State Representative Susan Lynn

The Tennessee General Assembly

House of Representatives

 

CAPITOL HILL REVIEW

A weekly wrap-up of legislative news

                         

Contact: Kara Watkins, 615-741-1975

  kara.watkins@capitol.tn.gov

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Governor addresses Joint Convention

Delays budget proposal as federal money uncertainty looms

 

The Governor addressed the Joint Convention of the State House and Senate on Monday night, amid growing concern over the state’s expected $1 billion budget shortfall. Due to the continued uncertainty regarding the federal bailout package—which is now facing a conference compromise after different versions passed the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate—the Governor was unable to elaborate on specific budget proposals.

 

The Administration expects that the federal government will begin moving on the package and have it completed before the end of February, and hopes to have a budget proposal to the legislature three to four weeks later.

 

Lawmakers were pleased to see the Governor embrace their long-standing conservative approach of the “family budget” principle as a cornerstone of his plans. Legislators for several years have stressed the need for this common-sense approach to the state budget, particularly in years of shortfall. Just as families across the state face lean times and sit down around the table to fashion a family budget, so must the legislature as they prepare to make responsible budget decisions.

 

Finally, the Governor praised the state for bringing both Volkwagen and Hemlock to Chattanooga and Clarksville respectively, pointing out that Tennessee was in a strong position with regards to job creation. House members hope to see this tradition to continue by ensuring that Tennessee is a low-tax and attractive state to employers.

 

 

 

 

Finance Commissioner briefs House Finance, Ways and Means Committee on budget outlook

 

The Commissioner of Finance and Administration, Dave Goetz, addressed the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee this week, stressing the dire budget situation Tennessee is facing. Although the state is in a waiting period for the federal bailout, Goetz stressed that the Administration has plans whether the federal government acts or not. He stressed that the bailout money would be non-recurring, and that would be critical in budgeting.

 

He reported that January revenues were down $114 million, adding that 11 of the past 13 months have had negative year over year revenue collections. Sales tax revenues, including those from Christmas, were down $68 million. Last year was the first year ever that the state had negative Christmas revenue, with this year being the second. Because 62 percent of Tennessee’s overall revenues come from the sales tax, this accounts for a large part of the budget hole. The total tax collection is $522 million below the budgeted estimate for the fiscal year, and Tennessee could very well be on path to having over a one billion dollar loss in year over year revenues.

 

The next largest source of revenue, franchise and excise taxes, were down about 24 percent and are proving to be more volatile than ever before. Goetz pointed out that because sales tax revenues are down, franchise and excise will only continue to worsen as well.

 

 

 

 

 

House Republican Caucus finalizes leadership team for 106th General Assembly

 

The House Republican Leadership for the 106th General Assembly is as follows:

 

Jason Mumpower, Bristol

Republican Leader

 

Glen Casada, Franklin

Republican Caucus Chairman

 

Gerald McCormick, Signal Mountain

Assistant Republican Leader

 

Kevin Brooks, Cleveland

Assistant Republican Caucus Chairman

 

Jon Lundberg, Bristol

Republican Floor Leader

 

Debra Maggart, Hendersonville

Republican Caucus Whip

 

Mike Bell, Riceville

Secretary

 

Dr. Joey Hensley, Hohenwald

Treasurer

 

Barrett Rich, Somerville

Assistant Republican Floor Leader

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The week ahead…

 

*Monday’s House Session is cancelled due to President’s Day

 

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Committee or Subcommittee

Time

Room Number

Professional Occupations Subcommittee

8:30 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 30

Agriculture Committee

9:15 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 29

Commerce Committee

9:15 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 16

Conservation & Environment Committee

10:30 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 29

Health & Human Resources Committee

10:30 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 16

Utilities & Banking Subcommittee

10:30 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 30

State & Local Government Committee

12:00 p.m.

Legislative Plaza 16

Small Business Subcommittee

1:30 p.m.

Legislative Plaza 30

Consumer & Employee Affairs Committee

3:00 p.m.

Legislative Plaza 29

Transportation Committee

3:00 p.m.

Legislative Plaza 16

Public Safety Subcommittee

4:00 p.m.

Legislative Plaza 16

 

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Committee or Subcommittee

Time

Room Number

Judiciary Committee

8:30 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 31

State Government Subcommittee

8:30 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 29

Government Operations Committee

10:00 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 29

Industrial Impact Subcommittee

10:30 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 30

Education Committee

11:00 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 16

Budget Subcommittee

11:00 a.m.

Legislative Plaza 29

Criminal Practice Subcommittee

12:00 p.m.

Legislative Plaza 31

Domestic Relations Subcommittee

12:30 p.m.

Legislative Plaza 29

Transportation Committee

3:00 p.m.

Legislative Plaza 16

 

HOUSE SESSION: 9:00 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2009 in the House Chambers

 

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