Saturday, January 31, 2015

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING - Murfreesboro Post


The Eagleville Ad Hoc Committee of Linebaugh Public Library will meet on Monday, February 9, 2015 at 5 p.m. at the Eagleville City Hall.


LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING


The Rutherford County Regional Planning Commission announces the following meetings:



  • February 9, 2015 at 6:00 PM in the Historic County Courthouse located on the Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN.

  • February 23, 2015 at 9:00 AM in the Planning Department Mezzanine Meeting Room located at 1 South Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN.


An agenda for these meetings may be obtained at the Planning and Engineering Office located a 1 South Public Square, Room 200, by calling 615.898.7730 or on our website at http://ift.tt/1fBhiIZ. All interested parties are invited to attend.


TO BE RUN IN THE MURFREESBORO POST: February 2, 2015


BID INVITATION


Traveling Sprinkler Irrigation Unit


The Murfreesboro Water & Sewer Department is accepting sealed bids for purchase of one (1) Traveling Sprinkler Irrigation Unit. Bids must be received in hand by 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 9, 2015 and may be express mailed or hand delivered to the Murfreesboro Water & Sewer Department Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 2032 Blanton Dr., Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129. All bids must be clearly marked "Traveling Sprinkler Irrigation Unit - ATTN: Josh LeMay" on the outside of the envelope. Specifications and contract documents may be obtained from the Murfreesboro Water & Sewer Department Wastewater Treatment Plant at the aforementioned address. Telephone number 615-848-3225; contact: Josh LeMay. Bids submitted by fax or electronically cannot be accepted or considered for award. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities.


SECTION 00111


ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS


Sealed Bids for the construction of the Murfreesboro City Hall Repainting and Carpet Replacement will be received, by City of Murfreesboro, Tennessee at the office of the City Administration, 1st Floor, Murfreesboro City Hall, 111 West Vine Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130-3573, until 2:00 p.m. local time on February 19, 2015, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened, read aloud, and the apparent successful Bidder identified subject to further bid evaluation. Bids received after the above time and date will be rejected.


The City of Murfreesboro seeks to hire a Contractor for renovation work that will be delivered by Job Order Contracting (JOC). Work under JOC consists primarily of the following general project description:


The Base Bid consist of installing new carpet and paint throughout the 1st floor of City Hall as indicated in drawings and as specified. Base molding will be installed throughout and wood doors to receive touch-up stain on the first floor. Under JOC, the City will issue additional job orders using the unit pricing within the Base Bid Form. Subsequent job orders may include installation of luxury vinyl tile in the 2nd floor lobby, new carpet, base molding, and paint on the 2nd floor, painting of the parking garage vestibules and additive alternates for renovation of the Building Codes front counter and lobby. Removal and disposal of existing flooring is common to the base bid and subsequent job orders. Including the Base Bid, three job orders or phases are anticipated. Contract time will be negotiated as part of each job order, up to the maximum scope of work.


Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a lump sum basis, with unit price bid items within as indicated in the Bid Form. The maximum award consists of performing the renovation work on the 1st floor as indicated above, plus additional job orders up to a maximum of work shown on the plans or $500,000. All bids must be in accordance with the Bidding Documents prepared and issued by the Issuing Office.


The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Griggs & Maloney, Inc. located at Suite 205, 745 South Church Street, P.O. Box 2968, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 37133, (615) 895-8221. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM, and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.


Bidding Documents also may be examined at the following:



  • City of Murfreesboro, TN, Building Codes Department, 111 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130

  • Griggs & Maloney, Inc. 745 S. Church Street, Ste. 205, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

  • AGC & iSqFt Plan Room, 1811 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37203, TennesseeAGC@isqft.com

  • Builders Exchange of Tennessee, 2322 Winford Avenue, Nashville, TN 37211 http://www.bxtn.org/

  • Construction Data Fax, 727 Main Street, Suite 200, Montevallo, TN 35115

  • McGraw Hill Construction Dodge, http://ift.tt/QKbzLq, (866) 794-6093

  • West Tennessee Plan Room, 439 Airways Boulevard, Jackson, TN 38301


Printed copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office, after 3:00 p.m. local time on February 2, 2015, upon payment of a non-refundable deposit of $200 for each complete set of drawings and specifications. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to "Griggs and Maloney, Inc." Upon request and receipt of the document deposit indicated above plus a non-refundable shipping charge, the Issuing Office will transmit the Bidding Documents via delivery service. The shipping charge amount will depend on the shipping method selected by the prospective Bidder. The date that the Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the Bidder's date of receipt of the Bidding Documents. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office. No electronic media design document copies will be issued or allowed to be issued for this project without the express written permission of the Engineer. All Bidders must be registered plan holders with the Engineer.


A pre-bid conference will be held at 4:30 p.m. local time on February 5, 2015 at Murfreesboro City Hall, Room 255 - Building Codes Conference Room, 2nd Floor, 111 West Vine Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is highly encouraged but is not mandatory.


A "Bid Bond" or other bond security in the amount of 5 percent of the bid amount must accompany the submitted bid.


The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a "Performance Bond" and a "Payment Bond", each for 100 percent of the contract amount, as security for the faithful performance of the work and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the performance of the work.


All bids, which shall include the costs for payment and performance bonds when required, shall remain binding on the Contractor for a period of 90 days after the bid date and time and the Owner reserves the right to accept any bid or bid alternate, to reject any or all bids, or to waive any informalities in bids received where such acceptance, rejections, or waiver is considered to be in the best interest of the Owner. All alternates requested on the bid form will be considered in the award of the Contract.


