Does Susan Lynn Live in the 57h District? Yes!

I live in the 57th House District and I will live in the 57th House District when the new district boundaries take effect on the night of the General Election, November 2, 2012.


REDISTRICTING

Every ten years the US Congressional, State Senate, State House, County Commission, City Commission and School District boundaries are redrawn.  

It's constitutional - the premises is, one man one vote - each district is to contain the same number of residents so that representation is proportional.  Therefore, every ten years, after the results of the US census are finalized, all of the above districts are redistributed according to population.  

The 2010 census results were finalized in 2011, and the elected officials from each of the above offices got to re-draw their district lines according to population and perhaps other considerations as well. 

So this past Session the Tennessee General Assembly, House and Senate, voted on their newly conceived district boundaries which will take effect with the General Election in November at midnight. 

WHERE DOES SUSAN LYNN LIVE?

I live in the 57th district - I've lived here since moving to south Mount Juliet in 1997, and I lived there the entire time I served in the House from 2002-2010.  

The 57th District map:

However, while my residence hasn’t recently changed, the new 57th District that will take effect in November will run behind my property leaving my home on the other side in the 46th district.  

Therefore, upon winning the Primary Election, my husband and I will establish residence within the upcoming legal boundaries before the General Election.

THE UPCOMING DISTRICT BOUNDARIES - WHY WON'T LYNN'S HOUSE BE LOCATED THERE?

The House members in the State Legislature were allowed to draw their own district boundaries.  According to Speaker Harwell's Chief of Staff and the former Republican Caucus Chairman it was Linda Elam that chose to draw me out of the upcoming new district boundaries. 

I have to admit, I've been pretty amazed by accusations that I do not live in the district.  

For one, I do currently live in the 57th District.

The new district boundaries do not take effect until midnight on General Election night, November 2, 2012.  No one can speak to my family's plans.

Secondly, I have always trusted the voters; I believe they can sense when someone is being disingenuous.

The next district boundaries are as follows: 

Side by side it is easier to see the difference.

 The map below depicts my house in relation to the new district. 

This northern part of the county is still fairly rural.  Taking a closer look, you can see that the line jumps up from Coles Ferry Pike, a logical and natural boundary, and captures our neighborhood and then heads back down to and along Coles Ferry before heading north again and encapsulating the next subdivision before returning to Coles Ferry Pike and continuing. 

It isn’t difficult to see that my home was placed just outside of the next 57th District by encircling our neighborhood with the vacant subdivision land by departing from Coles Ferry Pike.

Again, the boundary zig zags from S. Cairo Bend, along Coles Ferry, then turns left on N Cairo Bend and then heads right onto Rural road.  It follows the creek right behind my property back to Coles Ferry before continuing on Coles Ferry.

 

Someone asked if this wasn't just following a natural boundary - I suppose he meant the water - no, it is not. I live on Barton's Creek which is a tributary off of Old Hickory Lake.  The entire span of Old Hickory Lake and Barton's creek is in the 57th District - in fact, if I could afford to do so, I could live anywhere on the lake or creek in the entire county because all of the waterway is in the district - except for exactly where I live - it is the only part of the waterway not within the new district boundaries.  

WE HAVE MOVED BEFORE TO BETTER SERVE THE DISTRICT

In late 2005, my family and I moved from the Gladeville area (Poplar Ridge subdivision) to just east of SR 109 in order that I could better serve the district.  As you can see by the first map above, part of the district is in Sumner County and Lebanon - there is just no easy way to get from where we lived in Gladeville (by the purple dot) to Sumner County.  Our new proximity to SR 109 and I 40 made travel between Hendersonville, Gallatin, Lebanon and Mount Juliet much easier.

Since I was first elected ten years ago our family has grown-up, our children are married and having children of their own.  My husband and I were thinking of moving to a smaller home anyway.   

We both look forward to the future and to me serving the people of the 57^th District once more.

