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Experience, Integrity & Commitment
106th General Assembly Enters Final Stretch

Dear Friend,

I hope you are doing well. The last week has been challenging as we have seen many of our friends and neighbors face tough times from area flooding. Robertson County was very fortunate compared to our neighboring areas, however we still have many families and businesses in our community that have experienced great loss over the last five days. I know that we will continue to lift these individuals, and all those hurting across Tennessee, up in prayer in the days ahead. Last night we paused for a time of silence and prayer on the House floor as we remembered those hurting and in need. It is times like these we see the greatness of our state as people come together to help one another.

I know it has been several weeks since my last update. This session, as it transitioned from a special session on education reform to our second regular session, has been extremely busy. I have been working hard to read and listen to your calls and e-mails, and represent your interests in Nashville. There have been many important issues we have dealt with, many of which I've included details on below; these include being at the top of my class in fundraising, Tennessee receiving nearly $500 million in Race to the Top education funds, deployment of our local troops to Iraq, key pro-life and secondment amendment votes, and much more.

The weeks ahead will be fast paced and tough as we face a large budget shortfall and deal with other looming issues. Tennessee is better positioned to deal with these issues than many of our neighboring states, because of its history of planning and fiscal conservatism. As we deliberate on these issues and others, your feedback and input mean a tremendous amount to me. I hope to hear from you.

As always, it is an honor to serve you in this capacity. If I can assist you in anyway, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours in Service,






Robertson County Republican Party
Reagan Day Dinner

"Returning to our Values"
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Springfield TN National Guard Armory
5255 Highway 76 East
Across from Springfield High School

Ralph Bristol, Supertalk 99.7 WWTN, Master of Ceremonies
Gubernatorial and 6th Congressional Candidates - All Invited to Speak

5:30 p.m. - Special Reception with Photo Opportunity
7:00 p.m. - Dinner & Program

Contact Shari Douglas at 615-405-4326 for tickets or click here for additional information




Department of Labor gives update on unemployment trust fund

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development gave the House Consumer and Employee Affairs Committee a snapshot of where the state's unemployment compensation fund currently stands. A representative from the department said the fund currently has a balance of approximately $8 million, but is in the process of receiving first quarter taxes from employers and should have about $221.4 million by the second quarter of this year. The state had taken in 58,569 claims by the end of January, a decrease of about 36 percent from January of 2009.

Tennessee has a $120 million line of credit with the U.S. Department of Labor, and to date has only tapped $20 million of those funds. On March 3rd, the governor requested a loan from the U.S. Secretary of Labor due to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's promise that the $20 million will be paid back in the next couple of weeks.

The legislature voted last year to save Tennessee's Unemployment Trust Fund from federal intervention, saying that the move was necessary to keep the federal government from completely taking over the nearly insolvent fund. The fund was approaching insolvency after the state unemployment rate jumped to 10 percent in 2009, and with the continuously rising percentage of Tennesseans out of work, the fund is being drained of resources. Many legislators supported the move, on the condition that a series of triggers allow unemployment taxes to decrease if the fund's balance reaches a certain threshold.

Unemployment numbers improve across state
Despite continued reports of a weak economy, Tennessee's unemployment numbers improved slightly in the month of March, according to recent reports. Eighty-five of the state's ninety-five counties saw their unemployment rate decrease. Overall, unemployment in the state dropped to 10.6 percent, compared to 10.7 in February.

According to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, 6,600 job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality; 5,200 in mining and construction; 4,800 in trade, transportation and utilities; and 4,700 in administrative, support, and waste services.


House leaders denounce $85 million tax increase

House Republican leadership this week denounced a tax increase proposal floated by Governor Phil Bredesen as a way to balance the budget. The administration proposed an additional $85 million in tax increases by increasing the sales tax on single article sales.

Last week, Bredesen and his senior staff outlined a plan to remove the sales tax cap on single article sales. At present, the value of individual items over $3,200 are taxed at seven percent. The governor wants to increase this to 9.75 percent.

