Murfreesboro, TN - Dawn White, candidate in the Republican primary for the Tennessee House of Representatives in the new 37th District, announced today that she supports the full repeal and elimination of the Hall Income Tax in order to help improve Tennessee’s economy and create an environment that is more conducive to job creation.

“One thing we can do to improve our economy and create jobs in Tennessee is to re-examine our state’s tax code.  I am encouraged by the fact that our governor and legislature have recently adopted a plan to phase out and eliminate Tennessee’s death and gift taxes.  These taxes resulted in business owners and job creators leaving our state or never coming here in the first place.  The Hall Income Tax is another similar tax that needs to be abolished if we want to make Tennessee the best possible environment for new businesses to locate and for existing businesses to thrive,” she said.

“The fact that Tennessee doesn’t have a general state income tax is a huge benefit from an economic development perspective.  However, a lot of people are surprised to learn that Tennessee actually does have an individual income tax known as the Hall Income Tax, which taxes interest and dividend income from investments such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds.  The Hall Income Tax unfairly targets seniors, business owners and investors and, without a doubt, hampers our ability to compete with other states for jobs.  I am opposed to a state income tax in any form, and as state representative, will work to eliminate the Hall Income Tax so that Tennessee truly is income tax-free,” she said.

Dawn White owns a small business in Smyrna and is a former teacher in the Murfreesboro City School System.  A lifelong resident of Rutherford County, she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from MTSU.

White has been actively involved with numerous charitable and community organizations throughout Rutherford County.   She and her husband Chad live in Murfreesboro and are active members of LifePoint Church in Smyrna.

Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. told an MTSU audience of about 100 April 6 that there’s a need for a “third Reconstruction” period in American history.

He argued that the United States now has a “separate but unequal system” with quality of services that vary from state to state.

Jackson, speaking in the University’s State Farm Lecture Hall in the Business and Aerospace Building, said that third Reconstruction should include constitutional amendments to ensure “equal high quality” human rights for all Americans—such as health care, education and a clean environment—regardless of where they live.

He pointed out that when he left Illinois for Nashville, he took off on a 12,000-foot runway, and when he arrived at Nashville International Airport, he landed on a 12,000-foot runway. The federal government mandates the length of both.

“I can’t rely upon state’s rights when it comes to building runways,” Jackson said. “If I leave a Chicago high-quality health care system, I ought to be able to land in Tennessee in a high-quality health care system.

“There should be no distinction between the states in health care if we are Americans, just like there should be no distinction in terms of runways. We must have something common amongst us if we are to have a more perfect union.”

Jackson, a social-justice and anti-death-penalty advocate who was Barack Obama’s national campaign co-chair in 2008, is the son of two-time presidential candidate Rev. Jesse Jackson and Jacqueline Jackson. Jackson Jr.’s wife, Sandi Jackson, is Chicago’s 7th Ward Alderman.

The younger Jackson was first elected to Congress in 1995. He serves the 2nd Congressional District of Illinois, which borders both Lake Michigan and the state of Indiana and encompasses almost all of south Chicago and several suburban communities.

The congressman, referring to three large timeline charts during his MTSU lecture, divided American history into periods he described as “pre-construction (1619-1774),” “construction (1774-1861)” and “deconstruction (the Civil War).”

The “first Reconstruction,” he said, was the period after the Civil War. He called the civil-rights movement the “second Reconstruction.”

A “third Reconstruction,” he said, would be defined by amending the Constitution to ensure certain human rights, like health care, just as other amendments ended slavery and gave women the right to vote.

“There’s absolutely nothing ‘civil rights-speechy’ about the remarks I’m giving to you tonight,” Jackson said. “When I argue for constitutional rights and human rights, I am arguing for everyone. … You transcend being a Democrat or Republican, because you are arguing for everybody.”

The University Honors College and the Black History Month Committee sponsored Jackson’s lecture, originally scheduled as part of the university’s Black History Month observances.

Murfreesboro, TN - A crowd of supporters gathered at the home of Kathy and Bill Jones to attend the first fundraiser for Dawn White, candidate in the Republican primary for the Tennessee House of Representatives’ new 37th District.

White spoke at the event, touching on issues such as the economy and education reform.  Citing her time in business and in education, she said, “We need more people in government with business and “real world” experience who will use common sense and conservative principles when making decisions that affect the rest of us.”

According to treasurer Evan Cope, White’s campaign will report that it has received contributions in excess of $40,000 during the most recent reporting period.  “Almost all of the contributions we have received have come from individual donors, which is a great testament to Dawn’s support from people across the county,” Cope said.

