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Daily Dose for January 31, 2008
Corker Stands Against Stimulus Package
Corker Stands Against Stimulus Package -- State Sen. Bob Corker is one of the few Republicans to oppose bipartisan economic stimulus legislation proposed by President Bush and members of the Democratic leadership in Congress. The plan calls for $600 to individual taxpayers and $1,200 to working couples in the form of tax rebates. Corker says he is glad the plan will extend money back to taxpayers, but, added: "I know in my heart all we are doing is damaging our country." Corker predicted that the stimulus package would have no long-term effect on the economy and would instead saddle future generations with long-term debt.
TN Extends Abstentee Deadline -- Almost half the counties in Tennessee mailed out absentee ballots too late this year to meet the deadline for the Feb. 5 primary, forcing the state today to extend the absentee voting deadline until Feb. 15. TN negotiated the extention, which gives more time for soldiers and those living abroad to file their ballots after the regular counting of the ballots on Feb. 5, with the US Justice Department. The move is not unprecidented. Similar problems forced later election counts in Connecticut in 2006 and in Pennsylvania and Georgia in 2004.
Bredesen's Budget Leaves Tuition Hikes Likely -- Gov. Bredesen's "back to basics" state budget is likely to leave universities forced to pass along funding shortfalls to students in the form of tuition hikes. The Governor stripped a Tennessee Higher Education Commission recommendation from last November for about $85 million in new money for state college and university operations. UT Knoxville and the University of Memphis, the state's two largest schools are expected to have to increase tuition by 7-9%, while other schools are likely to increase tuition 5-7%. The THEC will meet in June after the General Assembly wraps up budget approvals.
Senate Passes Abortion Amendment -- State senators voted 23-9 for an amendment which would define that there is no constitutional right to abortion in the TN State Constitution. Six Democrats and 16 Republicans and 1 Independent voted for the bill, which now goes to the State House -- where it is expected to langish through the committee process. If the full House were to approve it, both the Senate and House would have to pass it by a two-thirds majority in the next General Assembly. If that were to occur, Tennesseans would vote up or down on the amendment in 2010. More here.
Rep. Brown Targets Rutherford -- State Rep. Tommie Brown has sponsored a bill that would prohibit former officeholders who were removed from office or resigned because of residency requirements from running for the same office again for a period of 10 years. The bill was apparently prompted by the resignation of Chattanooga City Councilwoman Marti Rutherford, who resigned her spot but recently has been floating running again.
