Archive for the ‘Economy’ Category
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
The price tag for that new law that will allow people to legally carry their guns into the ball parks and playgrounds is starting to add up.
If guns are allowed in Murfreesboro’s parks, the city can expect to lose Spring Fling and the $3.4 million in tourism dollars the week-long high school spring sport state tournaments bring each year.
That was the response by TSSAA Executive Director Bernard Childress on Monday when asked about the high school association’s stance on guns being allowed at parks where high school state tournaments are held.
“We don’t have a written policy,” Childress said. “But if anyone had a gun where our kids are, we wouldn’t be there. There is no way possible that we’d allow a gun in one of our events.
“As much as we’d like Murfreesboro to be in consideration for Spring Fling, I just don’t see how we could recommend them if guns are allowed in their parks.”
Councilman Toby Gilley: more than a day late and a dollar short.
Murfreesboro Councilman Toby Gilley is a vocal supporter of allowing people to carry guns in our local parks and has said all along that Murfreesboro should leave the new law alone.
Now that $3.5 million in revenue to local businesses is at stake, Gilley thinks his new right should now come with confusing conditions and exceptions not clearly allowed by the law he eagerly supported.
“I think we could perhaps compromise that when we have certain events here (like Spring Fling) we don’t allow them,” Gilley said. “Maybe we don’t have a blanket law having it in effect all the time. We can have it up to the event holder’s request.”
Gilley favors the city following a state law that allows people with gun permits to carry firearms into parks provided that the council takes no action to uphold its existing ban before Sept. 1.
City Manager Roger Haley, however, and Police Chief Glenn Chrisman, Parks and Recreation Director Lanny Goodwin, and Golf Course Director Tracy Wilkins recommend keeping the gun ban in place.
Since Rutherford Republicans have cited results of DNJ online polls in the past as justification for silly laws, maybe we can send Toby a message by voting in the DNJ’s new poll on this subject.
Posted in Business, Crime, Economy, Guns, Legislation | 9 Comments »
Thursday, June 25th, 2009
Just as a growing number of Rutherford County families are feeling the brunt of significant job loses, Rutherford County Republicans are very busy planning yet another “tea party” to protest the help we need from the federal government.
County Republicans will take to the streets July 10 in Murfreesboro to protest an extension of unemployment benefits for the county’s 10.3% unemployed residents. The federal help is provided in President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
It’s worth reminding the voters of Rutherford County of Rep. Joe Carr’s (R-48) role in drafting legislation demanding Gov. Bredesen deny the extended unemployment benefits.
On July 10, Rutherford County Republicans will also loudly protest $1.6 billion in government loans to Nissan, $13.9 million for Rutherford County schools, enhanced health care for Rutherford County’s veterans, funding for three road projects in our county, and $30 million to retrain dislocated and low-income workers.
Learn more about the funded projects in Tennessee that Rutherford County Republicans will be protesting July 10.
Posted in ARRA, Economy, Events, Rep. Donna Rowland (R-34), Rep. Joe Carr (R-48), Rutherford County Republican Party, Taxes | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
President Barack Obama announced today the first set of auto loans for improvements in car technology. Nissan’s Smyrna plant will receive $1.6 billion in loans from the Department of Energy program.
$1.6 billion to Nissan North America to retool their Smyrna, Tennessee factory to build advanced electric automobiles and to build an advanced battery manufacturing facility.
The federal funds could produce 1,000 new jobs in Rutherford County and protect the jobs and the area families who depend on them.
A $1.6 billion federal loan for Nissan North America Inc. to build a zero-emissions electric car and battery packs to power them could eventually create more than 1,000 new jobs at the automaker’s assembly complex in Tennessee.
Gov. Phil Bredesen issued the following statement:
“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 that will be built in Smyrna.”
Posted in 2010, Business, Economy, Energy, Gov. Phil Bredesen, Jobs, Taxes | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009
Senators Bill Ketron (R-13) and Jim Tracy (R-16) ran to the media to take credit for funding a needed building project at MTSU, but behind closed doors they’ve pledged allegiance to the Republican Party to defund it.
