Category: News

The Tennessee Senate this week passed a resolution that directs the state attorney general to sue the federal government over policies surrounding refugee resettlement. Specifically, the resolution alleges the federal government failed to consult with the state on the issue, while mandating the use of state funds. Eben Cathey, advocacy director for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, said the resolution, if passed, sends the wrong message to our national and international neighbors. “This bill embarrasses Tennessee and makes us seem like an unwelcoming place for people who are fleeing violence and persecution,” he said. “This is the most extreme piece of anti-refugee legislation in the nation right now.” The measure now will be taken up by the state House. If passed and the state attorney general declines to file suit, the resolution authorizes the use of state funds to hire independent counsel. Supporters of the resolution say it comes down to the constitutional issue of states’ rights. Immigrant and refugee advocates point to the thorough and lengthy vetting process before individuals are granted access to the United States. Beyond the message the resolution would send to the global community, said Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, the idea that individual states can influence immigration and global policy is out of bounds. “No state has veto power over refugee resettlement,” she said. “Refugee resettlement sits within the purview of the federal government. This conversation that’s taking place and this effort to say we are going to file a lawsuit to shut down refugee resettlement is just moving in the wrong direction.” Cathey said it’s important to remember that the people fleeing Syria and other places fear the same people and ideas that most Americans do. “I think that’s terribly dangerous for Tennessee,” he said. “This resolution threatens our national and international reputation as a place that is welcoming of refugees. There’s no doubt that in the midst of a global humanitarian crisis where many people are fleeing violence and persecution, this is going to leave a black mark on Tennessee’s reputation. “Both Cathey and Weinberg pointed to Tennessee’s long history of providing a safe haven for refugees. The world’s largest Kurdish population outside of the Kurdistan region resides in Nashville.

A new proposal at the Tennessee state capitol would require phone calls on the road to be hands-free.
The bill would fine drivers 50 dollars for talking on the phone without a hands-free device, unless it is an emergency.
Triple A reports that 23,000 crashes in 2015 involved a cell phone or electronic device.
The group blamed fifty-one deaths on electronic distractions.
If passed, the law would take effect January 2017.

While Tennessee lawmakers last year decided to not make the Holy Bible the official state book, they have chosen to designate an official state rifle.
The Rutherford County-made .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle now takes its place alongside state symbols like the tomato as Tennessee’s official fruit and the square dance as the state folk dance.
Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville cast the lone vote against the resolution on Wednesday, arguing the state shouldn’t make a state endorsement of a private company.
He said lawmakers wouldn’t want to choose between other Tennessee-made products like Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel as the official whiskey, or Goo Goo Clusters and MoonPies as the state dessert.
The House voted 74-9 to pass the resolution.

As you may already know, the Coffee County Manchester Public Library has a new director, her name is Polly Vaughn.
On Thursday, February 25, 2016 (today) from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. the library is hosting a meet-and-greet so she can get to know the wonderful patrons of the Coffee County Manchester Public Library. Drop by during this time and help the community welcome Polly to the Coffee County Manchester Public Library.

A judge has declined an effort by the state to throw out a lawsuit challenging Tennessee’s school funding formula.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that Chancellor Claudia Bonnyman told attorneys in Nashville that the case will proceed, but she also declined class-action status to the case that would have allowed it to include all 141 school systems in the state.
School districts in seven counties, including Coffee and Grundy Counties, are suing the state on claims they are not receiving enough money through the state funding formula to educate their students. If they win their case, the solution could cost the state more than $500 million a year.
Other school districts involved in the lawsuit are in Bradley, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn and Polk counties.

On Monday, Tennova Healthcare—one of the state’s largest health networks—announced its expansion to Tullahoma with the addition of Harton Regional Medical Center. With this alliance, Harton’s name changes to Tennova Healthcare – Harton.
Gateway Medical Center in Clarksville, University Medical Center in Lebanon, Jamestown Regional Medical Center in Jamestown, Heritage Medical Center in Shelbyville and Harton Regional Medical Center in Tullahoma join the system formed over four years ago to enhance access and improve coordination of care for patients in the communities they serve.
Tennova is one of the largest healthcare systems in the Volunteer State with 17 hospitals and more than 100 physician clinics. The network includes approximately 2,600 licensed beds, 2,400 physicians on the combined active medical staffs, and 9,600 employees, with more than 75,000 admissions and 460,000 emergency department visits each year.
“This is truly an exciting day for Harton hospital, staff, and physicians,” states Russ Spray, Harton CEO. “Our commitment to provide quality care to those who entrust themselves and families to us does not change, but is only strengthened by joining the Tennova Healthcare network.”
As part of a statewide network, hospitals share expertise and resources that improve access to care, physician recruitment and quality of care. Other programs and services are also part of the network. There is no change in ownership; all network facilities continue to be affiliated with Community Health Systems.
To celebrate the announcement with the community, Harton will participate in numerous spring events throughout Coffee County and surrounding areas.
Tennova makes it easy for individuals and their families to access network physicians, hospitals and related services with one phone number and one website: 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) and www.Tennova.com.

Tennessee officials are teaming with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a renewed effort to combat trafficking of SNAP benefits.
SNAP is the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. SNAP trafficking refers to the buying or selling of SNAP benefits in exchange for money, drugs, guns, ammunition or any other exchange of value.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services is working with USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service to combat SNAP trafficking. The two agencies are signing a new State Law Enforcement Bureau agreement.
The agreement empowers DHS to partner with state and local law enforcement.