Tennessee | July 15, 2021
Vast Differences in Funding for Opposing Sides in Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act Battle
Tennessee | July 15, 2021
Members of an organized campaign who oppose the Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act are reportedly well-stocked with cash and have more that 400 times as much money as the people who favor it.
The people on the opposing side — residents who have pushed for the referendum — have a sum of cash that, by comparison, is paltry.
This, according to a report this week from Nashville Public Radio.
“Campaign finance documents show that backers of the referendum to limit local government power have less than $1,500 in the bank, [exactly the amount of money the group raised during the period May 11 to June 30] while the opponents ‘Save Nashville Now’ raked in $616,958, [during the period May 11 to June 30] ” the station reported.
“Save Nashville Now” spent more than $526,000 during the period May 11 to June 30.
The group paid $330,000 to Fortune Media, a Redondo Beach, California company, for ad buys. The group also made lavish expenditures to consultants. $100,000 went to an Austin, Texas consulting firm called the Eller Group, and $20,000 was paid to the Nashville based Maynard Group….
(Excerpts from the Tennesse Star)
Tennessee | June 11, 2021
Inflation Surges Five Percent, Largest Spike Since 2008
Tennessee | June 11, 2021
The Consumer Price Index has increased 5% over the last 12 months, the fastest pace of inflation since August 2008, according to a Department of Labor report.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), a common tool used to measure inflation, increased 0.6% between April and May, according to the Labor Department report released Thursday morning. Economists projected that the CPI increased by 0.5% and 4.7% over the 12-month period ending in May, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The prices of several commodities have already risen rapidly. Lumber, gasoline, steel, copper, computer chips, homes and home appliances have all increased in price.
Deutsche Bank Chief Economist David Folkerts-Landau, meanwhile, warned this week that inflation was a “time bomb,” CNBC reported. He said it could trigger a “significant recession and set off a chain of financial distress around the world.”
“The effects could be devastating, particularly for the most vulnerable in society,” Folkerts-Landau said, according to CNBC….
(Excerpts from the Tennessee Star)
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia | May 13, 2021
Over 15,000 Gas Stations Out of Fuel Nationwide
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia | May 13, 2021
Gas shortages eased slightly overnight in some states but worsened in others as Colonial Pipeline works to bring one of the nation’s major fuel conduits back online.
More stations were out of gas in Florida, Maryland, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi early Thursday compared to Wednesday night, according to GasBuddy.
In Florida, 30 percent of 7,564 stations were out of fuel as of 6 a.m. Central Time. In Maryland, 34 percent of the state’s 1,869 stations could no longer serve customers. Over half of South Carolina’s 3,084 stations ran out of gas, along with 34 percent of Tennessee’s stations. Seven percent of Mississippi’s stations are out of gas, compared to six percent the night prior.
At the same time, shortages eased in several of the states most impacted by the current situations, including by 3 percent in North Carolina. About seven in 10 stations in the worst-hit state, which has 5,373 stations, remain out of gas, according to GasBuddy, an app that tracks prices and availability.
Shortages also eased in Virginia, where 55 percent of stations are out of fuel, and Georgia, where approximately 50 percent were, and remained the same in a number of states, including West Virginia, Alabama, and Delaware…
(Excerpts from the Epoch Times)
Tennessee | May 7, 2021
Gov. Lee, General Assembly Deliver Conservative Wins in 2021 Session
Tennessee | May 7, 2021
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee marked the close of the 2021 legislative session, which includes the passage of his $42.6 billion budget and full agenda as outlined during his State of the State address in February.
“Lieutenant Governor McNally, Speaker Sexton and the members of the General Assembly have been key partners in reducing crime, supporting strong families and strengthening our economy, especially in rural Tennessee,” said Gov. Lee. “I commend the legislature for their work this session to pass measures that will benefit Tennesseans and continue our reputation for conservative fiscal management.”
“We were presented with many challenges this session and we met each and every one,” said Lt. Gov. McNally (R-Oak Ridge). “We invested in education and kept taxes and debt low. Most importantly, we ensured our state pension system remains fully funded for years to come. This protects our fiscal stability and our state credit rating. I am thankful to Gov. Lee, Speaker Sexton and every member of the General Assembly for their tremendous work on behalf of the people of Tennessee this session.”
“I greatly appreciate Gov. Lee, his administration, Lt. Gov. McNally, the House and the Senate for their continued partnership, which has led to a smooth and incredibly successful legislative session,” said Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville). “Solutions to improve childhood literacy, our debt-free balanced budget, permitless handgun carry, criminal justice and truth in sentencing reform and preserving our election integrity will continue to move this state forward in a conservative direction. I am proud of these and other achievements that will allow Tennessee to maintain its status as a national leader for all others to follow.”..
(Excerpts from Governor Bill Lee Press)