Hurricane Irma Evacuees in Tennessee May Be Eligible for Unemployment Benefits
Hundreds of residents from states impacted by Hurricane Irma escaped the impact of the storm by seeking refuge in cities across Tennessee. Many are staying with family or at local hotels and campgrounds and are not able to work. Out-of-state residents, who plan to stay in Tennessee for an extended period of time because their […]
Haslam Issues Statement on Nathan Bedford Forrest Bust
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam issued this statement today regarding the bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest in the State Capitol: “My position on this issue has not changed – I do not believe Nathan Bedford Forrest should be one of the individuals we honor at the Capitol. The General Assembly has established a process for addressing […]
TDCI: Don’t Fall Victim to Scholarship & Student Loan Scams
Scholarships and student loans are the most common way to ease the financial burden of tuition costs for many students. Unfortunately, financial predators prey on consumers’ fears of greater monetary responsibility with scams that promise more than they deliver and leave consumers facing greater headaches and debt. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) […]
DIDD Statewide Employment Rate Released
The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) announced today that the employment rate of persons supported in competitive, integrated employment is 16.6 percent. The number comes from the first round of results from a new data collection tool and reflects persons supported who are of working age and no longer in school. Competitive, integrated […]
Tennessee Educator Survey Offers Actionable Feedback for Improving State and District Policies
According to the 2017 Tennessee Educator Survey report and data tool released today, the overwhelming majority of Tennessee educators believe the evaluation process improves their teaching and professional learning enhances their ability to meet student needs. However, teachers also reported relatively few opportunities for personalized professional learning and difficulties identifying and accessing high-quality instructional materials—two areas where the department […]
TNECD Now Accepting Site Development Grant Applications
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today the opening of the next round of site development grant applications to help communities transform industrial sites to shovel-ready status. As part the Select Tennessee Site Certification program, the site development grants are intended to help communities overcome barriers to site certification and prepare for […]
Haslam Announces Reen Baskin as Director of Communications
ennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced Reen Baskin will become the new communications director for his administration, a Cabinet-level position on his senior staff. “As a trusted and valuable member of this administration since my first year in office, Reen is incredibly talented and hard-working, and I’m excited to have her take on this new […]
Haslam Announces Reward in Memphis Murder Case
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension, arrest and conviction of any person or persons responsible for the June murder of a toddler in Memphis. “We want whoever is responsible for this tragic crime to be brought to justice,” Haslam said. “No tips are too small and […]
Haslam Announces Third Class of Governor’s Management Fellowship Program for Recent Graduates
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced the application period is now open for recent college graduates to apply for the third class of the Tennessee Governor’s Management Fellowship program. The competitive program provides an opportunity for exceptional applicants who wish to serve and learn under Tennessee state government’s top leaders. Applications will be accepted online […]
Haslam Announces Lowest Unemployment Rate in State History
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips today announced Tennessee’s unemployment rate for June 2017 was 3.6 percent, the lowest in Tennessee recorded history. The June 2017 preliminary seasonally adjusted rate surpasses the previous low of 3.7 percent from March 2000. The state has not experienced an unemployment […]
State Representative Andrew Farmer Announces Funding Approval For Mountain View Upgrades
State Representative Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) announced today that the State Building Commission has officially approved funding for facility wide upgrades to the Mountain View Youth Development Center in Dandridge. These updates include the replacement of kitchen and food services equipment; overhauling the freezer and cooler; replacing window heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units and rooftop […]
House Leaders Advance Legislation Establishing Long-Term Care For Those With Autism Spectrum Disorder
In April, Governor Haslam signed into law legislation spearheaded by House leaders to create a long-term system of care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. House Bill 384 establishes the Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder. This 16-person advisory council would make recommendations and provide leadership in program development regarding matters […]
House Approves Legislation Protecting Identities Of Minors In Crime Situations
Earlier this year, House lawmakers unanimously approved legislation designed to protect the identities of Tennessee minors who fall victim to crimes, especially those that are sexual in nature. House Bill 344 protects the identities of minors in a crime situation, unless a court waives confidentiality at the request of the victim’s parent or legal guardian. […]
Bill Aimed At Safeguarding Personal Information Of Tennessee Tourists Moves Forward
Earlier in the year, lawmakers unanimously approved legislation that safeguards the personal information of Tennessee tourists who visit state parks by restricting access to the personal information of park guests. Under current law, Tennessee state parks must disclose personal information of its guests when it receives a public records request, because there is no exemption […]
House Republicans Pass Legislation Strengthening Tennessee Campaign Finance Laws
The full House passed legislation this year to strengthen Tennessee campaign finance laws, with House Republicans leading the charge to require funds donated to a campaign be deposited and maintained in a traditional bank or credit union account insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Current statute allows campaign funds to be invested in […]
Resolution To Honor Blind Citizens, American History Receives Committee Approval
In March, the House approved legislation to honor Tennessee’s blind citizens as well as American history by passing House Joint Resolution 88. As approved, the legislation calls for a braille American flag to be displayed in the new Cordell Hull legislative office building, which the General Assembly is set to move into later this year. […]
