Photo by Ian Skotte/Winchester Herald-Chronicle

WINCHESTER - Sen. Eric Stewart did more than tell students how the state legislature works when he visited Broadview Elementary Friday morning.

Stewart divided fourth and fifth grade students into their own makeshift legislature, complete with their own “House” and “Senate.” Caucus leadership was decided, votes were taken, and the students even passed legislation creating a 45-minute naptime. “Governor Stewart” vetoed the bill, however, saying the students’ time would be better spent in class.

“It’s important for our young folks to understand the process and to be informed if they are going to make a difference in our society,” Stewart said. “This little exercise not only taught them the ins and outs of the process, but also let them participate in it. I had a blast and I think they did, too.”

Several Broadview students will visit Sen. Stewart at the state capitol in Nashville later this year, giving them the chance to see how similar the real state legislature is to their own. Additionally, Sen. Stewart says he is willing to go to any school in his district to show them how the legislature works.

Read the Winchester Herald-Chronicle story here.

After witnessing the damage in his district done by a tornado no one heard coming, Sen. Eric Stewart, D-Belvidere, is sponsoring a bill to create a reverse 911 notification system in Tennessee.

“Tornadoes typically have been the most dangerous weather threats to Tennesseans, especially in the last five years. We must make use of every alert system possible to warn our residents when a tornado could be close,” Stewart said.

Stewart toured the damage done in Monteagle on Jan. 21, where a tornado hit in the evening without any advance warning from authorities. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the experience was enough to convince Stewart that the state needed to upgrade its alert system.

“No one in that area had any idea what was happening,” Stewart said. “We don’t need to wait until the next deadly tornado to implement this system.”

Tennessee’s tornado season typically stretches from March until May, but the Monteagle tornado reminded Tennesseans that the powerful storms can strike the state at almost any time of the year. Tennessee has experienced three major tornadoes since 2006, including last year’s storm in Murfreesboro that killed two people. In those three storms combined, 46 people died.

The bill (SB2857) would create a pilot project to place one reverse 911 system in each of the state’s three grand divisions. The project would be funded through Next Generation E-911 funds, which are assessed on every monthly cell phone bill in the state.

The reverse 911 system would send recorded voice messages to notify residents of severe weather warnings and emergency information. The board in charge of the system could also add text message alerts to cell phones and receivers for the hearing impaired to create an additional alert.

The bill is currently in committee.

Senator Eric Stewart represents Franklin, Bledsoe, Coffee, Grundy, Sequatchie, Van Buren, and Warren Counties. Contact him at sen.eric.stewart@capitol.tn.gov or (615) 741-6694 or 310A War Memorial Building, Nashville, TN 37243.

IN HIGHER EDUCATION REFORM

Sen. Eric Stewart, D-Belvidere, helped remove barriers facing Tennessee community college students Thursday in a bill meant to improve higher education and increase the number of state graduates.

The bill calls for community colleges to comprise a separate system in order to streamline class schedules and make it easier for students to graduate sooner. Community colleges in Tennessee currently only graduate 12 percent of students attending.

“Our community colleges are the most important link between our citizens and a better future,” Sen. Stewart said. “Students need to leave with degrees.”

Under the bill, state funding for public colleges and universities will be linked to graduation rates. Currently funding is tied heavily to enrollment, not graduation.

Community colleges will also be required to create a common course base, so that students across the state are taking the same general education classes. Transferring from community colleges also will be easier: A student who earns an associate degree at a Tennessee community college will be able to transfer to a public university as a junior.

The bill awaits Governor Phil Bredesen’s signature.

Senator Eric Stewart represents Franklin, Bledsoe, Coffee, Grundy, Sequatchie, Van Buren, and Warren Counties. Contact him at sen.eric.stewart@capitol.tn.gov or (615) 741-6694 or 310A War Memorial Building, Nashville, TN 37243.

NASHVILLE – Construction is now underway on a project to widen US-70S (SR-1, Nashville Hwy.) in Warren County.  The project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Tennessee Department of Transportation Chief Engineer Paul Degges joined Congressman Lincoln Davis and state and local officials in Warren County today to break ground on the project which will widen US-70S to four lanes between Spring Valley Road and Centertown.

“Recovery Act funds are allowing us to take this much needed next step in improving US-70S in Warren County,” said TDOT Chief Engineer Paul Degges.  “When totally complete, this project will improve safety and reduce congestion on this heavily traveled route. What’s more, Tennesseans will work to improve this roadway, further assisting in our economic recovery.”

