Capitol Hill Week
From Senator Ken Yager

January 30 - February 2, 2012

The highlight of the week was the Governor’s second annual State of the State/Budget address.  It is notable that he made the speech a month early than traditionally done.  This reflects both the executive and legislative branch’s intent to get the job done on time and adjourn early. We are planning for an April adjournment, which would be unprecedented.

 

Two things stood out in the Governor’s speech. The Governor wants to run an effective, efficient government and he stressed that it's the taxpayers' money, not government's. Those were important distinctions to make.

 

Highlights of the Budget restoration of funding for core services such as

 

• Coordinated School Health
• Extended Contract for Teachers
• Alcohol and drug abuse programs
• York Institute
• Capitol Outlay money for college and universities
• Full funding for the Basic Education Program
• A reduction in the state sales tax and estate (death) tax

 

 

We worked closely with the Governor and Commissioners of Finance and Education to secure funds for York which is the most successful model for rural education in the State.  And the capitol outlay funds bode well for Roane State Community College.

 

I am, however, concerned about cuts in Family Support Program for families of intellectually disabled as well as the agencies which provide support programs for the intellectually disabled.  We are working to restore funding.

 

        The consolidated budget will go to Senate Finance Ways and Means Committee for consideration.  But first each Department must submit its respective budget to the appropriate committee.  State and Local Government, which I chair, has jurisdiction over 14 departmental budgets.  We will be starting our budget hearings in State and Local week after next.  The meetings are always on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. CST and stream live on the internet.

 

        In other action, the Judiciary Committee unanimously approved legislation which I sponsored making state or local officials who have committed a crime during their term of office ineligible for pre trial or judicial diversion.  Diversion is the prerogative of the Judge, upon certain conditions, to wipe the slate clean for a convicted misdemeanant or felon.  A public office is a public trust and elected officials should be held to a higher standard. 

 

        The Judiciary Committee also recommended a bill to extend a $25,000 death benefit to state law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty.  This benefit is currently provided to sheriff’s deputies and police officers.  I voted for the bill but expressed a concern that correctional officers in our prison system were not included.  I plan to draft legislation in the next session to include correctional officers. 

 

In State and Local Government Committee, a bill passed to declare March 3 as Tennessee National Guard Day.  Senate Bill 2231 recognizes our guard personnel for their service and sacrifices in defense of the Nation.

 

And more good news: The Department of Economic and Community Development announced a record breaking 28,535 new jobs accounting for more that $4 billion in investment.  Governor Haslam has made it his mission to make Tennessee the number 1 location for high quality jobs.  Many counties in the 12th District still have double digit unemployment and we must redouble our efforts to create an environment for rural job growth.

 

Feel free to contact our office with your questions or concerns.  My toll free phone number in Nashville is (615) 449-TENN ext. 11449.