The leaders expressed their disappointment in the Governor for showing what they called "blatant disregard for the challenges small business owners and average Tennesseans face," and added that small businesses would be the driving force behind an economic recovery.

The $85 million tax increase would be in addition to $50 million the administration has called for by increasing taxes on cable television, cable television boxes, business telephone services, and free hotel breakfasts. In total, Bredesen has proposed over $130 million in new taxes this year alone.


Bills to limit impact of federal healthcare takeover move forward amid contentious debate

House members were successful in moving forward with the "Health Freedom Act" this week, as the bill moved out of the House Commerce Committee by a 19 to 11 vote. The panel approved the measure in a bipartisan manner, which is aimed at protecting the right of an individual to purchase-and the right of doctors to provide-lawful medical services without penalty. The bill would also require the state Attorney General to take the necessary steps to defend these rights.

The bill, which has been debated at length throughout the committee process, hit a snag Thursday morning in the House Calendar and Rules Committee. The committee is responsible for setting the House floor calendars and scheduling legislation for consideration on the House floor. On Thursday morning, opponents attempted to stall the legislation once again, using parliamentary tactics to hold the legislation in the committee indefinitely. Eventually, the bill was referred back to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee despite having an insignificant price tag. The legislation will appear in the Budget Subcommittee next week.

Other states have passed similar legislation, and many are already in the process of filing a lawsuit against the federal government regarding the healthcare overhaul.

Concerned that expanding government programs are rarely effective solutions to complex issues, proponents of the "Health Freedom Act" have argued the federal government takeover of healthcare will only prove to balloon the cost of healthcare services to the states.

The bill has been debated at length by both the Industrial Impact Subcommittee and the full House Commerce Committee. Because there is no price tag of significance on the legislation, it is expected to make one more stop in the House Calendar and Rules Committee before a vote on the House floor.

Similar to House Bill 3433 in context, House Joint Resolution 745 cleared another hurdle this week by moving out of the Commerce Committee, but faces Tennessee's lengthy constitutional amendment approval process, which can take up to four years.

A constitutional amendment must be approved by one General Assembly by a majority, and a subsequent General Assembly by a two-thirds vote. Following its passage by the legislature, the amendment goes on the ballot in the next gubernatorial election, and must receive approval from a majority of those voting in the gubernatorial race.

A related measure also achieved passage this week. House Bill 2681, which aims to keep tax dollars from funding abortions, was passed by the State House Monday night after a contentious debate by a vote of 70 to 23. The legislation will now move through the State Senate.

The specific language in the legislation states that, "No health care plan required to be established in this state through an exchange pursuant to federal health care reform legislation enacted by the 111th Congress shall offer coverage for abortion services."

Lawmakers said the measure was necessary to clarify this point because tax dollars are sometimes used to indirectly pay for abortions. The final vote was a bi-partisan one.

The same night, the House considered and passed a resolution that expresses opposition to the federal takeover of healthcare with a vote of 66-29. After nearly two hours of contentious debate, House Joint Resolution 704 also won bipartisan approval. The joint resolution must now make its way through the Senate for approval.


Committee tightens restrictions on traffic cameras

The Transportation Committee moved forward a proposal on Tuesday that places tough restrictions on the controversial traffic surveillance cameras utilized by cities across the state. House Bill 3024 will, among other things, require a law enforcement officer review the video evidence and prohibits the company operating the cameras from sending notices of violations.

The state's Attorney General also released an opinion this week that said the cameras are constitutional. A lawmaker asked the Attorney General to decide whether or not the cameras violate the Sixth Amendment's confrontation clause, which allows the accused to confront any witnesses against them. The AG opinion stated, in response, "The confrontation clause embraces testimonial statements. Photographs are not testimonial statements."