The Rutherford County Republicans have pledged to pull the plug on construction jobs at MTSU and the on site progress for a new education building for the state’s largest university.
According to David Gregory, vice chancellor for administration and facilities with the Tennessee Board of Regents, the $29.8 million project was funded in the 2007-2008 budget year as a Board of Regents capital outlay project, with a funding structure consisting of $17.3 million in cash and $12.5 million or in bonds.
Of that, $1.7 million has already been allocated in design fees and programming fees to the new building near Cummings Hall and the new roundabout on the MTSU campus. In addition, another $260,000 plus in construction management and site utility construction has been obligated.
Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey and Senators Ketron and Tracy are united in their opposition to improvements in education, health care and jobs. All three Republicans have opposed federal stimulus funds in all three areas, oppose recurring funds for pre-k education and now want to make major cuts in promised funds to MTSU.
Friday, the Senate Finance Committee passed Republican revisions to the governor’s budget plan eliminating the authorization of bonds for several higher education construction projects, including the MTSU project.
Some hope that will be changed on Tuesday, when the full Senate takes up the budget.
“I would say to you, we don’t build those buildings now, we will be unable to build them for some years to come because of the state finances,” said Democratic Sen. Jim Kyle.
MTSU was founded 98 years ago as a teachers college. University officials hope to mark the 100th anniversary by opening a building devoted to education teachers.
Senators Ketron and Tracy have spent months pushing a Republican agenda focused on abortion, guns and booze. When it comes time for leadership on issues that matter to working families of Rutherford County, they both choose cuts in education, health care and jobs instead of the hard work it takes to improve the quality of our lives.
Posted in Abortion, Economy, Education, Guns, Health care, Sen. Bill Ketron (R-13), Sen. Jim Tracy (R-16) | No Comments »
Thursday, June 11th, 2009
Gov. Phil Bredesen used one word to describe the budget plan cobbled together at the last minute by state Republican lawmakers: “Stupid.”
State Republicans propose major cuts in education, health care, and jobs after wasting several months on abortion, guns and booze legislation and ignoring the priorities of working families.
Tennessee Republicans have also proposed knocking Tennessee off the top of another good list by cutting funds to our state’s nationally recognized leadership in clean energy jobs. In a report released today by the Pew Environment Group, Tennessee ranks 3rd in the nation for creating clean energy jobs.
The GOP proposal would remove funding for the state to acquire land for a West Tennessee megasite that would be used to attract large manufacturers and more jobs to the state.
It would also scuttle Bredesen’s plan to spend $62 million in federal stimulus money to build a solar generation plant at the site near Brownsville and establish a solar research institute at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
One of the bad lists Tennessee tops is infant mortality rates. Rather than save the lives of babies and enhance the quality and culture of life in Tennessee, Republicans propose to cut needed funding to fix the problem.
“Some of these cuts are personal. The House spent two months talking about abortion this year, and now we’ve got a budget cut to eliminate the infant mortality money. That borders on being hypocritical as to what you believe in, whether you are pro-family or pro-life. It’s a study on infant mortality. It’s a study on how to keep these babies alive. I’ve got zip codes in my hometown with infant mortality rates of Third World countries. We’ve got to figure out how to stop that and we don’t need to wait until we’ve got a budget surplus to do it.”
Check back later for more focus on the role Rutherford County’s Republican delegation is playing in the state party’s proposed cuts in education, health care and jobs.
Posted in Abortion, Budget, Economy, Education, Guns, Health care, Jobs, Rutherford County Republican Party | 4 Comments »
Friday, May 22nd, 2009
By the end of this month, Middle Tennessee retirees, disabled individuals, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration, disabled veterans receiving benefits from the Veterans Affairs Department, and Railroad Retirement beneficiaries will get a one-time $250 supplemental payment.
“This payment is meant to help reduce the pain felt by these individuals as a result of the current economic climate,” said Congressman Bart Gordon.