And with all of that said, I humbly ask for your vote in the Primary Election on August 2nd and let me add that if anyone would like to buy a lovely family home on Barton’s Creek…just give me a call :-)

Most sincerely,

Susan Lynn

To learn more about my conservative record while in the legislature go to www.susanlynn.us/record.html

www.susanlynn.net/Mailers.html

The Fight to Abolish Illegal Alien Driver's Licenses

Susan Lynn fought the hard fight for us in a Democrat controlled legislature and she was able to accomplish a great deal for us.

Like reversing the law to allow illegal aliens to obtain a Tennessee driver's license - this law is a tragic part of Tennessee's history. 

What follows is the legislative history of this long and difficult fight.   

In 2001, a year before Susan Lynn ran for the State House, the General Assembly passed HB983 - the Illegal alien driver’s license bill and it become law. The bill allowed someone without a social security number, namely an illegal alien, to get a Tennessee driver's license.   

102nd General Assembly - 2001 – 2002

(2001)

•  HB983 - Illegal alien driver’s license bill passes and becomes law. It allows someone without a social security number to get a driver's license - vote on page 921 - 922 of the Journal.

(2002)

• Susan Lynn runs for office.  Elimination of the illegal alien driver's license bill is part of her platform as well as her vow to fight a state income tax.

• Lynn is elected in November 2002.

103rd General Assembly - 2003 – 2004

(2003)

• Rep. Lynn is sworn into office in January 2003.

• Rep. Lynn co-sponsors HB1790, a bill to require a SSN to get a drivers license - this would ban illegal aliens from obtaining driver's licenses (be sure to click on Show Prime Co-Sponsor link to see co-sponsors). 
• The Democrats, the majority party, will not allow the bill to move. 

(2004)

• Lynn again co-sponsors HB1790, it requires SSN to get a driver's license - this would ban illegals from obtaining licenses.
• The majority party does not allow the bill to move. 

• HB3486 is drawn up by Governor Phil Bredesen under pressure from Republicans and the public but he waffles and creates the certificate of driving bill.  A bill to abolish the driver's license for illegal aliens but institute a certificate of driving.  The bill advances to the floor of the House.  Rep. Lynn and others engage the Democrats in a bitter, drawn-out floor fight in an attempt to pass eight (8) amendments to amend the bill to kill the driving certificate provision.  Three of the amendments are withdrawn by their Democrat sponsors.  Only Rep. Rowland's (R) amendments actually receive a floor vote but each is tabled by the majority party.  After more than two hours the final vote is at hand and only two choices remain; a no vote will allow illegal aliens to keep their driver's licenses.  An aye vote will take driver's licenses away from the illegals but unfortunately also issue them a certificate to drive.  Left with an imperfect choice the Republicans must vote aye in order to ensure that driver's licenses are finally taken away but vow to continue the fight in the next General Assembly.  The bill passes 96 to 3. - page 4055 - 4061 of the Journal.

• The Senate passes HB3486 by a vote of 32-0. 

• Public chapter 158 becomes law - it takes driver’s licenses away from illegals but creates the certificate of driving. 
• Rep. Lynn speaks in the press about the vow to continue the fight to ensure that no illegal aliens are sanctioned by the state identification to drive. 

104th General Assembly - 2005-2006

(2005)

• Lynn co-sponsors HB2903, a bill to abolish the certificate of driving.  The majority party will not allow the bill to move.

(2006)

• Lynn co-sponsors HB2903, a bill to abolish the certificate of driving.  The majority party will not allow the bill to move.

• A Mount Juliet couple is killed in Lakewood, TN by a drunk driving illegal alien.  Rep. Lynn attempts to reason with the administration about the need to pass HB2903 and completely eliminate the ability of illegal aliens to drive in Tennessee. 

105th General Assembly - 2007 – 2008

(2007)

• Lynn co-sponsors HB366, a bill to abolish the certificate of driving.  The majority party will not allow the bill to move.