White is a small business owner as well as a former teacher in the Murfreesboro City School System. An Eagleville native, she is a lifelong resident of Rutherford County and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from MTSU.  She currently serves on the boards of CASA of Rutherford County, the MTMC Ambassadors, the Linebaugh Library Foundation, Read to Succeed and the Sam Davis Memorial Association.

She has also been actively involved with numerous other local charitable and community organizations, including the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County, the American Heart Association and the Discovery Center.  She and her husband Chad are active members of LifePoint Church in Smyrna.

Murfreesboro, TN - Dawn White, candidate in the Republican primary for the Tennessee House of Representatives’ new 37th District, has announced the formation of her campaign steering committee as well as her choice of a treasurer to support her race for the house seat.

White has designated Murfreesboro resident Evan Cope as her campaign treasurer.  In addition to his role as partner with Cope, Hudson, Reed & McCreary, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, Cope has extensive political experience in Rutherford County.

When it comes to backing winning candidates, Cope has an impressive track record.  He previously served as Rutherford County campaign coordinator in the effort to elect Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam in addition to having been chosen by United States Senator Bob Corker to serve as his Rutherford County campaign chairman.

Cope is enthusiastic about his latest political endeavor:  “Dawn is a thoughtful, sincere conservative, and a dedicated community servant. We're fortunate that she's willing to stand for election to the state legislature. Based upon the success we've had raising money for Dawn, especially in such a short period of time, I know a lot of people agree with me," he said.

White has also announced her campaign steering committee, comprised of: Smyrna Councilman Marc Adkins, Commissioner Rhonda Allen, Commissioner Charlie Baum, Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess, Commissioner Adam Coggin, Evan Cope, Peter Demos, Smyrna Mayor Tony Dover, Brian Kidd, Smyrna Councilman Lance Lee, Lynn Lien, Smyrna Councilman Tim Morrell, LaVergne Mayor Senna Mosley, Mishelle Perkins, Shane Reeves, Dr. Liz Rhea, Commissioner Robert Stevens, Joyce Taylor, Commissioner Brad Turner, and Ginny Williams.

“I am thankful for everyone who has joined my steering committee; they are some of Rutherford County’s most distinguished community and business leaders.  I am honored to have their support, and I appreciate their advice,” White said.

According to Cope, the campaign has raised well over $30,000 in a few short weeks.  “I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support I’ve received so far, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to earn the confidence and support of the residents of the 37th district,” White said.

White has scheduled her first campaign fundraising event for March 26th at the home of Bill and Kathy Jones in Murfreesboro; more than 175 individuals have joined the fundraiser’s host committee.  For more information on the fundraiser, or to attend, please contact Friends of Dawn White at (615) 438-9634.

White is a small business owner as well as a former teacher in the Murfreesboro City School System.  An Eagleville native, she is a lifelong resident of Rutherford County and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from MTSU.  She currently serves on the boards of CASA of Rutherford County, the MTMC Ambassadors, the Linebaugh Library Foundation, Read to Succeed and the Sam Davis Memorial Association.

She has also been actively involved with numerous other local charitable and community organizations, including the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County, the American Heart Association and the Discovery Center.  She and her husband Chad are active members of LifePoint Church in Smyrna.

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On Tuesday evening at the Rutherford County Young Republicans meeting nearly 50 people contributed enough food to fund the Bradley Academy Back Pack food program for the next 3 months.  Many local candidates were also present for the event, and entertained the packed house at the GOP headquarters in historic downtown Murfreesboro with a Q&A session.

The local Backpack Program provides backpacks filled with food to students in need of food over the weekend.  The program primarily targets students who qualify for their school’s Free Lunch Program. Many of these students rely on their school’s breakfasts and lunches for their most nutritious meals of the day. In some cases, these are their only meals of the day. These students are then faced with a food crisis over the weekend. The Backpack Program is a way to help these students and their families until students return to school on Monday.

"This food drive is our way of giving back to our wonderful community. We know that many people all over Rutherford County are in need and we wanted to help out this local program that helps kids. If we are the party of smaller government then we must be willing to help those who in need so the government does not have to.” said Gabriel Fancher, Chairman of the Young Republicans.

The local political club plans to expand their civic outreach in this area, and beyond. For additional information about The Rutherford County Young Republicans’ involvement with the Backpack  Program or how you can get involved contact Jake Bachman at (336) 414-0021, or via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Moss is a recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and works for the Oakland’s Historic House Museum and Maple Street Grill. He is driven by his love for the city of Murfreesboro and his dedication to improvement.

Moss is looking to set the stage for change by fighting for single district representation as opposed to at-large districts, limited annexing, re-development and rollover budgets for city officials. Moss feels that, “the city has strayed from our priorities and failed to implement changes necessary for a growing community, such as creating districts, eliminating and preventing waste by restructuring the city budget, and encouraging responsible growth through proper management of annexation procedures."

