MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011 Shipley to chair legislative panel while under TBI probe (News-Sentinel/Humphrey)

State Rep. Tony Shipley, who is under investigation in a case that questions his dealings with the state Board of Nursing, has been named chairman of a legislative committee that has oversight of all such health-related boards. Shipley, R-Kingsport, said he views the appointment as a display of confidence in his integrity and innocence by legislative leaders. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation should now publicly state that the probe has turned up no wrongdoing by either him or Rep. Dale Ford, R-Jonesborough, who is also under investigation. "There's nothing there and I believe they know that," said Shipley last week. "It's not Shipley that's stinking. It's other things that are stinking now." TBI spokesman Jason Locke said as a matter of general policy the agency launches investigations at the request of a district attorney general and, similarly, would close an investigation and issue a statement of exoneration only with the assent of the district attorney general involved. "The TBI investigation was originated at the request of District Attorney General Torry Johnson (of Nashville). It is, at this time, still active and ongoing," Locke said in an email response to a reporter's inquiries about the Ford-Shipley investigation. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/oct/23/shipley-to-chair-legislative-panel-while-under/

Dorothy Cooper incident highlights parties' split regarding photo ID law (CP/Woods)
Embarrassed nationally by news stories about Chattanoogas Dorothy Cooper, state officials have shifted into damage-control mode to try to rebut claims that Tennessees new photo ID voter law is a Republican scheme to disenfranchise the poor and the elderly. At the age of 96, Dorothy Cooper became a cause clbre of the liberal media this month the determined black lady who somehow managed to vote her whole life, throughout the Jim Crow era and beyond, only to be sent home empty-handed when she asked for one of the new state-issued photo IDs. In a manila envelope she brought a rent receipt, a copy of her lease, her voter registration card and her birth certificate. But none of that was enough. A Safety Department bureaucrat turned her away because her maiden name, Dorothy Alexander, was typewritten on the birth certificate, and she didnt have a marriage license to prove her name now is Cooper. I dont know what difference it makes, she said in one of the many interviews she has given since then. At a news conference after Mrs. Coopers treatment became publicized, state officials were apologetic but determined to show her case was unusual. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/dorothy-cooper-incident-highlights-parties-split-regarding-photoid-law

Amid pushback, (CP/Garrison)

teacher

evaluation

system

has

ally

in

Jesse

Register

A quarter of the way into the school year, one item is dominating chatter among Tennessee teachers, principals and even some state politicians a narrative fully captured and advanced through the media: The states controversial new teacher evaluation system, ushered in to bring accountability to classroom instructors, has predictably caused its share of angst among the teachers it measures. Though sentiments arent universal, there seems to be a degree of division between the evaluation system implemented this year and teachers themselves, with some decrying its methodical, time-consuming approach and 1-to-5 grading system that has stressed even longtime, tenured teachers. Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Education officials are backing the program, but have said they plan to address concerns. We continue to view the evaluation system as a critical foundation for our collective work to improve student achievement, Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman wrote in an email to educators in September. The system is not perfect, but it is a significant step forward, and the first step in an ongoing effort to refine and improve evaluation and support for

educators. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/amid-pushback-teacher-evaluation-system-has-ally-jesse-register

Study of Tennessee state wages sought (Knoxville News-Sentinel/Humphrey)

Competitive salaries key, Haslam says Gov. Bill Haslam said Wednesday that he wants a study of state employee salaries with an eye toward revisions that would prevent workers from going elsewhere once the economy improves. Right now we have the luxury of a fairly noncompetitive market for labor, just because of the economy, but thats going to change sometime, said Haslam. A market comparable wage comparison, such as one he had conducted on Knoxville city employee salaries as mayor in 2008, would show positions where salaries should be changed, Haslam said. He expressed no opinion on whether raises should go to 968 state workers with pay now low enough to draw food stamps, according to the Tennessee State Employees Association. As an example of the need for study, he envisioned realizing, Gosh, you are not going to be able to hire engineers at (the Tennessee Department of Transportation) for that kind of pay. We need to know that and not be caught unawares. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/oct/24/study-tennessee-state-wages-sought/

