Marsha Blackburn Report: This Week From Washington – August 11th, 2019
August 12, 2019
Washington, D.C. – I’m not sure who decided to call the Senate’s August work period “recess,” but it could use a rebrand. I’m using this month to reconnect with Tennesseans from all corners of our great Volunteer State.
This past week, I visited Middle Tennessee, and received updates from local businessmen, health care professionals, and local officials who are tuned in to the region’s many successes, and emerging opportunities for growth.
Tennessee’s strong workforce, right-to-work law, and central location make companies eager to set up shop.
Senator Marsha Blackburn.
Tennessee Department of Education Releases Guide to Help Support Students with Characteristics of Dyslexia
June 10, 2017
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Education has released the Dyslexia Resource Guide, which offers assistance to schools for identifying and supporting for students showing characteristics of dyslexia.
This guide provides districts with information related to screening procedures for dyslexia, specific interventions, professional learning resources, and reporting requirements.
Tennessee Department of Education releases Dyslexia Resource Guide.
Tennessee’s New Online Driver Services Feature increases Safety of Citizens
October 2, 2015
License and ID holders may submit emergency contact information into new online driver license system
Nashville, TN – New forms of technology launched this year by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security have resulted in improved customer service and reduced wait times inside the state’s driver services centers. But the new technology is also increasing the safety of citizens.
A new feature available through online driver services is designed to assist citizens in emergency situations. Driver license and state identification card holders may submit emergency contact information online that will be added to the driver license data base. [Read more]
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announces Academic Standards Review Website
November 6, 2014
Encourages public input on state standards
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam today unveiled a website, https://apps.tn.gov/tcas/ , where Tennesseans can review and comment on the state’s current K-12 academic standards.
Academic standards set grade-specific goals that define what students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of a given grade or course.
There are more than 1,100 for English language arts (ELA) and more than 900 for mathematics in Tennessee.
“There has been considerable concern about Common Core State Standards, currently in place state-wide,” said Tennessee State Representative Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville). “The standards do offer some advantages for students and our public education system, but the quick roll-out did not, among other issues, allow time for educators, students and parents to understand how they work.” [Read more]
Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s “Keep My Tennessee Home” program to end August 31st
July 19, 2014
Tennessee State Representative Joe Pitts
Nashville, TN – Since January 11th, Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) has helped more than 7,000 families avoid foreclosure through our Keep My Tennessee Home program, funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund.
We are proud that our program has enabled Tennessee to be among the most aggressive states in putting these funds to work on behalf of eligible households. I want to let you know that the funds awarded to Tennessee have been almost fully committed.
We are closing the program August 31st but for cases eligible under a separate, related fund provided by the National Mortgage Settlement.
Tennessee State Representative Joe Pitts
Tennessee Veterans May Be Issued Missing High School Diplomas
June 19, 2013
New law affects WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam War Veterans
Nashville, TN – The Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, Many-Bears Grinder and the Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman will be presenting a high school diploma to Korean War Veteran, William Milton Duncan Wednesday, June 19th at 10:30am in the Senate Library in the State Capitol.
Mr. Duncan was drafted in 1951 and began serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. Due to his military service, Mr. Duncan left high school a few days before completing requirements for his diploma. [Read more]
