October 19th, 2010
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Hospitality Association has today announced that Sen. Doug Overbey, R-Maryville and Rep. Richard Montgomery, R-Sevierville, have been named “Legislators of the Year” for 2010.
“These two legislators have been great friends to the hospitality industry and to hotel and restaurant employees across the state,” said Greg Adkins, CEO of the Tennessee Hospitality Association. “Keeping tourists coming to Tennessee and ensuring that the Department of Tourism is well-funded are extremely important. Their efforts help keep the doors open at restaurants and hotels across the state and are critical to Tennesseans and to our state’s economy.”
This year is the first that the Tennessee Hospitality Association has given the “Legislator of the Year” honor. Overbey and Montgomery were chosen to receive the award because of their tireless advocacy on behalf of the state’s hospitality industry in 2010 and their efforts to ensure the Department of Tourism received adequate funding.
“Tennessee’s tourism generated a $14.4 billion economic impact to the state’s economy,” said Senator Overbey. “This translates into 184,700 jobs for Tennesseans in the state’s tourism industry. It is imperative that our state’s public policy protects and promotes growth of this industry which is such a vital part of our economy.”
“Tourism is a major economic driver for our area,” added Representative Montgomery. “It is an honor to work with and help those in the hospitality industry both in Sevier County and at the state level, which has a positive impact on all citizens in our communities.”
The Tennessee Hospitality Association is the voice of lodging and dining establishments in the state of Tennessee. TnHA provides education and training for industry employees and represents the interests of the hospitality industry at the local, state and national levels. Learn more about TnHA at www.tnhospitality.net. ###
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September 21st, 2010
If all the members of the Tennessee General Assembly worked as hard and as enthusiastically as State Senator Doug Overbey of Maryville, we would undoubtedly have an even better state. He represents Blount and Sevier counties.
While Senator Overbey and Governor Phil Bredesen are of different political parties, they have generally held common-sense approaches to problems and treated state government more like a business.
The big difference between business and government is that when government doesn’t make ends meet it increases taxes; when a business doesn’t make ends meet it either takes positive corrective action or goes out of business.
Senator Overbey has an advantage which those of us not well versed in details of laws lack. As a well qualified attorney, he can and does try to propose common-sense legislation that means what it says. We feel like over the years we have had too many strictly politically oriented attorneys in the legislature who perhaps deliberately included loopholes in legislation which undermined the intent of the law.
Too often the public sees business interests as it applies to “big” business. To the contrary at least 65 percent of the businesses are small businesses, Mom-and-Pop type operations. Blount county alone has about 5,300 licensed businesses. About 75% of new jobs come from existing business industry.
Some 67% of all jobs are provided by small businesses.
Senator Overbey was recently applauded by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce for his “100 percent business-positive, pro jobs voting record,” one of eight best pro-business legislators.
He either initiated or was strongly supportive of six key pieces of legislation enacted this past session:
- Senate Bill 2049 which expanded the state’s tax credit program by $80 million, an innovative new program providing investment capital to small businesses in Tennessee and its considered a model job growth plan by other states
- Senate Bill 3522 which updates and improves the state’s trust laws to keep the state competitive as a prime place for investments. It updates and adds flexibility in administering trust estates and placing Tennessee ahead of other states in desirability for trust administration.
- Senate Bill 3519 that provides assistance to homeowners who are about to lose their home due to non-payment and gives them the opportunity to contact their lender in an effort to avoid foreclosure.
- Senate Bill 2721 which closes a loophole in state law that has allowed sexual predators to escape on a technically [sic].
- Senate Bill 2505 ensuring that school gymnasiums are equipped with automatic external defibrillators which will dramatically reduce the fatality rate due to unexpected cardiac arrest.
- Senate Bill 3528 that prevents potentially catastrophic cuts to Tennessee hospitals proposed in the budget earlier in the year. Allowing for a draw down of federal funds through a temporary Medicaid match program which would allow many hospitals, especially in rural areas, to avoid severe consequences and possible closure.
Not anyone can please everyone. We do not always totally agree with Senator Overbey’s views. However, he makes himself readily available to hear both sides of issues. And above all, we think he “earns his keep” through his hard-working effort as state senator.
