Special election dates set for state Sen. Jim Tracy's seat

The primary for district 14 will be held Jan. 25 and the general election will be held on March 13, ... Candidates for the special election include former state Rep. Joe Carr and Mufreesboro businessman Shane Reeves. (link)

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Senator Jim Tracy, Representative Glen Casada and others disappoint in pushing the national popular vote proposal.

I am extremely disappointed in Senator Jim Tracy, Representative Glen Casada and others for pushing the proposed end-run around the constitution to, in-effect, change our system of electing a President from one in which the states have a voice to a national popular vote in which the states have no voice.

Senator Tracy is the State Senate sponsor of a bill which would require that Tennessee's electors to the electoral college cast their vote for the presidential candidate who won the most votes nationwide for the office of president, disregarding the wishes of Tennessee voters. Glen Casada is one of the sponsors in the house.

Our founding fathers designed a system of a republican federal democracy in which the states had a voice. That is why each state, regardless of their population, have two Senators. The electoral college is an essential part of our federalist system. Changing our system will mean a candidate for president would only have to win New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and a couple other cities and they could ignore the rest of the nation. In addition to this issues about the structure of our government and how a national popular vote would change the dynamic of consensus building in our current system, a system of national popular vote would make it much easier to steal an election. With a national popular vote, instead of examining hanging chads in Florida in 2000 election, every single vote cast for President anywhere in the nation would have had to have had the same scrutiny. We would still be counting votes!

I know Senator Tracy and Representative Glen Casada are usually strong conservatives who support our Constitutional democracy. What happened to them to cause them to support this radical proposal, I don't know, but I am very disappointing.

To learn more about this issue see the following video.


These are the pending bills that need to be defeated:  SB 1657 by *Tracy , Briggs; HB 1728 by *Sexton C , Marsh, Lundberg, Brooks K, McManus, Travis, Powers, Johnson, Casada Election Laws -  As introduced, adopts the interstate compact to elect the president by national popular vote.

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Family Research Council endorses State Sen Jim Tracy for Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. - FRC Action PAC, the political action committee connected with Family Research Council Action (FRC Action), has endorsed State Sen. Jim Tracy for Congress in the fourth district of Tennessee.

Of the endorsement FRC Action PAC President Connie Mackey said:

These are challenging times. Our economy has been decimated. The culture has been challenged beyond all reasonable limits. The strong, conservative men and women elected in 2010 and 2012 need reinforcements.

State Sen. Jim Tracy's consistent record while in the Tennessee State Senate on the issues of the family is to be commended. The votes he has cast on the life issue reflect his concern for mother and child and his support for marriage as between one man and one woman is strongly supported by the majority of Americans.

We are confident that he will be a strong advocate for limited government, for individual liberties and for family values.

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Sen. Jim Tracy moves to block AMP. Says, "We don't have enough state funds as is."

Sen. Jim Tracy moves to block Amp funding

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GOPAC endorces Jim Tracy.

State Senator Jim Tracy who is running against incumbent U. S. Representative Scott DesJarlais for the the Republican nomination for that seat, today received the endorsement of GOPAC.  He is only one of four House candidates to receive the organization's endorcement.

GOPAC has been around since 1978. It was founded by founded by Delaware Governor Pierre S. du Pont, IV. Former Chairmen have included Michael Steele, J.C. Watts, and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. GOPAC's mission statement says, " we realize Republicans must champion the ideas that unite voters around a vision of creating jobs, getting government spending under control, making government more effective, and keeping America safe. This is why Republicans turn to GOPAC for coaching and best practices on effective ways to communicate conservative ideas and solutions." Along with GOPAC's enforcement will come financial contributions up to the maximum allowed by Federal law.

Most conservatives do not find fault with  with Scott DesJarlais voting record but cannot stomach the pro-life doctor's habit of talking wives and girlfriends into getting abortions. That is why I am supporting Jim Tracy.  Also, I think Jim Tracy will make an excellent U. S. Representative. Congratulations Jim Tracy on getting the GOPAC endorsement.

To visit Jim Tracy's website and make a contribution, follow this link.