• Public pressure mounts to abolish the certificate of driving.  Democrats decide it will be their party that will finally pass this measure.  Rep. Mike Turner files HB1827. 

• HB1827 -driver’s certificate elimination bill advances to the floor and passes - ayes 86, nays 8, PNV 2 in the House. Lynn is co-sponsor of this bill.  Page 1377 - 1382 of the Journal.

•  The Senate vote is ayes 25, nays 2.

• The bill becomes Public Chapter 194.     

After seven years the fight is finally over and illegal aliens can no longer legally drive in Tennessee.    


To read more about Susan Lynn's fight against illegal immigration in the Tennessee House visit her website - www.susanlynn.net.

Or: www.susanlynn.net/Mailers.html





 

Statement on Tennessee RIght to Life Endorsements

Tennessee Right to Life called me on Monday to thank me for my eight year 100% positive Pro-life voting record and also to apologize and explain that it is their long standing policy to always endorse the incumbent.

Naturally I am very disappointed by this TRL by-law but I am very proud and grateful that I received their endorsement for my four consecutive terms in the Legislature where I worked closely with the Right to Life Director. I was the prime sponsor of their “Anti-Coercion Act” and to defund Planned Parenthood both of which we passed into law, and a co-sponsor of SJR 127.

You can be assured of my continued unwavering commitment to life.

I look forward to again working with Right to Life in the next general assembly, and to receiving their endorsement in the General Election.

Please visit www.susanlynn.net/record.html to see a list of my legislative accomplishments on behalf of pro-life and the conservative cause.

##

Contact: Susan Lynn – 615-596-2363

Constitution shines brightly

Nashville Tennessean, September 14, 2011
By Susan Lynn
 
I believe the United States Constitution is indeed far mightier than any individual, any politician or any political party. But things are not looking good.

For instance, when the president of the United States refers to the Constitution as a “rigid idea” in a speech before a televised joint session of the U.S. Congress, a very poor example is set. When the mayor of America’s largest city states on live TV that the words “separation of church and state’’ are found in the U.S. Constitution, one surmises that he has probably never read the entire document.

When the Congress cedes law-making authority to unelected boards and commissions in the administrative branch they reveal a profound lack of understanding for their constitutional duties and authority.

When lawmakers feel entitled to take over 1/6 of the U.S. free market economy by means of a mammoth law, authority for which is nowhere found in the Constitution and whose corner stone is a mandate that imposes force and penalty on ordinary citizens who have committed no crime or wrong, the superciliousness is profound.

And when a federal court rejects a challenge to this law by the citizens of a state by concluding that “a state has no interest in the rights of its individual citizens sufficient to justify such an invasion of federal sovereignty’’ and this conclusion is reached even though that same court calls the law in question a “harsh regime’’ on taxpayers, one cannot help but recall the tyrannical list of grievances enumerated by our forefathers against King George of England.

All government is simply a voluntary association of individuals who unite for a purpose. The stated purpose of the United States government is to “secure’’ the enjoyment of our Absolute Rights, simply stated as “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’’ and to protect this compact of “Free and Independent States’’ by use of “full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, [and] contract Alliances.’’

The Constitution grants power to the elected representatives to make decisions for the few items expressly enumerated but it does not allow the majority arbitrary power to take away the liberties to which the people are entitled; they are withdrawn from the province of ordinary lawmaking.

As Charles Nordoff wrote in Politics for Young Americans “Laws should be few in number and simple in structure; they should rigidly avoid granting special privileges or immunities to individuals, but should be general in their application; and they ought never to interfere with the liberty of men to move about peaceably from place to place; to discuss freely public affairs and questions; to engage in whatever honest occupation pleases them; to produce whatever seems to them most suitable; and to exchange what they have produced where they please, and for what they most desire.’’

The United States Constitution is a bright shining example of freedom to the rest of the world, and it is strong enough to withstand hubris, ignorance and abdication of duty because the people, once awakened, will always respond to their duty which lies at the ballot box.