“Sen. Doug Overbey earns his pay filing common-sense bills”
The Daily Times, Our Voice. 13 Sep. 2010
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August 24th, 2010
(NASHVILLE, TN, August 24, 2010 – State Senator Doug Overbey (R- Maryville) has been named "Legislator of the Year" in Tennessee for his efforts on behalf of citizens with intellectual disabilities. The award was presented to Overbey on Thursday at the Annual Awards of Excellence sponsored by the Tennessee Network of Community Organizations (TNCO) in Murfreesboro. The state advocacy group honors a Senator and Representative each year for their work in furthering and/or bettering the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through legislative initiatives.
"This award is a great honor and I am humbled to receive it," said Senator Overbey. "I am very pleased to partner with TNCO to work towards progress to expand opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities."
TNCO is a statewide organization comprised of not-for-profit organizations, such as Sertoma and the Douglas Adult Cooperative, whose missions are to assist those with disabilities. "TNCO and its constituent members do an excellent job in representing the needs of our citizens with disabilities before the legislature." Senator Overbey added.
In accepting the award, Overbey said, "Although others are more deserving of this recognition, I’m truly touched and grateful. Receiving this award means more to me than you will ever know."
Overbey was the sponsor of major legislation this year which prevented potentially catastrophic cuts to Tennessee hospitals as a result of budget cuts proposed earlier this year in the state’s 2010-2011 budget. Last year, he was co-prime sponsor of legislation to rename the state’s Division of Mental Retardation Services the "Division of Intellectual Disabilities."
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August 12th, 2010
(NASHVILLE, TN), August 6, 2010 — State Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) has been recognized as one of the eight best pro-business legislators in the Tennessee General Assembly by a key business magazine published by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. The publication congratulated Overbey for a “100 percent business-positive, pro-jobs voting record.”
“Senator Overbey understands the challenges Tennessee businesses face, and during the 106th General Assembly supported legislation the business community tracked deemed to be pro business,” said Bradley Jackson, of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “We thank him for his support of the thousands of hardworking businessmen and women across this state.”
The announcement was made in the most recent publication of Business TN, which each year selects the best state lawmakers based on their efforts in keeping “taxes low and regulation minimal.” The publication also chose the honorees based on their legislative stances and their ability to have a positive effect on the state’s business climate. All eight lawmakers sited obtained a 100 percent pro-business voting record.
“Job creation and providing small and start-up companies with access to capital to grow and expand played an important role in my decision to sponsor legislation creating the TNInvestco program,” Overbey said. ”I am honored to be recognized as a friend of business. We must continue to foster a positive business climate to attract new and better paying jobs to our state. I look forward to continuing to partner with our business community as we work to provide more opportunities for Tennesseans in the future.”
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July 2nd, 2010
July 4, 2010
Dear Friends,
More than two hundred years ago, an assembly of brave and determined Americans met to announce to the world the birth of a new nation – a nation born of ideals rather than of coercion, where the power to govern rested with the consent of the people.
Adams, Franklin, and Jefferson — starting with just a few words etched on simple parchment, these bold colonists set in motion a radical experiment in democracy and free enterprise. In time, that experiment would be known to people all over the world by many different names — the Land of the Free, the Home of the Brave, the Arsenal of Democracy, the Shining City on a Hill, and the World’s Last Best Hope.
As modern Americans, who have enjoyed these blessings for so long, it is easy for us to forget just how groundbreaking this experiment really was. Not surprising, the Declaration of Independence signed by those visionaries caused panic in the capitals of Europe. It struck fear in the courts of monarchs and despots, most of who believed that government and tyranny were one in the same.
But the Declaration of Independence also inspired enlightened men everywhere — statesmen, scientists, philosophers, and theologians — to abandon old ways of power and privilege and embrace new ideals of freedom and justice. Slowly, they began to remake the world on principles that the Founders believed were self-evident.
And the world has never been the same.
Today, amid the spectacular fireworks and quiet backyard barbecues, we reflect on the precious endowment given to our nation — and to our world — by the Founders. And we pause to remember the tremendous effort and sacrifice rendered by millions of Americans – including those who still fight for freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq — who have preserved that endowment for generations yet to come.
The volunteer spirit is alive and well, and I’m proud of the many brave Tennesseans, who, like their ancestors before them, loved their country enough to defend it. They, like their forbearers, are literally changing our world. Our prayers continue to go out for their safe return.
May God protect and defend our troops. And, may God bless America.
