http://www.tn.gov/governor/ Governor Bredesen's Website en-us Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:40:02 CDT Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:40:02 CDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 5 TennesseeAnytime RSS Script help@tnanytime.org help@tnanytime.org http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1262 The back-to-school season is upon us again, and parents all across the state are making preparations to ensure their children have a smooth start to the school year and the best possible chance for educational success. This year, I want to encourage every family in Tennessee to be sure that health insurance is part of this year?s back-to-school checklist. The fact is, no child in Tennessee should be without health insurance, and with CoverKids none of them have to be. A family of four with a... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1259 The Tennessee Primary Care Association today presented Governor Phil Bredesen with the organization?s William V. Corr Award of Excellence. TPCA presents the award annually to an individual for outstanding leadership and commitment to bringing primary health care to underserved communities. The award also recognizes outstanding leadership resulting in health policy development or innovative implementation in the state. "Strengthening the safety net of health care services and improving access... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1258 Governor Phil Bredesen today named appointments to 46 state boards and commissions. ?The state of Tennessee is very fortunate to have citizens like these 84 men and women who are willing to serve the state through its boards and commissions,? Bredesen said. ?They will be valuable additions to the respective boards they have been appointed to represent, and I appreciate their commitment and willingness to serve.? Appointment terms vary based on statutory recommendations or term limits spec... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1257 Governor Bredesen administered the oath of office to Kim R. Helper on Thursday in an investiture ceremony in Franklin. Bredesen appointed Helper as the district attorney general for the 21st Judicial District to fill the vacancy created by the death of District Attorney General Ron L. Davis in March. ?Kim Helper has developed extensive experience in her career as assistant district attorney general, bringing both trial advocacy expertise and management skills to her new role,? said Bredesen.... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1256 Governor Phil Bredesen today joined state Rep. Stratton Bone Jr., USDA Rural Development and county officials to dedicate the new Trousdale County Agricultural Pavilion. The new facility, located at Trousdale County High School, will support agricultural education and development. ?This project is a prime example of how we?re working with local governments to invest in agricultural education and rural economic development,? said Bredesen. ?This multipurpose facility will be especially impor... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1255 Governor Phil Bredesen and Connected Tennessee?s Computers 4 Kids program today presented 183 deserving foster children in the Davidson County and Mid-Cumberland region with new laptop computers. The recipients were high school aged children from 13 counties recommended by the Department of Children?s Services. Computers 4 Kids is an innovative program designed to positively impact the future of children in need in Tennessee by awarding computers to kids and families facing economic challenges, ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1254 Governor Phil Bredesen today participated in the release of a national report by Achieve Inc. that heralds the success of Tennessee in raising academic standards to improve economic competitiveness. The report, ?Out of Many, One: Toward Rigorous Common Core Standards from the Ground Up,? recognizes 16 states identified as early adopters for their efforts to align education standards with real-world demands to increase student success. The report was released in a press conference held in the... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1253 Gas prices are in the political spotlight right now; this year's spike has been painful and the calls for action ? and heads ? have pushed other issues to the side. But it is worth remembering that when it comes to real, sustained growth in costs, when it comes to real, sustained erosion of families' disposable income, gas still can't hold a candle to the real elephant in the room: health care. If gas prices had risen during my adult lifetime ? since I got out of high school in 1961 ? at the ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1252 Governor Bredesen administered the oath of office to Camille R. McMullen on Wednesday in an investiture ceremony in Memphis. Bredesen appointed McMullen to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Section to fill the vacancy created by Judge David G. Hayes? retirement from the appellate bench at the end of June. ?Camille McMullen brings a strong and wide-ranging level of experience to this post, and her experience as a criminal lawyer has prepared her well for service in the court of criminal ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1251 Governor Phil Bredesen has announced that CoverKids, Tennessee?s health insurance program for uninsured children, is providing dental benefits to program members and giving families an easier way to enroll with an online application. "The dental benefit is an important addition to CoverKids preventative health services,? Bredesen said. ?It makes CoverKids even more beneficial for the families who rely on the program and the online application should help even more families enroll.? Bredes... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1250 As back-to-school season approaches, I want to take a moment to recognize the importance of school-preparedness for our youngest Tennesseans. While clothes, supplies and backpacks all equip a child to start off on the right foot for educational success, the greatest tool we can give our children is a love of reading. From the start, education has been my top priority, and we all know the sooner a child is exposed to books, the better his or her chances to succeed academically. That?s why I e... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1249 Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the federal government has approved $5.7 million in disaster assistance funding for two Tennessee institutions that suffered damages due to tornadoes. These grants are part of the federal Public Assistance program administered by FEMA for declared federal disasters in 2006 and 2008. "These grants help ease the financial costs of restoring what was damaged by this natural disaster," said Bredesen. "The state is committed to ensuring assistance is delivere... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1248 Governor Phil Bredesen today swore in veteran education executive Dr. Timothy K. Webb as the new Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education. Webb has served as acting commissioner of the department since the retirement of Lana Seivers from state service in February. Webb joined the Tennessee Department of Education in 2003. Before his appointment as acting commissioner, he most recently served as deputy commissioner, overseeing the daily operations of all divisions of the departmen... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1247 Governor Phil Bredesen today announced a partnership between the University of Tennessee and DuPont to advance the state?s clean energy technology initiatives. The partnership will construct a pilot-scale biorefinery and state-of-the-art research and development facility for cellulosic ethanol in Vonore, Tenn. Bredesen proposed and the General Assembly provided $40 million in funding to build a pilot biomass ethanol plant in the FY 2007-2008 budget. ?This announcement signifies a major ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1246 Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen joined Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn in announcing that Nissan and the State of Tennessee are forming a partnership to promote zero-emission vehicles, including electric vehicles, in Middle Tennessee with participation from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and other partners. Nissan, through its GT 2012 five-year business plan, will introduce zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) in the United States in 2010 and two years later will mass market ZEVs globall... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1245 Governor Phil Bredesen today announced appointments to 26 of the state?s boards and commissions. ?I?m confident in the leadership these 47 Tennesseans will provide our state?s boards and commissions, and I appreciate the time and service they are willing to commit to serving the State of Tennessee,? Bredesen said. ?The skills, experience and knowledge they bring to their respective appointments will make them valuable additions to our boards and commissions.? Appointment terms vary base... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1244 Governor Bredesen today announced that the state will be providing Carter County with an enhancement grant in the amount of $225,920 for Phase II of the Roan Mountain Community Park improvement project. The funds will be used to construct a pedestrian bridge over the Doe River to connect the upper and lower areas of the park. ?Thousands of people visit Roan Mountain each year and this bridge will add a safe, convenient way for them to view this beautiful area,? said Governor Bredesen. ?I?m ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1242 Governor Phil Bredesen and other government officials today joined Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, for an event to announce Volkswagen has selected Chattanooga, Tenn., as the site of the company?s manufacturing operations for the U.S. market. ?I?m enormously pleased by the announcement from Volkswagen Group of American and grateful for the company?s investment in Chattanooga and in the people of Tennessee,? said Bredesen. ?I believe Volkswagen chose Tennessee ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1241 Governor Phil Bredesen has appointed 115 Tennesseans to serve on 51 state boards and commissions. ?We depend on the commitment of citizens like these men and women to serve the state through its boards and commissions,? said Bredesen ?I am confident they have the skills, experience and knowledge necessary to become valuable members of their respective boards and commissions, and I appreciate their willingness to serve the state of Tennessee.? Appointment terms vary based on statutory reco... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1240 Governor Bredesen today administered the oath of office to Mary W. Freeman as a Director of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. Freeman was appointed by Bredesen, Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey and Speaker of the House Jimmy Naifeh earlier this year. ?Mary brings to her new position, first and foremost, a desire to ensure that people are served and treated justly, and a commitment to help those who may not be able to help themselves,? Bredesen said. ?I am confident that she will serve the TR... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1239 Governor Bredesen signed three pieces of legislation in a ceremonial bill signing today, including a bill that establishes a Council on Children?s Mental Health Care (SB 2582/ HB 2502), a bill revising the provisions of Tennessee law governing state social workers (SB 2932/ HB3802), and a bill that enacts Claire?s Law (SB 3191/ HB 2743). Claire?s Law requires hearing loss screenings for every newborn in Tennessee unless the parents object on the grounds that the test would conflict with thei... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1238 Governor Phil Bredesen today named Bob Duncan as Director of the Governor?s Office of Children?s Care Coordination. He replaces Tom Catron, who has served as director for three years and will return to Vanderbilt University at the end of this month. As Children?s Care Director, Duncan will oversee the state?s efforts to improve the health and welfare of children across the state. Governor Bredesen created the Office of Children?s Care Coordination to ensure Tennessee?s compliance with federal... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1237 One of my favorite things about being Governor is having the opportunity to visit people and communities across our great state. Tennessee is blessed with some of the most beautiful and fruitful land and water on the face of the earth, and an abundance of recreational and entertainment attractions appealing to families. As we, like the rest of the country, experience the impact of soaring gasoline prices on family budgets this summer, I hope Tennesseans will take the opportunity to explore th... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1236 Governor Phil Bredesen this week joins legislators and long-term care advocates for a series of ceremonial bill signing events across the state to mark the passage of the Long-Term Care Community Choices Act of 2008. Bredesen proposed the legislation in his State of the State address in January to add new choices in home- and community-based services. "The effect of this legislation is truly significant, and I appreciate the bi-partisan support of the General Assembly in making these changes,... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1235 Governor Phil Bredesen signed six bills into law Thursday, including: The TennCare Fraud Bill (SB 4188/HB 4151), a bill enacting the Haley Ham Law (SB 2399/HB 2808), the Adam Walsh Bill (HB 4197/SB 4199), the Scrap Metals Bill (SB 2400/HB 2433), a bill that enacts the ?Josh Osborne Law? (SB 2580/ HB 2465), and the Water Quality Testing of the Pigeon River Bill (SB 2979/ HB 3482). The Josh Osborne law will include the natural effects of starvation and dehydration for the purpose of determining... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1234 Governor Bredesen administered the oath of office to Ginger Wilson Buchanan on Tuesday in an investiture ceremony at the Bradley County Court House. Bredesen appointed Buchanan to the Tennessee Circuit Court, 10th Judicial District, Part II, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge John Hagler in December. ?Ginger has already proven, in her time on the bench, that she will serve in this capacity with great integrity and with the full trust of her community,? Bredesen said. ?... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1233 Governor Phil Bredesen today announced that Chancellor Steve Stafford of Dyersburg, Tenn., has been appointed to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Western Section, and Camille R. McMullen of Millington, Tenn., has been appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Section. Stafford will fill the vacancy created by the death of Judge W. Frank Crawford in April. McMullen?s appointment will fill the vacancy created by Judge David G. Hayes? retirement from the appellate bench at the end of Ju... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1232 Governor Phil Bredesen Friday convened the second meeting of the Governor?s Task Force on Energy Policy as a part of the ongoing process to develop a new state energy plan. The 17-member panel, which met in Chattanooga, includes key state officials as well as representatives of business, environmental and other interests. The main objectives of the work of the task force are to help Tennessee become a leader in energy efficiency and conservation, use of alternative fuels and renewable energy so... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1231 Governor Phil Bredesen signed four bills into law Thursday including: The Tennessee Voter Confidence Act (HB 1256/SB 1363), The Competitive and Video Services Act (HB 1421/SB 1933), Restriction on Explosives (SB 3160/HB 3272), and a bill that will require mortgage loan originators to take a training course (SB 3160/HB3272). Bredesen spoke of the potential benefit to Tennessee consumers in signing the Competitive Cable and Video Services Act. ?Any time an industry is opened up to allo... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1230 Governor Phil Bredesen addressed delegates of American Legion Boys State Tuesday in Cookeville and Volunteer Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Friday in Murfreesboro. Bredesen commended the two programs? participants for demonstrating outstanding leadership abilities and a true affinity for public service at an early age. ?By simply being here, you have demonstrated an interest in government and an ability to engage in the political process. When you leave here, the cha... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1229 Governor Phil Bredesen received the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids? highest honor, the Champion Award, Tuesday night at the Campaign?s 12th Annual Youth Advocates of the Year Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. Bredesen was commended for his leadership in proposing, championing and signing into law three pieces of legislation designed to protect Tennesseans from the life-threatening effects of tobacco use?a statewide smoke-free workplace law, a 42-cent increase in the cigarette tax, and new funding ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1228 Governor Phil Bredesen today named appointments to 32 state boards and commissions. ?I am very pleased these 58 men and women have agreed to serve our state through its boards and commissions,? said Bredesen. ?I am confident that each of them brings the skills, experience and knowledge required to become valuable members of their respective boards and commissions, and I value their commitment and willingness to the state of Tennessee.? Appointment terms vary based on statutory recommendat... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1227 http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1226 Governor Phil Bredesen honored Tennessee?s fallen soldiers in a Memorial Day ceremony Thursday at the State Capitol. ?I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you in recognition and remembrance of those Tennesseans and all Americans who have lost their lives in service to our country,? Bredesen said. ?As we gather here today, we mourn the loss and we remember the lives of 12 Tennesseans who made the ultimate sacrifice in this past year. Tennesseans who gave their lives so that others m... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1225 Governor Phil Bredesen today commended members of the 105th Tennessee General Assembly as they concluded their business Wednesday night and adjourned sine die. With approval of the revised 2008-2009 budget proposed on May 12, a bipartisan group of legislators joined Bredesen in preserving the state?s fiscal stability, demonstrating the state can manage even in tough times without raising taxes or tapping its Rainy Day reserves. ?Facing tough decisions and a worsening national economy, we have... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1224 Governor Phil Bredesen joined Attorney General Robert E. Cooper, Jr., Tennessee Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell, Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker, THP?s Command Staff, State Troopers and family members for a special memorial service to remember the 38 Troopers killed in the line of duty. Three wreaths were placed near the lasting memorial at Department of Safety Headquarters on Friday, May 16th in observation of National Police Week. ?One of the honors of being G... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1223 This week I addressed a joint session of the General Assembly to outline my revised budget for next year. In January, I proposed a lean budget based on revenue forecasts that were prepared in December. At that time, we all shared concerns about the national economy and its impact on our tax collections. Since then, the nation?s economy has continued to deteriorate and Tennessee ? like many states ? faces a substantial revenue shortfall this year. As a result, we need to reduce the budget propose... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1222 Governor Phil Bredesen today unveiled his revised budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. In an address to a joint session of the General Assembly, Bredesen outlined his plan to trim the budget he proposed in January by an additional $468 million. State revenue collections have deteriorated significantly in recent months with the national economic recession. April was the worst month for collections year over year since the state began tracking revenues in 1961 with five percent negative g... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1221