All bidders must be licensed contractors as required by the Contractors Licensing Act of 1976 (TCA Title 62, Chapter 6). No bid will be opened unless the sealed envelope containing the bid provides the following information: the name, license number, expiration date thereof, and license classification of the contractors applying to bid for the prime contract and for the masonry over $100,000, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contracts, and for each vertical closed loop geothermal heating and cooling project, the company name, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation license number, classification (G, L, or GL), and the expiration date, appear on the outside of the envelope containing the bid except when the bid is in an amount less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) [masonry over $100,000]. When the bid is less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), the name of the contractor only may appear on the outside of the envelope containing the bid, and upon opening the envelope, if such bid is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), the same shall automatically be disqualified. Only one (1) contractor in each classification may be listed. Prime contractor bidders who are to perform the electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or the geothermal heating and cooling must be so designated upon the outside of the envelope. Failure of any bidder to comply therewith shall void such bid and the envelope containing such bid shall not be opened or considered. The failure of any bidder to comply with all of the provisions hereof shall automatically disqualify such bid.


No faxed bids will be accepted. All bids must be in a sealed envelope marked "Murfreesboro City Hall Repainting and Carpet Replacement."


Owner:City of Murfreesboro


By: Rob Lyons


Title: City Manager


Date:January 30, 2015



Insure Tennessee plan boiled down to 451-word resolution after months of ... - The Republic


NASHVILLE, Tennessee — After months of negotiations and political wrangling, Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans comes down to a 451-word resolution.


The Republican-controlled Legislature convenes in a special session on Monday to decide whether to OK the governor's Insure Tennessee plan — or to or leave $2.8 billion in federal money on the table.


"Insure Tennessee is a unique, alternative approach that brings Tennessee taxpayer dollars back to this state to benefit Tennessee citizens," according to the resolution filed Saturday.


While many lawmakers have praised Haslam for negotiating a special deal that includes co-pays and vouchers to buy private insurance, many Republicans still have grave reservations dealing with the federal government and about agreeing to a plan based on President Barack Obama's health care law.


"If they would block grant this money, we would probably implement what the governor is trying to do," House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada of Franklin said last week. "Legislators are just concerned about making a deal, the governor making a deal, and another government agency out of Washington overriding the deal we make. That has happened."


PHOTO: Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)

Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)



The resolution seeks to defuse that line of criticism, stating that lawmakers recognize that Obama's Affordable Care Act "is the wrong approach to responding to the challenges of our healthcare system," while stressing that the Insure Tennessee proposal would take a different approach than simply expanding enrollment.


"Insure Tennessee is also different from Medicaid expansion because it creates financial incentives for providers to furnish high quality care in an efficient and appropriate manner so as to reduce costs and improve health outcomes," according to the resolution.


Haslam's proposal would establish a two-year pilot plan that the state could cancel at any time if costs exceed expectations. State hospitals have agreed to cover the $74 million state share to draw down the $2.8 billion in federal money, and especially rural hospitals have called the plan key staving off closures or reduced services.


The governor over the last week met with more lawmakers and hospital administrators around the state to try to drum up support for Insure Tennessee, while independent conservative groups like the state chapter of Americans for Prosperity and the Beacon Center have run radio ads attacking potential Republican supporters of the measure.


While the Medicaid proposal has been the center of attention around the state Capitol, a Middle Tennessee State University Poll released Saturday indicates that 34 percent said they favored Haslam's Insure Tennessee proposal, while 7 percent said they opposed it. Fifty-nine percent said they weren't sure.


Of the 600 people polled, 33 percent said they had heard either a lot or some about the governor's proposal, while the remaining 66 percent had heard either a little or nothing at all.


Among the third of respondents with at least some information about Insure Tennessee, 49 percent said they approved, while 11 percent said they were against it. The poll conducted Jan 25-27 has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.



LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING - Murfreesboro Post


The Eagleville Ad Hoc Committee of Linebaugh Public Library will meet on Monday, February 9, 2015 at 5 p.m. at the Eagleville City Hall.


LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING


The Rutherford County Regional Planning Commission announces the following meetings:



  • February 9, 2015 at 6:00 PM in the Historic County Courthouse located on the Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN.

  • February 23, 2015 at 9:00 AM in the Planning Department Mezzanine Meeting Room located at 1 South Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN.


An agenda for these meetings may be obtained at the Planning and Engineering Office located a 1 South Public Square, Room 200, by calling 615.898.7730 or on our website at http://ift.tt/1fBhiIZ. All interested parties are invited to attend.


TO BE RUN IN THE MURFREESBORO POST: February 2, 2015


BID INVITATION


Traveling Sprinkler Irrigation Unit


The Murfreesboro Water & Sewer Department is accepting sealed bids for purchase of one (1) Traveling Sprinkler Irrigation Unit. Bids must be received in hand by 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 9, 2015 and may be express mailed or hand delivered to the Murfreesboro Water & Sewer Department Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 2032 Blanton Dr., Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129. All bids must be clearly marked "Traveling Sprinkler Irrigation Unit - ATTN: Josh LeMay" on the outside of the envelope. Specifications and contract documents may be obtained from the Murfreesboro Water & Sewer Department Wastewater Treatment Plant at the aforementioned address. Telephone number 615-848-3225; contact: Josh LeMay. Bids submitted by fax or electronically cannot be accepted or considered for award. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities.


SECTION 00111


ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS


Sealed Bids for the construction of the Murfreesboro City Hall Repainting and Carpet Replacement will be received, by City of Murfreesboro, Tennessee at the office of the City Administration, 1st Floor, Murfreesboro City Hall, 111 West Vine Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130-3573, until 2:00 p.m. local time on February 19, 2015, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened, read aloud, and the apparent successful Bidder identified subject to further bid evaluation. Bids received after the above time and date will be rejected.


The City of Murfreesboro seeks to hire a Contractor for renovation work that will be delivered by Job Order Contracting (JOC). Work under JOC consists primarily of the following general project description:


The Base Bid consist of installing new carpet and paint throughout the 1st floor of City Hall as indicated in drawings and as specified. Base molding will be installed throughout and wood doors to receive touch-up stain on the first floor. Under JOC, the City will issue additional job orders using the unit pricing within the Base Bid Form. Subsequent job orders may include installation of luxury vinyl tile in the 2nd floor lobby, new carpet, base molding, and paint on the 2nd floor, painting of the parking garage vestibules and additive alternates for renovation of the Building Codes front counter and lobby. Removal and disposal of existing flooring is common to the base bid and subsequent job orders. Including the Base Bid, three job orders or phases are anticipated. Contract time will be negotiated as part of each job order, up to the maximum scope of work.


Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a lump sum basis, with unit price bid items within as indicated in the Bid Form. The maximum award consists of performing the renovation work on the 1st floor as indicated above, plus additional job orders up to a maximum of work shown on the plans or $500,000. All bids must be in accordance with the Bidding Documents prepared and issued by the Issuing Office.


The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Griggs & Maloney, Inc. located at Suite 205, 745 South Church Street, P.O. Box 2968, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 37133, (615) 895-8221. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM, and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.


Bidding Documents also may be examined at the following:



  • City of Murfreesboro, TN, Building Codes Department, 111 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130

  • Griggs & Maloney, Inc. 745 S. Church Street, Ste. 205, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

  • AGC & iSqFt Plan Room, 1811 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37203, TennesseeAGC@isqft.com

  • Builders Exchange of Tennessee, 2322 Winford Avenue, Nashville, TN 37211 http://www.bxtn.org/

  • Construction Data Fax, 727 Main Street, Suite 200, Montevallo, TN 35115

  • McGraw Hill Construction Dodge, http://ift.tt/QKbzLq, (866) 794-6093

  • West Tennessee Plan Room, 439 Airways Boulevard, Jackson, TN 38301


Printed copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office, after 3:00 p.m. local time on February 2, 2015, upon payment of a non-refundable deposit of $200 for each complete set of drawings and specifications. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to "Griggs and Maloney, Inc." Upon request and receipt of the document deposit indicated above plus a non-refundable shipping charge, the Issuing Office will transmit the Bidding Documents via delivery service. The shipping charge amount will depend on the shipping method selected by the prospective Bidder. The date that the Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the Bidder's date of receipt of the Bidding Documents. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office. No electronic media design document copies will be issued or allowed to be issued for this project without the express written permission of the Engineer. All Bidders must be registered plan holders with the Engineer.


A pre-bid conference will be held at 4:30 p.m. local time on February 5, 2015 at Murfreesboro City Hall, Room 255 - Building Codes Conference Room, 2nd Floor, 111 West Vine Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is highly encouraged but is not mandatory.


A "Bid Bond" or other bond security in the amount of 5 percent of the bid amount must accompany the submitted bid.


The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a "Performance Bond" and a "Payment Bond", each for 100 percent of the contract amount, as security for the faithful performance of the work and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the performance of the work.


All bids, which shall include the costs for payment and performance bonds when required, shall remain binding on the Contractor for a period of 90 days after the bid date and time and the Owner reserves the right to accept any bid or bid alternate, to reject any or all bids, or to waive any informalities in bids received where such acceptance, rejections, or waiver is considered to be in the best interest of the Owner. All alternates requested on the bid form will be considered in the award of the Contract.


All bidders must be licensed contractors as required by the Contractors Licensing Act of 1976 (TCA Title 62, Chapter 6). No bid will be opened unless the sealed envelope containing the bid provides the following information: the name, license number, expiration date thereof, and license classification of the contractors applying to bid for the prime contract and for the masonry over $100,000, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contracts, and for each vertical closed loop geothermal heating and cooling project, the company name, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation license number, classification (G, L, or GL), and the expiration date, appear on the outside of the envelope containing the bid except when the bid is in an amount less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) [masonry over $100,000]. When the bid is less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), the name of the contractor only may appear on the outside of the envelope containing the bid, and upon opening the envelope, if such bid is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), the same shall automatically be disqualified. Only one (1) contractor in each classification may be listed. Prime contractor bidders who are to perform the electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or the geothermal heating and cooling must be so designated upon the outside of the envelope. Failure of any bidder to comply therewith shall void such bid and the envelope containing such bid shall not be opened or considered. The failure of any bidder to comply with all of the provisions hereof shall automatically disqualify such bid.


No faxed bids will be accepted. All bids must be in a sealed envelope marked "Murfreesboro City Hall Repainting and Carpet Replacement."


Owner:City of Murfreesboro


By: Rob Lyons


Title: City Manager


Date:January 30, 2015



Insure Tennessee plan boiled down to 451-word resolution after months of ... - The Republic


NASHVILLE, Tennessee — After months of negotiations and political wrangling, Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans comes down to a 451-word resolution.


The Republican-controlled Legislature convenes in a special session on Monday to decide whether to OK the governor's Insure Tennessee plan — or to or leave $2.8 billion in federal money on the table.


"Insure Tennessee is a unique, alternative approach that brings Tennessee taxpayer dollars back to this state to benefit Tennessee citizens," according to the resolution filed Saturday.


While many lawmakers have praised Haslam for negotiating a special deal that includes co-pays and vouchers to buy private insurance, many Republicans still have grave reservations dealing with the federal government and about agreeing to a plan based on President Barack Obama's health care law.


"If they would block grant this money, we would probably implement what the governor is trying to do," House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada of Franklin said last week. "Legislators are just concerned about making a deal, the governor making a deal, and another government agency out of Washington overriding the deal we make. That has happened."


PHOTO: Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)

Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)



The resolution seeks to defuse that line of criticism, stating that lawmakers recognize that Obama's Affordable Care Act "is the wrong approach to responding to the challenges of our healthcare system," while stressing that the Insure Tennessee proposal would take a different approach than simply expanding enrollment.


"Insure Tennessee is also different from Medicaid expansion because it creates financial incentives for providers to furnish high quality care in an efficient and appropriate manner so as to reduce costs and improve health outcomes," according to the resolution.


Haslam's proposal would establish a two-year pilot plan that the state could cancel at any time if costs exceed expectations. State hospitals have agreed to cover the $74 million state share to draw down the $2.8 billion in federal money, and especially rural hospitals have called the plan key staving off closures or reduced services.