Sincerely,
Doug Overbey
State Senator
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June 14th, 2010
Legislature Adjourns 2010 Legislative Session
The 106th General Assembly adjourned to become a part of Tennessee history in the early morning hours of June 10. Although the state’s budget and education reforms adopted during the Special Session highlighted this year’s action, the 2010 legislative session will also be remembered for passage of several other important measures. These include money-saving legislation overhauling the way the state contracts for goods and services, a new law to curb drunk driving by increasing the use of interlock devices, job creation initiatives, the enhanced hospital assessment, and several measures aimed to counter violent crime and child sex offenders.
The budget was the overriding issue during the regular 2010 session. The budget approved by the legislature decreases spending, does not raise taxes and focuses on maintaining essential services.
The General Assembly gave approval to measures aimed at cracking down on sex offenders and implementing the next phase of the "crooks with guns" legislation to attack violent crime. In addition, the General Assembly passed legislation addressing the concerns of small businesses regarding a new workers’ compensation law. The new law is an effort to find common ground to address gaps in coverage for workers in the various construction fields without harming small business owners by providing a mechanism for exemption.
The 2010 legislative year was highlighted by the passage of the education reforms in January. The first week of the two-week session on education focused on improving K-12 education and putting Tennessee in position to be a leader in the Race to the Top competition, which helped the state win approximately $500 million in federal funds. The second week saw the legislature turn its attention to the goal of how to get more Tennesseans to pursue a post-secondary education that fits their academic and workplace needs. It also included a focus on measures to help ensure that students are successful in completing their college degrees or post-secondary academic programs.
General Assembly approves legislation
regarding prisoners in the U.S. illegally
In the last week of action on Capitol Hill, the Senate and House approved a conference committee report and sent to the governor legislation calling for Tennessee jails to send information to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement office (ICE) regarding prisoners who do not have documentation that they are in the U.S. legally. The legislation, Senate Bill 1141, requires the jail keeper to fax, email or send a copy of the booking information. The legislation attempts to assure that ICE and Homeland Security are informed regarding anyone who has been booked into Tennessee jails and is in the U.S. illegally.
Lawmakers worked out differences in the bill in a conference committee during the last two days of the session. The legislation calls for statewide standards to be developed by the POST (Police Officers Standard Training) Commission). This provision helps to ensure that Tennessee will not be open to lawsuits that have been problematic in other localities with similar laws. The bill does not apply to any county or municipality that enters into a memorandum of understanding with the United States Department of Homeland Security or ICE concerning enforcement of federal immigration laws, which has more stringent standards.
Two bills to protect children advance in final legislative hours
Two bills designed to protect children from sex offenders were approved in the final hours of the 2010 legislative session, including one measure to set up a Tennessee Second Look Commission to review cases and procedures related to child sexual abuse. The Commission would review cases from the initial report of alleged abuse through to a finding or criminal conviction of abuse. The bill is an important first step in understanding how the system fails endangered kids.
The Commission will review cases and procedures related to severe child sexual abuse to determine if they were handled in a manner that provides adequate protection to the children. Only two percent of the 750,000 pedophiles identified by computer in the United States have been investigated according to expert testimony provided to the legislature last year. The Commission would be administratively attached to the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. The legislation, Senate Bill 2701, now goes to the governor and would be effective upon his signature.
The second bill approved by the full legislature before adjournment prohibits any sexual or violent sexual offender who is required to be on the Sexual Offender Registry from establishing a primary or secondary residence with two or more other such offenders. Similarly, no person, corporation or other entity may knowingly permit more than three such sexual or violent sexual offenders to establish a residence in any house, apartment or other residence. The legislation, Senate Bill 3290, comes after a residence of multiple child sex offenders was established in Nashville. Parents of children in the neighborhood expressed great concern that such a residence could be located in a family-oriented community.
Senate approves Health Freedom Act for second time
The Tennessee Senate approved legislation this week that sponsors say will protect the freedom of Tennessee patients to make their own health care choices, regardless of federal action taken in Washington. The action marked the second time the Senate overwhelmingly approved the measure. The Tennessee Health Freedom Act, Senate Bill 3498, was originally approved in the State Senate on February 18 by a vote of 26 to 1. That bill was killed in a House Subcommittee last week.
The content of that legislation, however, was attached as an amendment to another bill that was advancing through the House of Representatives. That legislation, Senate Bill 2560, was approved by both the House and Senate on the last legislative day in different forms. A conference committee made up of House and Senate members was appointed to work out the differences in the bill and come up with a solution acceptable to both chambers.
