Dear Friends;
Tonight the legislature will convene in a joint session with the Senate to hear Governor Bredesen present his final State of the State Address. We will hear his budget proposal and below you will see what we have before us in this tough economy and budget year.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve you in the State House. Please let me know if I can ever help you in anyway.
Warmest Regards,
Debra
Legislature begins regular session,
awaits budget proposal
The 106th General Assembly resumed normal business last week, as legislators adjourned the Extraordinary Session on last Monday. Committees held organizational meetings, heard testimony from department heads, and completed unfinished business held over from study committees. Tonight lawmakers will hear the Governor’s budget proposal at a joint convention. The Finance, Ways and Means Committee and Budget Subcommittee will hold budget hearings Tuesday and Wednesday to update legislators on the newest numbers.
State budget presents a challenge
The state is facing an unprecedented projected revenue deficit of roughly $1 billion. Because the Tennessee General Assembly is constitutionally mandated to pass a balanced budget, lawmakers will face extraordinary challenges. In October, Tennessee fiscal analysts said $1.1 billion in baseline budget reductions will likely need to be made in order to keep the state finances afloat.
The 2009-10 budget, passed in June of 2009, anticipated revenue growth of approximately one percent, but revenues have been falling short of that mark. The most recent revenue numbers show a continual decline, meaning that for a record 19 months, Tennessee has seen negative revenue growth. Economists are saying that general fund tax revenues could be down to about $8.5 billion for this year, compared to $10.3 billion in the 2008-2009 fiscal year.
Departments facing reductions
When the Governor presents his budget to the legislature next week, lawmakers expect to hear a call for departments to make 6 to 9 percent more in reductions. Overall, cuts of approximately $500 million to $750 million will need to be made in order to balance the budget.
Education and corrections will probably not be on the chopping block, and Republicans have said that departmental reserve accounts should not be tapped to cover recurring expenses. Most legislators do not want to drain the entire Rainy Day Fund, which currently stands at approximately $525 million.
State Funding Board
The State Funding Board recently adopted preliminary budget estimates in December, and legislators will likely hear them next week during budget hearings giving lawmakers a better snapshot of the budget hole it is facing. The Board will likely revise the estimate in late March or early April, as opposed to its practice of meeting in May, hopefully allowing the General Assembly to finish earlier in the year.
Unemployment Trust Fund
The Unemployment Trust Fund will once again be a significant issue early in the 2010 legislative session. Despite a $140 million infusion of federal stimulus funds into the system in 2009, the fund continues toward insolvency. If the state incurs a deficit, it will likely require a bridge loan from the federal government until the legislature can make other provisions in the Unemployment Trust Fund.
The legislature voted last year to save Tennessee’s Unemployment Trust Fund from federal intervention, saying that the move was necessary to keep the federal government from completely taking over the nearly insolvent fund. The fund was approaching insolvency after the state unemployment rate jumped to 10 percent in 2009, and with the continuously rising percentage of Tennesseans out of work, the fund is being drained of resources. Republicans supported the move, on the condition that a series of triggers allow unemployment taxes to decrease if the fund’s balance reaches a certain threshold.
Transportation Committee imposes
restrictions on traffic cameras
This week, the House Transportation Committee passed a bill that places certain contractual restrictions on local governments who utilize traffic cameras. The move comes after months of study committee meetings examining the use of traffic cameras in communities across the state. The committee voted unanimously this week requiring contracts between local governments and companies operating the traffic cameras to contain a provision that requires the contract to be changed when state law is changed. Lawmakers are anticipating legislation this year that will restrict the use of traffic cameras in some way, or at least lessen their impact. Several legislators have already filed bills on the subject, ranging from the elimination of the cameras to reductions in fee payments.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, February 1st, 2010
5:00 p.m. – SESSION – House Chambers
5:45 p.m. – Joint Convention – House Chambers
6:00 p.m. – Governor Bredesen’s Address – House Chambers
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
8:00 a.m. – Calendar and Rules (TBA) – Legislative Plaza Room 16
9:15 a.m. – Agriculture – Legislative Plaza Room 29
10:30 a.m. – Health and Human Services – Legislative Plaza Room 16
12:00 p.m. – Children and Family Affairs – Legislative Plaza Room 31
2:00 p.m. – Finance, Ways, and Means – Legislative Plaza Room 16
2:00 p.m. – Conservation – Legislative Plaza Room 29
3:30 p.m. – Transportation Committee – Legislative Plaza Room 16
3:00 p.m. – Judiciary – Legislative Plaza Room 31
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
8:00 a.m. – Calendar and Rules – Legislative Plaza Room 16
8:30 a.m. – Consumer and Employee Affairs – Legislative Plaza Room 29
10:00 a.m. – Government Operations – Legislative Plaza Room 29
11:00 a.m. – Education– Legislative Plaza Room 16
2:00 p.m. – SESSION – House Chambers
Thursday, February 4th, 2010
8:00 a.m. – Calendar and Rules Committee (TBA) – Legislative Plaza Room 16
9:00 a.m. – SESSION – House Chambers
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Brown Election not just about stopping Obamacare.