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Tracy out raises DesJarlais by more than 8 to 1

Tennessee GOP Rep. Scott DesJarlais only brought in $18,000, a small fraction of the $146,000 his primary challenger Jim Tracy raised. (link)

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State SenatorJim Tracy and State Rep. Mike Sparks awarded ACU 'Defender of Liberty' award

Rep. Mike Sparks & Sen. Jim Tracy

February 3, 2014, WGNS Radio - The American Conservative Union (ACU), the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization, this week announced State Representative Mike Sparks (R–Smyrna) and State Senator Jim Tracy (R–Shelbyville) have been awarded the A-C-U ‘Defender of Liberty’ award. Both legislators represent a portion of Rutherford County in the Tennessee General Assembly. (link)

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Republican Jim Tracy Raises over $1 Million in 2013 to Unseat Embattled Incumbent DesJarlais

Murfreesboro, TN- The Jim Tracy for Congress campaign announced raising more than $150,000 in the 4th fundraising quarter, raising over $1 million in one year. With the primary election a little over 6 months away, Tracy’s war chest shows growing support across the 4th Congressional District.

 

“The 4th quarter fundraising numbers clearly show Jim Tracy’s momentum in the 4th District,” said Tracy for Congress Finance Chairman Shane Reeves. “The Tracy for Congress Campaign is focused on the issues and the people of the 4th District. This is reflected in the large number of individual donors and the amount of support we have received.”

 

Tracy ended the quarter and the year with more than $840,000 cash on hand.

“My wife Trena and I could not be more appreciative of the amount of encouragement we are receiving,” said Tracy. “As I travel throughout the 4th District I have more and more people asking how they can help. I am excited about the opportunity to represent them in Washington.”

 

To learn more about Jim Tracy visit www.tracyfortn.com.

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State GOP leaders rally behind Jim Tracy in his bid to defeat Scott DesJarlais

The state's top Republican elected officials and other Republican leaders are flocking to endorse Jim Tracy in his bid to unseat Scott DesJarlais in the 4th Congressional District. Desjarlais is a doctor and an avowed pro-life Republican who had an affair with a patient and pressured her to get an abortion when she became pregnant.  He also talked his wife into having two  abortion. Jim Tracy has a substantial lead over DesJarlais in fund raising.

Those who have joined Tracy's "Leadership Team" include Betty and Governor Winfield Dunn, Sindy and Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Senate Ron Ramsey, Speaker Pro Tempore Bo Watson, Chris and Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, Theresa and Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Bill Ketron, State Senator Randy McNally, State Senator Rusty Crowe, State Senator Steve Southerland, Deanna and State Senator Jack Johnson, Speaker of the House Beth Harwell, House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick,House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada,Speaker Pro Tempore Curtis Johnson and a whole bunch more. To see the list, follow this link.

In addition to the big heavy hitters, little guys like me and other Republican rank and file who are disgusted by the hypocrisy of Scott DesJarlais are supporting Jim Tracy. To contribute to the Tracy campaign, follow this link.

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Jim Tracy gets big endorsement over Scott DesJarlais ...

Jim Tracy gets big endorsement over Scott DesJarlais ...

NASHVILLE _ Citizens United Political Victory Fund endorsed state Sen. Jim Tracy in his GOP primary challenge to 4th Congressional District ...

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Jim Tracy for Congress Christmas Breakfast, Dec. 21st

Friends,

Christmas is about family, friends and the traditions that bring us all together. This year, I want to celebrate the Christmas season with you.

Please join me for a Christmas family breakfast this Saturday, December 21st at The Doubletree Hotel Murfreesboro. (1850 Old Fort Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129)

 RSVP by joining our event page on Facebook.

We will be collecting toys for the local Toys for Tots program, please consider bringing a toy to donate. Your gift will help to bring joy to a less fortunate child this Christmas.

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Tracy Opposes Obama’s Request for Force in Syria

Murfreesboro, TN - Republican 4th district candidate Jim Tracy stated Wednesday that President Obama’s lack of a strategic plan for military force in Syria should result in a no vote.

