U. S. Senator Bob Corker meets with members of the Chattanooga Time Free Press editorial board Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.Local women endorse Clinton
Hillary Clinton’s campaign on Friday announced the endorsements of nearly 30 Chattanooga women ranging from state Rep. JoAnne Favors to well-known party supporter and donor Pris Siskin.
Ahead of Tuesday’s presidential primary, the Clinton campaign rolled out what it says is a “diverse” group of political, community and business supporters in hopes of “underscoring the momentum” of the former senator and secretary of state in her primary fight with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
“Women in Chattanooga are excited about electing the most qualified candidate in this presidential election who has the vision and experience to deliver results that make a real difference for families across the state,” said Favors, who represents House District 28 in the campaign news release.
“We are urging all of our friends and neighbors to vote for Hillary Clinton so she carries Tennessee. I’m proud to stand behind the fighter for women, children and all Americans,” Favors added.
Among those endorsing Clinton are Eleanor Cooper, community activist; Molly Cooper, director of constituent services, city of Chattanooga; Jane Elmore, co-president, UT-Chattanooga Elder Scholar Program; Annie Hall, regional lead, Hillary for America; Everlena Holmes, community leader; Alison Lebowitz, author and Community Leader; Stacy Richardson, chief of staff, Mayor Andy Berke; Lacie Newton Stone, director of communications, city of Chattanooga; Edna Varner, retired educator; and Dr. Barbara Wofford, retired educator, UT Chattanooga.
Tuition bills for police, firefighters advance
Bills that would allow law enforcement and firefighters to take college courses for free and give their children a 25 percent tuition break passed the Senate Education Committee last week.
Both bills are sponsored by Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga. In a news release, Gardenhire said allowing police and firefighters to take one free course per term at any state-operated college or university will help them develop other employment skills in case mental or physical job stress becomes too much for them.
He said the tuition break for police and firefighters’ children makes up for lower salaries paid to first responders.
“Law enforcement officers and firefighters make a lot of personal sacrifices to serve the public,” Gardenhire said.
Next, the Senate Finance Committee will consider the bills’ financial impact. Fiscal notes filed with the legislation calculate they would reduce state revenue by roughly $3 million a year if adopted.
Corker to visit UTC Monday
U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., will speak at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga at 11 a.m. Monday.
A university news release said Corker will inaugurate the UTC School of Business Leadership Speaker Series.
The event will be held in the University Center auditorium, 642 E. Fifth St.
Democrats to hold delegate conventions
The Democratic parties in Hamilton and Marion counties have scheduled their delegate conventions for Saturday.
This starts the process of selecting delegates to the national Democratic convention in Philadelphia on July 25-28.
Local Democrats will meet at 10 a.m. at the IBEW, 3922 Volunteer Drive. Marion County Democrats will meet at 11 a.m. CST at 5520 Highway 41 in Jasper, Tenn. The event is open to registered voters who agree to support the Democratic presidential nominee. Caucuses will only be formed for candidates who received 15 percent or more of the votes cast in the March 1 primary election.
Information and rules for becoming a DNC delegate are available at tndp.org or from the Tennessee Democratic Party, 1900 Church St., Nashville, TN 37203, or call 615-327-9779.
Democrats’ rally reset for March 8
The all-candidates rally sponsored by the Greater Chattanooga Democratic Women’s Club has been reset for 6 p.m. March 8 at the IBEW, 392 Volunteer Drive. The initial event was canceled because of bad weather.
Candidates for offices in Hamilton County, the Tennessee General Assembly and 3rd Congressional District have been invited. Representatives from the presidential campaigns of Hillary of America and Bernie Sanders will make presentations.
A chili supper will be served at no cost, though donations are welcome. For more information, call Brenda Nunn at 423-364-3532.
Graves votes for sportsmen’s bill
U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., said he voted for a House-passed bill to protect and expand opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting.
In a news release, Graves said the Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act exempts certain sporting equipment – such as lead sinkers – from federal regulations, prevents the Army Corps of Engineers from prohibiting individuals from legally carrying a firearm in public areas of a water resources development project and allows the National Park Service to establish hunter access corridors.
“This bill will help ensure my kids, and someday their kids, can fish, hunt and enjoy nature just as I have,” Graves said.