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Daily Dose for June 08, 2007
Will Bredesen Support 'Boro Bible Theme Park?
Will Bredesen Support 'Boro Bible Theme Park? -- The State House approved a bill Thursday morning that would allow county commissions to establish tourism development zones and negotiate how a cut of new taxes from such a zone could help pay for building the attraction. The Senate approved the legislation Wednesday, but the Governor has not decided if he will sign the bill or not. The bill would benefit developers in Murfreesboro who are looking for local government to cover capital expenses of a new Bible-themed theme park - under the assumption the park would bring new jobs to the area.
Campfield Picks Up Another Primary Challenge -- The Knoxville-based MetroPulse has an interesting tidbit that infamous State Rep. Stacey Campfield may have picked up another Republican primary challenge. Tommy Prince, a former two-term member of the Knox County school board, says he is weighing a race against Campfield - and was spotted at a campaign workshop in Knoxville. Campfield faced a well-financed Republican challenger and then a Bredesen-backed Democrat last year.
Dem Sales Tax Plus Bill on Hold -- That bill we mentioned yesterday that would add another 3c increase of the tobacco tax on top of what has already passed the General Assembly is on hold for now, while the Legislature negotiates a comprehensive lottery scholarship bill to address non-traditional students (more on that bill here). The additional 3c bill could come back up at any time because it sets on the Clerk's desk, however.
Unanimous Consent on State Immigration Bill -- The State House has passed to a bill putting harsh penalties on knowingly hiring illegal immigrants 95-0. A company found to have "knowingly" hired an illegal immigrant will lose its business license until the employee is terminated. One caveat - farmers are not required to have a business license, so they would not be impacted by the bill. Rep. Mike Turner: "This is about the only thing we can actually do under our law to try to prevent this to make our state less attractive to illegal immigration."
Alexander, Corker Vote to Block Federal Immigration Bill -- Looks like the grassroots lobbying has paid of for the folks that confronted Lamar Alexander about his stance on the US Senate immigration bill. Both Tennessee Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker voted to block the controversial immigration overhaul bill Thursday night. Alexander previously had expressed openness to the controversial legislation, his office has been inundated with calls from conservative Tennesseans who oppose the bill.