The $250 payment is automatic and there are no applications to complete, no emails to respond to and no fees to pay. If two people are on Social Security in the same home, both will receive the supplemental payment. If a person is involved in more than one program, like Social Security and SSI, unfortunately, you will only receive one payment.
“I realize times are hard for many people. The $250 one-time payment is a positive step, but more needs to be done,” added Gordon. “Know that now, more than ever, I’m committed to keeping Social Security strong and making health care more affordable.”
If you haven’t received your payment by June 4th, contact the Social Security Administration’s local office in Nashville at 615-781-5803 or toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.
Posted in ARRA, Economy, FYI, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009
A prominent Middle Tennessee Republican and tea party organizer has filed a lawsuit against a blogger for revealing his tax troubles.
Nationwide Tea Party Coalition co-founder and Williamson County Republican Michael Patrick Leahy filed a libel lawsuit naming Stephanie Grasmick and challenging her claim that Leahy committed “tax fraud.”
Documents posted at Teablogging show tens of thousands of dollars in tax liens and civil and small claims judgments against Leahy. On Twitter, Leahy admitted hours ago that “tax liens is an accurate statement,” but took issue with claims that he has committed tax fraud.
Leahy is a prominent figure in a national conservative movement to protest taxes. One of his tea parties organized Rutherford County Republicans to protest taxes and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Leahy was elected as a delegate to the Republican National Committee as an at-large delegate from the State of Tennessee. Leahy currently hosts two programs on Pajamas TV: TCOTonPJTV and The Tea Party Coalition Show. You can read more of his accomplishments on his website.
Leahy describes himself as your average Republican who happens to hate taxes a lot. He travels to and from his Thompson’s Station home on the very public roads other people’s taxes pay for. He and his family is protected by tax-funded police and emergency personnel who save lives with less and less, yet documents show Leahy hates taxes so much that liens had to be placed against him for unpaid taxes.
Michael Patrick Leahy was Keith Olbermann’s “Worst Person In The World.”
America is the greatest country on Earth, and we owe our gratitude to those who pay their share in blood and treasure to make it that way, but some people here in Middle Tennessee feel that price is better paid by others while they reap the benefits. Rutherford County Republicans registered their complaints by protesting enhanced health benefits our hereos deserve, spending $13.9 million in stimulus money in Rutherford County schools, extending unemployment benefits for Rutherford County’s growing unemployed as well as $30 million to retrain dislocated and low-income workers.
After eight long years of disastrous conservative economic policies that led to record deficit spending, unprecedented government expansion and a deepening recession, it’s time Republicans start being part of the solution instead of continuing to be part of the problem.
The Rutherford County Republican Party has invited Leahy to speak at an “instant tea party for Bart Gordon” scheduled for Thursday May 21.
Tags: anti-tax, Michael Patrick Leahy, tax lien, tea party
Posted in ARRA, Economy, Rutherford County Republican Party, Taxes | 6 Comments »
Monday, May 11th, 2009
President Barack Obama’s stimulus funds are creating jobs for Rutherford County families in Rep. Donna Rowland (R-34) and Rep. Joe Carr’s (R-48) districts.
Bids are currently being accepted for three road projects in Rutherford County that total roughly $3.5 million dollars.
Rutherford County Republicans recently took to the square in Murfreesboro by the hundreds protesting stimulus spending. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act they protested also provides $13.9 million for Rutherford County schools, enhances health care for veterans, extends unemployment benefits for Rutherford County’s growing unemployed and provides $30 million to retrain dislocated and low-income workers.
Rep. Joe Carr went as far as demanding Gov. Phil Bredesen refuse stimulus funds that extend unemployment benefits.
Despite Republican protests, several construction companies are now placing bids to spend the stimulus funds and create jobs for Rutherford County families. Below is a list of the stimulus funded road projects in our county and the current company bids being considered by the state.
View the complete list of stimulus funded TDOT projects by county, current bids and the companies bidding to spend it. Click here to look at what stimulus money is funding in Tennessee.