Susan Lynn served in the Tennessee General Assembly from 2002-2008. She was chairman of the Government Operations Committee in the House.

President's Jobs Speech

President's speech was unbearably disappointing - we are going to be suffering under this recession for a very long time with no end in sight.

This is not a jobs act but a tax act. He says it is paid for but he told us he doesn't have a plan to pay for it.

His make work projects are meant to supply jobs for union workers and government employees - is that really a problem?  The problem is not that Americans can't get from their homes to work because there is no road to get there but that there is no job to go to.

Because people respond to incentives, his $4000 tax credit to hire a worker who has been unemployed for six months will, if employers decide that they can hire someone, ensure that anyone newly unemployed can expect to be unemployed for at least six months - they are off the job market.

His credit for raises will ensure that any manager in a position to dole out raises will give himself a raise but will he actually be able to afford to give one to others?

Employers are left to consider, can I really afford to hire someone because if I do and I get the $4000 tax credit and then because the economy is so unstable and I have to lay-off an employee I'm stuck with another person on my unemployment rolls for years, much more than the $4000 credit.

Worst of all, he shows that he is completely unwilling to do anything about the policies that are foiling our economy. For business, the uncertainty lies in the anticipated expense of Health Care Reform, the policies that are raising our energy prices, raising commodity prices, nonsensical regulations and expensive business taxes including unemployment.

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TRA: My Op Ed in Today's Tennessean

Regulator could be phased out

Tennesseans need an independent utility oversight entity

No one knows better than I that we have a lot of departments, boards and commissions in Tennessee; more than 270 — that’s a lot of deck chairs on the ship.

The legislature’s Government Operations Committee reviews every one of these agencies, including the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA). Each year, Gov Ops decides to eliminate a few of these agencies because their duties prove no longer necessary, while other lawmakers legislatively act to create more.

To reduce size and cost of government, the Haslam administration is kicking around the idea of doing away with the TRA; perhaps dispersing its duties among other areas of government. The TRA is the agency that regulates monopolistic utilities in Tennessee, and despite some recent reform, regulating monopolies like gas, water, sewer, electric and telephone utilities is still absolutely necessary.

TRA is housed in the legislative branch to ensure independence. It decides economic matters, not environmental. It is funded by fees and taxes from the utilities it regulates. Ideas to create efficiency deserve consideration, because we do need to streamline and reduce the size of government. But simply doing away with TRA by dispersing duties among other agencies probably won’t reduce the size of government, just the overall number of agencies.
Elimination probably won’t produce savings, either, because no matter where TRA’s duties are eventually housed, the duties would still need to be performed.

There also is the question of dispersing staff. Utility economics and law are complex and specialized. Dispersal could produce staff that generalize rather than specialize.

Every state has a utility regulator, and TRA functions as a central place for consumers to go with their utility concerns — perhaps to the chagrin of the utilities but definitely to the empowerment of consumers. Monopolies receive the most restrictive form of government intervention, and housing these entities in a common area serves to isolate them from other businesses that do not need such a high degree of regulation.

TRA’s apparent embrace of green concepts in utility economics has been frustrating, but that is an ideological rather than structural problem. Structurally speaking, I’ve often wondered why the Utility Management Review Board and Water & Wastewater Financing Board are not housed under TRA rather than the comptroller.

We could do many things to streamline and reduce the size and cost of state government, as well as the number of regulations. Recession is a good time to re-examine all agencies and unpack the laws and rules that govern them, reconsidering each from the ground up, reviewing their constitutional purpose, the law, and regulations according to a specified series of very important considerations.

Some states have employed a decision matrix to help discover areas for reform; moving their state from disorder to order, reducing entry barriers for business, and helping citizens more easily find services.

Practically everyone is for reducing the size and cost of government, but removing the deck chairs just to force people to find a seat somewhere else doesn’t streamline or reduce the size of government — just the overall number of deck chairs.

