Bill aims to boost economic development in rural counties and for extraordinary projects

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced he has signed legislation to expand the state’s FastTrack program to specifically support economic development in rural communities and for exceptional projects. 
 
The governor proposed the legislation, HB 2344/SB 2206, in January to create the FastTrack Economic Development Fund, an expansion of the Department of Economic and Community Development’s (ECD) current infrastructure and job training program.

New role will include employee compensation review and performance evaluation update
 
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced that Larry Martin will join his staff to oversee implementation of the Tennessee Excellence and Accountability Management (TEAM) Act
 
His responsibilities will include coordinating and collaborating throughout state government agencies to effectively begin recruiting new employees on all levels, updating performance evaluations in all departments, and a review of employee compensation that includes the salary study funded in the governor’s FY 2013-2014 budget.

Jobs4TN Online brings self-service functions to job seekers and employers

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Karla Davis today announced a new jobs database to help connect job seekers with Tennessee employers.

Jobs4TN Online is a virtual recruiter, automatically notifying job seekers when jobs they may qualify for are posted and notifying employers when candidates who fit their needs register.

Also announces more than $37 million in grants to turn around low-performing schools

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today signed the piece of his 2012 legislative agenda that redefines school accountability in the state and waives Tennessee from portions of the federal No Child Left Behind law.

Surrounded by educators from across the state and students, Haslam also announced more than $37 million in federal grants for three school districts to assist in their efforts to turn around low-performing schools.

Two children still missing; central suspect Adam Mayes at large

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced a reward for information in the Bain Family kidnapping case out of Hardeman County, Tenn.

Haslam is offering $15,000 for information leading to the apprehension, arrest and conviction or the person or persons who have committed, attempted to commit or conspired to commit the kidnapping of JoAnn Bain and her three children Kyliyah, Alexandria and Adrienne Bain.

Bills address teacher hiring practices in charter schools and the “all-comers” policy

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam released the following statements regarding HB 3540/SB 3345 and HB 3576/SB 3597.

House Bill 3540/SB 3345 addresses the hiring of foreign nationals as teachers in Tennessee charter schools.

State employment system reform, lower taxes, new school accountability standards highlighted

NASHVILLE – Significant reforms of how the state operates and a responsible budget that includes strategic investments, reductions and savings for the future highlighted Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s second legislative session as the state’s chief executive.

Haslam introduced his comprehensive 2012 agenda on January 10, the first day of this year’s legislative session. His legislative priorities included a limited number of significant changes, which built upon his efforts in 2011 to reform teacher tenure and tort laws.

Historic legislation transforms state government to recruit, retain and reward employees

NASHVILLE – Joined by state employees, legislators and members of his Cabinet, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today signed the Tennessee Excellence, Accountability and Management (TEAM) Act into law on the Tennessee Tower plaza across from the State Capitol in Nashville. 

“State government’s role is to provide services that Tennesseans aren’t able to get on their own, and I believe it is my job to make sure we’re providing them in the most customer-focused, efficient and effective way,” Haslam said just before signing the bill into law. “In the next five years, almost 40 percent of state employees will become eligible for retirement, and in facing this challenge, it is our responsibility to build a top notch workforce for the future.

Emergency Home Repair Service Plan Provider to Create 120 Jobs in Hamilton County

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty today announced HomeServe USA, a leading provider of home repair service programs, will expand its Chattanooga, Tenn. call center operations and create 120 jobs. The Chattanooga facility, located at 1232 Premier Drive, services the Continental U.S. and Canada.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today rolled out a comprehensive statewide campaign designed to inform Tennesseans about the consequences of violating the “I Hate Meth Act,” which took effect on July 1, 2011. The announcement took place in coordination with the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association meeting in Nashville.