Dear Friends:

 

Last night we were in session until late in the night. As many of you know, the hotly debated cigarette tax increase passed the House 59-35. I voted against this bill. However, I was in favor of amendment number five to the bill, by Rep. Beth Harwell, which would have removed the tax on food. Unfortunately, this amendment was defeated 50-44.

 

Over 20 amendments were offered, some were withdrawn without debate, but most were debated at length including Rep. Harwell’s. Her amendment would have made the bill revenue neutral.

 

The state has chosen to fund important programs with a tax that will place the burden on a small percentage of the population. Most importantly, this revenue source will dry up over the years, due to the ever-shrinking population of smokers.

 

In addition, the so-called “Hawk Amendment” to the Lottery Education bill was defeated in the Senate.  This amendment would have ensured capital outlay to fund high quality school facilities for our students.  House Republicans fought hard for this issue.  Sumner county would have benefited with $ 2 to $4 million dollars.  Fortunately, House Republican are working hard to have this added to the State Budget before we adjourn.

 

Thank you for all your emails and phone calls in recent weeks.  I always want to know how you feel about state issues, especially right now as session comes down to the wire.

 

It is an honor to serve you in the Tennessee General Assembly.

 

Debra

 

 

House Education Committee concerned with funding overhaul, accountability plan

 

The Education Committee met several times this week to closely examine some of the changes proposed in the new BEP 2.0, which the Governor rolled out at the beginning of this month. Despite concerns, however, the committee advanced the plan, which would give nearly a half a billion new dollars to Tennessee public schools.

 

Most of the criticism is aimed at the plan’s approach to rural and small school systems. Lawmakers questioned why the formula is in need of revisions when their districts will see fewer gains than was originally believed. Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz noted that if left unchanged, the formula will make the state susceptible to more lawsuits in the future.

 

Some counties, including Davidson, stand to benefit from yet another revamping the model received, which would change the ratio for funding teachers of English language learners from one per 45 students to one per 20 students—the number that was recommended by the BEP Review Committee. Nashville gains $6.6 million from the decrease in the ratio. And although the proposal would be phased in if passed, the overall cost rises from $476 million to $496 million.

 

How does it work?

The current funding formula uses regression analysis to determine where money is sent. The new proposal, however, would take each county’s total property value and total sales (with property weighted at 60 percent and sales at 40 percent) and apply the state’s average tax rates to them. A county’s portion of the aggregate local BEP share would then be determined by its capacity relative to other counties. The bill that reformulated the current model passed on the House floor this week.

 

GOP calls for accountability

Several weeks ago, members of the House Republican caucus called for accountability measures to be taken seriously when determining the BEP reform. Soon after, the Administration presented one as well, that garnered support from both sides of the aisle.

 

“Johnia Berry Act of 2007” signed into law

 

The “Johnia Berry Act of 2007” was signed into law by the Governor in a ceremonial bill signing on Wednesday, with Mike and Joan Berry attending the ceremony. Mr. and Mrs. Berry expressed their gratitude toward the sponsors of the bill and all those that a part in the legislation, and thanked the Governor for allowing them to be present.

 

The legislation would set up a statewide DNA database of those convicted of only the most heinous of crimes. The legislation was inspired by Johnia Berry, an East Tennessee resident and college student, who was brutally murdered in 2004 by an unknown assailant who is still at large, and left behind DNA.

 

In case you missed it…

 

§ The “Non-Smoker Protection Act” was passed on the House floor this with 84 members voting favor. House Bill 1851 bans smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants.

§ House Bill 1062 passed the House floor unanimously on Thursday. The measure will require the automatic revocation of a teacher’s license when convicted of certain felonies.

 

 § Another helmet law passed the House floor this week as House Bill 1974 passed with 72 votes. The bill will create a Class C misdemeanor offense if a child under the age of 18 and operates or is a passenger on an off-highway motor vehicle without a helmet.

 

 § House Bill 1678 passed the House this week and would prohibit adult-oriented businesses from being located within one-fourth mile of a child care facility, a private, public or charter school, a public playground, a public recreational facility, a residence, or a place of worship.