The governor over the last week met with more lawmakers and hospital administrators around the state to try to drum up support for Insure Tennessee, while independent conservative groups like the state chapter of Americans for Prosperity and the Beacon Center have run radio ads attacking potential Republican supporters of the measure.


While the Medicaid proposal has been the center of attention around the state Capitol, a Middle Tennessee State University Poll released Saturday indicates that 34 percent said they favored Haslam's Insure Tennessee proposal, while 7 percent said they opposed it. Fifty-nine percent said they weren't sure.


Of the 600 people polled, 33 percent said they had heard either a lot or some about the governor's proposal, while the remaining 66 percent had heard either a little or nothing at all.


Among the third of respondents with at least some information about Insure Tennessee, 49 percent said they approved, while 11 percent said they were against it. The poll conducted Jan 25-27 has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.



Insure Tennessee plan boiled down to 451-word resolution after months of ... - The Republic


NASHVILLE, Tennessee — After months of negotiations and political wrangling, Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans comes down to a 451-word resolution.


The Republican-controlled Legislature convenes in a special session on Monday to decide whether to OK the governor's Insure Tennessee plan — or to or leave $2.8 billion in federal money on the table.


"Insure Tennessee is a unique, alternative approach that brings Tennessee taxpayer dollars back to this state to benefit Tennessee citizens," according to the resolution filed Saturday.


While many lawmakers have praised Haslam for negotiating a special deal that includes co-pays and vouchers to buy private insurance, many Republicans still have grave reservations dealing with the federal government and about agreeing to a plan based on President Barack Obama's health care law.


"If they would block grant this money, we would probably implement what the governor is trying to do," House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada of Franklin said last week. "Legislators are just concerned about making a deal, the governor making a deal, and another government agency out of Washington overriding the deal we make. That has happened."


PHOTO: Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)

Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)



The resolution seeks to defuse that line of criticism, stating that lawmakers recognize that Obama's Affordable Care Act "is the wrong approach to responding to the challenges of our healthcare system," while stressing that the Insure Tennessee proposal would take a different approach than simply expanding enrollment.


"Insure Tennessee is also different from Medicaid expansion because it creates financial incentives for providers to furnish high quality care in an efficient and appropriate manner so as to reduce costs and improve health outcomes," according to the resolution.


Haslam's proposal would establish a two-year pilot plan that the state could cancel at any time if costs exceed expectations. State hospitals have agreed to cover the $74 million state share to draw down the $2.8 billion in federal money, and especially rural hospitals have called the plan key staving off closures or reduced services.


The governor over the last week met with more lawmakers and hospital administrators around the state to try to drum up support for Insure Tennessee, while independent conservative groups like the state chapter of Americans for Prosperity and the Beacon Center have run radio ads attacking potential Republican supporters of the measure.


While the Medicaid proposal has been the center of attention around the state Capitol, a Middle Tennessee State University Poll released Saturday indicates that 34 percent said they favored Haslam's Insure Tennessee proposal, while 7 percent said they opposed it. Fifty-nine percent said they weren't sure.


Of the 600 people polled, 33 percent said they had heard either a lot or some about the governor's proposal, while the remaining 66 percent had heard either a little or nothing at all.


Among the third of respondents with at least some information about Insure Tennessee, 49 percent said they approved, while 11 percent said they were against it. The poll conducted Jan 25-27 has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Insure Tennessee plan boiled down to 451-word resolution after months of ... - The Republic


NASHVILLE, Tennessee — After months of negotiations and political wrangling, Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans comes down to a 451-word resolution.


The Republican-controlled Legislature convenes in a special session on Monday to decide whether to OK the governor's Insure Tennessee plan — or to or leave $2.8 billion in federal money on the table.


"Insure Tennessee is a unique, alternative approach that brings Tennessee taxpayer dollars back to this state to benefit Tennessee citizens," according to the resolution filed Saturday.


While many lawmakers have praised Haslam for negotiating a special deal that includes co-pays and vouchers to buy private insurance, many Republicans still have grave reservations dealing with the federal government and about agreeing to a plan based on President Barack Obama's health care law.


"If they would block grant this money, we would probably implement what the governor is trying to do," House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada of Franklin said last week. "Legislators are just concerned about making a deal, the governor making a deal, and another government agency out of Washington overriding the deal we make. That has happened."


PHOTO: Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)

Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)



The resolution seeks to defuse that line of criticism, stating that lawmakers recognize that Obama's Affordable Care Act "is the wrong approach to responding to the challenges of our healthcare system," while stressing that the Insure Tennessee proposal would take a different approach than simply expanding enrollment.


"Insure Tennessee is also different from Medicaid expansion because it creates financial incentives for providers to furnish high quality care in an efficient and appropriate manner so as to reduce costs and improve health outcomes," according to the resolution.


Haslam's proposal would establish a two-year pilot plan that the state could cancel at any time if costs exceed expectations. State hospitals have agreed to cover the $74 million state share to draw down the $2.8 billion in federal money, and especially rural hospitals have called the plan key staving off closures or reduced services.


The governor over the last week met with more lawmakers and hospital administrators around the state to try to drum up support for Insure Tennessee, while independent conservative groups like the state chapter of Americans for Prosperity and the Beacon Center have run radio ads attacking potential Republican supporters of the measure.


While the Medicaid proposal has been the center of attention around the state Capitol, a Middle Tennessee State University Poll released Saturday indicates that 34 percent said they favored Haslam's Insure Tennessee proposal, while 7 percent said they opposed it. Fifty-nine percent said they weren't sure.


Of the 600 people polled, 33 percent said they had heard either a lot or some about the governor's proposal, while the remaining 66 percent had heard either a little or nothing at all.


Among the third of respondents with at least some information about Insure Tennessee, 49 percent said they approved, while 11 percent said they were against it. The poll conducted Jan 25-27 has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Poll: Two-thirds of Tennesseans have heard little or nothing about Insure ... - Daily Journal





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MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — A poll shows that two-thirds of Tennesseans haven't heard much about Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to extend health coverage to more than 280,000 low-income residents. But the MTSU Poll indicates support significantly outweighs opposition among people familiar with the plan.