Although the opinion did not directly address many of the issues the legislature is examining, it indicated there are certain areas that could be open to scrutiny. The opinion also stated that certain restrictions the legislature is considering placing on the cameras would be constitutional, as long as the restrictions were "reasonable."

The bill also requires cities to determine the crash rate based on the last three years of crash history, to review signal timing, and to calculate the violation rate for motor vehicles running intersection red lights. Certain standards-in addition to those listed above- must be met in order for a city to either keep or install the traffic cameras. The legislation will be heard in the Budget Subcommittee next week.

Numerous bills were filed this year to either ban or lessen the impact of traffic cameras in Tennessee, after public outcry reached a fever pitch. Cities and counties in Tennessee have increasingly turned to the automated systems for surveillance of intersections and roadways. The Tennessee General Assembly has studied the use of traffic cameras over the summer and fall. Lawmakers echoed criticisms from constituents that in addition to a violation of rights, the motivation behind the cameras is money, not safety. Proponents of the cameras argue that safety is the priority in using the cameras. The committee determined if safety is the primary concern, the restrictions in House Bill 3024 are reasonable.


Bill banning sexual predators from practicing medicine passes unanimously

On Monday evening, the House unanimously passed legislation that prohibits the Board of Medical Examiners from issuing a license to practice medicine in Tennessee to anyone convicted of and registered as a violent sexual offender. The bill passed the Senate unanimously in late March.

In addition to prohibiting violent sexual offenders from practicing any kind of medicine, the bill also requires the board to hold a hearing regarding any application to practice medicine from a non-violent sexual offender. During the hearing the medical board has to consider the extent to which the applicant poses a risk to patients before determining whether or not to grant a medical license.


Tennessee awarded millions in "Race to the Top" funds

The United States Department of Education announced Monday that Tennessee has been chosen to receive millions of dollars from the federal government's "Race to the Top" program. Only two of 16 finalists-Tennessee and Delaware-were ultimately selected. Tennessee hoped to receive $500 million, and early reports indicate the state stands to receive approximately that amount. The Tennessee General Assembly met for two weeks in early January for an Extraordinary Session to pass a bi-partisan, comprehensive education reform plan.

Lawmakers stood together Monday and praised the efforts of everyone involved who had worked together toward true education reform. Tennessee presented their plan to a panel of independent evaluators in Washington, D.C., who reportedly were impressed by the strong accountability measures in Tennessee's proposal.

The "Race to the Top" competition is designed to reward states that are leading the way in comprehensive, coherent, statewide education reform across four areas:

  • Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace;
  • Building data systems that measure student growth and success, and informing teachers and principles how to improve instruction;
  • Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principles, especially where they are needed most; and
  • Turning around their lowest-performing schools.

Ultimately, Tennessee prevailed over 40 states and the District of Columbia who submitted applications for the first phase of grants. Tennessee and Delaware were selected from among 16 finalists who presented their proposals earlier this month.


Race to the Top allocations to school systems announced

The Tennessee Department of Education released tentative totals this week as to how much money each school system in the state can expect as a result of winning the "Race to the Top" program. Robertson County is set to receive approximately $1.38 million dollars. State officials said the numbers are tentative, as they will be traveling to Washington soon to finalize the details regarding the specific dollar amount the state will receive.

The state is set to receive approximately $500 million. About $250 million of that will be divided between school systems across the state. Each individual school system must decide what the money will be used for, although the program does have certain restrictions. Funds cannot be used for facilities, capital projects, buses, or raises.


House members fight for English Only, English in the Workplace bills

The Transportation Committee approved the "English Only" legislation this week, which would require driver's license exams to be given only in English. The sponsor argued that House Bill 262 is needed so that drivers can read road signs and other critical information. Supporters also say drivers need to be able to communicate with police and other emergency personnel in case of an emergency.

In the same vein, the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee approved House Bill 270, which would require voter registration forms to carry a disclaimer that clarifies giving false information to register to vote carries a criminal penalty, and also requires that the applicant affirm that they are lawfully in the United States. The bill will now move the House Calendar and Rules Committee.

