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Daily Dose for April 15, 2008
Bredesen, TNGOP Hit Obama on "Bitter"
Bredesen, TNGOP Hit Obama on "Bitter" -- What do Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen and TN GOP Spokesman Bill Hobbs agree on? That Barack Obama screwed up when he said that some small-town voters are bitter over their economic circumstances and "cling to guns and religion" as a result. Bredesen criticized Obama's remarks, but said the Presidential hopeful may have misspoken. Meanwhile, the TN GOP sent out a presser blasting Obama for the remark.
Tuke Releases Fundraising Numbers -- Senate hopeful Bob Tuke announced that he has raised over $264,000 for his bid to be the Democratic nominee to take-on Lamar Alexander. Tuke also reported raising a little under $45,000 online. Tuke, the longtime party operative, also picked up endorsements from standard-bearers Sen. John Kerry and former Gen. Wesley Clark along with a myriad of state lawmakers.
House Approves Specialty Plate Oversight -- In light of news reports that former State Rep. H.E. Biddle created a customized license plate for hunting enthusiasts and used the proceeds to build a massive hunting facility in rural East TN, the State House has passed legislation that would require non-profit organizations that apply for and get specialty license plates to account for where the money goes. An organization would have to submit an annual report to state officials on how the money received is spent and would be subject to an audit by the comptroller's office - paid for by the organization - if the group is suspected of improper activity.
Taxing in Memphis -- The County Commission resurrected the idea of a privilege tax on people who work in Shelby County, determined to avoid a property tax increase in the face of a budget shortfall of nearly $30M. The privilege tax, which is expected to face an uphill battle for legislative approval in Nashville, would cost employees who earn more than about $28,000 a year, including commuters, up to $8 a month. Officials say it could generate $24M a year. But unlike an earlier privilege tax proposal that gained little support earlier this year, this version funnels 30% of the tax to cuts in property taxes. Meanwhile, City Mayor Willie Herenton is asking for a property tax increase.
Dean Expands Non-Discrimination in Metro Bidding -- Nashville Mayor Karl Dean got through his first major piece of legislation before the Metro Council. The bill sets up benchmarks to make sure Metro contracts are being adequately rewarded to minority-owned businesses. Dean: "For too long, Nashville’s minority and women-owned businesses in our community have faced barriers participating in the government procurement process.
Two disparity studies that were done before I took office confirmed this. Last year I made a commitment that there be no more studies, but instead there will be action." Enforcement and tracking will be handled by the new Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance.