“Based on what I have seen, I do not believe the President has outlined a compelling case or a coherent objective to Congress in his request for authorization to use military force in Syria,” said Tracy.  

“There is no doubt the Assad regime’s willingness to use chemical weapons is unacceptable and that his growing dependence on Iran is a threat to stability in the Middle East. But President Obama’s weak and ineffective approach over the last few years in this part of the world continues to weaken our nation’s stature overseas,” said Tracy. “That weakened stature is why Assad ignored President Obama in the first place. The President “leads” from behind and when he inches toward action, he does so without a clear sense of purpose or an attainable conclusion. This administration, at this point in time, cannot be trusted with an authorization of military force in Syria. Congress should reject the President's ill-conceived, ill-timed request."

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Rivals DesJarlais, Tracy, Carr all oppose Senate immigration bill

All say, Secure the border first

WBIR-TV - The Daily News Journal asked U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais of South Pittsburg and two of his Republican primary challengers, state Rep. Joe Carr of Lascassas and state Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville, to provide statements about their positions on the ...(link)

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Thoughts on the Supreme Court's rulings on gay marriage

I am disappointed and appalled at the Supreme Courts rulings on gay marriage. If twenty years ago someone would have said that one day two men could marry I would have thought they were nuts. I would have thought that had as about as much chance of happening as polygamy being legal, or incest, or a person marrying their dog. As Merle Haggard sang, "We are going downhill like a snowball headed for hell."  Below are the opinions of some of my friends and local prominent people. Rod

Ken Jakes, citizen activist: The Supreme Court has once again slapped the face of every Christian Citizen of the Land that I love, the United States of America. Our Founding Fathers Created each document with Judo-Christian Faith and heritage that separates Our Country from the rest of the world. Our Forefathers would have been appalled to even imagine that the Supreme Court could take Our Cherished Documents to arrive at the conclusion that a marriage between two women or two men would be acceptable and defined within the word marriage.

Lets just be clear as it gets. The Holy Bible is very clear that a marriage is a sacred union between a man and a women and homosexuality is a sin. The Supreme Court has once again made an attempt to shred the very fabric of my Christian Faith and those who uphold the Christian Faith in this Nation. In my Faith, my heart and soul, and my morality as a Christian American the Supreme Court has disgraced the Majority of the Nation and the Supreme Court should be disgraced. Regardless what the Supreme Court states a marriage to be, I hold the sacred meaning of the Lord my God to be the only acceptable way of life and I refuse to let the ridiculous decision of the Supreme Court to change my views.

Dear God Please Help Our Nation.

Daniel Horwitz, recent graduate of Vanderbilt Law School where he served as the Vice President of Law Students for Social Justice, and a contributor to this blog: I’m thrilled that the Supreme Court has now come one step closer to acknowledging what the overwhelming majority of young Americans know already: that any law that draws a distinction between citizens on the basis of their sexual orientation should be considered presumptively invalid. I’m similarly pleased to see the Supreme Court recognize that Federal laws which delve into regulatory arenas that are traditionally reserved to the states ought to be met with a greater degree of skepticism. At the same time, however, I’m saddened that so many members of faith organizations that preach loving-kindness and tolerance continue to adhere to the erroneous belief that extending civil marriage equality to same-sex couples will somehow undermine the sanctity of traditional or religious marriages in any way.

Tim Skow, Host of First Tuesday: Throughout the long Judo-Christian history our country was founded upon, faith teaches that marriage is the blessed union of a man, a woman and our Lord. During that same time, Government(s) typically administered contractual relationships between consenting parties. I am sorry to see the verbiage and meaning being erased between what our Lord considers marriage and what various levels of Government consider as a contract or "union" between consenting adults. I submit, call such contracts, agreements or "unions" what they are..."Civil unions"....and leave the intent and understanding of "marriage" to mean what it means. Sadly, in this case we let the Liberals define the verbiage war on their terms... and in this case, the Liberals won.

Representative Sherry Jones, Nashville Democrat: Today was a victory for the dignity of men and women across the country who wish to enjoy equal protection under the law. Most Tennesseans agree that couples in a loving and committed relationship deserve to be treated equally.  