House members also scored a majority victory on Wednesday, after passing House Bill 2685. The "Protecting English in the Workplace" proposal experienced no resistance on the House floor and passed by an overwhelming majority.

The legislation clarifies that employers can require that English be spoken on the job, but does allow for some exceptions such as lunch hours or other designated breaks. The bill would protect businesses from frivolous lawsuits that can emerge when private policies are set perfectly within their rights.

The sponsor said requiring English is often a safety precaution. Businesses where employees are continuously handling toxic products or food containers have a need to require English. The sponsor also cited industrial businesses, where signs in English often display critical safety information.


"Open container" bill dies in House committee

The House State and Local Government Committee this week considered legislation that would have outlawed open containers of alcohol in vehicles, and ultimately killed the bill. The bill was filed last year and experienced resistance in subcommittees then. Opponents expressed concern over the ability of sober drivers to take friends home who are drinking, and also regarding sporting events, such as University of Tennessee football games. Despite these objections, the sponsor said the state must reform its drunk driving laws. He said further that there must be consequences for irresponsible actions that put other law-abiding citizens in danger.

In 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in drunk driving related crashes. Alcohol-related crashes in the United States cost the public an estimated $114.3 billion in 2000, including $51.1 billion in monetary costs and an estimated $63.2 billion in quality of life losses. People other than the drinking driver paid $71.6 billion of the alcohol-related crash bill, which is 63 percent of the total cost of these crashes.

Had the legislation passed, the proposal could potentially have freed up a portion of federal funds that could be used for roads. Currently, the state misses out on millions in federal funding that could be used for projects such as improvement measures, new roads, and bridges.


'Right to hunt and fish' constitutional amendment approved by House

A constitutional amendment giving Tennesseans the right to hunt and fish has completed its journey through both the House and Senate and will now appear on the ballot in the form of a referendum in 2010. Before a constitutional amendment is adopted, it must pass one General Assembly by a majority, a subsequent General Assembly by two-thirds, and receive a majority of voters' approval on a ballot in a gubernatorial election year. SJR 30 was approved by the House this week with a 90-1 vote, and has already passed the Senate.

SJR 30 adds a new provision to Article XI, Section 13 of the state's constitution which reads: "The citizens of this state shall have the personal right to hunt and fish, subject to reasonable regulations and restrictions prescribed by law. The recognition of this right does not abrogate any private or public property rights, nor does it limit the state's power to regulate commercial activity."

The House sponsor said the measure is a pre- emptive strike to protect the time-honored traditions, as other countries have outlawed certain types of hunting. Fourteen other states have approved similar provisions, with California and Minnesota passing the measures due to animal rights organizations protesting certain practices.


Juvenile sexual offender registry measure discussed

A bill that would strengthen the state's sexual offender laws and ensure Tennessee is completely in compliance with the federal government's Adam Walsh Act was discussed at length Tuesday evening in the House Judiciary Committee. House Bill 2789 would require violent juvenile sexual offenders age 14 years or older to register on a sexual offender registry.

Due to some concerns regarding juveniles who may not reoffend, an amendment was added to the bill. Currently, juveniles are assessed by mental health professionals after being adjudicated for a violent sexual crime. The Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations agreed to assess the juveniles as "high-risk" and "low-risk," with only those assessed as "high-risk" being required to register.

In addition, the bill states that a person must stay on the registry for 25 years and then may apply for removal. However, if the person is convicted of an additional offense, they must stay on the registry for life. These are the minimum requirements that keep the legislation in compliance with the Adam Walsh Act.

The federal government signed the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act into law in 2006, and state compliance is tied to grant money. The state's fiscal analysts say that Tennessee is eligible to receive over $50 million in grant funding, but that 10 percent of that is in jeopardy unless House Bill 2789 passes.