The poll released Saturday surveyed 600 adult residents statewide a week before a special legislative session convenes Monday to consider the governor's Insure Tennessee proposal.


The poll found 33 percent of Tennesseans have read or heard a lot or some about the proposal. Sixty-six percent have heard little or nothing about the proposal.


Among the 33 percent who have at least some information, 49 percent favor the proposal, 11 percent oppose it and 40 percent are unsure or haven't made up their minds.


The survey's margin of error is 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Poll: Two-thirds of Tennesseans have heard little or nothing about Insure ... - Daily Journal





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MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — A poll shows that two-thirds of Tennesseans haven't heard much about Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to extend health coverage to more than 280,000 low-income residents. But the MTSU Poll indicates support significantly outweighs opposition among people familiar with the plan.


The poll released Saturday surveyed 600 adult residents statewide a week before a special legislative session convenes Monday to consider the governor's Insure Tennessee proposal.


The poll found 33 percent of Tennesseans have read or heard a lot or some about the proposal. Sixty-six percent have heard little or nothing about the proposal.


Among the 33 percent who have at least some information, 49 percent favor the proposal, 11 percent oppose it and 40 percent are unsure or haven't made up their minds.


The survey's margin of error is 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Poll: Two-thirds of Tennesseans have heard little or nothing about Insure ... - Daily Journal





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MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — A poll shows that two-thirds of Tennesseans haven't heard much about Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to extend health coverage to more than 280,000 low-income residents. But the MTSU Poll indicates support significantly outweighs opposition among people familiar with the plan.


The poll released Saturday surveyed 600 adult residents statewide a week before a special legislative session convenes Monday to consider the governor's Insure Tennessee proposal.


The poll found 33 percent of Tennesseans have read or heard a lot or some about the proposal. Sixty-six percent have heard little or nothing about the proposal.


Among the 33 percent who have at least some information, 49 percent favor the proposal, 11 percent oppose it and 40 percent are unsure or haven't made up their minds.


The survey's margin of error is 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Poll: Two-thirds of Tennesseans have heard little or nothing about Insure ... - Daily Journal





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MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — A poll shows that two-thirds of Tennesseans haven't heard much about Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to extend health coverage to more than 280,000 low-income residents. But the MTSU Poll indicates support significantly outweighs opposition among people familiar with the plan.


The poll released Saturday surveyed 600 adult residents statewide a week before a special legislative session convenes Monday to consider the governor's Insure Tennessee proposal.


The poll found 33 percent of Tennesseans have read or heard a lot or some about the proposal. Sixty-six percent have heard little or nothing about the proposal.


Among the 33 percent who have at least some information, 49 percent favor the proposal, 11 percent oppose it and 40 percent are unsure or haven't made up their minds.


The survey's margin of error is 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Poll: Two-thirds of Tennesseans have heard little or nothing about Insure ... - Daily Journal





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MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — A poll shows that two-thirds of Tennesseans haven't heard much about Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to extend health coverage to more than 280,000 low-income residents. But the MTSU Poll indicates support significantly outweighs opposition among people familiar with the plan.


The poll released Saturday surveyed 600 adult residents statewide a week before a special legislative session convenes Monday to consider the governor's Insure Tennessee proposal.


The poll found 33 percent of Tennesseans have read or heard a lot or some about the proposal. Sixty-six percent have heard little or nothing about the proposal.


Among the 33 percent who have at least some information, 49 percent favor the proposal, 11 percent oppose it and 40 percent are unsure or haven't made up their minds.


The survey's margin of error is 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Poll: Two-thirds of Tennesseans have heard little or nothing about Insure ... - Daily Journal





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MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — A poll shows that two-thirds of Tennesseans haven't heard much about Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to extend health coverage to more than 280,000 low-income residents. But the MTSU Poll indicates support significantly outweighs opposition among people familiar with the plan.


The poll released Saturday surveyed 600 adult residents statewide a week before a special legislative session convenes Monday to consider the governor's Insure Tennessee proposal.


The poll found 33 percent of Tennesseans have read or heard a lot or some about the proposal. Sixty-six percent have heard little or nothing about the proposal.


Among the 33 percent who have at least some information, 49 percent favor the proposal, 11 percent oppose it and 40 percent are unsure or haven't made up their minds.


The survey's margin of error is 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Poll: Two-thirds of Tennesseans have heard little or nothing about Insure ... - Daily Journal





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MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — A poll shows that two-thirds of Tennesseans haven't heard much about Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to extend health coverage to more than 280,000 low-income residents. But the MTSU Poll indicates support significantly outweighs opposition among people familiar with the plan.


The poll released Saturday surveyed 600 adult residents statewide a week before a special legislative session convenes Monday to consider the governor's Insure Tennessee proposal.


The poll found 33 percent of Tennesseans have read or heard a lot or some about the proposal. Sixty-six percent have heard little or nothing about the proposal.


Among the 33 percent who have at least some information, 49 percent favor the proposal, 11 percent oppose it and 40 percent are unsure or haven't made up their minds.


The survey's margin of error is 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Poll: Two-thirds of Tennesseans have heard little or nothing about Insure ... - Daily Journal





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MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — A poll shows that two-thirds of Tennesseans haven't heard much about Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to extend health coverage to more than 280,000 low-income residents. But the MTSU Poll indicates support significantly outweighs opposition among people familiar with the plan.


The poll released Saturday surveyed 600 adult residents statewide a week before a special legislative session convenes Monday to consider the governor's Insure Tennessee proposal.


The poll found 33 percent of Tennesseans have read or heard a lot or some about the proposal. Sixty-six percent have heard little or nothing about the proposal.


Among the 33 percent who have at least some information, 49 percent favor the proposal, 11 percent oppose it and 40 percent are unsure or haven't made up their minds.