Beth Campbell,  member of the Executive Committee of the Tennessee Republican Party: I was disappointed that the US Supreme Court sent the Gay marriage issue back to the lower court in California thereby nullifying the will of the voters who passed Prop 8. So much for the "will of the people"!

Robert Duvall, Metro Councilmember; Chair of Davidson County Republican Party: Appalled!

Pat Carl, First Vice Chair, Davidson County Republican Party: I don't know if you heard Governor Huckabee's radio show Wednesday.  His response to the Court ruling on gay marriage was  "Jesus Wept".   I thought those 2 words really summed it up.

Kathleen Starnes, former Chair, Davidson County Republican Party: I am speechless, but so sorry that such a small portion of society has such a large voice. I am very sad that the government ignores the vote of the people instead supports the vote of the government.



Dr. Sam Boyd, Pastor, Forest Hills Baptist Church: Remember 6/26/2013......America already under God's discipline for abortion and its support of anti-Israel entities (among other things) .....now has redefined marriage and unleashed an invitation for increasing divine judgement....... If Jesus and His affirmation of Biblical truth is for real, He as God, cannot and will not sit back and allow an arrogant, immoral America to prosper as they mock eternal truth.......

Rep. Marsha Blackburn says she is disappointed. "We're still looking at the opinions and the dissents and the positioning on [the ruling]," the Tennessee Republican said on "The Steve Malzberg Show" on Newsmax TV. "You can say on one hand, yes, they struck down DOMA, and on another, it looks as if they're coming out big-time for state's rights. So of course I'm disappointed in it. I support DOMA and would like to have seen that stand. I fully believe in marriage as being between one man and one woman."

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann: "While the Supreme Court's ruling was disappointing to me personally, I will continue to believe in the importance of traditional marriage. The marriage debate will continue at the state level, and it has been my experience that the vast majority of Tennesseans believe, as I do, that marriage is between a man and a woman. (link)

Sen. Lamar Alexander said the opinions were correct in that they left the decision on whether to recognize same-sex marriage to individual states. "The Supreme Court's decision preserves the right of states to define marriage and for that definition to be respected by other states, and that's the way it should be."(link)

 Senator Jack Johnson post on Facebook: "I cannot understand how any American can be happy about the fact that five individuals just overturned the will of the American people as reflected by their duly and constitutionally elected representatives. I'm sad that the majesty of our republic has been degraded, but my proud support for the sanctity of marriage will not waiver." 



Richard Upchurch, scholar and  blog contributor, writes: It seems to me, the

court is confirming that marriage is entirely in the jurisdiction, thus in the  domain and discretion of the states, thus the decision not too surprising. However Kennedy's phrase about "the dignity of same-sex marriage" suggests the court has bought into a kind of pop social radicalism that undermines what is most basic in the pre-political constitution of society and will follow such pop social radicalism wherever it may lead. So I agree, it doesn't look like good news---either for us conservatives or for the country.

US Congressman Jim Cooper is pleased: WASHINGTON – Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) praised today’s Supreme Court rulings on DOMA and Prop 8 and issued the following statement: "I'm pleased with today's Supreme Court rulings on DOMA and Prop 8. Equality under the law should apply to all Americans, and now we're one step closer towards fulfilling this promise."

Russell Moore, president of the Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, said he was not surprised by the court's ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act, per se, but he was surprised by the "sweeping language" used by the majority.
"It grounds the decision in equal protection and uses language of human dignity that has far-reaching implications," he said. "...Ultimately it's headed toward challenging the way states define marriage." (link) “This decision demolishes the myth that orthodox Christianity represents some kind of moral majority in this country." (link)

State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) ... was troubled by the ruling, saying the nation was built on what he called the traditional family. "There are detrimental forces in our culture that reject or do not recognize the importance of the traditional family unit in our society and those forces won today," Tracy said. (link)



David Fowler, former State Senator and President of Family Action Council of Tennessee wrote in a statement. "In Tennessee, marriage will remain the unique, timeless, and universally defined relationship involving a man and a woman that provides the optimal environment for the well being of children.

