WASHINGTON – On Wednesday (July 8th), the U.S. House passed the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act, a bipartisan bill that will better assist small businesses in developing cutting-edge commercial technology. The bill modernizes the government’s largest small business research and development programs, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Tennessee’s economy – more than 95% of our state’s private workforce is employed by small businesses,” said Congressman Gordon who helped draft the bill as Chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee. “As we work to get our economy back on track, it is important that we support the innovative high-tech small businesses that will create jobs. Every year, the SBIR and STTR programs help 1,500 new firms get off the ground throughout our country. This legislation will enable these programs to double the amount of grants they can award to small businesses engaged in innovative research.”

Over the past eight years, 91 SBIR/STTR grants have been awarded to Tennessee small businesses, totaling more than $22 million. Many of these companies have been leading research efforts to cure diseases, strengthen national defense, and develop new energy technologies.

“The SBIR and STTR business programs foster technologic innovation and economic growth in Tennessee and across America,” said Eric Cromwell, president and CEO of the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation, a non-profit organization designed to support small businesses and innovation development in Tennessee. “U.S. small businesses developing novel technologies have limited sources of financial capital to access at such an early stage of development. The SBIR and STTR programs are an important source of early stage capital for small businesses, bridging the gap to follow-on investments from the private sector”

The bill will modernize both programs, requiring each of them to reach out to rural entrepreneurs, veterans, and women. It also requires both programs to give special consideration to small businesses focused on research in the fields of rare-diseases, energy and nanotechnology.

The bill passed the House with overwhelming support and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

BY CONGRESSMAN BART GORDON

On June 26, the U.S. House passed an energy bill. Leading up to the vote, and in the days that have followed, misleading statements have been made to describe this piece of legislation.

I would like to set the record straight and explain why the House-passed energy bill is vital to our region’s economic future.

The primary reason I supported the energy bill is because it will create jobs and finally put us on a path to end our dependency on foreign energy sources.

Jobs have been leaving our country for years now, and many of them aren’t coming back. As this has occurred, America has become more and more dependent on foreign energy sources. By creating new industries in the renewable energy sector, like solar, wind and water, we will both create new jobs and end our energy dependence. This is exactly what the energy bill will do.

Nissan’s electric car and battery plant in Smyrna and the solar-technology plants in Memphis, Clarksville and Cleveland, Tennessee are examples of the new energy industries. These energy industries have ripple effects that create even more jobs.

Nissan is a great example. Its new electric and battery car plant will employ 1,300 people directly, but the supply companies – the primary metal, electrical equipment, and plastics companies – will locate in the surrounding communities and are estimated to create more than 9,000 additional jobs.

The House-passed energy bill will provide incentives for the development of more industries in the alternative energy sector here in Tennessee, similar to the plants setting up shop in Smyrna, Clarksville and Cleveland right now.

Concern has been expressed about a potential cost increase in household utility bills if the energy bill is signed into law. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office analyzed the bill and concluded the following: “Households would bear costs but ultimately would receive equivalent benefits.” To be clear, I would not support a bill that imposed unreasonable cost increases on consumers.

I understand that these are tough times. I have heard from thousands of Middle Tennesseans who have lost or are worried about losing their jobs. I have also heard from countless others tired of our dependence on foreign oil. We can’t solve these problems overnight. What I am trying to do in Congress is support initiatives that will create a stable foundation for our economy and, at the same time, address other major issues facing our country.

U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon of Murfreesboro represents Tennessee’s Sixth District in the House of Representatives, where he is the chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee.

WASHINGTON – On Friday (June 26th), the U.S. House passed a military budget bill for FY2010, which included increases in funding amounts for the National Guard. The bill also extends health care coverage and increases pay for guardsmen and reservists.

“The Tennessee National Guard has contributed substantially to our nation’s military efforts over the last 8 years,” said Congressman Bart Gordon. “The military budget we passed will allow us to increase funding and benefits for guardsmen who have courageously served our country alongside active-duty soldiers.”