Out-of-state students test TN universities (Tennessean/Gonzalez)

A freshman who crosses state lines to learn at Middle Tennessee State Universitys Murfreesboro campus can pay three times as much as an in-state student. How those tuition dollars play into admissions decisions is a delicate question being considered now as a consulting group evaluates MTSUs enrollment. In the next year, the university will roll out a strategy to promote unique programs to students in nearby states, especially Georgia and Florida, which are projected to have more high school graduates than their state schools can handle. Tennessees public universities teach fewer out-of-state students than a decade ago, but a push to draw more has swept across the nations increasingly tuition-dependent universities. The topic recently ranked as the top priority of admissions directors in a survey by Inside Higher Ed, an online magazine. These students can bring colleges more revenue and diverse backgrounds, but admissions directors said they tread a fine line with taxpayers when using tactics such as partial tuition discounts to woo them. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111024/NEWS04/310190165/Out-state-students-test-TN-universities? odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

UTC spends $25.8 million in stimulus money (Associated Press)

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga used $25.8 million in federal stimulus money between the 2009 and 2011 fiscal years to boost part-time faculty, scholarships and a new math lab. The vice chancellor of finance and operations for the school, Richard Brown, told The Chattanooga Times Free Press that about 40 percent went to academic affairs, with almost $5 million used to hire lecturers and adjunct faculty (http://bit.ly/pVJt2Z ). UTC spent $8 million on capital improvements. "When you are in these economic downturns you will seldom be able to find a million dollars to renovate a building," Brown said. By Friday, UTC officials weren't able to provide an exact number of positions filled with stimulus money and how many were retained once the funds ran out. University of Tennessee system spokeswoman Gina Stafford said the system received $219 million in stimulus funding, with a complete summary of usage on all campuses being compiled. "Obviously, stimulus funding was important to our ability to make carefully considered budget cuts over a two-year period to prepare for and better manage the impact of reduced state appropriations," she said. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37763355.story

M.L. King rebuild on TDOT agenda (Chattanooga Times Free-Press/Walton)

Local planners and the state Department of Transportation are going round and round about a roundabout. TDOT is in the planning stages of a massive rebuild of U.S. Highway 27 between Interstate 24 and the Olgiati bridge, including the M.L. King Boulevard interchange. The agency needs about a third of an acre of city-owned land off 12th Street behind the former James A. Henry School. Staff members of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency don't have a problem with that. Earlier this month, RPA staff recommended the city declare the land surplus so TDOT can take it. But in a comment on the recommendation, an unnamed planning staffer sniped about TDOT's design for the interchange, saying it doesn't follow recommendations in the city's Downtown Plan. "In fact, the current design is much LESS pedestrian-friendly and takes more right of way," the comment states. It quotes the Downtown Plan's call for more interchanges on U.S. 27 and better access between downtown and the W estside, extensive landscaping, frontage roads and a roundabout instead of an interchange at M.L. King. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/24/ml-king-rebuild-on-tdot-agenda/? 2

local

Commission offers $5,000 fellowships to artists (Associated Press)

The Tennessee Arts Commission is recognizing the state's professional artists. The group is providing fellowships of $5,000 to outstanding artists who live and work in Tennessee. No specific project has to be carried out with the funds. The deadline to apply is January 23. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be legal Tennessee residents. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37769035.story

Knox struggles with soaring officer pension costs (Associated Press)

