http://www.tn.gov/governor/ Governor Bredesen's Website en-us Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:40:01 CDT Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:40:01 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=1391 Governor Bredesen today announced he has issued a Writ of Election to fill the vacancy in the Office of State Representative for District 62. The vacancy was created upon the resignation of State Representative Curt Cobb. The Writ of Election directs the Bedford County, Lincoln County and Rutherford County Election Commissions to hold Democratic and Republican primary elections to fill the vacancy in the Office of State Representative, District 62, on Thursday, August 27, 2009. The general ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1390 Governor Phil Bredesen has asked President Obama to declare Claiborne, Fayette, Hancock, Haywood and Shelby counties federal disaster areas following severe storms, straight line winds, flooding, hail, and tornadoes that began June 12, 2009 and continued through the next week. Should this initial request for public assistance be granted, the five Tennessee counties would have access to varying levels of federal assistance. ?Communities and first responders provide for the immediate life-safet... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1389 ?The loans announced today will have a tremendous, positive impact on Nissan and our state?s automotive industry. Best of all, this means 1,300 more jobs for Tennessee workers and expands our growing clean energy economy. I?m especially pleased these advanced vehicle technology loans will expand the existing Nissan plant in Smyrna and add a new state-of-the-art battery plant. It also complements the state?s efforts to develop electric vehicle infrastructure for the type of zero emission vehicles... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1388 ?I received a call from Troy Clarke this morning confirming their decision to produce GM?s new sub-compact car in Michigan. While I was obviously disappointed at the news, I was encouraged that he confirmed that the company views the plant in Spring Hill as a very good facility that is likely to be an important part of GM?s manufacturing strategy in the years ahead. During our conversation Mr. Clarke said that ultimately the Michigan incentive package was too good to ignore. I understand and ac... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1387 Since the economic recession began, we?ve kept our focus on making responsible choices to ensure Tennessee?s long-term financial stability. One of the most important choices we are making as a state is continued investment in job creation. I believe we in Tennessee are extraordinarily well positioned for job creation right now, and we need to capitalize on the opportunities before us with just as much focus in tough times as in good ones. Despite the economy, or perhaps because of it, ther... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1386 Governor Phil Bredesen today commended members of the 106th Tennessee General Assembly as they concluded their business following approval of Bredesen?s revised Fiscal Year 2009-2010 budget. The $29.4 billion state budget, of which $12.1 billion is state dollars, represents an overall decrease of 1.3 percent from FY 2008-2009 and a 10.1 percent reduction in state appropriations from revenues and reserves. ?This was a difficult budget to craft and navigate through, but I am pleased the General... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1385 BIRR, Switzerland - Governor Phil Bredesen toured Alstom?s Turbine and Generator rotor manufacturing operation Tuesday in Birr, Switzerland. The tour of the Swiss power company is one of Bredesen?s recruiting efforts to expand European investment in Tennessee?s clean energy sector. The Alstom manufacturing operation is known worldwide for producing equipment used in coal, gas and nuclear plants. ?I?ve long said that it makes sense for Tennessee to redouble its effort to recruit new business... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1384 Governor Phil Bredesen today appointed Amy V. Hollars of Livingston, Tenn., to the Tennessee Circuit Court for the Thirteenth Judicial District. Hollars will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John A. Turnbull. The Thirteenth Judicial District is composed of Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam and White Counties. ?Amy Hollars has developed extensive civil trial experience in her career, and I?m confident her skills, education and practice experience will serv... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1383 Governor Phil Bredesen was joined by members of the Pew Charitable Trusts and Commissioner Matt Kisber of the Department of Economic and Community Development Thursday to acknowledge Tennessee?s top national ranking in clean energy job creation. A report released by Pew on June 10 stated jobs in Tennessee?s emerging clean energy economy grew more than seven times faster than the state?s overall jobs between 1998 and 2007. Governor Bredesen spoke about the importance of such an accomplishment... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1382 Governor Phil Bredesen today requested a federal designation of natural disaster for agriculture for farm losses in five Middle Tennessee counties due to excessive rain and extensive flooding that occurred in May. The five counties are Bedford, Hickman, Lewis, Moore and Perry. ?A disaster designation will be important for making federal assistance available to farmers who experienced significant losses last month due to heavy rains and flooding,? said Bredesen. ?I?m glad to make this request ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1381 May and June bring important milestones in the lives of Tennessee?s graduates and mark a time for students at all levels to turn their sights towards new opportunities as they anticipate the next step in their education or career. As our young people look to the future, it is a good time for all of us to reflect on our goals and what we hope to accomplish in the coming years. I?m pleased to say that, in the state of Tennessee, we are making great strides towards our goal of a quality educa... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1380 Governor Phil Bredesen today vetoed House Bill 962, which would permit the possession of firearms in Tennessee restaurants and bars. Law enforcement officials and district attorneys from across the state flanked Bredesen as he spoke about his reasons for the veto. "Let me be very clear: I am a strong supporter of the right to keep and bear arms. I am, and have always been, committed to preserving the rights of the Second Amendment: basic American rights. These rights are protected by the Un... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1379 Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the federal government has authorized a major disaster declaration for Humphreys County. This authorization is an amendment to the Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Tennessee for storms that struck the state on April 10. Disaster declarations were previously announced for Rutherford, McMinn, Sequatchie and Benton Counties. Local governments and public utilities in Humphreys County are now eligible for Public Assistance Program funds from the fe... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1378 Governor Phil Bredesen announced today the U.S. Department of Education has approved Tennessee?s application for the first $635 million available to the state through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) State Fiscal Stabilization Fund program. This represents 67 percent of the total stabilization funding available to Tennessee under this Recovery Act program. Tennessee will be eligible to apply for the remaining $313 million this fall. ?These one-time funds provided under the Re... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1377 Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the federal government has approved his request for disaster assistance for Rutherford, McMinn, Sequatchie and Benton Counties following the severe weather, high winds and tornadoes that struck on April 10, 2009. Bredesen requested the federal disaster aid following damage assessments by federal, state and local emergency management officials. Local governments and public utilities in the four approved counties are now eligible for Public Assistance Prog... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1376 Governor Phil Bredesen and members of his Cabinet today joined state and local leaders to outline a plan to reduce unemployment in Perry County by using federal dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The plan outlined by Bredesen will employ nearly 300 unemployed residents, potentially cutting unemployment in the county by to 40 percent. Perry County has the state?s highest rate of unemployment ? 25.4 percent ? with 760 unemployed residents. The county?s unemployme... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1375 Governor Phil Bredesen and state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens today announced the donation of more than $165,700 in private tobacco settlement funds to The Land Trust for Tennessee to support farmland preservation. ?Farmland preservation is more than just preserving our rich agricultural legacy and the land. It?s about achieving balance in our land-use planning and supporting a major component of our rural economy,? said Bredesen. ?I?m pleased that through this donation that we wil... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1374 Governor Phil Bredesen today proposed the Volunteer State Solar Initiative, a comprehensive solar-energy and economic-development program that will use up to $62.5 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to advance job creation, education, research, and renewable-power production in Tennessee. In announcing the new initiative, Bredesen was joined by legislative leaders and key partners including Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1373 As part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, the National Park Service is awarding grants of up to $2.5 million to preserve the buildings and infrastructure of historically black colleges and universities. The goal of this program is to make historic properties on these campuses safe and useable. ?These Recovery Act grants provide an opportunity to preserve our state?s diverse cultural heritage by restoring and protecting valuable historic resources for future generations,? ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1372 NASHVILLE ? Governor Phil Bredesen today named appointments to 23 state boards and commissions. ?The state of Tennessee is very fortunate to have citizens like these 41 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 ter... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1371 Governor Phil Bredesen has asked President Obama to declare Rutherford, McMinn, Sequatchie and Benton Counties as federal disaster areas following the severe weather, high-winds and tornadoes that struck those counties on April 10. Should this request for public assistance be granted, the federal program will help cover emergency response and recovery costs incurred by state and local governments. ?The cost of response and cleanup efforts for a large disaster can be a tremendous financial bur... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1370 Dear fellow Tennessean: The love of reading is one of the greatest gifts a child can receive and a key component in ensuring a solid foundation for learning. That?s why I proclaimed April ?Read to a Child Month? in Tennessee, and I hope parents, caregivers, teachers and mentors will take time to read with a child throughout the year. Reading to a child early and often strengthens the emotional bond between parents and children and improves a child?s ability to succeed right from the start... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1369 Governor Phil Bredesen and the Tennessee Department of Human Services this week announced the creation of a time-limited child care scholarship program for low-income, working families through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). Providers at all licensed child care centers and homes across Tennessee are eligible to participate in this one-time, $42 million program. ?This scholarship program is designed to help working families provide their children safe, quality child care,?... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1368 Governor Phil Bredesen today helped kick off the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, emphasizing the importance of preserving, protecting and maintaining the park?s beauty for future generations to enjoy. ?The future of the Smokies is in our hands,? said Bredesen. ?Only through strong partnerships between Tennessee and North Carolina, local and state government, and the public and private sectors can we effectively continue our stewardship, and... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1366 Governor Phil Bredesen today joined representatives of Nissan, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Tennessee Valley Authority and others in celebrating Earth Day 2009 and highlighting the combined potential of solar and electric vehicle technologies in Tennessee. Bredesen, who previously proposed that state government help develop a network of public charging stations for electric vehicles in partnership with local governments and private partners, test drove an all-electric vehicle that Nissa... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1365 Governor Phil Bredesen today requested a Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration for Benton, Dickson, McMinn, Moore, Rutherford and Sequatchie Counties following tornadoes that struck Tennessee on April 10. A SBA Disaster Declaration makes homeowners and businesses affected by the disaster eligible for low-interest loans. ?Help from this federal program is another tool that can be used to assist Tennesseans as they recover and rebuild from this deadly storm,? said Bredesen. ?The s... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1364 Governor Phil Bredesen today appointed Vanessa Agee Jackson of Tullahoma, Tenn., to the Tennessee Circuit Court for the 14th Judicial District. Jackson will fill a vacancy created by the death of Judge John W. Rollins in January. The 14th Judicial District serves Coffee County. ?Vanessa Jackson has developed extensive trial experience in her career, and I am confident she will carry out her duties on the Circuit Court in the same thoughtful and professional manner in which she has practiced ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1363 Governor Phil Bredesen joined Congressman John Tanner, TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely, State Senator Lowe Finney, State Representative Curtis Halford and officials from Gibson County today to break ground on Tennessee?s first transportation project funded with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. The Gibson County project will replace three aging timber bridges along McMurry Road in Trenton. ?The McMurry Road bridges have served the citizens of Gibson County well for more than 37 y... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1360 Governor Phil Bredesen today announced that all three bond rating agencies have confirmed their confidence in Tennessee?s financial management by maintaining the state?s bond rating and giving Tennessee a ?stable? credit outlook. The action comes after recent reviews of the administration?s efforts to maintain short and long-term stability during the downturn in revenues that began in January 2008. ?This is a very solid indication that we are on the right track, especially in light of recent... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1359 Governor Phil Bredesen today announced that parents and caregivers in all 95 counties can now easily register children under age five for the Imagination Library online at www.GovernorsFoundation.org. The Governor made the announcement as he and First Lady Andrea Conte launched ?Read to a Child Month? at the Nashville debut of a children?s play adapted from the Imagination Library?s most popular book, Llama Llama Red Pajama. Originally created by Dolly Parton, the program mails a new, age-ap... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1358 Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the state will fund a new program developed by United Neighborhood Health Services in an effort to reduce infant mortality in two Nashville neighborhoods. The two year program, ?Mothers United for Healthy Babies,? will target the Napier and Sudekum housing and Edgehill communities, where infant mortality rates are significantly higher than in the rest of Davidson County. ?The Governor?s Office of Children?s Care Coordination is committed to developing... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1357 Governor Phil Bredesen today appointed Lorrie Ridder of Memphis, Tenn., to the Tennessee Circuit Court for the 30th Judicial District, Division IV. Ridder will fill a vacancy created by the death of Judge Rita Stotts in January. The 30th Judicial District serves Shelby County. ?Lorrie Ridder has served in many roles these past 25 years; litigator, law professor, teacher and community volunteer,? said Bredesen. ?She has litigated hundreds of cases in four southern states, and I am confident ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1356 Governor Phil Bredesen today appointed 20 Tennesseans to serve on 10 boards and commissions. ?We depend upon the leadership and commitment of citizens like these men and women to serve state through its boards and commissions,? said Bredesen. ?I appreciate their readiness to serve, and I am confident they bring the experience and knowledge necessary to become valuable members of their respective boards and commissions.? Appointment terms vary based on statutory recommendations or ter... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1355 Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen joined Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton today to announce establishment of a Fetal Infant Mortality Review team in Shelby County. The state is providing funding for the start up of FIMR teams in Davidson, Hamilton and Shelby counties, as well as a 10-county region in East Tennessee, in an effort to increase fetal and infant survival rates among Tennessee babies. ?The Governor?s Office of Children?s Care Coordination, local officials and partnering organizations... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1354 Dear fellow Tennessean: Education has made all the difference in my life. I was a small-town kid, but I loved science, I had teachers and family who encouraged me, and I made it to a good college. And I believe that every child in Tennessee deserves the same chance to go as far as they can go. That?s why providing our children with a good education and making sure more of them graduate from high school is the single most important thing we can do to improve our workforce and our citizens? ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1353 Governor Phil Bredesen and a bipartisan group of legislators, joined by members of the Governor?s Task Force on Energy Policy, today unveiled sweeping new legislation designed to make the Volunteer State a national leader in energy efficiency and clean energy technology. The Tennessee Clean Energy Future Act of 2009 ? sponsored by Senators Jim Kyle, Randy McNally, Andy Berke and Ken Yager, and Representatives Les Winningham, Joe McCord, Jim Hackworth and Phillip Johnson ? is a wide-ranging bi... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1352 Lieutenant Governor Ramsey, Speaker Williams, Speaker Pro Tem DeBerry, Members of the 106th General Assembly, Justices, Constitutional Officers, friends, guests, and my fellow Tennesseans: Thank you for the opportunity of addressing you for a second time this year. My message tonight is about Tennessee?s budget, but even more, it is about stewardship. Just as each generation in America works to make life a little better for the next, each governor, each General Assembly, when they are at ... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1351 ?THE GREATEST TEST OF OUR STEWARDSHIP BEGINS TONIGHT? NASHVILLE ? Governor Phil Bredesen today unveiled his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 in an address to a joint session of the General Assembly. The multi-year proposal outlines the use of approximately $5 billion in federal funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act within an overall framework of declining state revenues. ?This budget is presented in an economic environment more difficult than any we have bee... http://www.tn.gov/governor/viewArticleContent.do?id=1350 Governor Phil Bredesen today appointed Philip E. Smith of Madison, Tenn., to the Tennessee Circuit Court for the Twentieth Judicial District, Division IV. Smith will fill a vacancy created by Judge Muriel Robinson?s recent announcement of her plans to retire. The 20th Judicial District serves Davidson County. ?Phil Smith has developed extensive civil trial experience in his career, and I am confident he will carry out his duties on the circuit court in the same thoughtful and professional ma...