On Wednesday (June 25th), 140 Tennessee Guard members left for Iraq. Since 2001, nearly every member of Tennessee’s National Guard, which is made up of 14,300 members, has been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Some have been deployed multiple times.

The House-passed military budget for FY2010, provides a 3.4% pay raise for military personnel, including guardsmen and reservists. It also extends military health care coverage, known as TRICARE, for guardsmen and their families. The bill would extend TRICARE coverage prior to deployment from 3 months to 6 months.

“These soldiers willingly leave their everyday lives to defend our country,” added Gordon. “In November, 5,000 Tennessee Guard members are expected to be deployed – leading up to their deployment, they deserve quality health care, which will help to ensure they are physically prepared and healthy when they serve our nation abroad.”

The bill also increases the size of our country’s active-duty military, which could reduce the number of redeployments for Guard and Reserve units. The Senate is expected to pass their version of the bill in July.

WASHINGTON – Today (June 26th), the U.S. House passed an energy bill that will create jobs in new industries and put the United States on a clear path toward energy independence.

“I have given this legislation a lot of thought, and I am convinced it will not only benefit working families in Middle Tennessee, but is essential to our region’s economic future,” said Congressman Bart Gordon. “Jobs have been leaving our country and most of them aren’t coming back. This bill will create new industries in the energy sector for blue-collar workers. These new industries will have a ripple effect, creating new additional businesses that will supply parts and create even more jobs.”

The House-passed bill, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, will regulate carbon dioxide pollution, invest in developing a 21st Century energy grid, and most importantly, provide incentives for the development of renewable energy industries.

“Nissan’s Smyrna plant and the new solar-technology plants in Clarksville and Cleveland, Tennessee are examples of the new energy industries this bill will bring about,” said Gordon. “Each plant will create thousands of new direct and indirect jobs. Nissan is a great example. Its new electric car plant will employee 1,300 people, but supply companies – the primary metal, electrical equipment, and plastics companies – will open up shop in the surrounding communities, and they are estimated to create more than 9,000 additional jobs.”

During the last few months, numerous statistics have been used and misused to describe the cost of the bill’s provisions. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analyzed the bill passed by the House today, and concluded it would cost $175 a year for families at its height in 2020, or about $15 a month. These estimates did not include savings that will come from upgrades to the energy grid, more efficient homes, and advanced appliance efficiency standards. As stated in the CBO report, “Households would bear costs but ultimately would receive equivalent benefits.”

“Other countries are developing these clean energy industries right now – solar, wind, hydro, and others,” added Gordon. “They recognize current energy sources are limited – they are going to run out. If we don’t act now, years down the line, our foreign dependency will just switch from petroleum-based products to new energy resources that we could have created right here in our country. This bill will put us on track to finally declare our energy independence.”

The House-passed energy bill is supported by a wide coalition of organizations that includes energy companies, business (small and large), labor groups, as well as conservation groups. It will now move to the Senate for consideration.

This summer, President Obama and Change That Works will fight to ensure Americans receive much-needed health care reform in 2009. Community service is a critical piece of our health care campaign and our National Health Care Day of Service on June 27, 2009 will highlight its importance.

Change that Works will hold a canvass to distribute flyers and provide education to the community on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as our National Health Care Day of Service event in Murfreesboro.

One of President Obama’s first actions was expanding access to the Children’s Health Insurance Program. By passing health care reform, we will extend the access afforded through CHIP to adults across America. Currently, millions of eligible CHIP participants are unaware of how to sign up and receive the services they need. By providing state-specific education to parents, volunteers can help these children gain access to health care.

Saturday June 27th
12 Noon to 4:00 PM
Outside Patterson Park Community Center
521 Mercury Blvd
SHIFT 1: Noon to 12:00 PM
SHIFT 2: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
SHIFT 3: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

To volunteer or for more information, contact Darrell Bouldin at: darrellbouldin@gmail.com or 931-409-0320 or Ashley Newton at: anewton@tnchange.org or 615.513.3657.

