Governor Bill Haslam asks Tennesseans to ‘Believe in Better’
January 30, 2012
Governor delivers State of the State Address and Unveils Balanced Budget Proposal
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam tonight delivered his 2012 State of the State address before a joint session of the General Assembly in which he shared his vision for the state and called upon those watching and listening to “Believe in Better.”
“We can believe in better for how state government serves Tennesseans,” Haslam said. “We can believe in better when it comes to the education of our children, and we can believe in better when we talk about a stronger, healthier economy for our state.”
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Inks Deal with Motorola Solutions, Inc.
December 9, 2011
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons and Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott today announced an agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc., to begin implementing the first phase of a statewide radio system that will enhance the efficiency, safety and service of troopers across the state.
The department secured $39.2 million dollars from the Tennessee General Assembly for phase I of the project, which will be utilized for radio upgrades in the THP Chattanooga, Fall Branch and Knoxville districts. [Read more]
Tennessee reduces Healthcare-Associated Infections
November 17, 2011
Nashville, TN – According to a report released recently by the state Department of Health, Tennessee hospitals have reduced the rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The report, titled “Tennessee’s Report on Healthcare-Associated Infections: January 1st, 2008 – December 31st, 2010”, summarizes the central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) reporting activities for calendar years 2008-2010 and surgical site infection (SSI) reporting activities for the 2009 calendar year.
“Healthcare-acquired infections are a completely preventable public health threat. Only through the work and collaboration among many entities has Tennessee experienced such a significant improvement in a very short period,” said Health Commissioner John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, of the Tennessee Department of Health. “Those who have contributed to the state’s success greatly deserve high praise and recognition for this tremendous accomplishment.” [Read more]
Tennessee State Parks Offer Special Discounts to Veterans
November 6, 2011
Veterans Day Designated a Free State Park Day for Tennessee Veterans, Including Complimentary Golfing and Night of Camping
Nashville, TN – Tennessee State Parks announced today its annual free state park day for all Tennessee veterans on Friday, November 11th, offering one free night of camping and complimentary greens fees for 18 holes of golf with appropriate identification.
Passed by the General Assembly in 2010, the policy calls for a yearly, special state parks day to honor Tennessee’s resident veterans.
“This is our way of honoring the many brave men and women who have served our country,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau. “The state parks family extends a warm invitation to all of Tennessee’s veterans to visit us on November 11th and enjoy a day in one of our beautiful parks.” [Read more]
Legislative Brief Examines Tennessee’s Report Card on the Effectiveness of Teacher Training Programs
October 25, 2011
Nashville, TN – Tennessee, one of the nation’s leaders in developing bold education reforms, is refining its methods for evaluating teacher preparation programs. Today, the Comptroller’s Offices of Research and Education Accountability released a legislative brief, A Review of Tennessee’s Report Card on the Effectiveness of Teacher Training Programs, which addresses those efforts.
The legislative brief reviews the Report Card on the Effectiveness of Teacher Training Programs (the report card), which is annually prepared by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to evaluate teacher preparation programs in Tennessee. [Read more]
Governor Haslam Announces Enhancement Grant for Town of Camden
August 29, 2011
Grant to Fund Downtown Improvements Project Phase III
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and TDOT Commissioner John Schroer are pleased to announce the award of a $352,052 transportation enhancement grant to the town of Camden for Phase III of the Downtown Improvements Project.
Phase III of the Downtown Improvements Project includes the construction and reconstruction of sidewalks along East Main Street, Church Street, Forrest Avenue and East Lake. New decorative lighting and landscaping will also be installed in the project area. The improvements are designed to enhance the character of downtown Camden while creating a more pedestrian oriented environment. [Read more]
Tennessee Ranks as One of “America’s Top States for Transportation and Infrastructure”
July 17, 2011
State ranks 5th in CNBC study
Nashville, TN – For the second year in a row, Tennessee’s transportation system ranks as one of the best in the nation, according to CNBC’s 2011 study “America’s Top States for Business.” The business news network scored all 50 states on 40 measures of competitiveness, including the vitality of each state’s transportation system.
Tennessee’s overall score ranks the state as the fifth best in America in the category of “Transportation and Infrastructure.” [Read more]
Tennessee Receives Bronze Award from League of American Bicyclists
June 5, 2011
State Rankings Recognize TDOT’s Efforts to Be More Bicycle Friendly
Nashville, TN – The League of American Bicyclists has named Tennessee a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly State in its fourth annual BFS rankings. The award recognizes the state for its collaboration with local agencies and bicycle advocates, efforts to provide safe routes to school for children who bicycle or walk, and commitment to safety and accommodation of all users.
“I want to congratulate TDOT, members of the General Assembly, and the dozens of local stakeholders who have worked together to achieve this designation,” Haslam said. “As a bicyclist myself, I realize the importance of safety in offering this healthy option as we encourage Tennesseans to take responsibility for their personal health.” [Read more]
Governor & Commissioner Identify Transportation Projects in TDOT’s Region Four for Funding
May 1, 2011
Projects to be funded through Bridge Bonding and Traditional Funds
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Transportation Commissioner John Schroer today released the three-year transportation program, which includes the completion of several major strategic corridor projects and the state’s Better Bridges bonding program.
The three year program includes $1.7 billion for highways and bridges to fund more than 152 individual project phases in 59 Tennessee counties. The proposal, which has been presented to the Tennessee General Assembly, includes significant highway and bridge projects in TDOT’s Region Two. [Read more]
Report highlights importance of Family Engagement in Education
July 12, 2010
Students perform better in the classroom when their families and their schools forge strong partnerships, according to a new report released today by the Comptroller’s Offices of Research and Education Accountability.
The report, titled “Family Engagement in Education,” notes that while it is difficult to precisely measure the benefits of family involvement on student achievement, studies have suggested there is a positive relationship.
Students with more engaged families tend to attend school more frequently, make better grades and graduate to higher levels of education. Those students are generally more likely to have better behavior and social skills as well. [Read more]