The survey's margin of error is 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Poll: Two-thirds of Tennesseans have heard little or nothing about Insure ... - Daily Journal





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MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — A poll shows that two-thirds of Tennesseans haven't heard much about Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to extend health coverage to more than 280,000 low-income residents. But the MTSU Poll indicates support significantly outweighs opposition among people familiar with the plan.


The poll released Saturday surveyed 600 adult residents statewide a week before a special legislative session convenes Monday to consider the governor's Insure Tennessee proposal.


The poll found 33 percent of Tennesseans have read or heard a lot or some about the proposal. Sixty-six percent have heard little or nothing about the proposal.


Among the 33 percent who have at least some information, 49 percent favor the proposal, 11 percent oppose it and 40 percent are unsure or haven't made up their minds.


The survey's margin of error is 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Poll: Two-thirds of Tennesseans have heard little or nothing about Insure ... - Daily Journal





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MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — A poll shows that two-thirds of Tennesseans haven't heard much about Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to extend health coverage to more than 280,000 low-income residents. But the MTSU Poll indicates support significantly outweighs opposition among people familiar with the plan.


The poll released Saturday surveyed 600 adult residents statewide a week before a special legislative session convenes Monday to consider the governor's Insure Tennessee proposal.


The poll found 33 percent of Tennesseans have read or heard a lot or some about the proposal. Sixty-six percent have heard little or nothing about the proposal.


Among the 33 percent who have at least some information, 49 percent favor the proposal, 11 percent oppose it and 40 percent are unsure or haven't made up their minds.


The survey's margin of error is 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



As Haslam barnstorms the state to tout Insure Tennessee plan, many in GOP ... - Daily Journal


NASHVILLE, Tennessee — After months of negotiations and political wrangling, Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans comes down to a 451-word resolution.


The Republican-controlled Legislature convenes in a special session on Monday to decide whether to OK the governor's Insure Tennessee plan — or to or leave $2.8 billion in federal money on the table.


"Insure Tennessee is a unique, alternative approach that brings Tennessee taxpayer dollars back to this state to benefit Tennessee citizens," according to the resolution filed Saturday.


While many lawmakers have praised Haslam for negotiating a special deal that includes co-pays and vouchers to buy private insurance, many Republicans still have grave reservations dealing with the federal government and about agreeing to a plan based on President Barack Obama's health care law.


"If they would block grant this money, we would probably implement what the governor is trying to do," House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada of Franklin said last week. "Legislators are just concerned about making a deal, the governor making a deal, and another government agency out of Washington overriding the deal we make. That has happened."


The resolution seeks to defuse that line of criticism, stating that lawmakers recognize that Obama's Affordable Care Act "is the wrong approach to responding to the challenges of our healthcare system," while stressing that the Insure Tennessee proposal would take a different approach than simply expanding enrollment.


"Insure Tennessee is also different from Medicaid expansion because it creates financial incentives for providers to furnish high quality care in an efficient and appropriate manner so as to reduce costs and improve health outcomes," according to the resolution.


Haslam's proposal would establish a two-year pilot plan that the state could cancel at any time if costs exceed expectations. State hospitals have agreed to cover the $74 million state share to draw down the $2.8 billion in federal money, and especially rural hospitals have called the plan key staving off closures or reduced services.


The governor over the last week met with more lawmakers and hospital administrators around the state to try to drum up support for Insure Tennessee, while independent conservative groups like the state chapter of Americans for Prosperity and the Beacon Center have run radio ads attacking potential Republican supporters of the measure.


While the Medicaid proposal has been the center of attention around the state Capitol, a Middle Tennessee State University Poll released Saturday indicates that 34 percent said they favored Haslam's Insure Tennessee proposal, while 7 percent said they opposed it. Fifty-nine percent said they weren't sure.


Of the 600 people polled, 33 percent said they had heard either a lot or some about the governor's proposal, while the remaining 66 percent had heard either a little or nothing at all.


Among the third of respondents with at least some information about Insure Tennessee, 49 percent said they approved, while 11 percent said they were against it. The poll conducted Jan 25-27 has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Haslam wraps up his statewide tour on his Insure Tennessee proposal ... - The Republic


NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's administration has filed a 451-word resolution that lawmakers will need to approve in order to authorize the proposal to extend health coverage to more than 280,000 low-income Tennesseans.


Haslam is scheduled to address lawmakers about the plan at the start of a special legislative session on Monday evening.


The resolution describes the Insure Tennessee proposal as "a unique, alternative approach" that differs from straight Medicaid expansion. The plan would offer vouchers to buy private insurance and incentivize health behavior and discourage unnecessary use of emergency rooms for general care.


Hospitals have agreed to cover the $74 million state share to draw down $2.8 billion in federal money over two years


Many Republicans remain wary because of the plan's ties to President Barack Obama's health care law.




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Feedback, Corrections and Other Requests: AP welcomes feedback and comments from readers. Send an email to info@ap.org and it will be forwarded to the appropriate editor or reporter.




Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



As Haslam barnstorms the state to tout Insure Tennessee plan, many in GOP ... - Daily Journal



Photos:




Gov. Bill Haslam meets with lawmakers in Sparta, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)




Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)



SPARTA, Tennessee — As Gov. Bill Haslam barnstormed the state to promote his Insure Tennessee, he has voiced frustration with what he called red herrings thrown up by his opponents.


The governor met with more than 100 lawmakers to tout the program that would cover 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. Many of the same questions were raised by lawmakers: Can we trust federal government? Can we get out of the plan if it becomes too expensive for the state? Is this really different than the Medicaid expansion under President Barack Obama's health care law?


Haslam's answer was an emphatic yes, and he argues the plan would ultimately make health care more affordable.


But as lawmakers head into a special session on Monday, many Republicans — including House Speaker Beth Harwell of Nashville — remain noncommittal about going along with a plan that would have state hospitals cover the $74 million state share to draw $2.8 billion in federal money.


