Newsroom & Media Center
Syndicate content Get RSS News Feed

Bredesen Announces Job Creation Plan for Lauderdale County

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 | 04:21 pm

Effort to Combat Unemployment Targets County with State's Highest Unemployment Rate

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced a plan to reduce unemployment in Lauderdale County by putting up to 175 people back to work using federal dollars available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Lauderdale County has had the state’s highest rate of unemployment – 18.9 percent – for the past three months and includes 1,930 currently unemployed residents.
Jobs, Recovery Act

Recovery Act Provides Assistance to GM Workers

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 | 09:08 am
$1 Million Available for Training in Growth Industries
 
NASHVILLE – General Motors workers displaced by the recent suspension of operations as well as suppliers to the GM plant may benefit from new grants totaling $1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Commissioner James Neeley announced today.
 
Recovery Act, Labor & Workforce Development

Bredesen Announces Plans for Special Session on Education

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 | 04:53 pm
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced plans to exercise his constitutional authority to call for a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly focusing on education, including both K-12 and higher education.
 
The special session will be set to begin January 12, 2010, to coincide with the start of the regular legislative session, placing education first on lawmakers’ agenda as they return to the Capitol.
 
Bredesen acknowledged this year’s tight budget environment but noted, “Sometimes the stars line up to create an opportunity that no one expected. And when you’re in public office, you’re obligated to seize the moment when that happens. This year we’ve had a couple of unique, unexpected opportunities drop in our lap that I believe will allow us to focus on the entire education pipeline in one fell swoop and hopefully make some changes that will be felt for years to come.”
Education, Recovery Act, Education

TN Department of Education Develops Pandemic Flu Preparedness Guide

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 | 11:58 am
Pandemic Flu Guide
Pandemic Flu Guide

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Education has recently developed, with support and guidance from the Tennessee Department of Health, a pandemic influenza preparedness planning guide for school districts that includes a Continuity of Learning plan.

“This planning guide will allow districts to think ahead and proactively about long-term closures, especially during a flu season like we’ve had this year,” Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said. “It is critical that students continue learning even if class time is effected due to illness.”

The preparedness planning guide will help school districts plan for potential closings, large numbers of staff and student absences, loss of services and methods to continue instruction should students remain at home.

Education

Bredesen Names Achieve Board Co-Chair

Monday, December 14, 2009 | 02:22 pm

Bipartisan Organization Dedicated to Raising Academic Standards
to Better Prepare Students

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen has been named co-chair of Achieve Inc., a bipartisan nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. The board is comprised of six governors – three Democrats and three Republicans – and six leading chief executive officers. Bredesen accepted an invitation to join Achieve’s Board of Directors in January. Bredesen will co-chair the board with former Intel Corporation chairman Craig Barrett.

Tennessee Offers H1N1 Vaccine to Everyone

Friday, December 11, 2009 | 04:07 pm
Increasing Vaccine Supply Meeting Local Demands
 
NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Health has expanded H1N1 flu vaccine availability to the general public. Steadily increasing supply of the vaccine has enabled county health departments to allow anyone who wants to get vaccinated to do so. The vaccine is provided at no charge to patients.
Health

Bredesen Announces Federal Farm Assistance for 16 Counties

Friday, December 11, 2009 | 03:02 pm

Five More Counties Requested for Primary Disaster Designation

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved his request for federal farm assistance for 16 Tennessee counties due to excessive rain and flooding that occurred in September and October.
Agriculture

Bredesen, NASA Astronaut Unveil Statewide Public Education Partnership with Battelle

Friday, December 11, 2009 | 11:41 am
Gov. Bredesen and Capt. Wilmore
Gov. Bredesen and Capt. Wilmore

Network to Focus on Science , Technology, Engineering & Math

MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Governor Phil Bredesen, joined by NASA Space Shuttle pilot and Mt. Juliet native Capt. Barry Wilmore, today announced a new public education partnership with the global research and development enterprise Battelle as part of Tennessee’s push in the federal Race to the Top competition for education innovation.
Education, Recovery Act, Education

Stay Warm This Winter with the Right Firewood

Tuesday, December 08, 2009 | 10:39 am
A wood-burning fireplace in a home.
A wood-burning fireplace in a home.
NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is offering advice to consumers purchasing firewood this winter. When purchasing firewood, consumers need to take into consideration a variety of factors including the type of wood, its origin and the quantity.
 
”Firewood can be purchased almost anywhere and in many varieties,” said Tim Phelps, Information and Education Specialist with the department’s Division of Forestry. “Consumers should educate themselves to make sure they get the best product for their money.”
Agriculture

Then and Now: The Ancient Craft of Tatting Featured in Tennessee Residence Décor…Again

Monday, December 07, 2009 | 02:25 pm
Charlotte Scott stands in front of the Tatting Tree
Charlotte Scott stands in front of the Tatting Tree
NASHVILLE – A small piece of Tennessee’s past is being lovingly recreated this holiday season at the Tennessee Residence.
 
In October 1981, an invitation was distributed by the Tennessee Artist-Craftsman Association to more than 400 members inviting them to participate in a project to decorate the Tennessee Residence for the holidays.
 
First Lady Honey Alexander enclosed one of the invitations in a personal letter to Mrs. Willie Smith Scott of Nashville in which she wrote, “Lamar and I particularly want you to be involved in this project since we are aware of the wonderful handcrafted decorations which you make. Your participation will add immensely to this celebration of the many and varied talents of our Tennessee craftsmakers.”