The nearly 5.7 mile project is one of more than a hundred projects in Tennessee funded through the Recovery Act that are currently under construction.  The phase one US-70S widening project was let to contract on May 8 and awarded to Highways, Inc. of Brentwood, Tennessee at a cost of $14.9 million.

“I am very pleased to see economic recovery and reinvestment dollars being used here in Warren County to fund needed improvements to our transportation infrastructure,” said Congressman Lincoln Davis. “The expansion of 70 will put Tennesseans to work, allow our families to travel safer, and will be a useful recruiting tool in bringing in new industry.”

This project includes phase one construction of the segment US-70S from Spring Valley Road to Centertown.  The road will be widened to four lanes with a depressed median and two bridges, one over Dog Branch and the other over Willow Creek, will be constructed.  Once the phase one is complete, another contract will be let to complete paving on both this segment and the segment west to SR-281.  That western section, a 6.9-mile project that runs from Centertown to near SR-281 in Cannon County, is currently in the right-of-way phase.

“Many Tennessee families and small businesses are facing tough economic challenges and projects like this one, funded by the Recovery Act, are helping local citizens and local suppliers one job at a time,” said Senator Eric Stewart.  “I want to thank Governor Bredesen, Congressman Davis, Commissioner Nicely and local leaders for their efforts to get this needed project underway to improve safety and access for Warren County citizens.”

Representative Charles Curtiss added, “The continued improvements to this vital corridor will provide many benefits for the people who live and work in this area. I’m pleased that Recovery Act funds could be used for this project.”

“When this corridor is complete, it will provide a safer alternative for those wishing to travel between some of Tennessee’s most economically important cities,” said Representative Judd Matheny.

TDOT staff considered several factors in determining which projects would be funded by the Recovery Act. The most important was that a project be ready to go to construction by July.  TDOT also gave consideration to projects that can be completed in three years and are in economically distressed areas.  All but one of the ARRA funded projects have been let, with one remaining to be let in August, which means all ARRA funded projects will be underway this summer.  Some 24,000 direct and indirect jobs are estimated to be created or maintained through Recovery Act infrastructure funding in Tennessee.

For more information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit www.recovery.gov or visit www.tn.gov/tdot and click on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act link in the middle of the page.

Forty-five school systems and community organizations received grants to open 21st Century community sites across the state. Grantees can help students improve through a variety of ways including remedial education, tutoring and mentoring programs, recreational activities, and technology programs. For more information on the types of approved activities, visit http://tn.gov/education/learningsupport/titleiv/partb/index.shtml.

“These programs provide a valuable service in the community and to our students,” Sen. Stewart said. “We’re fortunate to be receiving this grant during a time of transition in our state’s education system and I look forward to seeing our students succeed.”

“I’m excited to see our schools receiving extra support at a time when our children need it the most,” Rep. Harmon said. “With Tennessee raising standards to better serve our students, any extra funding will go a long way in getting our kids college-bound.”

Sequatchie County Schools will receive funding for the next three years with the opportunity for a two-year extension if the program demonstrates adequate student progress.
For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@tn.gov.

“I’m pleased the Recovery Act is helping critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in Tennessee move forward,” said Bredesen. “The principal forgiveness provision of the Act, which allows the state to essentially provide a portion of the funding as a grant, will also provide additional relief to local communities during difficult economic times.”

McMinnville will receive $600,000 for water line replacements along North Chancery and Morford Streets and a pump station upgrade on State Route 56.  This project will be funded with a 20-year, $360,000 loan with an interest rate of 1.8 percent and $240,000 in principal forgiveness that will not have to be repaid.

“The vital investments being made in wastewater infrastructure improvements will greatly aid in protecting the health and safety of thousands of folks working and living McMinnville,” said Congressman Lincoln Davis. “It pleases me to see that the economic recovery and reinvestment dollars are being used to help fund this worthwhile project and stimulate local job growth.”

Additionally, McMinnville will receive a traditional State Revolving Fund loan in the amount of $880,000 for a wastewater project.  This 20-year loan with an interest rate of 1.8 percent will allow for the replacement of approximately 4,000 linear feet of collection system lines and associated manholes along North Chancery Street and the replacement of approximately 500 linear feet of collection system lines and associated manholes along Morford Street.  This traditional loan does not include Recovery Act funding or the principal forgiveness provision.

“I am always pleased to see local governments and utility districts access this program to help finance the planning, design and construction of water and wastewater facilities,” said Fyke.  “Community investments in our drinking water and wastewater systems are vital to maintaining environmental and public health, and we look forward to working with communities to move forward with these important projects.”

