http://www.tn.gov/governor/ Governor Bredesen's Website en-us Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:40:01 CST Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:40:01 CST 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=1191 Governor Bredesen attended a ribbon cutting ceremony today for Colgate-Palmolive's new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Morristown, Tenn. ?Colgate Palmolive?s investment in this community and its people is something Tennessee can be proud of,? Bredesen said. ?By choosing to locate one of its worldwide plants here, the company has displayed great confidence in the workforce of Hamblen County to compete on a global scale. For Hamblen County, that means 200 new jobs, and they?re the ki... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1190 Dear fellow Tennessean: This has been an extraordinary month for Tennessee?tragic and challenging?but the devastating storms of Feb. 5 and 6 have reminded me how great a state this truly is. As I toured storm-ravaged areas, I saw again how strong and resilient Tennesseans are, and how the communities of our state always pull together to help one another in times of crisis. I want to say thank you to all those who donated money, food and time to help a neighbor in need. You are truly a testam... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1189 Governor Phil Bredesen announced today the federal government has authorized a major disaster declaration for three more counties in Tennessee, including Fayette, Haywood and McNairy, along with assistance in additional categories for several previously designated counties. Today?s authorizations were made in a second amendment to the Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Tennessee for storms that struck the state on Feb. 5 and 6. Fayette County has been authorized to receive both indiv... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1188 Governor Phil Bredesen today appointed Eddie Roberson and jointly appointed Mary W. Freeman as directors to the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA). Freeman?s appointment is shared between the Governor, the Speaker of the House and Lieutenant Governor. Roberson, who currently serves as the agency?s Chairman, was originally appointed to the TRA by Bredesen in May 2006 to replace former director Debi Tate, who was appointed commissioner at the FCC by President Bush. Freeman replaces current TR... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1187 http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1186 Nashville ? Governor Phil Bredesen today named appointments to 20 state boards and commissions. ?We depend on the commitment of Tennesseans like these 24 men and women to serve the state through its boards and commissions,? said Bredesen. ?I appreciate their willingness to serve and they will be valuable additions to the respective boards they have been appointed to represent.? Appointment terms vary based on statutory recommendations or term limits specified by geographic or other qualif... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1185 Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the State of Tennessee will help local governments receiving federal Public Assistance funding for storms that struck Tennessee on Feb. 5th and 6th meet their obligation to provide matching funds. "It is critically important to bring state and federal assistance to these communities as quickly as possible," Bredesen said. "This requires that all levels of government - local, state and federal - work together. I am pleased to announce that the state... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1184 http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1183 Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the federal government has authorized a major disaster declaration for eight additional Tennessee counties. Benton, Hickman, Houston, Lewis, Montgomery, Perry, Trousdale and Williamson will receive federal funding to assist individuals and businesses affected by the tornados last Tuesday. Hardin, Macon, Madison, Shelby and Sumner Counties, which were among the hardest hit in last week?s storms, were authorized to receive federal aid last week. ?I... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1182 The federal government today authorized a major disaster declaration for five Tennessee counties. Governor Phil Bredesen asked President Bush yesterday to declare 21 counties federal disaster areas following Tuesday?s storms. In addition to the action today making federal funding available to individuals in Hardin, Macon, Madison, Shelby and Sumner Counties, declarations for additional Tennessee counties is expected as preliminary damage assessments for those counties are submitted. The feder... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1181 Governor Phil Bredesen has been selected to chair the Southern Technology Council, an advisory council focusing on technology and innovation policy issues for the Southern Growth Policies Board. The council is comprised of a diverse group of professionals in the science, technology and economic development fields with the principal mission of strengthening the Southern economy through innovation and technology. ?Through the Southern Technology Council, I hope to continue pushing Tennessee fo... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1180 Governor Phil Bredesen has asked President Bush to declare 21 Tennessee counties federal disaster areas following storms that ravaged the state Tuesday, February 5. Should this initial request for assistance be granted, residents in these Tennessee counties would have access to varying levels of federal assistance. ?I?m pleased that state and local agencies responded so quickly to obtain damage assessments to support this request,? said Bredesen. ?Today I made an initial disaster declaration ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1178 Governor Phil Bredesen made an aerial tour Wednesday of Macon, Sumner and Trousdale Counties in the wake of deadly tornadoes that struck Tennessee on Tuesday. The storms resulted in an estimated 28 fatalities, 150 injuries and widespread damage in seven counties across Tennessee. Bredesen spoke with first responders in Macon County, which was one of the hardest hit with more than 68 injured and 12 storm-related fatalities. ?To those who have lost loved ones or suffered injury, the thoughts... