the session with news that the state's economic situation was more bleak than last year. Goetz says he wants agencies to cut spending by $44M. Treasurer Dale Sims outlined potential needs of as much as $440M in new state revenue for the fiscal year 2009 budget. That's going to be $147M - $240M shortfall.
- ISSUE: Abortion - Sen Jud Com approved a state constitutional amendment on abortion, which proponents say will allow the state to constitutionally place reasonable restrictions on abortion. The bill could go before the full Sen as early as Thur and before voters as early as 2010. Sen GOP Caucus Chair Diane Black: "The only way to restore these common-sense protections is to place language in our constitution that allows us to do that."
- ISSUE: Worker's Comp - This year another fight is lining up between business interest and trial lawyers on workers comp claims. Legislation is being drafted to counter-act a state Supreme Court ruling saying businesses are still liable if employees hurt themselves on employee workout facilities
- Observers commented the abortion debate will set the tone on what everyone expects to be a more partisan session, with Dems looking for wedge issues on education and the GOP pushing social issues to gear up for the 08 races.
Frist Injects Himself in State Politics -- If there ever were a clearer sign that former Sen. Bill Frist was interested in running for Governor in 2010, its the former Senate Majority Leader injecting himself into state politics. Frist used his VolPAC blog to say that more needs to be done to reduce the number of Tennesseans who don't have health insurance, commenting that no where was healthcare mentioned in the important issues in the run up to the state of the General Assembly. House Minority Leader Jason Mumpower seems to buy-in to Frist's increased role: "I welcome the input of Sen. Frist as an expert in these areas, and I may well take this opportunity in these next few days to talk to him to see what he thinks some good ideas would be."
More on Memphis Consolidation -- Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton's plans to consolidate Memphis' government received a boost when Shelby Co. Mayor A.C. Wharton announced his support of the idea, but the idea still faces skepticism from many suburban mayors and some political observers. Critics of the plan say previous studies of consolidation in Memphis show that the cost savings in one-government are not as pronounced as proponents estimate.
Local Briefs -- Here's some news from around the state:
- Memphis - The Memphis City Council approved a property tax freeze for seniors. The plan freezes the amount of property taxes due on the principal place of residence for taxpayers 65 years of age and older who earn less than $32,590, the median income in Memphis. An estimated 14,000 to 15,000 people in Memphis will qualify for the tax freeze. The Council also approved Mayor Willie Herenton's appointments of various department heads.
- Knoxville - Co. Mayor Mike Ragsdale chose to meet with Gov. Phil Bredesen and Knox Co. state lawmakers instead of going before the Knox Co. Commission to discuss the county's controversal grants program. HUD was investigating the grants program after the News-Sentinel reported some federal money doled out by Knox Co. grants coordinator Cynthia Finch went to an org run by her sister. Finch has since removed herself from grant duties.
- Chattanooga - The City Council delayed any action on seeking reimbursement for former Councilwoman Marti Rutherford's salary as Councilwoman while she was serving a district she didn't live in. The Council said it was worried about proceeding in suing to collect reimbursement of Rutherford's salary because of the limited case law on the subject.