Thirty-two states have some form of a violent juvenile sexual offender registry. The offenses that would qualify a violent juvenile sexual offender for the registry are aggravated rape, rape, aggravated sexual battery when coercion is involved, rape of a child with a victim at least four years younger, and aggravated rape of a child or the attempt of any of these.

After four and a half hours of discussion, the bill was deferred for one week. The legislation will be heard again in the Judiciary Committee next week and is expected to be voted on at that time.


Evans posts strong fundraising numbers for 2010 election

Representative Joshua Evans posted strong fundraising totals for 2009, and said he is looking forward to continuing the trend of support after session is complete. Evans raised over $45,000 and ended with over $40,000 cash on hand, impressive numbers for a freshman Republican member.

"I'm honored to serve the 66th District in the State House, and I hope to have the opportunity to continue doing so," said Evans. "I am humbled and grateful for the support shown to me from people across the district."

Evans raised more than any other freshman Republican legislator, with a staggering 100 contributors for the reporting period. The numbers are evidence that Evans' support is growing and solid.

"Joshua works very hard in Nashville representing his constituents. It comes as no surprise to me that he has a wide base of support back home, and his fundraising totals prove this support is strong," said House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada. "I know that he will continue to work hard in Nashville, and connect with people in the 66th District on the issues that are important to them," he added.

Joshua Evans is serving his first term in the legislature, and represents State House District 66, which encompasses all of Robertson County. Evans serves on the Health & Human Resources Committee as well as the State & Local Government Committee.


Consumer and Employee Affairs Committee hammers out workers' compensation issues

The Consumer and Employee Affairs Committee discussed the workers' compensation insurance issue at length this week, hammering out a proposal that advanced to the House Government Operations Committee. Under the legislation, anyone engaged in the construction industry must carry workers' compensation insurance on any employee, as well as any subcontractor not otherwise covered by a policy. Sole proprietors, partners, officers of corporations and members of limited liability companies will be required to carry workers' compensation insurance on themselves.

However, sole proprietors, partners, officers of corporations and members of limited liability companies engaged as contractors may exempt themselves from workers' compensation coverage if they:

  • Own at least 30 percent of the business; and
  • Serve in a supervisory role while attending the worksite without engaging in any of the sub- classifications for the building construction categories listed in rules set by the Tennessee board for licensing contractors.

The General Assembly approved legislation during the Extraordinary Session in January that suspended a newly implemented law to require sole proprietors and partners engaged in the construction industry to carry workers' compensation coverage on themselves due to unintended effects of the act. In the meantime, the legislature has discussed alternative ways to address gaps in coverage for workers in the construction industry without harming small business owners, while providing added protections for third partners and responsible contractors.


Lawmakers continue to examine budget; General Assembly sees opportunity to 'return to basics'

Lawmakers continued their examination of the budget this week, amid reports that revenues continue to slide. The state has seen revenues decline for 20 straight months, a new record. Despite the dismal numbers, House Republicans remain focused on their goal of a balanced budget that keeps priorities in place and view the current budget situation as an opportunity to return government to the basics.

Based on tentative numbers, the total budget will shrink this fiscal year by roughly $1.5 billion. Analysts say that the state's sales tax revenue-the primary source of revenue-has dropped sharply over the last 20 months. The chart below shows the breakdown of state tax dollars.

"Clawback Payment" could save millions
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that Tennessee could keep some of the "clawback payments" associated with prescription drug coverage. The temporary change means the state could save roughly $120 million, going a long way in softening the blow of the Governor's call for $200 million in reductions from TennCare.

Some Tennesseans that are a Medicaid-waiver enrollee are also enrolled in Medicare. The federal government requires the state to contribute some of its TennCare funds in lieu of paying twice for the benefits that both programs cover, called "clawback payments." Temporarily, the federal government will be forgiving those payments, thus saving the $120 million.