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1177 Governor Phil Bredesen received detailed briefings last night and this morning from Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) officials in the wake of deadly tornadoes that struck Tennessee on Tuesday. The storms have resulted in an estimated two dozen fatalities, 150 injuries and widespread damage in seven counties across Tennessee. ?To those who have lost loved ones or suffered injury, I want to say that the thoughts and prayers of our state are with you,? said Bredesen. ?Our priority ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1176 Governor Phil Bredesen today appointed Dr. Tim Webb acting commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education. He will temporarily fill the vacancy created by the recent retirement of Lana Seivers from state service. ?Tim Webb is an integral member of the team that has led the Department of Education during the past five years in its mission to provide quality education for every child in the state of Tennessee,? Bredesen said. ?I am pleased he has agreed to step into this position on a t... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1174 Dear fellow Tennessean: This week I was honored to deliver my sixth State of the State Address as Governor where I outlined my budget proposal for next year. I would describe the budget I am recommending to the General Assembly as ?back to basics.? I recognize the national economy is slowing, and I?m proud that the soundness of our state?s fiscal situation ? soundness developed with the bipartisan support of the legislature ? will allow us to navigate these stormy waters safely. The budge... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1173 Governor Phil Bredesen administered the oath of office for Richard H. Dickens on Wednesday in an investiture ceremony at the Capitol in Nashville. Bredesen appointed Dinkins to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Middle Section, to fill the vacancy created by the death of Judge William Bryan Cain in September. Bredesen spoke of Dinkins? five years of service as Chancellor of the Davidson County Chancery Court, Part Four, his private sector career and his record of public service. ?In the private ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1172 Governor Phil Bredesen today delivered his 2008 State of the State Address and Fiscal Year 2008-2009 budget proposal to the 105th Tennessee General Assembly. The common sense, no growth budget, which calls for no new taxes, commits the majority of new state dollars to education and job creation. ?What I am proposing in this budget is to concentrate on the basics, putting our full attention to those things that we need to do well to keep Tennessee moving forward in education, safety, jobs and ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1171 http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1170 Lieutenant Governor Ramsey, Speaker Naifeh, Speaker Pro Tem DeBerry, Members of the 105th General Assembly, Justices, Constitutional Officers, friends, guests and my fellow Tennesseans. Once again I stand before you, my sixth time, to report on the State of our State and to present a budget prepared in accordance with the requirements of our Constitution. I recognize that the national economy is slowing, and I?m proud that the soundness of our fiscal situation?a soundness we have built toget... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1169 Governor Phil Bredesen today heralded Tennessee?s progress in education with the passage of elevated graduation requirements and improved standards by the State Board of Education. Tennessee officially adopted more rigorous high school graduation requirements at the board?s quarterly meeting. The board also approved new math, science and English standards, which have been revised to be more competitive at a national level. ?Today?s vote solidifies the work of the past year of raising educati... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1168 Governor Bredesen was honored at the annual Opening Convocation of the Easter Semester at the University of the South on Tuesday. Bredesen and poet Wendell Berry delivered Convocation Addresses and received honorary degrees at the event, which is part of Sewanee?s year-long celebration of its Sesquicentennial Anniversary. Bredesen, who received an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree recognizing his leadership and longstanding career in public service, spoke of the challenges faced by the Univ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1166 Governor Bredesen visited John Overton High School in Nashville on Friday to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Governor joined Tennessee history teacher Michael Agee and his students in a discussion about King?s life and legacy. Governor Bredesen posed questions to the students about how Martin Luther King Jr. overcame the many obstacles he faced in achieving his dream. He encouraged students to look deeply at their own lives and see how they can apply King?s principles to dealing ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1165 Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that Lana C. Seivers, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education, will be retiring from state service effective February 1, 2008. Seivers, who was appointed by Bredesen in January 2003, has accepted an opportunity in Mississippi to lead a newly established educational foundation dedicated to early childhood, teacher quality, community engagement and leadership. Statement from Commissioner Lana C. Seivers: ?I am sincerely grateful for the op... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1164 Governor Bredesen commemorated the thirtieth anniversary of the nation?s first child safety law at an event today in Nashville. Tennessee was the first state to pass legislation in 1978 making it mandatory for each child to be restrained in a safety seat. ?Tennessee has always been a visionary place, and the people of Tennessee have always known that nothing is more important than the safety and well being of our children,? said Governor Bredesen. ?We are extremely proud that Tennessee was th... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1163 Governor Phil Bredesen today announced Bob Corney will be leaving the administration at the end of January and he has named Michael Drescher to be a senior advisor and Communications Director. ?Bob Corney leaves a very strong legacy in my office and I want to thank him for his service to our state,? said Bredesen. ?He has directed an outstanding team of communications professionals across state government and worked hard to ensure that this administration has remained open and accessible t... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1162 Governor Bredesen was joined by former U.S. Senate leaders Tom Daschle and Bob Dole at a forum on civility in governance Tuesday evening at Vanderbilt University?s First Amendment Center. The Governor spoke of the need to improve the tone of political discussion in our state and country and the role of the media in the political process. The forum was hosted by the University of Tennessee?s Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy, the Tennessee Business Roundtable, the Bipartisan Polic... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1161 Governor Phil Bredesen has appointed Richard H. Dinkins of Nashville to fill the vacancy on the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Middle Section. The vacancy was created by the death of Judge William Bryan Cain in September. ?Richard Dinkins has developed extensive experience in his career with the Davidson County Chancery Court and in the private sector, and I am confident that he will serve the Tennessee Court of Appeals with honor and integrity,? said Bredesen. ?I am pleased to appoint Chancell... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1160 Governor Bredesen addressed attendees at the National Science Foundation Welcome Ceremony in Knoxville on Tuesday. The Governor spoke on the future of science in the U.S., and his continued efforts to strengthen educational opportunities in math and science for Tennessee students. ?The most important investment we can make to maintain this country?s place as a world leader in science is an investment in math and science education,? Bredesen said. ?Our best and brightest students will only pu... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1159 Governor Phil Bredesen today named appointments to 40 state boards and commissions. ?The state of Tennessee is very fortunate to have citizens like these 61 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=1158 http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1157 This year, Tennessee achieved real progress in education, promoting access to health care and healthier lifestyles, job creation and conservation. A look back at 2007: BREDESEN INAUGURATED FOR SECOND TERM January ? Governor Phil Bredesen took the oath of office for a second term as Tennessee?s 48th Governor after being re-elected in a landslide victory, winning all 95 counties in Tennessee. ?Hear me now: I am rolling up my sleeves. I want these next four years to be the time when we set T... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1156 This is the time of year when we celebrate the joy and goodwill of the holiday season, and are truly thankful for the time spent with family and friends. Andrea and I were thrilled to share one of our favorite holiday traditions with other Tennessee families earlier this month as we kicked off the holiday season at the State Capitol. Children from local school choirs came to sing carols, view the decorations and Christmas tree lighting, and enjoy hot cider and cookies with their parents. ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1155 Governor Phil Bredesen concluded his sixth round of open state budget hearings on Friday, December 7, at the State Capitol in Nashville. The final day of hearings included a second interactive civics lesson for high school students from schools in Bradley, Madison, Putnam and Rutherford Counties. The students watched the Department of Health's budget hearing via streaming video and then participated in a virtual Q&A session with Bredesen and Health Commissioner Susan Cooper. Bredesen's open b... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1152 Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte hosted families from across Tennessee this evening for ?A Tennessee Season to Remember,? an annual holiday memorial event to honor Tennesseans who have lost their lives to violent crimes. ?The devastation of losing a family member to violent crime can become even more difficult to bear during the holidays,? Conte said. ??Tennessee Season to Remember? is one way for families to seek healing and fellowship by coming together in remembrance of t... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1151 Governor Phil Bredesen joined the Tennessee Department of Transportation Governor?s Highway Safety Office and law enforcement and safety advocates from across the state today to remember the 439 people killed in alcohol or drug-related crashes in 2006 involving a blood alcohol concentration greater than .08. The event was held in conjunction with meetings of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police and the Tennessee Sheriffs Association in Nashville. A Christmas tree adorned with 439 an... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1150 Governor Phil Bredesen has appointed Bill Mason of Greenbriar, Tenn., to fill the post of Director of Community Affairs. Mason, who joined the Governor?s staff in November, worked with Al Gore for more than 16 years and was one of the longest-serving members of the former Vice President?s staff. In his new role, Mason is charged with identifying emerging issues of importance to state constituencies. He will oversee the Governor?s office of Constituent Services and the Boards and Commissions offi... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1149 Governor Phil Bredesen addressed members of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation at their annual meeting in Franklin on Monday. The Governor spoke of this year's drought and steps the state is taking to help Tennessee's farmers cope with its long- and wide-reaching effects. "Looking ahead, the plan now is twofold: one, to continue to work for federal disaster relief to cover this year's losses. And two, looking to the long term, to work to strengthen and broaden our farm economy, to be prepared... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1148 Governor Phil Bredesen today named appointments to 30 state boards and commissions, including appointments to the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. ?I appreciate the commitment of these Tennesseans who are willing to serve the state through its boards and commissions,? Bredesen said. ?These 47 men and women will be valuable additions to the respective boards they represent.? Appointment terms vary based on statutory recommendations or term limits spe...