A pension plan for the Knox County Sheriff's Office is costing nearly three times what was projected when voters approved it in 2006, pushing officials to seek major changes to hold down the soaring expenses, a newspaper reported.. A four-part series by The Knoxville News Sentinel found that the county is paying $8.2 million a year for the Uniformed Officers Pension Plan ( http://bit.ly/nm10Xb "It's killing us," said Mayor Tim Burchett, who ). helped as a state senator helped pass the law that allowed the county to fund the plan with a novel bonding scheme. He's prepared to ask voters to either kill the plan or enact cost-saving options such as raising the retirement age, reducing benefits or increasing the amount employees contribute. "It's expensive enough as it is; and the way it's structured, we'd be looking at a tax increase at some point, and I don't plan to do that. Families are already struggling enough," said Burchett, a member of the Knox County Retirement and Pension Board. "Ultimately that's our only recourse." The pension gives deputies retiring with 30 years of service 75 percent of the average of their highest two years' pay, plus a 3 percent annual cost-of-living adjustment. http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tennessean&sParam=37762605.story

Knox Commission (NS/Donila)

step

raises

proposal to

benefit highest-paid

workers

Knox County's highest salaried employees would earn more money than the lowest paid, under one County Commission proposal to grant step increases rather than the administration's planned across-the-board 3 percent pay raise. Further, almost 63 percent of the general government employees would not even get a 3 percent bump if a step raise is implemented, according to the county's human resources department. Instead, the highest increases as much as 4.29 would go to employees who make more than $100,000. For example, Senior Director of Finance John Troyer would get a $5,247 raise, or 3.8 percent, records show. Administration Chief of Staff Dean Rice would receive a $5,614 increase, or 4.29 percent, which would put him even with his predecessor Mike Arms, who held the position for eight years. "The numbers show that the vast majority of the employees who need a raise the most benefit far more under a 3 percent increase rather than a step," Rice said. "The only ones who would benefit more from a step are those in upper management who fall below midpoint (on the step scale) and that includes myself." The county has 37 pay grades. The first 18 are nonmanagement jobs, like truck drivers, secretaries and laborers. The rest are considered "professional" positions, like managers, directors, attorneys and accountants. Each pay grade includes 21 steps. http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/oct/24/knox-county-commission-step-raises-proposal-to/

Emergency responders assessing performance after tornadoes (TFP/Harrison)

As the word "tornado" started showing up more and more in weather forecasts on April 26, Hamilton County officials were ramping up the Emergency Operations Center. The spacious room, based inside the 9-1-1 Communication Center on Amnicola Highway, is outfitted to transform instantly into the county's nerve center, coordinating response efforts and communicating with state and federal agencies. Placards mark dozens of computer consoles designated for agencies including the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department, law enforcement, the Red Cross, utility companies and the Department of Education. "It's where we all come together, where we circle the wagons," said Bill Tittle, chief of emergency management for Hamilton County. "The role this room plays is extremely important." Throughout the day and into the evening of April 27, every console was full. Four large wall screens displayed live radar weather updates and constantly updated maps that tracked the growing swaths of tornado damage and pinpointed the locations where nine county residents died. Three smaller televisions broadcast local news and weather alerts. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/24/emergency-responders-assessing-disaster-reponse/?local

Fleischmann campaign funds pay Saltsmans legal expenses (TFP/Carroll)

3

U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmanns main campaign committee used campaign donations to pay legal expenses for Chip Saltsman, the congressmans chief of staff, finance records show. On July 1, the campaign spent $7,565.38 on Waddey & Patterson P.C., the Nashville firm defending Saltsman. He is accused in a lawsuit of defaming and slandering an aide to Robin Smith, Fleischmanns chief 3rd District GOP primary opponent last year. Neither Fleischmann nor the congressmans principal campaign committee is named as a defendant in the Davidson County Circuit Court lawsuit. But Fleischmanns office did consult with the federal agency that oversees election law, which determined that using donations to defend Saltsman was allowable. Of seven donors interviewed Friday, including attorney Stuart Brown and accountant Tom Decosimo, most had no issue with the campaigns actions. One woman who did not want to be named said she couldnt figure out why her donation was diverted to Saltsmans legal problems in Nashville. The monies that go toward Chuck and his staff its a judgment call, said Brown, who donated $250 to Fleischmann. To me, its all politically motivated. If it frees up Chip, Im fine with it. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/24/fleischmann-campaign-funds-pay-saltsmans-legalexp/?local