"It's no secret that a lot of people in Tennessee, on anything they think is Obamacare they're going to be very nervous about," Haslam told reporters after a visit to Sparta on Thursday. "But I honestly think this is very different. This is not Medicaid as we've known it. And it's my job to make this case."


Haslam has acknowledged he will need all Democrats on board for the measure to have a chance to pass, and finding the remaining Republicans to help guide it through committee and floor votes will be a challenge.


Several GOP lawmakers aren't even interested in a debate. A plot is underfoot to call for an adjournment almost as soon as the session begins.


That move would take a simple majority of 50 House members to succeed. Rep. Jeremy Durham, R-Franklin, said that even though he opposes the proposal, he favors a full hearing rather than swift adjournment.


"I hope nobody does it, but I'm guessing somebody will," Durham said, adding he'd vote for it if it comes up.


Statehouse hearings this week illustrated the unease with which many Republicans approach the deal, and some operatives warn of political consequences of going along with Haslam's plan.


"Legislators who vote for it are playing with political fire," said Josh Thomas, a former campaign consultant to House Republicans. "It is a poisonous issue."


Thomas pointed to neighboring Arkansas, where several Republicans and rural Democrats who voted Medicaid expansion drew election challengers and lost. Arkansas lawmakers are nevertheless on the verge of extending Medicaid expansion for another year.


Opponents liken the debate to a state income tax proposal in Tennessee more than a decade ago, in which popular second-term Republican Gov. Don Sundquist, went against the wishes of many in his own party.


Many lawmakers who supported the failed bid either retired or were later defeated, and the levy has become viewed as the third rail of Tennessee politics. Voters last year approved a constitutional amendment banning the Legislature from enacting an income tax.


Former conservative talk show host Steve Gill, who is now a political consultant working with the Tennessee chapter of Americans for Prosperity, questioned the political wisdom of Haslam's reliance on Democrats to pass the Medicaid measure.


"Dragging the bloody carcass across the finish line with 26 Democrats and the minority of the Republican caucus may be a win now," Gill said, but he suggested that the potential political blowback could be swift for Republicans who go along.


"That's not going to be a good play," he said.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



As Haslam barnstorms the state to tout Insure Tennessee plan, many in GOP ... - Daily Journal



Photos:




Gov. Bill Haslam meets with lawmakers in Sparta, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)




Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)



SPARTA, Tennessee — As Gov. Bill Haslam barnstormed the state to promote his Insure Tennessee, he has voiced frustration with what he called red herrings thrown up by his opponents.


The governor met with more than 100 lawmakers to tout the program that would cover 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. Many of the same questions were raised by lawmakers: Can we trust federal government? Can we get out of the plan if it becomes too expensive for the state? Is this really different than the Medicaid expansion under President Barack Obama's health care law?


Haslam's answer was an emphatic yes, and he argues the plan would ultimately make health care more affordable.


But as lawmakers head into a special session on Monday, many Republicans — including House Speaker Beth Harwell of Nashville — remain noncommittal about going along with a plan that would have state hospitals cover the $74 million state share to draw $2.8 billion in federal money.


"It's no secret that a lot of people in Tennessee, on anything they think is Obamacare they're going to be very nervous about," Haslam told reporters after a visit to Sparta on Thursday. "But I honestly think this is very different. This is not Medicaid as we've known it. And it's my job to make this case."


Haslam has acknowledged he will need all Democrats on board for the measure to have a chance to pass, and finding the remaining Republicans to help guide it through committee and floor votes will be a challenge.


Several GOP lawmakers aren't even interested in a debate. A plot is underfoot to call for an adjournment almost as soon as the session begins.


That move would take a simple majority of 50 House members to succeed. Rep. Jeremy Durham, R-Franklin, said that even though he opposes the proposal, he favors a full hearing rather than swift adjournment.


"I hope nobody does it, but I'm guessing somebody will," Durham said, adding he'd vote for it if it comes up.


Statehouse hearings this week illustrated the unease with which many Republicans approach the deal, and some operatives warn of political consequences of going along with Haslam's plan.


"Legislators who vote for it are playing with political fire," said Josh Thomas, a former campaign consultant to House Republicans. "It is a poisonous issue."


Thomas pointed to neighboring Arkansas, where several Republicans and rural Democrats who voted Medicaid expansion drew election challengers and lost. Arkansas lawmakers are nevertheless on the verge of extending Medicaid expansion for another year.


Opponents liken the debate to a state income tax proposal in Tennessee more than a decade ago, in which popular second-term Republican Gov. Don Sundquist, went against the wishes of many in his own party.


Many lawmakers who supported the failed bid either retired or were later defeated, and the levy has become viewed as the third rail of Tennessee politics. Voters last year approved a constitutional amendment banning the Legislature from enacting an income tax.


Former conservative talk show host Steve Gill, who is now a political consultant working with the Tennessee chapter of Americans for Prosperity, questioned the political wisdom of Haslam's reliance on Democrats to pass the Medicaid measure.


"Dragging the bloody carcass across the finish line with 26 Democrats and the minority of the Republican caucus may be a win now," Gill said, but he suggested that the potential political blowback could be swift for Republicans who go along.


"That's not going to be a good play," he said.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Haslam wraps up his statewide tour on his Insure Tennessee proposal ... - The Republic


SPARTA, Tennessee — As Gov. Bill Haslam barnstormed the state to promote his Insure Tennessee, he has voiced frustration with what he called red herrings thrown up by his opponents.


The governor met with more than 100 lawmakers to tout the program that would cover 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. Many of the same questions were raised by lawmakers: Can we trust federal government? Can we get out of the plan if it becomes too expensive for the state? Is this really different than the Medicaid expansion under President Barack Obama's health care law?


Haslam's answer was an emphatic yes, and he argues the plan would ultimately make health care more affordable.


But as lawmakers head into a special session on Monday, many Republicans — including House Speaker Beth Harwell of Nashville — remain noncommittal about going along with a plan that would have state hospitals cover the $74 million state share to draw $2.8 billion in federal money.