The election of Scott Brown was not just about stopping Obamacare.
It's also about recognizing we are in danger from the terrorists who hate us and want to kill us. Some of Scott Brown's biggest applause lines last night came when he pointed out that the rights secured under the U.S. Constitution belong to US--the American citizens. Not for the terrorists brought here for trial by the Obama Administration.
This should be the wake-up call--Americans are worried about their job security and our national security.
It's also about recognizing we are in danger from the terrorists who hate us and want to kill us. Some of Scott Brown's biggest applause lines last night came when he pointed out that the rights secured under the U.S. Constitution belong to US--the American citizens. Not for the terrorists brought here for trial by the Obama Administration.
This should be the wake-up call--Americans are worried about their job security and our national security.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Donate to MOMPAC Today & help me Maintain Our Majority!
Dear Friends:
The clock is running out and I need your help today. I can only raise campaign funds to protect the State House Republican majority until 12 Noon this coming Tuesday, January 12, 2010. Will you help me bring back all 50 Republican House members and expand our majority? As a member of the House Republican Caucus leadership team, I have started MOMPAC-Maintaining Our Majority. MOMPAC has one goal in mind: maintaining and expanding our majority in the State House of Representatives.
I hope I can count on your support. Please consider making a donation to MOMPAC. I know we agree that Congress is out of control with wasteful spending, new government-run programs, and other assaults on our personal liberty. It is imperative that we keep Tennessee from becoming Washington, D.C. and keep our government in check.
To that end, I have set in motion a proposal to protect our state's sovereignty from this unfunded mandate. Shady backroom deals, pay-offs, and unfair treatment have been staples of the healthcare reform bill. Hardworking Tennesseans deserve better.
Please make your contribution by bank account or credit card at Pay Pal.
1. www.paypal.com
2. Send Money
3. Send Money Online
4. To: mompac2010@gmail.com
5. From: Your e-mail Address
6. Amount: $ Amount of Contribution
7. Select "Services"
8. Hit Continue
9. You will be prompted to log in to Pay Pal (or create a new account)
10. PLEASE include your employer and occupation in the message section
11. Hit "Send Money"
OR
Mail to:
MOMPAC
112 La Bar Drive
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Thank you for your support and friendship in the past. The citizens of the State of Tennessee are relying heavily upon us to maintain our Tennessee values, and I know that Republicans are eager to lead this state in a positive direction.
Warmest Regards,
Representative Debra Maggart
Majority Whip
Paid for by MOMPAC; Lori D. Atchley, Treasurer
The clock is running out and I need your help today. I can only raise campaign funds to protect the State House Republican majority until 12 Noon this coming Tuesday, January 12, 2010. Will you help me bring back all 50 Republican House members and expand our majority? As a member of the House Republican Caucus leadership team, I have started MOMPAC-Maintaining Our Majority. MOMPAC has one goal in mind: maintaining and expanding our majority in the State House of Representatives.
I hope I can count on your support. Please consider making a donation to MOMPAC. I know we agree that Congress is out of control with wasteful spending, new government-run programs, and other assaults on our personal liberty. It is imperative that we keep Tennessee from becoming Washington, D.C. and keep our government in check.
To that end, I have set in motion a proposal to protect our state's sovereignty from this unfunded mandate. Shady backroom deals, pay-offs, and unfair treatment have been staples of the healthcare reform bill. Hardworking Tennesseans deserve better.
Please make your contribution by bank account or credit card at Pay Pal.
