The House Chamber doors are closed.
I felt it necessary to take the months ahead to inform you, the voter and citizen of the 40th district, of the legislation that was passed in the first half of the 107th by topics.
It was a very productive session, however we have much to do when the House resumes in January.
Tennessee took a strong stand this legislative session by reforming an education system in dire need of change.
Several key reforms were adopted that will have a positive impact on Tennessee for years to come.
The primary principles of these reform initiatives are promoting student achievement and encouraging teacher excellence throughout Tennessee.
In the long-term these initiatives will lead to a better trained workforce for the State.
Many Representatives believe that if Tennessee is going to become the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs it is critical that we improve education.
Businesses are looking to compete with employees educated for the 21st century workplace.
It was the goal of House to make sure Tennessee teachers are equipped with the best tools possible to educate Tennessee students.
During the Session, the House officially made much-needed changes to the education tenure law by passing House Bill 2012. The legislation moves tenure for educators from three to five years and links the tenure privilege to revised performance evaluations.
The legislation was a key plank in the Governor’s call for education reform and he immediately signed the legislation upon receiving it.
The legislation is part of a targeted package to bring accountability to education and, more importantly, make student achievement the top priority for Tennessee.
Another major reform that will have far-reaching positive effects on education in Tennessee is House Bill 1989 which removes the cap on the number of charter schools allowed in the State and opens enrollment to more students.
Being an advocate of all types of education whether public, private, home school, or charter, education is not a one size fits all.
Every child learns differently.
Giving parents options for their child’s education will better provide every child the opportunity to succeed.
Many of the House members have a strong vision for education in Tennessee.
It is imperative that we promote student achievement and reward teachers who do an excellent job as well.
In order to make Tennessee a number one job magnet in the southeast in a very competitive economy, equipping our kids with the skills they need as our future workforce is a top priority.
After many hours of debate, an agreement was reached that takes away the mandatory authority of unions in education and, instead, allows all Tennessee teachers to directly take part in education policy discussions.
The Professional Educators Collaborative Conferencing Act of 2011 does away with the antiquated model of adversarial mandatory negotiating by the education union and provides a route for every individual teacher to have a voice at the education negotiating table.
It opens up direct lines of communication between all education stakeholders so that education policy will reflect the will of teachers, parents, and administrators.
All teachers along with their invaluable input will be accounted for in curriculum and education policy.
Teachers will have a say about items such as salary and benefits.
Under this system, teachers will be viewed on the basis of their achievements in the classroom, not their seniority.
Additionally, lines for free flowing communication are established between the directors of school and the professional employees who work for the local board of education—a reform that recognizes the free speech rights of all teachers.
We also passed legislation that protects teacher pay from reductions in Tennessee.
While local school boards and municipalities face tight budgets along with other government agencies, we are committed to making sure our valuable teachers are protected from budget cuts.
House Bill 367, simply prohibits any local education agency from lowering teacher salaries, without a corresponding change in the teacher's duties, or lowering the amount spent for teacher benefits from one school year to the next.
Working for the folks of the fortieth is truly a blessing. You can still contact me by calling my office at 615-741-2192. I am honored to serve you anyway I can.

Blessings!