NASHVILLE – Democratic leaders from both chambers joined U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander’s call for less interference from Washington, and hoped state leaders could apply his advice to their dealings with cities and counties.
Sen. Alexander addressed the 108th General Assembly on its second day and said the best thing Washington, D.C. can do for Tennessee is get out of the way.
“(Education) is hard enough to do without a federal employee peering over the shoulder of the local school board,” Sen. Alexander said.
“We could not agree more with Sen. Alexander, and the same is true of state government,” House Democratic leader Craig Fitzhugh said. “We hope members of his party will take his message to heart when they’re making decisions that cities should make at home.”
Republican legislators in Tennessee are expected to file legislation that would allow the state to authorize charter schools over local objections. Hundreds of parents in Nashville have already organized to keep their education decisions local. In past years, Republicans have moved to stop cities from adopting anti-discrimination policies and from raising the minimum wage.
“Republicans applauded Sen. Alexander when he talked about local control, and I hope the governor and the Republican members will heed his advice,” Senate Democratic leader Jim Kyle said.
“We should not substitute our judgment for that which is closest to the people.”
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Rep. Craig Fitzhugh represents Crockett, Haywood and Lauderdale counties. Contact him at rep.craig.fitzhugh@capitol.tn.gov or (615) 741-2134 or 33 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0028. Visit his website at http://craigfitzhugh.com.
Senator Jim Kyle represents Memphis. Contact him at sen.jim.kyle@capitol.tn.gov or (615) 741-4167 or 309 War Memorial Building, Nashville, TN 37243-0028. Visit his website at http://senatorjimkyle.com.
NASHVILLE – State Sen. Jim Kyle pushed for greater transparency in the 108th General Assembly during the first day of session, by moving to apply the Open Meetings Act to the state Senate.
Sen. Kyle’s motion would have amended preliminary Senate rules to apply the act, applying the same standard to Senate caucuses that’s followed by local governments, Senate committees and the Senate itself. Sen. Kyle withdrew his motion when Rules Committee Chairman Mark Norris agreed to take up the issue.
“If Republicans want open government, they can join with us and support this proposal,” Sen. Kyle said. “By amending the rules, their deliberations will be subject to public scrutiny, as should be the standard in state government.”
Under former Lt. Gov. John Wilder, the majority caucus meetings were open to the public, but that has not been the case under Republican control.
“We seven Democratic Senators represent not only our constituents, but the 2.5 million Democrats in Tennessee,” Sen. Kyle said. “Fighting for their values means fighting for open government. It levels the playing field for ideas, so that they are judged on merit, not politics.”
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Senator Jim Kyle represents Memphis. Contact him at sen.jim.kyle@capitol.tn.gov or (615) 741-4167 or 309 War Memorial Building, Nashville, TN 37243-0028. Visit his website at http://senatorjimkyle.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2012
Contact: (615) 741-4369
KYLE TO SPEAK AT RALEIGH COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MEETING ON THURSDAY, MARCH 1
Senate Democratic Leader will discuss jobs, community impact
NASHVILLE – Senate Democratic Leader Jim Kyle will speak at the Raleigh Community Council meeting on Thursday, March 1 at 7 p.m. to talk about the ongoing legislative session.
“The Raleigh Community Council is a great example of how neighborhood leaders can have a real impact on what happens on their streets and in their communities,” Kyle said. “I’m looking forward to learning more about what we can do on the state level to support our local leaders.”
The
Raleigh Community Council is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to promote the Raleigh area, improve neighbors’ quality of life, and serve residents in need of home repair and other assistance.
Thursday’s conversation is part of the organization’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting. For more information about the meeting, contact Kevin Brooks at (901) 288-7769.
WHAT: State Senator Jim Kyle speaks at a Raleigh Community Council meeting
WHEN: Thursday, March 1 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Raleigh United Methodist Church, 3295 Powers Road, Memphis, 38128
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Kevin Brooks, (901) 288-7769
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State Senate unanimously passed landmark higher education reform today. The higher education reform Legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Kyle will help make it easier for Tennessee citizens to complete their higher education and create public private economic partnerships between our Universities and Industry. Read More »