1. www.paypal.com
2. Send Money
3. Send Money Online
4. To: mompac2010@gmail.com
5. From: Your e-mail Address
6. Amount: $ Amount of Contribution
7. Select "Services"
8. Hit Continue
9. You will be prompted to log in to Pay Pal (or create a new account)
10. PLEASE include your employer and occupation in the message section
11. Hit "Send Money"
OR
Mail to:
MOMPAC
112 La Bar Drive
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Thank you for your support and friendship in the past. The citizens of the State of Tennessee are relying heavily upon us to maintain our Tennessee values, and I know that Republicans are eager to lead this state in a positive direction.
Warmest Regards,
Representative Debra Maggart
Majority Whip
Paid for by MOMPAC; Lori D. Atchley, Treasurer
Monday, December 21, 2009
State Representatives ask State Attorney General to intervene in federal healthcare legislation
Today Rep. Susan Lynn and I asked our state Attorney General to prepare to block the federal healthcare reform bill now pending in Congress. Below is the letter and the news release.
If this bill passes, our state will be forced to expand Medicaid by $1.4 BILLION dollars annually. As it stands today, the legislation is not written so that every state in the Union receives equal protection under the law. As you are probably aware, a U.S. Senator from Nebraska was able to get any future increases in his state's Medicaid program paid for in the current bill. That means people like you and me and all Tennesseans will be footing the bill for the people of Nebraska.
State Representatives ask State Attorney General to intervene in federal healthcare legislation
On Monday, State Representatives Susan Lynn (R-Lebanon) and Debra Young Maggart (R-Hendersonville) asked Tennessee State Attorney General Robert Cooper to prepare to take the appropriate legal action against the federal government in the event HR 3200, the controversial federal healthcare reform legislation, passes into law. The legislators requested this action in order to grant Tennessee relief from the unfunded mandate contained in the bill that Tennessee complies with the expansion of the federal Medicaid program.
The letter notes that under the bill Tennessee would be forced to expand the state’s Medicaid program potentially costing the citizens of the state $1.4 billion dollars in additional state taxpayer funds annually.
“Such an increase would place a great burden on the citizens of this state. It is clear by the wording of the legislation itself that not every state would face a similar and equal burden,” stated Rep. Debra Maggart.
Lynn explained that, “We see this as a violation of equal protection of the law, an affront to our sovereignty, and as a breach of the U.S. Constitution.”
Lynn and Maggart noted that the passage of this bill is imminent so it is important that the AG prepare now to take immediate action, and they referenced Governor Bredesen’s recent comment that “we can’t print money.” The great issue for the states is that states are not allowed to borrow money for operations expenses. “Obviously, this is something that many in Washington just don’t understand,” stated Lynn.
Attorney General Robert E. Cooper, Jr.
P.O. Box 20207
Nashville, TN 37202-0207
Dear General Cooper,
This letter is to formally request that you prepare to take the appropriate legal action against the federal government in the event HR 3200 passes into law. We request this action in order to grant Tennessee relief from the unfunded mandate contained in the bill requiring Tennessee to comply with the expansion of the federal Medicaid program.
Under this bill, Tennessee would be forced to expand our Medicaid program, potentially costing the citizens of this state $1.4 billion dollars in additional state taxpayer funds annually. Such an increase would place a great burden on the citizens of this state. It is clear by the wording of the legislation itself that not every state would face a similar and equal burden.
We see this as a violation of equal protection of the law, an affront to our sovereignty, and a breach of the U.S. Constitution.
The passage of this bill is imminent, and as Governor Bredesen has noted, "We can't print money." This bill would expand the program beyond the fiscal capacity of this state.
Thank you for your timely attention of this matter.
Most sincerely,
Susan Lynn
State Representative
District 57
Debra Young Maggart
State Representative
District 45
If this bill passes, our state will be forced to expand Medicaid by $1.4 BILLION dollars annually. As it stands today, the legislation is not written so that every state in the Union receives equal protection under the law. As you are probably aware, a U.S. Senator from Nebraska was able to get any future increases in his state's Medicaid program paid for in the current bill. That means people like you and me and all Tennesseans will be footing the bill for the people of Nebraska.