New England's Youth Pitch (Wall Street Journal)

Aging Population Spurs State Initiatives to Keep College Graduates From Fleeing Matt Marshall is still trying to determine which path he will take when he graduates from the University of New Hampshire in June. But the 23year-old business major has pinpointed his general direction: out of the state. "I definitely want to go someplace else. Where, I don't know, but I've lived here all my life," he said, mentioning a warmer locale as his possible future home. "I hate snow." New Hampshire is giving the spiky-haired Mr. Marshall anything but the cold shoulder. With census figures showing New England leads other parts of the U.S. in the decline of its under-45 age group, the Granite State and its neighbors are desperate to keep young people around. Massachusetts is funding internships at private companies$2.2 million this year, up from $1 million last year. In a pilot program started in July, Vermont is forking over cash to graduates who stay in the state. New Hampshire, under the direction of a young-worker retention task force established by Democratic Gov. John Lynch, has launched a nonprofit called Stay Work Play to sell the state to college students. The state also is directing one-third of its entire marketing budget toward wooing and retaining younger people. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203658804576635240925997926.html?mod=ITP_pageone_1 (SUBSCRIPTION)

More states limiting Medicaid hospital stays (Kaiser Health News)

A growing number of states are sharply limiting hospital stays under Medicaid to as few as 10 days a year to control rising costs of the health insurance program for the poor and disabled. Advocates for the needy and hospital executives say the moves will restrict access to care, force hospitals to absorb more costs and lead to higher charges for privately insured patients. States defend the actions as a way to balance budgets hammered by the economic downturn and the end of billions of dollars in federal stimulus funds this summer that had helped prop up Medicaid, financed jointly by states and the federal government. Arizona, which last year stopped covering certain transplants for several months, plans to limit adult Medicaid recipients to 25 days of hospital coverage a year, starting as soon as the end of October. Hawaii plans to cut Medicaid coverage to 10 days a year in April, the fewest of any state. Both efforts require federal approval, which state officials consider likely because several other states already restrict hospital coverage. http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/story/2011-10-23/states-limit-medicaid-hospital-stays/50886398/1

Does the new iPhone's "Siri" make texting while driving legit? (Stateline)
When Apple introduced its new iPhone 4S earlier this month, tech analysts raved about the phones voiceactivated personal assistant, nicknamed Siri. One thing they loved was how Siri can be used to dictate text messages without typing or read incoming texts aloud a convenience that seemed perfect for life behind a steering wheel. Big news for drivers, declared The New York Times David Pogue. The W all Street Journals Walt Mossberg noted that hed had success using Siri to dictate e-mails and text messages in the car. Theres just one problem. Texting while driving is illegal in dozens of states. And while some states have written their laws to allow for hands-free use of emerging voice-activated texting technologies, many others havent. For instance, laws in Maine and Michigan disallow reading text messages while driving something that iPhone 4S users may be compelled to do if they want to spell-check Siris dictation before sending a text. Connecticut and Maryland prohibit text messaging from handheld devices, a possible pitfall since Siri users must push the iPhones home button to activate the system. Vermonts statute bans the sending of electronic communications, making no allowance for hands-free texting. http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=608456

Production possibilities for GM plant (Columbia Daily Herald)