Tennessee joined several other states in asking the federal government to suspend the payments, because the federal stimulus aid for Medicaid meant the state would have paid less for prescription drugs in the next two budgets. At the end of last week the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services agreed, leading them to temporarily suspend the payments.


House votes 65-31 to override veto of menu-labeling measure

A bill that will prohibit certain local entities from requiring nutritional labeling on menus will now become law. The law was passed last year by both the House and Senate but was then vetoed by the Governor. The legislation was filed as several states, municipalities and cities began considering laws that mandated chain restaurants put calories and other nutritional information on menus.

Lawmakers arguing in favor of the bill say that mandating chain restaurants to put certain nutritional information on menus places an unnecessary burden on restaurant owners in an already struggling economy and creates an atmosphere that is unfriendly to business owners. They also argue that often, the laws are selective, targeting only large restaurant chains. In addition, if every city enacted something different, large or even medium sized companies would have difficulty in following the laws properly.

The legislation was amended to prohibit non-elected bodies from making the decision to require nutritional information on menus, such as a local Board of Health. It also specifies that if the federal government passes legislation requiring menu labeling and the federal action specifically authorizes state departments to enforce such action, then the Tennessee Department of Health will be the department that is primarily responsible for the implementation and supervision of the new requirements.

The Senate had previously voted on the veto override, with a vote of 24 to 7.


General Assembly is presented with proposed budget

The 106th General Assembly was presented with the proposed 2010-2011 state budget this week, as the Governor addressed a joint convention on Monday night. Overall, the proposal includes a 5 to 6 percent decrease in the budget total, with roughly $200 million being used from both the Rainy Day Fund and the TennCare reserve fund.

Lawmakers are eager to do their due diligence and fully vet the proposal in the coming weeks as budget hearings begin in the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee. The details of the proposal will begin to fall into place this week as representatives from the various departments will be available during the hearings to answer questions and concerns.

In his speech, the Governor presented a quick overview of the 612 page budget document that was delivered to legislators' offices the same day. Though some specifics regarding revenue and proposed expenditures were outlined, lawmakerss say that they remain committed to fully discussing the budget over the coming weeks as they learn more about the details.

Legislators have been stressing the importance of facing the challenges in the budget head on and viewing them as an opportunity to return government to its most important tasks. The legislature will work hard in the coming weeks to examine the budget document, and make common-sense decisions that will protect Tennessee taxpayers.

Priorities protected
The Department of Safety had originally prepared to cut state troopers in 13 rural counties, but the proposed budget includes a driver's license renewal fee increase intended to avoid those layoffs and pay for new radio equipment for the state troopers. Currently, it costs $19.50 every five years to renew a Tennessee driver's license. The proposal increases that fee to $46 every eight years, which state officials say will make the process more efficient. The driver's license renewal fee has not been increased since 1988.

The Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System was not on the chopping block, as the system will receive an infusion of $82 million to shore up the fund. K-12 also escaped major cuts, with the proposal protecting BEP funding and even includes $47 million in growth. K-12 capital projects were cut, as were many capital projects across the state. However, money will not leave the classrooms in the budget as proposed.

In addition, the state will mostly avoid mass layoffs and the budget as proposed includes a one-time bonus of 3 percent for state employees. The Governor did outline a plan to eliminate 456 unfilled positions in order to save money.

Recurring Reductions
Some lawmakers have, for years, said the state budget should be treated like a family budget. The Governor addressed this issue Monday night, stressing that we 'must adjust our expenses to match our income.' With the state in its 20th straight month of revenue decline-a record-some reductions are inevitable. They include:

  • $200 million in recurring reductions in TennCare;
  • $64 million reduction in higher education;
  • $20 million recurring reductions in K-12 capital projects; and
  • $16 million in recurring Child Services

Technical Corrections Bill
The technical corrections bill originates in the Department of Revenue and proposes revenue increases through specific changes to the Tennessee Code. This year, the legislation includes a tax on real estate investment trusts, and an increase in the cable tax, totaling $49.8 million among a few other smaller proposals.

