House of Representatives Republican Caucus
- Firearm legislation close to a floor vote
- Legislation to prohibit firearm “roster” passes House floor
- House Republicans pursue conservative measures
The House Judiciary Committee once again discussed several pieces of gun legislation, but only one bill was approved by the committee and advanced through the Calendar and Rules Committee to be scheduled for a floor vote. House Bill 959 will exempt the handgun carry permit list from the Open Records Act, but a proposed $2,500 penalty for publishing the list was removed by an amendment. The legislation is expected to be up for a floor vote, possibly next week. [Read more]
Capitol Hill Week: Firearms “carry” law tops agenda
Pace quickens on Capitol Hill with approval of wide variety of bills. Second Amendment Rights legislation begins to move in Senate Judiciary’s Firearms and Ammunition Subcommittee
NASHVILLE, TN: The pace quickened on Capitol Hill this week as the State Senate acted on a wide variety of bills, including key environmental legislation and several bills protecting our citizens’ second amendment rights. Meanwhile, the General Assembly awaits details of the governor’s budget, which will be presented to a joint session of the House and Senate on Monday night.
The governor is expected to take a four-year approach to the state budget, which will include his plans for spending over $4.5 billion in federal stimulus money that will flow into Tennessee over the next two years. The governor plans to cut approximately $1 billion from the budget adopted by the General Assembly last year. However, his speech Monday will not likely include plans to make the massive layoffs in state employees that were once feared. [Read more]
MOAA lobbies for military vets
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is a dynamic lobbyist for all military retirees. Members include veterans — retired Marines, sailors, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel. MOAA is a non-profit , veteran’s association dedicated to maintaining a strong national defense and to preserving the earned entitlements of members of the uniformed services and their families. It is vigilant in safeguarding and extending the benefits of all veterans. When MOAA speaks to Congress, they listen, and take immediate action.
Today, with a new administration, MOAA is busy developing and implementing strategies for legislation that benefits veterans ,their families and survivors, in recognition of the sacrifices made.
MOAA’s goal in 2009 is to be an effective organizational voice shaping relevant government policy and promoting earned benefits. Under their guardianship, there will be no retreat or reduction of retired veterans benefits. [Read more]
House Dems announce 2009 Caucus agenda
Rep. Joe Pitts releases House Dem. 2009 Caucus Agenda. The agenda focuses on important issues facing Tennessee’s working families.
Rep. Joe Pitts, D-TN House, District 67
State Representative Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville) and members of the Tennessee House Democratic Caucus on Thursday announced the release of the 2009 House Democratic Caucus Agenda“Tennessee Democrats believe education, economic opportunity, public safety, and health care are the cornerstones of our future success as a state.” Pitts said. “Our agenda reflects those priorities and distinguishes where House Democrats stand and lets our citizens know that we are putting them first.”
“This year’s Democratic Agenda focuses on a number of areas including improving educational opportunities for young Tennesseans, increasing the number of new jobs created in Tennessee, and continuing to improve safety & reduce crime.
“Expanding opportunities in education, bringing more jobs to Tennessee, and still being fiscally responsible are at the top of our agenda,” Pitts said. “The more we help Tennessee students achieve the best education possible while also trying to give working moms and dads the chance to earn a living, we give our state a much better chance of lifting ourselves out of this financial slowdown.” [Read more]
Fort Campbell hosts public meeting on Joint Land Use Study
The last in a series of public meetings for Clarksville-Montgomery County regarding the Fort Campbell Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) will be conducted on March 19, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the Civic Hall Veterans Plaza, 350 Pageant Lane, Clarksville.
The meeting is a follow-up to previous sessions held in 2007. The objective of the meeting will be to gather feedback from residents on recommendations developed as part of the study. The meeting is open to all members of the community and will provide a forum for discussion. The JLUS is being led by EDAW, Inc. [Read more]
Rep. Johnson to chair Budget, Economic Development task force
Rep. Curtis Johnson
State Representative Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville) has been appointed as Chairman of the House Republican Caucus Task Force on Budget and Economic Development. The appointment was announced today by House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada.
“Representative Johnson was an ideal choice for this group,” said Rep. Casada. “Being from Clarksville, he understands the importance of economic development, as evidenced through his role in the Hemlock project. I am confident that he will lead the group effectively and assist in crafting solutions.”