While no timeline has been set for workers to come back and build vehicles at the Spring Hill General Motors plant, it seems more likely the hot-selling Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain will be rolling off the assembly line when the idled facility reopens. GM CEO Dan Akerson told the Automotive News last week the company plans to shift some production of the popular crossovers from plants in Ontario, Canada to meet rising demand and is considering the Spring Hill site for the spillover. Akerson also told the publication GM is considering options for extra production of it Cruze compact, which is produced in Lordstown, Ohio. He did not say which plant could get that added work. The reopening of the Spring Hill plant was part of a four-year contract between GM and the United Automobile Workers ratified last month by workers. The factory is expected to add 1,700 jobs to build two mid-sized vehicles at the facility. GM will invest $61 million for one of the cars and add 600 jobs, while it will spend $358 million on the other car with 1,100 jobs created. Mike Herron, bargaining chairman for UAW Local 1853, said its still too early to tell when vehicle production will ramp up in Spring Hill and that there is still no official word on a product. http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/articles/2011/10/23/top_stories/02gm.txt

The jobs question (Nashville Post)

The jobs landscape is changing. Plenty of policy makers are pontificating about the nations persistently high unemployment rate. But ask any of a number of area business owners what their main issue is and theyll say its a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in high-profile white-collar sectors. Really. It's no longer so simple to staff out a plant with people who can simply put a rivet in steel. Even blue-collar work is becoming more specialized and more technical. For centuries since the Industrial Revolution, manufacturing work was a steady source of employment. American desire to consume fueled the greatest output of production in the world. Now, as our economy becomes increasingly technology-based, the same approaches to education and training may not cut it anymore. We talked to experts across several sectors and asked them the same thing: What is the job landscape like in your area and how could workers adapt to companies needs? Heres what we found. Technology Over the past few years, as Nashvilles technology community has become increasingly robust, the citys pool of technology talent has failed to keep pace. This is nothing new, but it does shed light on what one staffing executive was quick to point out: the dual job market. http://nashvillepost.com/news/2011/10/24/the_jobs_question

Despite sour economy skilled workers needed for jobs (City Paper)
The jobs landscape is changing. Plenty of policy makers are pontificating about the nations persistently high unemployment rate. But ask any of a number of area business owners what their main issue is and theyll say its a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in high-profile white-collar sectors. Really. Its no longer so simple to staff out a plant with people who can simply put a rivet in steel. Even blue-collar work is becoming more specialized and more technical. For two centuries after the Industrial Revolution, manufacturing work was a steady source of employment. American desire to consume fueled the greatest output of production in the world. Now, as our economy becomes increasingly technology-based, the same approaches to education and training may not cut it anymore. We talked to experts across several sectors and asked them the same thing: What is the job landscape like in your area and how could workers adapt to companies needs? Heres what we found: http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/despite-sour-economy-and-many-seeking-employment-skilledworkers-needed-jobs

Unified school board seeks to delay expansion of charter schools (CA/Roberts)

Promise Academy, at the corner of Hollywood and Chelsea in North Memphis, has plans to grow, including adding a gym across the street where blighted, boarded-up homes now sit. It won't be able to do so if the newly unified school board convinces legislators in Nashville to stop charter school growth while it works out the details of the school merger. "The key point is not to avoid charter school expansion but to try to get the merger right prior to that," said board member Dr. Jeff Warren, who introduced the strategy last week. "I think we should delay two years and strengthen the charters we already have." If the board adopts the idea, it would become part of its legislative agenda for the 2012 session. "Current state law does not authorize the Tennessee Department of Education to impose any sort of moratorium on new charter schools," department spokeswoman Kelli Gauthier said in an e-mail Friday. The prospect rings alarms at the Tennessee Charter School Incubator, led by Memphian Greg Thompson. With the Charter Growth Fund, the two have raised $27.7 million of the $30 million to cover startup costs of opening 40 college-prep charter schools in Memphis and Nashville by 2015. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/oct/24/moratorium-sought/ 5

