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Daily Dose for August 17, 2007
Memphis Schools Defy AG's Opinion
Memphis Schools Defy AG's Opinion -- Three Shelby County high school principals intending to continue random drug testing of athletes despite a state Attorney General's opinion that the practice is illegal. Deputy AG Kate Eyler penned an opinion that schools may not conduct random drug tests on students who participate in extra-curricular activities unless they are under suspesion of using drugs. But that requirement seems to contradict federal law, which allows for broader drug testing for students involved in after-school activities The Tennessee chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union says random testing is ineffective and unconstitutional and may sue if the practice is continued.
Metro Approves More Run-off Sites -- The Metro Election Commission has approved a plan to expand the number of early voting sites for the Nashville Mayor's race run-off. If you're in Nashville, you can vote now on the race at the Nashville Election Commission or one of the eight newly approved sites located around the city. Election day is September 11.
State Gets Upgraded Credit Rating -- Moody's Investors Service in New York upgraded the state's credit rating after a presentation by Gov. Bredesen this week. It means Tennessee can get lower interest rates on bonds issued for large projects. Bredesen has said the ratings also reflect a third-party view that the state is doing a good job managing its finances. The general obligation bond rating upgraded from AA2 to AA1, the agency's second-highest rating.
Hamilton Co. Schools in Tax Trouble -- The Hamilton County school system owes the Internal Revenue Service $650,000 in penalties and interest for under-reporting employee payroll taxes by $27,000 during the first three quarters of the 2006 calendar year. The IRS assessed those penalities after the Hamilton Co. School Board caught the error and paid the back taxes - and now the school system wants to hire a tax attorney to fight the penalties levied. The error occurred because the computer payroll accounting system malfunctioned.