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Please join me in supporting Jim Tracy for Congress.

from:

Friends,

I wanted to take the time to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts, and support since I announced my candidacy for the 4th Congressional District back in January. Trena and I are truly overwhelmed and grateful to everyone who has stood behind us through this process.

Because of YOU, we were able to raise over $436,000 during the first quarter from over 400 individual donors. Fundraising not only allows me to communicate my message to the district, but it shows my team's depth of support for our effort and principles. I can't thank you enough for being a part of Team Tracy, together we can get our country moving in the right direction.   

I have traveled and visited with Tennesseans in Rutherford, Maury, Lincoln, Marshall, Moore, Bedford, Rhea, Bledsoe, Franklin, Meigs, Van Buren, Bradley and Warren counties. I have met concerned Tennesseans like you that believe Washington is broken- both morally and financially.  In the next few weeks, I will have the opportunity to visit several more 4th Congressional District Counties and I look forward to meeting you and your families to learn what is most important to you.

My State Senate district overlays with 5 of the counties in the 4th Congressional District. The 4th Congressional District covers a good portion of Southern Tennessee. To reach these voters, I need your financial support. If you haven’t already, please join our team today by donating $250, $100, $50 or whatever you can afford. Other leaders of our team include Governor Winfield Dunn, Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey and many more political and business leaders throughout this great State.

With your help, I can communicate our message to voters. Please consider joining my team right now with a contribution or sign up to volunteer at www.tracyfortn.com. I appreciate your time and your commitment to our Country and State.

Best Regards,

Jim Tracy

Team Tracy Full Leadership Team:
Betty & Governor Winfield Dunn
Sindy & Lt. Governor and Speaker of the Senate Ron Ramsey
Jill & Speaker Pro Tempore Bo Watson
Chris & Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris
Theresa & Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Bill Ketron
State Senator Randy McNally
State Senator Rusty Crowe
State Senator Steve Southerland
Deanna & State Senator Jack Johnson
State Senator Dolores Gresham
State Senator Brian Kelsey
State Senator Becky Duncan Massey
Kay & State Senator Ferrell Haile
Katrina & State Senator Steve Dickerson
Sylvia & State Senator Todd Gardenhire
Camie & State Senator Mark Green
Gina & State Senator Joey Hensley
State Senator John Stevens
State Senator Jim Summerville
Mary & State Rep. Pat Marsh
State Rep. Jeremy Faison
State Rep. Ryan Haynes
Felicia & State Rep. Mike Sparks
Kim & State Rep. Billy Spivey
State Rep. Ron Travis

State Rep. Dawn & Chad White

State Rep. Rick Womick
Karen & Andy Adams
Cindy & Fred Adams
Kay & Lee Adcock
Connie & Councilman Marc Adkins
Jimmy Allen
Jade & Tom Anderson
Cathy Arter
Rita Ash
Kent Ayer
Janet & Jim Ayers
Christina & Glenn Barber
Linda & Rick Barker
Wanda & Phil Barnes
Bill Bates
Ann & Thomas Batey
Elma & Dr. Farris Beasley
Lesa & Al Bellenfant
Wayne Blair
Sid Blalock
Jill & Greg Brock
Jim Brock
Pam & Barry Buckley
Lynn & Butch Bullen
Brenda & Dr. Jimmy Clark
Alison & Scott Cocanougher
Tanya & David Coffey
Holly & Adam Coggin
Councilman H.G. Cole
Marian & Wayne Coomes
Barry Cooper
Lisa & Kerry Couch
Lucy & Ewin Cowley
Janie & Larry Craig
Kay & Ed Davenport
Mary Ann & John Davis
Kristin & Peter Demos
Teresa & Jerome Dempsey
Fred Dettwiller
Brandi & Mayor Tony Dover
Francis & Jimmy Earle, Sr.
Dana & Phillip Edwards
Barbara & John Evans
Rhonda & Richard Farris
Beth & Harvey Fischer
Jessica & Lance Frizzell
Lynn & Marc Foster
Judy & Ed Garner
Shirley & Paul Gaw
Amy & Brooke Grubb
Lori & Clint Hall