State Representatives ask State Attorney General to intervene in federal healthcare legislation
On Monday, State Representatives Susan Lynn (R-Lebanon) and Debra Young Maggart (R-Hendersonville) asked Tennessee State Attorney General Robert Cooper to prepare to take the appropriate legal action against the federal government in the event HR 3200, the controversial federal healthcare reform legislation, passes into law. The legislators requested this action in order to grant Tennessee relief from the unfunded mandate contained in the bill that Tennessee complies with the expansion of the federal Medicaid program.
The letter notes that under the bill Tennessee would be forced to expand the state’s Medicaid program potentially costing the citizens of the state $1.4 billion dollars in additional state taxpayer funds annually.
“Such an increase would place a great burden on the citizens of this state. It is clear by the wording of the legislation itself that not every state would face a similar and equal burden,” stated Rep. Debra Maggart.
Lynn explained that, “We see this as a violation of equal protection of the law, an affront to our sovereignty, and as a breach of the U.S. Constitution.”
Lynn and Maggart noted that the passage of this bill is imminent so it is important that the AG prepare now to take immediate action, and they referenced Governor Bredesen’s recent comment that “we can’t print money.” The great issue for the states is that states are not allowed to borrow money for operations expenses. “Obviously, this is something that many in Washington just don’t understand,” stated Lynn.
Attorney General Robert E. Cooper, Jr.
P.O. Box 20207
Nashville, TN 37202-0207
Dear General Cooper,
This letter is to formally request that you prepare to take the appropriate legal action against the federal government in the event HR 3200 passes into law. We request this action in order to grant Tennessee relief from the unfunded mandate contained in the bill requiring Tennessee to comply with the expansion of the federal Medicaid program.
Under this bill, Tennessee would be forced to expand our Medicaid program, potentially costing the citizens of this state $1.4 billion dollars in additional state taxpayer funds annually. Such an increase would place a great burden on the citizens of this state. It is clear by the wording of the legislation itself that not every state would face a similar and equal burden.
We see this as a violation of equal protection of the law, an affront to our sovereignty, and a breach of the U.S. Constitution.
The passage of this bill is imminent, and as Governor Bredesen has noted, "We can't print money." This bill would expand the program beyond the fiscal capacity of this state.
Thank you for your timely attention of this matter.
Most sincerely,
Susan Lynn
State Representative
District 57
Debra Young Maggart
State Representative
District 45
Friday, November 27, 2009
State’s Infant Mortality Rate is Devastating
State’s Infant Mortality Rate is Devastating
By State Representative Debra Maggart
The National Center for Health Statistics, an arm of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ranks the United States 30th in terms of infant mortality.
While that number may sound dismal, Tennessee’s numbers are even worse. Our state is ranked 47th in the country, putting us well above the national average. In fact, Tennessee has a higher infant mortality rate than 42 other countries around the world. These statistics are devastating, but your Tennessee General Assembly has been working to change those numbers.
In the 2009 Legislative session, the Tennessee General Assembly created an Infant Mortality and Teen Pregnancy Study Committee. Last spring I was appointed to serve on that committee and was honored to be named chairman. We have been working toward solutions to improve Tennessee’s numbers. State government can play a significant role in reducing infant mortality and lowering teen birth rates, and we intend to propose meaningful legislation to that end.
Specifically, our committee is focused on four main issues: reducing the rate of infant mortality, lowering the number of pre-mature infants, diminishing the rate of teen pregnancy and decreasing the number of infants born with low birth weight. While the national averages in these fields have steadily decreased over the last few decades, Tennessee has watched its rates fluctuate, sometimes hitting unprecedented highs. For the last three years, the rate in Tennessee has decreased from about 8.75 to 8.2 percent, but the national average hovers around 6.5 percent, indicating Tennessee still has a long way to go.
What are some of the causes of the devastating data? The Tennessee Department of Health estimates that in 15 counties, between 33.6 and 46.2 percent of women smoked during their pregnancy. Obesity is also a contributing factor. The CDC estimates that more than 30 percent of Tennesseans are obese- a number that correlates with the number of premature infants born. Poor utilization of prenatal care and preventative care, coupled with personal choices and poor habits also contribute significantly.
