State of the State & Union
State of the State & Union -- We got the State of the State and the State of the Union all in one night.
- State of the Union - Some of TN's Congressional delegation recognized that it would be their last State of the Union with President George W. Bush, but most approved of the programs outlined by the President, including the economic stimulus package outlined last night. Sen. Alexander: "The President was right to commit to improving the economy and creating jobs, preventing terrorist attacks and controlling wasteful Washington spending." Sen. Corker: "There’s no question we need to be serious about reining in wasteful spending and irresponsible earmarks, increasing our energy security by implementing policies that incentivize innovation and market-driven technology, and making health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans." More reactions here and here and here.
- State of the State - Gov. Phil Bredesen delivered his State of the State Address featuring a "common sense, no growth budget" which calls for no new taxes, and commits the majority of new state dollars to education and job creation. Bredesen's budget includes $13.84B in state money for education, including an expanded Pre-K plan and a plan to lower the GPA requirements for maintaining the lottery scholarship. Off-setting budget cuts came mostly from TennCare and CoverTN the state's insurance program launched by Bredesen last year. More here, here, here, here and here.
Huckabee in Nashville -- The Tennessean looks at Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee's recent visit to Nashville. Huckabee spent the afternoon here raising money, making the rounds at the state Capitol and visiting Music Row, where he played bass with country singer Ricky Skaggs. Huckabee attempted to appeal to undecided Tennesseans in a press conference saying, "Come home to the only Southerner left in the race." Huckabee isn't likely to make a strong showing in today's Florida Republican primary, but he has the second-largest number of delegates in the GOP race and is eyeing a Southern strategy to stay viable beyond Super Tuesday.
Knox Co. Sets Schedule for Appointments -- The Knox Co. Commission has set a schedule of public hearings in the second round of appointments to fill empty seats on that body thrown out after the County's Open Meeting Laws controversy. Commissioner Mike Hammond outlined the process which will include several public forums and ultimately led to the selection of the replacement Commissioners next month.
Wharton Drops Privilege Tax -- Shelby Co. Mayor A.C. Wharton says he will withdraw a plan he had to tax all Shelby Co. employees on the income they earned at their county jobs. Instead, the County Commission is now looking for approval on a 2% tax increase on prepared food, including fast food. Like the privilege tax, a prepared food and beverage tax would require approval by the General Assembly in Nashville. Wharton said he could potentially be in support of a prepared food and beverage tax. "Anything other than an increase to property tax."