Janice & Ward Harder

Debbie & John Harney

Thesa & Denny Hastings

Bill Hayes
Keith Heflin

Terry & Johnie Hines

Dean & Tommy Hodges
Ann & David Hoke

Kay & Johnny Holden

Carrie & Aaron Holiday
Holly & Jeff Hollingshead

Melissa & Mike Hollingshead

Linda & Doug Howard
Mandy & Jeffrey Howard

Bruce Hull

Debbie & Joey Jacobs

Pat & David Jent

Joy & Councilman Paul Johns
Doris & Clyde Jones

Pallie & David Jones

Pamela & Tim Keach

Amy & Stan King

Christie & Councilman Lance Lee

Sonya & Terry Leeman

Mary & Fred Lovelace
Carol & Bill Marsh

Beth & AJ McCall

Virginia & Albert McCall

Hubert McCullough

Beverly & Dr. Warren McPherson

Gloria & Doyle Meadows

Celeste & Michael Middleton

Barbara & Jim Moon

Donna & Councilman Tim Morrell

Drs. Mary & Max Moss

Kitty & Matt Murfree

Trish & Dr. Bill Nash

Mike Niederhauser

David Nipper

Anita & Mark Pirtle

Airica & Dr. LG Puckett

Sherry & Mike Randles

Stacy & Brad Rector

Julie & Jeff Reed

Amanda & Shane Reeves

Richard Reeves

Holly & Mike Rittenberry

Candy & Gene Ritz

Vicki & Danny Robbins

Chelsea & John Rose

Carol & Steve Ruckart

Lisa & Dewayne Sadler

Amy & Rick Sain

Patricia & Commissioner Sonny Shackelford

Michelle & Chris Shrader

Denise & Steve Smith

Judy & Tommy Smith

James Smythe

Mayor Bob Spivey

Anne & Charles Stewart

Liz & Wes Stowers

Lynne & Dr. Carl Swafford

Kelly & Matt Swallows

Joyce & Chuck Taylor

Anne & Admiral James Taylor

Billie & Jim Thompson

Margrey & Dr. Roy Thompson

Janet & Landis Turner

Anne & Mayor John Ed Underwood

Teri & Tracy Vannatta

Lynn & Mike Vaught

Brandon Vincent

Sally & Howard Wall

Mike Waller

Corinne & Jimmy Ward

Mary & Jack Weatherford

Please join me in supporting Jim Tracy for Congress.

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As anticipated, Joe Carr announces his candidacy for 4th District seat.

Rep. Carr announces bid for congressional seat | The Tennessean ...
 
Joe Carr announces the launch of his congressional bid in Murfreesboro on Thursday. Carr joins state Sen. Jim Tracy in challenging incumbent U.S. Rep........
“We’re standing against, in some respects, the establishment. We are certainly standing against the federal bureaucracy.”.....Some of Carr’s primary supporters at the event included ......... and Ben Cunningham, leader of Tennessee Tax Revolt and the Nashville Tea Party. (read more)

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Senator Jim Tracy's session wrap-up report

From Senator Jim Tracy:

 Friends,

After a great deal of hard work and collaboration, this year’s session of the 108th General Assembly finally came to a conclusion on April 19, 2013. Not only did the House and the Senate pass many pieces of important legislation, but more importantly we passed a balanced budget for the State of Tennessee. This year’s budget included many improvements that will provide $43 million in tax cuts. Senate Bill 502 included a 4 year plan to phase out the inheritance tax as well as an increase in funds to give senior citizens the opportunity to apply for Hall income tax relief. The will also lower the sales tax on food in Tennessee from 5.25% to 5%. This session we also worked together to take a good look at education reform. This budget incorporates funds that will increase teachers’ pay and provide $47 million to invest in low performing public schools. The budget also gives a $350 million increase to assist with TennCare inflation and other expenses that relate to it. I also feel that it is important to acknowledge the $3.9 million increase for mental health. After the various atrocities that have occurred in the United States this year, it is important that we engage in mental heath research and provide sufficient services to those who need them in order to keep Tennessee safe.