"It's no secret that a lot of people in Tennessee, on anything they think is Obamacare they're going to be very nervous about," Haslam told reporters after a visit to Sparta on Thursday. "But I honestly think this is very different. This is not Medicaid as we've known it. And it's my job to make this case."


Haslam has acknowledged he will need all Democrats on board for the measure to have a chance to pass, and finding the remaining Republicans to help guide it through committee and floor votes will be a challenge.


Several GOP lawmakers aren't even interested in a debate. A plot is underfoot to call for an adjournment almost as soon as the session begins.


That move would take a simple majority of 50 House members to succeed. Rep. Jeremy Durham, R-Franklin, said that even though he opposes the proposal, he favors a full hearing rather than swift adjournment.


PHOTO: Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)

Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)



"I hope nobody does it, but I'm guessing somebody will," Durham said, adding he'd vote for it if it comes up.


Statehouse hearings this week illustrated the unease with which many Republicans approach the deal, and some operatives warn of political consequences of going along with Haslam's plan.


"Legislators who vote for it are playing with political fire," said Josh Thomas, a former campaign consultant to House Republicans. "It is a poisonous issue."


Thomas pointed to neighboring Arkansas, where several Republicans and rural Democrats who voted Medicaid expansion drew election challengers and lost. Arkansas lawmakers are nevertheless on the verge of extending Medicaid expansion for another year.


Opponents liken the debate to a state income tax proposal in Tennessee more than a decade ago, in which popular second-term Republican Gov. Don Sundquist, went against the wishes of many in his own party.


Many lawmakers who supported the failed bid either retired or were later defeated, and the levy has become viewed as the third rail of Tennessee politics. Voters last year approved a constitutional amendment banning the Legislature from enacting an income tax.


Former conservative talk show host Steve Gill, who is now a political consultant working with the Tennessee chapter of Americans for Prosperity, questioned the political wisdom of Haslam's reliance on Democrats to pass the Medicaid measure.


"Dragging the bloody carcass across the finish line with 26 Democrats and the minority of the Republican caucus may be a win now," Gill said, but he suggested that the potential political blowback could be swift for Republicans who go along.


"That's not going to be a good play," he said.



Jeffrey Albert Coulter - Murfreesboro Post


Published: January 26, 2015




Jeffrey Albert Coulter, age 60 of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was the son of the late Joe Carroll Coulter of Charlotte, NC and the late Annie Marie Boyd of Murfreesboro, TN.


Memorial Service will be 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.


He is survived by his daughters, Heather Coulter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Seannie Coulter of Wilmington, SC, a sister, Elizabeth A. Royalty and a niece, Emily Royalty, both of Murfreesboro, TN and many cousins who loved him.


Mr. Coulter was a millman with Continental Tire Company in Charlotte, NC.


Visitation will be from 11:00am until 12noon Wednesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151. http://ift.tt/1oveUry



Haslam wraps up his statewide tour on his Insure Tennessee proposal ... - The Republic


SPARTA, Tennessee — As Gov. Bill Haslam barnstormed the state to promote his Insure Tennessee, he has voiced frustration with what he called red herrings thrown up by his opponents.


The governor met with more than 100 lawmakers to tout the program that would cover 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. Many of the same questions were raised by lawmakers: Can we trust federal government? Can we get out of the plan if it becomes too expensive for the state? Is this really different than the Medicaid expansion under President Barack Obama's health care law?


Haslam's answer was an emphatic yes, and he argues the plan would ultimately make health care more affordable.


But as lawmakers head into a special session on Monday, many Republicans — including House Speaker Beth Harwell of Nashville — remain noncommittal about going along with a plan that would have state hospitals cover the $74 million state share to draw $2.8 billion in federal money.


"It's no secret that a lot of people in Tennessee, on anything they think is Obamacare they're going to be very nervous about," Haslam told reporters after a visit to Sparta on Thursday. "But I honestly think this is very different. This is not Medicaid as we've known it. And it's my job to make this case."


Haslam has acknowledged he will need all Democrats on board for the measure to have a chance to pass, and finding the remaining Republicans to help guide it through committee and floor votes will be a challenge.


Several GOP lawmakers aren't even interested in a debate. A plot is underfoot to call for an adjournment almost as soon as the session begins.


That move would take a simple majority of 50 House members to succeed. Rep. Jeremy Durham, R-Franklin, said that even though he opposes the proposal, he favors a full hearing rather than swift adjournment.


PHOTO: Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)

Gov. Bill Haslam, left, speaks with lawmakers in Murfreesboro, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, about his proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans. A special session to take up the matter is scheduled to begin on Monday. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)



"I hope nobody does it, but I'm guessing somebody will," Durham said, adding he'd vote for it if it comes up.


Statehouse hearings this week illustrated the unease with which many Republicans approach the deal, and some operatives warn of political consequences of going along with Haslam's plan.


"Legislators who vote for it are playing with political fire," said Josh Thomas, a former campaign consultant to House Republicans. "It is a poisonous issue."


Thomas pointed to neighboring Arkansas, where several Republicans and rural Democrats who voted Medicaid expansion drew election challengers and lost. Arkansas lawmakers are nevertheless on the verge of extending Medicaid expansion for another year.


Opponents liken the debate to a state income tax proposal in Tennessee more than a decade ago, in which popular second-term Republican Gov. Don Sundquist, went against the wishes of many in his own party.


Many lawmakers who supported the failed bid either retired or were later defeated, and the levy has become viewed as the third rail of Tennessee politics. Voters last year approved a constitutional amendment banning the Legislature from enacting an income tax.


Former conservative talk show host Steve Gill, who is now a political consultant working with the Tennessee chapter of Americans for Prosperity, questioned the political wisdom of Haslam's reliance on Democrats to pass the Medicaid measure.


"Dragging the bloody carcass across the finish line with 26 Democrats and the minority of the Republican caucus may be a win now," Gill said, but he suggested that the potential political blowback could be swift for Republicans who go along.


"That's not going to be a good play," he said.