Lest you think I am only the bearer of doom and gloom, there are bright spots. Tennessee is one of 32 states that have implemented a home visiting program- through legislation sponsored by our own Sen. Diane Black aimed at supporting families during the critical time prior to pregnancy and through early childhood development. Trial research has shown positive results for these programs. For example, a study conducted by Healthy Families America, a national program, showed those who participated in home visiting programs had better birth outcomes and a positive impact on breastfeeding and early immunization rates. These types of programs connect with families and have a uniform tracking method for results are solution-oriented, and could be sound long term investments in the future of Tennessee.
This issue is not about Republican versus Democrat. To rectify this, it will take all of us working together-increasing awareness regarding the availability of prenatal care, increasing the number of women utilizing other programs and educating young Tennesseans on their options. Our committee is focused and ready to make a difference, and I look forward to updating you on our progress.
By State Representative Debra Maggart
The National Center for Health Statistics, an arm of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ranks the United States 30th in terms of infant mortality.
While that number may sound dismal, Tennessee’s numbers are even worse. Our state is ranked 47th in the country, putting us well above the national average. In fact, Tennessee has a higher infant mortality rate than 42 other countries around the world. These statistics are devastating, but your Tennessee General Assembly has been working to change those numbers.
In the 2009 Legislative session, the Tennessee General Assembly created an Infant Mortality and Teen Pregnancy Study Committee. Last spring I was appointed to serve on that committee and was honored to be named chairman. We have been working toward solutions to improve Tennessee’s numbers. State government can play a significant role in reducing infant mortality and lowering teen birth rates, and we intend to propose meaningful legislation to that end.
Specifically, our committee is focused on four main issues: reducing the rate of infant mortality, lowering the number of pre-mature infants, diminishing the rate of teen pregnancy and decreasing the number of infants born with low birth weight. While the national averages in these fields have steadily decreased over the last few decades, Tennessee has watched its rates fluctuate, sometimes hitting unprecedented highs. For the last three years, the rate in Tennessee has decreased from about 8.75 to 8.2 percent, but the national average hovers around 6.5 percent, indicating Tennessee still has a long way to go.
What are some of the causes of the devastating data? The Tennessee Department of Health estimates that in 15 counties, between 33.6 and 46.2 percent of women smoked during their pregnancy. Obesity is also a contributing factor. The CDC estimates that more than 30 percent of Tennesseans are obese- a number that correlates with the number of premature infants born. Poor utilization of prenatal care and preventative care, coupled with personal choices and poor habits also contribute significantly.
Lest you think I am only the bearer of doom and gloom, there are bright spots. Tennessee is one of 32 states that have implemented a home visiting program- through legislation sponsored by our own Sen. Diane Black aimed at supporting families during the critical time prior to pregnancy and through early childhood development. Trial research has shown positive results for these programs. For example, a study conducted by Healthy Families America, a national program, showed those who participated in home visiting programs had better birth outcomes and a positive impact on breastfeeding and early immunization rates. These types of programs connect with families and have a uniform tracking method for results are solution-oriented, and could be sound long term investments in the future of Tennessee.
This issue is not about Republican versus Democrat. To rectify this, it will take all of us working together-increasing awareness regarding the availability of prenatal care, increasing the number of women utilizing other programs and educating young Tennesseans on their options. Our committee is focused and ready to make a difference, and I look forward to updating you on our progress.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Help me Maintain our Majority in the State House!
You don't have to shoot skeet to attend my "On Target to Win in 2010" Fundraiser.
I hope you will attend my re-election fundraiser, Sunday, November 8th at 1 pm at Bottomview Farm in Portland, Tennessee.
I am raising funds for my 2010 campaign and I need your help. Its $50 a person and you will meet our GOP Candidates for Governor, as well as State Representatives and Senators from all over Tennessee. Also, our GOP candidates for Sumner County offices will be there, too.
Come out for a fun afternoon of GOP politics, and fellowship! Go to my website at www.debramaggart.com for all the details and information!
I hope you will attend my re-election fundraiser, Sunday, November 8th at 1 pm at Bottomview Farm in Portland, Tennessee.
I am raising funds for my 2010 campaign and I need your help. Its $50 a person and you will meet our GOP Candidates for Governor, as well as State Representatives and Senators from all over Tennessee. Also, our GOP candidates for Sumner County offices will be there, too.
Come out for a fun afternoon of GOP politics, and fellowship! Go to my website at www.debramaggart.com for all the details and information!
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