MURFREESBORO - On Monday, June 22, Republican Election Commission Chairman Tom Walker, even after being told it was illegal, attempted to violate state Sunshine Laws by locking out the public from this month’s meeting of the Election Commission. He even called police to escort our local press from the premises. Michelle Willard of the Murfreesboro Post and Doug Davis of the Daily News Journal were told to leave but refused, at which point Republican Chairman Tom Walker called Murfreesboro police. Ms. Willard reports:

Walker asked everyone, except commission members, to leave the Election Commission’s office on the Square. The Daily News Journal’s Doug Davis and Post Staff Writer Michelle Willard remained and confronted Walker on his request.

Walker was informed it is against state law to close a public meeting. He was then offered a copy of the Sunshine Law (T.C.A. 8-44-101), which he declined, claiming he does not care what the law is and is just trying to protect the applicants by closing the meeting.

State law says, “the formation of public policy and decisions is public business and shall not be conducted in secret.”

“We’ve got some crazy laws in this country,” Republican Commissioner Doris Jones said.

Walker was indignant in defense of his point, saying he didn’t think it was a violation of state laws to conduct public meetings in private. He said his concern was not protecting the rights of voters, but the privacy of the job applicants.

Walker then asked Davis and Willard to leave again. When they refused, he appeared to call the Murfreesboro Police Department (who never showed).

Post Publisher Mike Pirtle and DNJ Editor Jimmy Hart arrived on the scene with Pirtle informing Walker of the law and asking him to call county attorney Jim Cope for an opinion.

Walker pulled out his cell phone and made a call, while walking to the back of the building.

“If we can’t get this resolved tonight, then the meeting is adjourned,” he said.

He emerged several minutes later and said, “Meeting adjourned,” and stormed out the door without a backward glance.

What are Republicans attempting to do? Why are they knowingly violating state law? With Sen. Bill Ketron sponsoring bills to gut the State Ethics Commission and repeal the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act, what are they plotting to do behind closed doors?

The Daily News Journal Editorial Board rates President Barack Obama’s performance in his first 100 days. Now it’s your turn to rate the President. Take our RCDP poll below.

Obama took office in one of the most difficult times of an American presidential transition. He jumped into the job with big plans and big spending, trying to revive the nation’s economy and spirits. Approval of his policies will never be unanimous. But one thing is certain: Obama is not afraid to take action — his first 100 days show that.

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Are you ready for County Reorganization? Keep reading to find out why it’s important and what YOU can do to help change the future of our county and our state!

Every two years, the Democratic Party in each county holds a reorganization meeting. This year, County Reorganization will be Saturday April 4, 2009.

This is an extremely important process that affects our County Democratic Parties, the Tennessee Democratic Party, and the future of Tennessee. To have a successful party that brings about real and sustainable change for Tennesseans we need YOU to be involved.

There are three major goals of reorganization:

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of each County’s bylaws and the County Party’s leadership.
2. Give new people the opportunity to step up and become active in local and state party activities & initiatives. If the Democratic Party is to survive and grow, we must reach out to new people.
3. Update and expand our contact information on Democrats in each county so the TNDP and the RCDP can more effectively communicate with those interested in being involved.

Sincerely,

Drew Rhodes
Chairman
and
Kellee Inskeep
First Vice Chairman

The following people have submitted their names to be considered for offices in the Democratic Party. Nominations will also be taken from the floor. Members will vote for candidates at Convention.

• Jonathon Fagan - Chairman
• Lee Campbell - First Vice Chairman
• Chantho Sourinho - Second Vice Chairman
• William Fields - Corresponding Secretary
• Pat McFadden - Recording Secretary
• MA Smitty - Treasurer

Rutherford County Democratic Party Reorganization
Saturday, April 4, 2009
9:15 AM - Registration
10:00 AM Doors Close

Rutherford County Courthouse
2nd Floor Courtroom
Public Square
Murfreesboro, TN

In order to be eligible to vote at convention you must present a valid Rutherford County Voter Registration card.