1) CONSTRUCTION OF 2 CONCRETE BOX BRIDGES ON SR 102 (ALMAVILLE ROAD) OVER MAXWELL CREEK (LM 1.89) AND ROCKY FORK CREEK (LM 5.31)
- BROWN BUILDERS, INC. $1,694,385.65
- GENERAL CONSTRUCTORS, INC. $1,794,725.10
- ROAD BUILDERS, LLC $1,812,762.08
- W. L. HAILEY AND COMPANY, INC. $1,863,125.04
2) RESURFACING ON US 41(SR 2) FROM NORTH OF RUTHERFORD BLVD. (LM 1.80) TO EPPS MILL ROAD (LM 8.60)
- HOOVER, INC. $997,594.70
- LOJAC ENTERPRISES, INC. $1,128,503.00
- HMA CONTRACTORS, LLC $1,149,665.60
3) THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NOISE WALL ON I-24 FROM EAST OF SR 96 TO THE STONES RIVER
- BROWN BUILDERS, INC. $671,989.40
- ROGERS GROUP, INC. $682,504.05
- W. L. HAILEY AND COMPANY, INC. $731,885.00
- BELL & ASSOCIATES CONSTRUCTION, L.P. $794,506.54
- DEMENT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC $944,148.60
Posted in ARRA, Economy, Jobs, Rep. Donna Rowland (R-34), Rep. Joe Carr (R-48), Rutherford County Republican Party, Taxes, Veterans | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
Republican Sen. Jim Tracy is working on a bill that will increase the gas tax in Tennessee.
Sen. Tracy chairs the Senate Transportation Committee which worked with the House Rural Roads Subcommittee to amend a specialty license plate bill with the gas tax increase.
Here’s what Sen. Tracy told the Daily News Journal today.
“We’re working on it. It’s not finalized,” he said. “We have some other things to look at.”
When asked if he supports the concept of indexing, Tracy said costs of building roads, which are financed by fuel taxes, have increased 40 percent recently while revenue remains flat.
“We know we have to do something,” he said.
Even Sen. Tracy realizes that someone has to pay for the roads we need.
Posted in Economy, Energy, Environment, Sen. Jim Tracy (R-16), Tax and Spend Republicans, Taxes | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, April 21st, 2009
If Rep. Joe Carr (R-48) gets his way, thousands of unemployed Rutherford County residents will not get an extension of their unemployment benefits in some of the hardest times many have ever experienced in Middle Tennessee. Rep. Carr is sponsoring a bill to reject the stimulus funds. The extension of unemployment benefits is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Today’s Daily News Journal reports that Tennessee will also receive over $30 million to retrain dislocated or low-income workers through the ARRA. You can learn more about what the ARRA federal stimulus is funding here in Tennessee.
“The training, particularly in emerging occupations, that will be provided with these Recovery Act funds will help prepare unemployed Tennesseans for new jobs at a time when that’s more important than ever,” Bredesen said.
The funding is anticipated to increase participation of the dislocated worker program by more than 1,300, which is 40 percent, over the number of individuals who received training services last year.
Adult services are expected to increase by approximately 2,000 slots, or 20 percent, over last year.
“Being out of work is especially difficult in this economic environment,” Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley said. “Many laid-off workers and adults haven’t had to worry about updating their skills for years, and this Recovery Act funding provides an opportunity to do just that.”
The Rutherford County Republican Party took to the streets by the hundreds April 15 to protest this much needed help after eight long years of failed economic policy, unprecedented government expansion and out of control spending that resulted in a recession.
Republicans also protested the millions of dollars to be spent on Rutherford County and Murfreesboro schools as well as enhanced benefits for Rutherford County veterans.
Tags: Joe Carr, RCDP, tea party
Posted in Economy, Education, Gov. Phil Bredesen, Jobs, RCDP, Taxes, Veterans | No Comments »
Thursday, April 9th, 2009
Schools throughout Rutherford County will soon receive funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) passed by Democrats back in February.