The Tennessee General Assembly supported statutory changes allowing the debt forgiveness provision, which was required to receive Recovery Act funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the State Revolving Fund program.  Senator Eric Stewart and Representatives Charles Curtiss and Judd Matheny represent McMinnville in the General Assembly.

“This program allows communities like McMinnville to move forward with critical infrastructure projects, protecting water quality and public health,” said Stewart.

“I’m glad to see the city of McMinnville utilizing this funding for the good of the community,” said Curtiss.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation administers the State Revolving Fund Loan Program in conjunction with the Tennessee Local Development Authority.  For the calendar year 2009, EPA provided $77 million in Recovery Act funding for the loan program and the state was not required to provide matching funds.  In order to extend Recovery Act funding to a larger group of projects, however, Tennessee combined it with an equal amount of funding from the existing State Revolving Fund, which by law, cannot be used for another purpose.

For a complete list of all the projects announced today, please visit http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/2342.  Additional information about the State Revolving Fund Loan Program can be found at www.tn.gov/environment/srf.

“I’m pleased the Recovery Act is helping critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in Tennessee move forward,” said Bredesen. “The principal forgiveness provision of the Act, which allows the state to essentially provide a portion of the funding as a grant, will also provide additional relief to local communities during difficult economic times.”

Manchester will receive $12.5 million for wastewater treatment plant upgrades and expansion from 3.4 million gallons per day to 4.3 million gallons per day to maintain compliance with its NPDES permit.  This project will be funded with a 20-year, $7.5 million loan with an interest rate of 2.16 percent and $5 million in principal forgiveness that will not have to be repaid.

“The vital investments being made in wastewater infrastructure improvements will greatly aid in protecting the health and safety of thousands of folks working and living Manchester,” said Congressman Lincoln Davis. “It pleases me to see that the economic recovery and reinvestment dollars are being used to help fund this worthwhile project and stimulate local job growth.”

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation administers the State Revolving Fund Loan Program in conjunction with the Tennessee Local Development Authority.  For the calendar year 2009, EPA provided $77 million in Recovery Act funding for the loan program and the state was not required to provide matching funds.  In order to extend Recovery Act funding to a larger group of projects, however, Tennessee combined it with an equal amount of funding from the existing State Revolving Fund, which by law, cannot be used for another purpose.

“I am always pleased to see local governments and utility districts access this program to help finance the planning, design and construction of water and wastewater facilities,” said Fyke.  “Community investments in our drinking water and wastewater systems are vital to maintaining environmental and public health, and we look forward to working with communities to move forward with these important projects.”

The Tennessee General Assembly supported statutory changes allowing the debt forgiveness provision, which was required to receive Recovery Act funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the State Revolving Fund program.  Senator Eric Stewart and Representative Judd Matheny represent Manchester in the General Assembly.

“This program protects Tennessee waters and public health by allowing communities and utility districts to obtain loans for water and wastewater projects with lower interest rates than most could get through private financing,” said Stewart.  “The Recovery Act funding this year bolstered the program’s benefits even more, allowing communities like Manchester to move forward with work and have 40 percent of the cost covered through the debt forgiveness provision.”

For a complete list of all the projects announced today, please visit http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/2342.  Additional information about the State Revolving Fund Loan Program can be found at www.tn.gov/environment/srf.

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In the Senate and the House, we made tough decisions, but we were mindful of this: We must put Tennesseans back to work. Our families depend on it. Our communities depend on it. Our future depends on it.

It was a struggle against politics and short-sighted priorities. But we managed to protect struggling families and our hometown economies on several fronts:

• Secured the West Tennessee industrial “megasite” that will attract major employers like Volkswagen and Hemlock Semiconductor.

• Cleared the way for Volkswagen, Hemlock and Wacker Chemical deals to go forward — and bring thousands of jobs to the state.

• Beat back efforts to kill bridge projects — which will put hundreds of Tennesseans to work and revive economic activity in the towns where workers live.

• Helped the unemployed by expanding benefits and making them available longer until those unfortunate Tennesseans get back on their feet and back to work.

• Made it easier to prosecute “foreclosure rescue” scam artists who prey on Tennesseans facing the loss of their homes.

• Stopped efforts to cancel construction projects at public universities, which will mean jobs in several college communities and investments in our children’s future.

• Rescued our nationally recognized pre-kindergarten program — the only chance that many of our children have to get off on the right foot in school.

• Got the ball rolling on a partnership between our high schools and Tennessee Technology Centers that will teach students skills they’ll need to find 21st century jobs.

• Resolved to use Tennessee’s federal stimulus dollars to put American workers back on the job and to bolster American businesses.