Declining numbers Press/Washington)

of

blacks

seen

in

math,

science

(Associated

With black unemployment reaching historic levels, banks laying off tens of thousands and law school graduates waiting tables, why arent more African-Americans looking toward science, technology, engineering and math the still-hiring careers known as STEM? The answer turns out to be a complex equation of self-doubt, stereotypes, discouragement and economics and sometimes just wrong perceptions of what math and science are all about. The percentage of African-Americans earning STEM degrees has fallen during the past decade. It may seem far-fetched for an undereducated black population to aspire to become chemists or computer scientists, but the door is wide open, colleges say, and the shortfall has created opportunities for those who choose this path. STEM barriers are not unique to black people. The United States does not produce as high a proportion of white engineers, scientists and mathematicians as it used to. Women and Latinos also lag behind white men. Yet the situation is most acute for African-Americans. Black people are 12 percent of the U.S. population and 11 percent of all students beyond high school. In 2009, they received just 7 percent of all STEM bachelors degrees, 4 percent of masters degrees and 2 percent of Ph.D.s, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111024/NEWS04/310240034/Declining-numbers-blacks-seen-mathscience?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|s

OPINION Free-Press Editorial: Encouraging local tourism figures (Times Free-Press)

It is remarkable that the tourism industry in Tennessee has not only kept its head above water but has actually thrived despite the current national economic crisis. As you might have read, tourists spent roughly 6.3 percent more money in Tennessee in 2010 than they spent in our state in 2009. All told, 2010 spending by tourists in Tennessee came to more than $14 billion! That $14 billion generates countless jobs for our people. In fact, tourism is the second-biggest industry in Tennessee. Spending by tourists also produces revenue to support the functions of state and local government. It is equally encouraging that the increase in tourism spending was well distributed around the state. According to the Tennessee Department of Tourism and Development, every one of the state's 95 counties saw growth in tourists' spending from 2009 to 2010. Of course, we in Tennessee are scarcely surprised to learn that more people are coming to our beautiful state to see its varied attractions. Those attractions range from the scenic Smoky Mountains to Chattanooga's wonderfully developed riverfront and outdoors activities to Graceland at Memphis -- and hundreds if not thousands of picturesque and historic spots in between. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2011/oct/24/1024-b7-fp2-encouraging-local-tourism-figures/? opinionfreepress

Jim Henry: Celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month (Jackson Sun)

The ability to shape your own destiny is what sets America apart. To be able to pursue the American dream while performing your chosen vocation is a privilege that many people take for granted. The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and our community partners support approximately 8,000 Tennesseans with intellectual disabilities to live, work and to be a part of their communities. However, for the majority of the people we support, the opportunity to be a part of the workforce still proves elusive. This is not for a lack of talent, but the challenge is found in communication. The ability to shape your own destiny is what sets America apart. To be able to pursue the American dream while performing your chosen vocation is a privilege that many people take for granted. The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and our community partners support approximately 8,000 Tennesseans with intellectual disabilities to live, work and to be a part of their communities. However, for the majority of the people we support, the opportunity to be a part of the workforce still proves elusive. This is not for a lack of talent, but the challenge is found in communication. http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20111023/OPINION02/110230309/Celebrating-Disability-EmploymentAwareness-Month?odyssey=nav|head

Editorial: Merging schools 101 (Commercial Appeal)

An appearance last week before the Shelby County schools merger transition team by leaders of the Chattanooga and Hamilton County schools consolidation was both reassuring and helpful. The merger, which took place in the mid-1990s, was "undeniably, unequivocally and irrevocably" beneficial, the transition team was 6

told. It brought disparate elements of the community together -- a goal that may seem elusive in Shelby County but certainly not unattainable. Two particularly useful recommendations from the Chattanooga group stood out -implementing a new school assignment plan and identifying the unified system's top leadership as soon as possible. Both moves could ease some of the uncertainty of school patrons and reduce the transfer of students from the system. Those are the kinds of details that could also help suburban communities that are considering forming separate municipal districts make the right decision. There will be many challenges ahead for the consolidation panel, but providing answers to many of the questions about consolidation that are still on people's minds will surely raise prospects for success. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/oct/24/mergingschools-101/

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