(NASHVILLE), May 15, 2013 -- State Senators Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) and Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) said today they have been informed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) that the Smyrna Airport will receive a $31,500 state grant. The grant is available through TDOT’s Division of Aeronautics and totals $42,000 after a local match of $10,500 is added. The funds will be used for emergency repairs to the electrical vault and air traffic control (ATC) systems.
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Senators Ketron and Tracy announce grant for Smyrna Airport
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Senator Ketron files bill authorizing use of student photo IDs issued by state universities for voting purposes
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Clean up bill makes it clear local library cards are not allowed
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Senators Ketron and Tracy Sign on Legislation to Exempt Vehicles Under Three Years Old from Emissions Testing
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Automobiles under three years old would be exempt from Tennessee’s vehicle emission test under legislation under consideration in the State Legislature and co-sponsored by Rutherford County Senators Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville). The legislation would apply to owners of vehicles in six Tennessee counties where emissions testing is required, including Rutherford County.
Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 10,500 pounds in Hamilton, Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson or Wilson Counties must currently pass an emissions test prior to registration renewal. Senate Bill 1080 would exempt testing for gasoline and diesel vehicles from that requirement if the automobile’s model is three years old or newer.
“This is a big step forward in relieving this burdensome regulation on Rutherford County citizens,” said Senator Ketron. “I am pleased to lend it my full support.”
“Many citizens have spoken with me regarding this requirement,” said Senator Tracy, who is Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee which will hear testimony on the bill. “I look forward to supporting it as it moves through our Transportation Committee and onto the floor of the Senate.”
The emissions regulations were put into place to control pollution from mobile sources in counties that were not meeting the eight-hour ozone Federal Standards for air quality. The mandatory testing requirement does not apply to electric vehicles, motorcycles or antique vehicles with a model year of 1974 or older.
The bill is pending a scheduled hearing in the Transportation and Safety Committee in the Senate and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee in the House of Representatives.
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Department of Labor finds $1.3 million in fraudulent claims through tracking system sponsored by Senator Ketron
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Senator Ketron re-elected Chairman of Fiscal Review Committee
Monday, February 04, 2013
(NASHVILLE, TN), January 25, 2011 --- State Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) has been re-elected by his colleagues to lead the General Assembly’s Fiscal Review Committee. Ketron was elected by acclamation at a meeting on Tuesday to serve as Chairman of the joint House and Senate committee, which serves as the watchdog for all state government spending.
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Senator Ketron Filed Legislation to Allow Referendums on Wine Sales in Retail Food Stores
Thursday, January 31, 2013
NASHVILLE, Tenn.
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Statement from Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Bill Ketron regarding the Governor’s Proposal to establish a partnership with Nissan for workforce development
Thursday, January 31, 2013
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- “I am very excited about the new workforce training center that the Governor has proposed today in partnership with Nissan in Smyrna. It will be a tremendous benefit to Rutherford County. It has the potential not only to create jobs in Middle Tennessee, but offers state-of-the art training opportunities for thousands of Tennesseans. Jobs and education remain at the top of our priority list. I look forward to supporting this proposal as it moves to the General Assembly for approval.
“I was also very pleased to see a proposal for continued reduction in the state’s sales tax on food. In addition, the Governor’s proposal provides tax relief for our senior citizens who depend on investment income for retirement and who pay the Hall Income Tax. While Washington talks about tax increases, Tennessee remains committed to providing tax relief for our citizens while balancing our state budget.”
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“I was also very pleased to see a proposal for continued reduction in the state’s sales tax on food. In addition, the Governor’s proposal provides tax relief for our senior citizens who depend on investment income for retirement and who pay the Hall Income Tax. While Washington talks about tax increases, Tennessee remains committed to providing tax relief for our citizens while balancing our state budget.”
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Senator Ketron Announces $74,249 Grant to MTSU for Teacher Professional Development
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 19, 2012 -- State Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) said today that he has been informed by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) that Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) will receive a $74,249 grant to provide professional development to local K-12 teachers. MTSU was awarded the 2013 Improving Teacher Quality Award on a competitive basis.
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Statement from Senator Ketron on Governor Haslam's Healthcare Exchange Decision
Monday, December 10, 2012
"I am very pleased that Governor Haslam made the decision to reject state-based insurance exchanges. The federal government continues to show they have no qualms in making up new rules as they move forward.
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MTSU Poll says 81 percent of Tennesseans support voter ID law
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
NASHVILLE, Tenn., October 30, 2012 -- State Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) said today he is very pleased that a Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) poll shows Tennesseans continue to express strong support for the state’s new voter identification law after implementation. The poll, conducted by MTSU’s Survey Group, showed 81 percent of Tennesseans continue to support the law, which took effect January 1 and has applied to numerous elections conducted since that date.
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