The conference committee’s report did not seek to nullify federal law, as it would have still allowed individuals the option to participate in a federal program. However, it acknowledged the right of Tennesseans to refuse to participate in a government-run health insurance program. It also called on the state’s Attorney General to take action in the defense or prosecution of rights protected under the legislation. The conference committee’s report, however, failed by six votes in the House of Representatives along party lines.
In Brief…
Advocating for small business — State lawmakers approved and sent to the governor legislation this week to create a small business advocate within the Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury. The measure, Senate Bill 3484, calls for the advocate to mediate and assist with resolution of issues concerning small business owners and state departments and agencies. The bill also requires the small business advocate to prepare an annual report on their office’s activities, findings and recommendations for transmission to the governor, members of the General Assembly and the heads of the affected departments and agencies to make sure officials are notified about any problems or concerns.
Domestic Violence / Counseling — Legislation that would allow the court to order domestic abuse perpetrators to attend counseling programs was passed by the General Assembly this week. The legislation prescribes counseling programs judges can order, if they choose, including intervention programs that are certified by the Domestic Violence State Coordinating Council. The bill increases the maximum penalty for those convicted of the crime from $200 to $225, with the proceeds going to grants for domestic violence shelter programs. The measure, Senate Bill 2709, if signed by the governor will take effect on July 1, 2010.
Elections / Felons pay court costs — State lawmakers gave final approval to legislation requiring convicted felons to pay all court costs imposed before being eligible to have their voting rights restored. Currently, a person convicted of a felony must be pardoned, discharged from custody or supervision, and have paid all restitution to the victim of the offense to have his or her rights of suffrage restored. This legislation, Senate Bill 440, would add the payment of court costs as well.
Students in extracurricular activities / random drug tests — Legislation authorizing local schools to adopt a policy to use random drug testing on a student participating in voluntary extracurricular activities was approved. Parents or guardians of the students must be notified about the random drug tests and must give written consent before the student can participate. The results of the test shall remain confidential in the student’s records. If the child tests positive for illegal drugs, the school system may not suspend or expel the child. It, rather, requires the school provide information on inpatient, outpatient and community-based drug and alcohol programs to the child and his or her parents if the test is positive. The legislation, Senate Bill 2621, is designed to get these students the help they need to address drug use before it is too late.
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May 26th, 2010
Contact: Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email: darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.us
(NASHVILLE, TN), May 25, 2010 — The State Senate has approved a major job creation bill sponsored by State Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) to expand the state’s TNInvestco tax credit program by $80 million. The innovative new program provides investment capital to small, medium and start up businesses in Tennessee and is considered a model job growth plan by other states.
“Small businesses provide 67 percent of first jobs and produce the majority of innovations,” said Senator Overbey, who also sponsored the bill which implemented the program. “However, access to capital is a huge obstacle to success. This legislation provides a vehicle for small and start up businesses to take an innovative idea and commercialize it, creating jobs for Tennesseans.”
In October, six investment firms were chosen to receive an allocation of $20 million dollars in gross premiums tax credits which are then marketed to insurance companies to create a pool of venture capital funds for investment in start-up and mid-stage companies in Tennessee. The legislation would allow the program to include four additional participants already selected as alternates. It also adds improvements to the bill to increase transparency and accountability in the program. Overbey said the improvements include a scorecard kept by the state to make sure that qualified TNInvestcos are following program guidelines and obligations to maximize investment potential.
Under the plan, investors receive a tax credit against insurance premiums taxes that spread over years three through ten of the program. Even though the capital will be available for small businesses immediately, there are no tax credits for investors until 2012. Capital returned to the state through the program must first go to the General Fund, with any remaining funds to be deposited in the Rural Opportunity Fund which helps economically distressed counties grow jobs. Other state programs are generally dollar for dollar subsidies.
“Innovation does not know geographical boundaries,” added Overbey. “What truly separates this program from those being used in other states is that it will pay for itself down the road and puts money into the Rural Opportunity Fund. That fund focuses on job growth in some of the most economically distressed areas of the state where unemployment is very high.”
“TNInvestco allows us to create jobs, provide capital for small and start up businesses and also helps us get our seed investment back,” Overbey continued. “I am very pleased the bill was approved in our State Senate.”
The bill is pending action in the House Finance Committee where it will be heard today. It will then go to the House floor for final action as the General Assembly is looking to conclude their business by next week.
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Reference: Senate Bill 3049 / Other details on the program can be founds at www.tninvestco.gov
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