Aside from the state budget, there were many vital pieces of legislation that were passed this week to promote a better Tennessee. Senate Bill 783 improves Tennessee’s program for unemployment compensation. Along with other advancements, the bill requires the Department of Labor to increase the number of weekly audits that they perform to ensure that those who are receiving state funds during periods of unemployment are actively searching for a new job.

Another step that the legislature has taken towards promoting a safer Tennessee is in our schools. We passed a bill that will allow retired law enforcement officers to act as school security officers with the permission of the local director of schools and the school principle. This allows each school district and individual school to have the opportunity to decide whether or not allowing handguns on campus is right for them specifically. These officers will also be required to complete an additional 40 hour course which includes training for crisis management and hostile situations in a school setting. This bill will also allow teachers, who have a background in law enforcement and a handgun carrying permit, to carry a gun with them on school property. The bill is intended to take precautionary measures in response to the tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary this past December. Governor Haslam has also included an additional $34 million in this year’s budget that may be used to hire security officers for schools that cannot already afford them.

I am very excited about two bills that passed this session and will promote technology schools in Tennessee. My bill,Senate Bill 643 changes “Tennessee Technology Centers” to “State Colleges of Applied Technology.” Senate Bill 1330, which was sponsored by Senator Norris, creates LEAP (Labor Education Alignment Program) in Tennessee technology centers. This program will work similarly to a co-op program at a university by allowing students to obtain hands-on experience in their occupational field through working for a company and receiving financial compensation as well as school credit for their work. This bill is intended to provide Tennessee with more skilled workers who are ready to take on a job in their field once they have completed their technology program.

Lastly, Senate Bill 670 passed both the House and the Senate this session in an attempt to prevent drunk driving on Tennessee roads. This bill lowers the blood or breath alcohol content (BAC) from 0.15% to 0.08% to be grounds for a restricted driver license. Any convicted drunk driver will now be required to install an interlock device in their car which they will have to breathe into in before starting the car. The interlock devices will have to be equipped to take a photo of the individual as they breathe into it in order to insure that it is not someone else providing the sample.

Although this legislative session is over, we will continue working year-round to serve our constituents and to prepare legislation for next year. Please feel free to contact me with any of your thoughts and concerns. You may stop by the office or email tracyfortn@gmail.com anytime! Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter @jimtracy for news and updates.

Best Regards,

Jim Tracy

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Bill to prohibit welfare debit card use at strip clubs and liquor stores passes

Senator Jim Tracy and Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver worked with the Beacon Center to develop legislation to prohibit the use of welfare debit cards at strip clubs, casinos  and liquor stores. The bill has passed and is now on its way to the Governor. To read about the EBT card abuse issue follow this link and to learn more about the abuse discovered by the Beacon Center follow this link.

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Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey to appear at Tracy fund-raiser

 Ramsey to appear at Tracy fund-raiser
Shelbyville Times-Gazette
Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) has announced that Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville) will attend a fund-raiser Thursday in Bedford County to benefit Tracy's campaign for the 4th District U.S. House of Representatives seat. 


"I support my friend Jim Tracy for Congress wholeheartedly and without reservation," said Ramsey in a news release issued by the Tracy campaign.

"Conservatives will have no better friend in Washington than Jim Tracy. Jim's conservatism doesn't reside only in his policy positions and public pronouncements; it lives in his heart and is embedded deep in his character. Jim and I have fought side by side for years in the State Senate for balanced budgets, low taxes and pro-life values. I can't wait for Jim to bring his Tennessee wisdom to Washington."
...

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Republican state Sen. Jim Tracy sets first major fundraiser for March 14

Republican state Sen. Jim Tracy sets first major fundraiser for March 14
Chattanooga Times Free Press
NASHVILLE — Republican state Sen. Jim Tracy's first major fundraiser for his 4th Congressional District bid is set for March 14 in Murfreesboro. Former Gov. Winfield Dunn, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Bo Watson, R-Hixson, and Rep.

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