The House Republican Caucus leadership appointed and announced the formation of their Caucus Task Forces this week. The task forces are charged with developing policy ideas and legislation around conservative ideals, and to assist all caucus members with information on specific issues.
“I am very honored to serve on this committee because I believe economic development has one of the greatest impacts on the lives of everyday Tennesseans,” stated Rep. Johnson. “I was very honored to be a part of bringing Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation to Clarksville, and I am already seeing the positive things that are happening because of that project. I look forward to crafting more policy with this group that will achieve similar ends for the rest of the state.”
Representative Johnson serves the 68th District in the Tennessee House of Representatives. His district includes part of Montgomery County, and is serving his third term in the legislature.
City submits marina application; public comment period underway
The city of Clarksville has submitted a permit application to the state’s Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Pollution Control under the Aquatic Resources Alteration Permit Office. This permit is sought as part of the approval process for the Fairgrounds Marina Project. With the publication of the city’s application on the TDEC Public Notice listing, as of March 11th, a public comment period of thirty days is open.
NRS08.280 (Permit Application Number): The City of Clarksville proposes to construct a public recreational boating facility to accommodate both transient and seasonal boaters with docks, service, fueling and sanitary pump out facilities. The rental dock provides 198 slips. In order to construct the facility 986,000 cubic yards of material will be excavated and impacts will occur to 6.655 acres of wetland and 1,104 feet of two unnamed tributaries to the Cumberland River, Clarksville, Montgomery County. [Read more]
From taxes to child abuse laws, county legislators back bills in General Assembly
Montgomery County ’s Legislative Delegation has taken an active stance in the early round of the 106th General Assembly. The four members of the delegation group have added their names to legislation being considered in the Tennessee General Assembly. Thus far the bill summary looks like this:
Rep. Phillip Johnson co-sponsored sixteen House Joint Resolutions, including HJR00014: a Sports Memorial recognizing the Ooltewah Lady Owls; HJR0015: Recognition Memorial recognizing Ron Campbell, both signed by the governor on February 19th.
HJR0023: Death Memorial honoring Staff Sgt Timothy H. Walker, and HJR0043: Recognition Memorial for The Leaf Chronicle, both signed by the governor on February 20th.
HJR0063: Recognition Memorial recognizing Rep. Barbara Copper for serving as Chair of the TN Black Caucus for the 105th General Assembly. HJR0089: Professional Achievement Memorial recognizing Pat Head Summit for 1000th victory. HJR0136: Recognition Memorial for Oak Ridge’s Open Sesame 60th Anniversary . HJR0142: Sports Memorial honoring the Soddy-Daisy High School cheerleaders as NCA champions, and HJR0150: Government Officials Memorial – urging the governor to refuse certain funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. [Read more]
Hearing slated to review city’s 2009-10 action plan
The City of Clarksville will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:00 p.m. in the Clarksville Montgomery County Public Library, 350 Pageant Lane, Clarksville, in order to receive citizen input regarding the 2009/2010 Action Plan, American Recovery Act funding, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the HOME Investment Partnership Program.
Citizen participation is essential to the City’s involvement in the Federal Department of Housing & Urban Development’s (HUD) Programs. The Action Plan serves as the planning document for addressing overall community development and housing needs that will utilize the City’s anticipated $ 800,000 entitlement of CDBG funding, $ 215,046 CDBG-R in addition to $ 425,00 of HOME Investment Partnership funds available to the City for 2009. Projects selected to receive this funding will be included in the Action Plan.
All citizens and organizations are invited to attend the public hearing to comment orally or in writing on the FY 2009 Action Plan. The City of Clarksville will make reasonable accommodations and services necessary for sensory-impaired and disabled citizens at the public meeting. Additionally, translation services may be offered upon request and availability. Persons requiring such accommodations/services should contact the Office of Housing and Community Development at (931) 648-6133 at least three working days in advance of the meeting. [Read more]
Intercity Bus Transit coming to Tennessee
A monthly column by TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely
A century ago, a trip to Nashville or Memphis might have taken days or even weeks for Tennesseans living in rural areas of the state.
Even today, some of our residents remain isolated from our urban centers despite the advancements made in transportation. Some of these citizens don’t own cars, some may have disabilities that limit their independence, and others may have reached an age that they no longer feel comfortable driving themselves. Unfortunately, a lack of public transportation is limiting their ability to work, receive an education, and stay active in their communities. [Read more]