Rutherford County will receive $2,794,061 in Title I funding from the federal stimulus funds. This is in addition to the $4.2 million the county will receive for students with disabilities through the ARRA.
Republicans voted against these investments in the future of our children and our county. The federal stimulus provides tax cuts, tax credits and extensions to unemployment benefits for 95% of working families as relief from the devastating results of 8 years of failed Republican economic policy.
Posted in Economy, Education, Legislation, Taxes | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, April 7th, 2009
Students with disabilities in Rutherford County and across Tennessee will soon benefit from the first round of federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Rutherford County schools will receive $4.2 million, and preschool programs will see $133,000 through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Democrats voted for these stimulus funds, tax credits and tax cuts for 95% of working families in February as an emergency backstop to a recession caused by 8 years of failed economic policy. Republicans opposed providing relief to the American people. Below is an excerpt from Gov. Bredesen’s release.
“As we increase our curriculum and standards, the benefit of having increased funding for Tennessee students with disabilities will be vital to local education agencies, schools, teachers and, most importantly, the students,” Governor Phil Bredesen said. “These additional dollars in the classroom will be a tremendous boost to our education system.”
The ARRA dollars represents significant funding for programs that help ensure children with disabilities, including children age 3-5, are provided services that meet their needs. Possible uses of these funds could include professional training for special education teachers, data collection to improve teaching and learning, and improving overall student achievement.
Posted in Economy, Education, Taxes | No Comments »
Friday, April 3rd, 2009
Tax credits for working families will soon begin appearing in the paychecks of Rutherford County residents. Democrats passed the tax credits in February’s federal stimulus bill.
Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) said over time the extra money in your pay check will amount to about $800 over the next two years.
Republicans opposed tax cuts and other tax credits for 95% of working families in Rutherford County. And now they’re working to deny extended benefits to the unemployed. Here’s an excerpt from a story in the Murfreesboro Post:
“When we passed the Economic Recovery package in February,” explained Congressman Bart Gordon, “we designed it to provide regular tax relief to individuals and families with the idea that they would, in turn, use the extra money to stimulate the economy.”
The Making Work Pay (MWP) tax credit, a measure included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was signed into law on February 17, 2009, will provide 95% of working families with immediate tax relief. Rather than receiving a single tax rebate check, working Americans will see more money in each of their paychecks.
“Families should see at least a $65 dollar-per-month increase in their take-home pay starting this month,” said Gordon. “At first glance, this may not sound like much money, but over the course of the next two years, it could amount to an additional $800 for individuals and $1,600 for families.”
Posted in Economy, Jobs, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
If Rep. Joe Carr (R-48) has his way, unemployed residents in Rutherford County will not get their benefits extended under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act while they look for work.
Rep. Carr is a co-prime sponsor of HJR 0150, a bill that urges Gov. Bredesen to refuse funds from the federal stimulus bill that will help families in Rutherford County who are unemployed. The bill was deferred today in committee to April 15.
If you live in the 48th District (Lascassas), Tell Rep. Joe Carr what you think: (615) 741-2180
Posted in Economy, Jobs, Legislation, Rep. Joe Carr (R-48) | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
The DNJ reports today on the creation of an “Economic Recovery Center” by Rep. Bart Gordon (D-Murfreesboro) to help constituents understand and access benefits made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced the creation of the “Economic Recovery Center” today on his website, which offers comprehensive explanations about the benefits included in and made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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The legislation was signed into law in response to growing unemployment, budget shortfalls and outdated infrastructure.
“This downturn has affected families, small businesses, local and state governments, and the list goes on and on,” Gordon said in a news release from his press secretary Kinsey Kiriakos. “The Recovery Act is designed to provide relief through a number of tools, and the Recovery Center on my website explains where it can be found.”
The web address to Gordon’s “Economic Recovery Center” is www.bart.house.gov/recovery.
Posted in Economy, Rep. Bart Gordon (D-6) | 1 Comment »