The first $15 of cable TV service is currently taxed at 8.25 percent, with the rest being exempt. On the other hand, satellite TV is taxed at 8.25 percent, but without the $15 exemption. The technical corrections bill proposes to tax an entire cable TV bill at 8.25, bringing it in line with satellite service. In addition, cable providers will be charged a new tax on equipment such as cable boxes. Members have expressed concern that this equipment tax will be passed on to the consumer.


Secret Ballot Protection Act dies in subcommittee

The "Secret Ballot Protection Act" appeared in the Employee Affairs Subcommittee this week. The proposal defines the denial of secret-ballot elections as an unfair labor practice. It also establishes penalties (class C misdemeanor) and civil remedies for violation.

The bill is a remedy for "card check," which has been proposed in Congress. Card check would require unionization ballots to be public, so that unions could see if a worker voted for or against unionization. Currently, the vote on whether to unionize is a secret ballot, which protects workers from undue harassment by union leaders. The Secret Ballot Protection Act would declare that those votes remain private in order to protect workers.

The sponsor argued that voting is sacred whether it is in the voting booth or the workplace, and that the bill is consistent with the state's Constitution in guaranteeing ballot secrecy. Ultimately, however, the bill failed along party lines.


More than 3,000 Tennessee Guardsmen leaving for Iraq














































Hundreds of families, friends and well-wishers turned out Friday, February 5, for departure ceremonies at Camp Shelby, Miss., for over 3,000 soldiers of the National Guard's 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

The regiment is bound for Iraq, marking its second deployment to that country, the first coming in 2004. Governor Phil Bredesen and his wife, Andrea Conte, were at the military post Friday to see off the Tennesseans, just as they did five years ago. The governor told the assembled soldiers, "Nothing humbles me more than to serve as your Commander in Chief."

He recognized and thanked families of the soldiers and offered a special "thank you" to soldiers who had deployed more than once, which represented the majority of the members of the 278th. This brings to nearly 20,000 the number of Tennessee Guardsmen called up since Sept. 11, 2001

The National Guard men and women have been at Camp Shelby since early December conducting specialized pre-deployment training.

The highlight of the departure ceremony Friday was a full formation of the 3,000 soldiers, held on the post parade field with a review by Governor Bredesen, Tennessee's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Max Haston, and military dignitaries from across the country.

"It's humbling to stand before these great troopers, " said Maj. Gen. Haston."You are the standard bearers of this nation," he added. He also thanked soldiers' families whom he described as, "the Guard family."

Other notables from Tennessee included Congressman Marsha Blackburn, Congressman Zack Wamp, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, Commissioner of Veterans Affairs John Keys, and State Rep. Joshua Evans.

The 278th ACR is the Tennessee National Guard's largest single unit, and the massive deployment affects 45 cities stretching tip-to-tip across Tennessee, all the way from Kingsport in the east to Henderson in the west.


Tennessee implements new vaccination requirements

Students entering childcare facilities, pre-k, kindergarten, or seventh grade this fall will have a new set of immunization requirements. According to the State Department of Health, this is the first update to immunization requirements in ten years. Most of the new rules take affect on July 1.

New childcare, pre-k, and kindergarten children will be required to show proof of vaccination for Haemophilus influenzae type B (HBV), Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. Previously, these shots were recommended but not required.

Meanwhile, students entering seventh grade will be required to have a tetanus booster shot and show proof of immunity against chicken pox. This can be demonstrated by having a prior chicken pox diagnosis or by taking two doses of the vaccine.

The state is providing new official immunization certificates to doctors. After completion of the required vaccinations, a doctor will complete a certificate which will be given by the parents to the school as evidence of required vaccinations.

As with other required vaccinations, students may be exempted for medical and/or religious reasons.

For more information on immunizations, click here.

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Springfield, TN 37172
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