Murfreesboro is currently the only city in Tennessee with a population over 100,000 that does not have representative districts. Moss knows that district representation is a way to make sure that council representatives can be reached on a more personal level when they are needed. Moss stands for a rollover system that will allow city departments to save the tax dollars they did not use and invest it toward the new fiscal year. His goal is to respond to the needs of the city in the most efficient and effective means possible. “With an already decaying infrastructure, we will be using land and maintaining infrastructures that are within our current boundaries.  The current council seems to have no problem swallowing up more and more land in the county. These will be the days of responsible budgeting.”

Although some incumbents claim that small business growth is essential to the city, members of the recently formed Small Business Alliance of Rutherford County beg to differ. There are many complaints of overregulation and unnecessary impedance by the local government. Moss feels that it is imperative to hold the council accountable for their claims on growth, job development and recruitment. In cases such as the arrival of Amazon and new jobs at Nissan, Moss would like residents to see more than rubber-stamping and instead see direct action and involvement from the council.

Moss also plans to challenge claims by contenders, such as statistics on Murfreesboro’s crime rates. The Murfreesboro Police Department’s crime statistics for 2011 show a one percent rise overall on crime in the area. Although crime has decreased in several areas, it increased significantly in several areas such as assault, burglary and theft as well. Police also responded to a record number of calls in 2011. Assault, theft and calls were all up over 10 percent, with theft going up over 15 percent.  There was also a 19 percent increase in overall criminal charges. Although police are working to implement strategies to address these issues, Moss would like to see more accountability from the council on issues of crime. He feels that, “getting residents involved with their community is one of the best ways to curb violence, theft, vandalism and many other crimes.”

“As long as I have been in Murfreesboro I have talked to people who are frustrated with the way this city is run. There is little citizen input and little attention paid to detail. If we are to continue as a city we must have our residents involved and knowledgeable about what is going on. In a city that is approaching 110,000 residents, it is going to more and more vital that government officials communicate with you as residents on a personal level.”

For more information on Moss’s campaign, ‘like’ his page on Facebook, or contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Rutherford County Young Republicans, a group for Republicans under the age of 40, is currently preparing for a food drive to take place on Tuesday February 28th to benefit the Backpack Food Program for Bradley Academy.

The Backpack Program provides backpacks filled with food to students in need of food over the weekend.  The program primarily targets students who qualify for their school’s Free Lunch Program. Many of these students rely on their school’s breakfasts and lunches for their most nutritious meals of the day. In some cases, these are their only meals of the day. These students are then faced with a food crisis over the weekend. The Backpack Program is a way to help these students and their families until students return to school on Monday.

Collection will take place at the next scheduled Young Republican meeting, which occurs on the fourth Tuesday of every month. You can drop off your donations at the GOP Headquarters February 28th between 5:00 and 8:00PM on 111 East Main St. Donations should be kid-friendly food such as fruit snacks, juice boxes, peanuts, Pop-Tarts, cheese and crackers, and small, boxed cereals, and canned foods with a pull top lid are appropriate items to donate.

For additional information about The Rutherford County Young Republicans’ involvement with the Backpack Program and how you can get involved contact Gabriel Fancher at (615) 461-0493, or via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Murfreesboro, Tennessee - Murfreesboro resident Dawn White announced today that she will be a candidate in the Republican primary for the Tennessee House of Representatives in the 37th District.  White has owned a small business in Smyrna for six years and formerly was a teacher in the Murfreesboro City Schools System.

“Rutherford County has been a wonderful place to call home. I have seen it grow and change so much throughout my life.  I believe that my experiences as a teacher, as a business owner, and as a volunteer in the community have given me the perspective I will need to represent the 37th District effectively,” White said.

White is a lifelong resident of Rutherford County and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from MTSU.  She currently serves as a board member of CASA of Rutherford County, the MTMC Ambassadors, the Linebaugh Library Foundation, Read to Succeed and the Sam Davis Memorial Association.  She has also been actively involved with numerous other local charitable and community organizations, including the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County, the American Heart Association and the Discovery Center.

She and her husband, Chad, are active members of LifePoint Church in Smyrna.

The MTSU Poll, an independent and nonpartisan public-opinion poll on major social, political and ethical issues affecting Tennessee, released its Fall 2011 data on Monday, Oct. 24.

Poll interviews were conducted by telephone Oct. 3-14, 2011, by students in MTSU’s College of Mass Communication. Students interviewed 640 people age 18 or older chosen at random from the state population.

The poll has an estimated error margin of plus or minus 4 percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence.