• Kept a plan on track for fair, honest elections next year, requiring voting machines with a verifiable paper trail.

• Paved the way for families with loved ones suffering long illnesses or critical injuries to get them proper care in home-like settings.

But political rhetoric won out over the needs and priorities of Tennesseans too many times during this legislative session. A couple of examples:

• Ethics laws took a back seat as our independent Ethics Commission was merged with the office of the Registry of Election Finance.

• Senate Democrats wanted to turn leftover lottery money into help for young HOPE scholars who can’t afford to stay in school. The idea was voted down.

Make no mistake: We knew we could not meet every need with the revenues available. But as tight as state finances are, we worked with Gov. Phil Bredesen to find a way to pay for things that could ease some of the pain being felt by Tennesseans.

We can look at the victories that we did win for Tennesseans and see hope, though. As we attract more industry to Tennessee, we will see more good-paying jobs.

With paychecks in their pockets, workers will spend money in our local economies. And as business grows, so do our state revenues.

As your public servants, we, like you, look toward better times when we can better serve your needs and help secure a stable future for your families.

———

Sen. Eric Stewart represents Bledsoe, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy, Sequatchie, Van Buren and Warren counties. Contact his office at sen.eric.stewart@capitol.tn.gov or 615-741-6694 or 310A War Memorial Building, Nashville, TN 37243.

My vote not to override Governor Bredesen’s veto of HB962 came after much consideration and discussion with hundreds of people across the district. I had previously voted in favor of HB962, but when it was vetoed, public awareness was raised to a new level. I spent the better part of this weekend calling folks in the district, regardless of party and political ideology and asking them what their feelings were on the matter. I spoke with law enforcement officers, restaurant owners, pastors, church members, permit holders, and just every day folks like you and me. The overwhelming response I received has been the belief that a gun where alcohol is served is a bad idea.

Let me be clear; As a gun owner, avid hunter, and NRA member, I am an ardent supporter of our 2nd amendment rights. However, on this issue, I feel very strongly that the will of the citizens of the 14th district and the concerns they raised required me to reconsider my previous action.

I take this job very seriously and unfortunately it is impossible to please everyone on an issue. However, I will always do my best to vote in a way that best represents the wishes of the majority of our district. That’s what I feel I have done on this matter.

Thank you again for contacting me. Always feel free to let me know your thoughts and concerns.

Sincerely,
Eric Stewart

From the Tennessee Senate

This is a big time in the lives of our high school seniors, with graduations planned across Tennessee. Best wishes to you seniors, and congratulations to all you moms and dads who’ve helped them be all they can be!
We also take time to honor our bravest Americans - those who gave it all in freedom’s fight. Freedom is an everyday thing for us - easy to take for granted. But Memorial Day reminds us of the high price that’s been paid.
Made in the USA - I sponsored a resolution this week expressing the state’s commitment to buy products and services made in the United States when we spend our share of federal stimulus money. I was proud to have my Democratic colleagues in the Senate co-sponsor it.
As we work our way out of these tough times, it’s more important than ever that we put our money where our jobs are: in American businesses.
We in Tennessee have seen too many good manufacturing jobs go overseas. It’s time we make a commitment to keeping our dollars and our jobs here, where we need them most.
I’m glad to put my name on this resolution that encourages the state to do business that way.
Common sense bill for law-abiding gun owners - Senator Doug Jackson passed a bill this week that will make it easier for Tennessee hunters and other law-abiding gun owners to take a rifle or shotgun with ammunition along in their car or pickup.
Under this legislation, those with a valid handgun carry permit may transport a rifle or shotgun in their private vehicle as long as the ammunition is not in the gun’s chamber. It would be legal to have ammunition in the chamber when the gun is used for legally justified self-defense.
The Supreme Court last year confirmed our Second Amendment right to bear arms. That is important not only to Tennessee hunters but also to those who own a gun to protect themselves and their families.
Senator Jackson’s legislation is a common-sense bill that I and my Senate Democratic colleagues can support.
Democrats protect working Tennesseans - Senate Democrats blocked legislation this week that would have made it harder for many working Tennesseans to make ends meet every month.
A bill sponsored by Senator Dewayne Bunch, a Cleveland Republican, would have allowed private employers to pay workers only once a month.
Republicans could not get the required majority, and the bill failed.
Tennessee Democrats have a long tradition of standing up for working men and women. At a time when our family budgets are stretched tighter every day, it’s more important than ever.
This is no time to force working families - many of whom are getting by on less already - to wait until the end of the month to be paid…Eric