Findings in this fall’s poll include:

• Three Republican frontrunners all have double-digit leads over President Obama;
• President Obama’s job approval has hit an all-time low, and disapproval climbs to all-time high, in Tennessee;
• Most Tennesseans are aware of the new voter ID law, but many are confused about the details;
• Leave lottery-funded college scholarships alone for now, most say;
• Gov. Bill Haslam has Tennessee’s approval as his first year in office draws to a close;
• Tennesseans are divided on the state Legislature’s job performance;
• Tennesseans’ dim view of cooperation in Washington, D.C., persists, especially on the issue of creating jobs;
• Tennesseans say cut spending and raise taxes, but don’t raise taxes on the rich;
• Dissatisfaction with the national economy and direction is high and rising; and
• Happiness with local public schools depends on where you live.

To see the complete Fall 2011 survey results, or to learn more about the MTSU Poll, visit the MTSU Poll’s website at www.mtsusurveygroup.org.

2011 Session Wrap Up

This week the House and Senate worked in marathon floor and committee sessions to finish on May 21^st 2011 at 10pm adjourning five weeks earlier than last year saving the tax payers of Tennessee over $400,000 in per diem and travel expenses.

“That is what this entire session has been about, efficiency, saving money, and creating jobs,” said Senator Tracy. “The leadership of the House and Senate as well as the Governor have worked extremely well together to streamline the way this state operates and in turn saving the tax payers of Tennessee a lot of money. I could not be more proud of the work and legislation we have passed this year.”

Listed below are some of the important pieces of legislation we have passed this session:

• Budget -- The budget represents an overall 3.7 percent decrease from the $32 billion budget adopted last year.  It maintains essential government services by focusing reductions in administrative areas to minimize any impact felt by Tennessee taxpayers. It continues the commitment to education by fully funding the Basic Education Program, provides Hall Tax relief for seniors, and does not increase taxes on Tennesseans.
• Education – Senate Bill 113- Collective Bargaining Reform sponsored by Sen. Johnson, Senate Bill 1523- Charter School Bill sponsored by Sen. Woodson, Senate Bill 1529- Allowing students to take summer classes with the HOPE Scholarship sponsored by Sen. Tracy, Senate Bill 1528- Teacher Tenure Reform sponsored by Sen. Norris, Senate Bill 1707- residential treatment facilities bill sponsored by Sen. Tracy, Senate Bill 1671- Athlete Agent Reform Act of 2011 sponsored by Sen. Tracy.
• Immigration and Homeland Security – Senate Bill 1670- Refugee Resettlement Transparency sponsored by Sen. Tracy, Senate Bill 1669- E-Verify Bill sponsored by Sen. Tracy, Senate Bill 1028- Material Support to Designated Entities Act of 2011 sponsored by Sen. Ketron and co-sponsored by Sen. Tracy.
• Welfare – Senate Bill 96- prohibits persons convicted of a felony drug offense from being eligible for receiving Families First benefits (does not apply to children’s benefits).
• Transportation and Safety – Senate Bill 31 and 32- sponsorship of Help Trucks and 511 system to raise money for the Highway Fund for Road Projects sponsored by Sen. Tracy, Senate Bill 98 allows alarm companies to dispatch immediately to pharmacies when the alarm is set off without having to call first sponsored by Sen. Tracy, Senate Bill 523- Transportation Coordination Bill- creates efficiency within departments sponsored by Sen. Tracy, Senate Bill 1684 Revises enforcement provisions of unmanned traffic surveillance cameras statewide sponsored by Sen. Tracy.
• Storm Shelter Tax Rebate – Creates sales and use tax exemption for purchase of building supplies for construction of storm shelters or prefabricated storm shelters purchased between July and December 2011.
• Controlled Substances and Criminal Offenses – Adds six stimulants that are compounds of methcathinone and used to make plant food and bath salts to list of Schedule I controlled substances, Senate Bill 1659- Adds entertainment services to crimes that constitute theft of service, Senate Bill 1679- Creates a Class A misdemeanor offense of sexual contact by an authority figure which is defined as an adult with supervisory or disciplinary power over a minor, unlawfully kissing the minor for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification.
• Government Efficiency – Senate Bill 1672- "Freedom in Contracting Act"- must follow state rules if using state money to fund projects sponsored by Sen. Tracy, Senate Bill 1668- reduces from three to one the number of copies of building and utility codes adopted by reference that must be maintained by county clerk for public use sponsored by Sen. Tracy.
• Tort Liability and Reform – Senate Bill 109-limits liability of apiarists under certain circumstances and Senate Bill 386- enacts the “Jobs Creation Lawsuit Reform Act.”
• Senate Joint Resolutions- SJR 221- Proposes an amendment to constitution to ban a state income tax, SJR 127- No state funding of abortions.