Former state Rep. Susan Lynn served on the state legislature’s Government Operations Committee from 2002 to 2010, eventually rising to the position of chairman.

 http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110706/OPINION03/307060076/Regulator-could-phased-out?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Opinion|p

Gossip and Slander Violate Constitutional Rights

We recently read in the Tennessean about objections to a new Tennessee law on cyberbullying - where one can be charged with a crime for posting a photo on-line that makes another feel threatened.  A photo that makes you feel threatened?  What about actual harm?

A genuine problem was revealed in a recent episode of 20/20 and followed up by our own News 2.  They report on anonymous posts on blogs and of media that will say just about anything without fact checking.  Now this is something that causes actual harm - the internet is forever and there is no way to ensure a verbal retraction on radio will reach the same listeners who first heard the defamatory statement.  It is very difficult to remedy such posts and broadcasts.  We should address this problem as consumers by demanding that such behavior be modified and by making tort law more clear for victims of extreme cases.

More than just blogs and radio shows that fly fast and loose with vile gossip, libel and slander - why does anyone hold any regard for peers and co-workers who pretend to be “in the know” but in reality, they are causing harm and destruction to another person’s reputation. “They say…”, “I’ve heard…”, “some say…” such are the destructive tools in the toolbox of the gossip and slanderer.

I recall my mother, a gracious woman of high morals and ethics, warning me and my siblings “do not listen to gossip,” “do not repeat gossip,” and “do not reveal anything about someone that could embarrass him or her – even if it is true.”

My father, a sharp business man, cautioned me time and again, "Susan, only believe 10% of what you hear people say."  "10%?  Daddy?!" I replied the first time I ever really thought about what he was saying.  With furrowed eye brows and great insistence in his voice he replied, "Yes, people will say absolutely anything to advantage their position which usually has the effect of hurting someone else...most likely YOU.  You have got to have facts, and numbers and quality data."

The English scholar William Blackstone wrote that each man is entitled by natural right to the “Security of his good name and reputation from the art of detraction and slander.”  What has happened to society? Were so many really never taught these lessons on ethics and legalities?

The object of the slander is not the person of whom we should think ill - judging the witless victim as if he or she is guilty as charged.  But it is the gossiper, the slander that we should reject and send packing for their bad, if not downright evil and possibly illegal behavior.

Such deeds are all too common today.  I know a manager at a local store. Behind his back an assistant manager has set out to discredit and undermine him through exaggerations, mis-characterizations and outright lies.  Little does this assistant manager realize that should she succeed in causing the manager to lose his job he certainly has a case against her in tort law.  That is why employers should not put up with such behavior – it is their deep pockets that may pay for the actions of the slanderer.

I know an attractive, hard working young woman with a delightful personality; always willing to do what is needed at work.  A co-worker has it in for her. She sows bad seeds with other workers and managers in order to defame and detract from this young woman.  This activity is distressing.  My young friend worries about what will be made-up next behind her back, and about the effect that it may have on her career.  Little does her co-worker realize that she is robbing my friend of her constitutional right to live in peace and of much more.

Take the world of politics – I know an elected official whose opponent sowed bad seeds with a group of voters saying that she and her husband were in bankruptcy and losing their home – it was a complete lie. The opponent also spread falsities about her positions and lied about her votes.  Then he had his employee file a false report on the candidate which led to vicious defamation in the media by outlets where he routinely purchased ads.  This same official suffered for years from attacks and gossip by detractors via email, blogs and spoken word.  They started rumors of affairs, tried to paint her as being difficult to work with, rumors of tax delinquencies, and they would often apply pressure to groups in hope of forcing them to cancel this official’s invitation to speak.  All of this was extremely distressing, difficult to battle and defending herself exhausting but more than that it is a violation of this official’s constitutional rights.

I have a book on ethics from the 1890’s. The chapter on justice reads as follows: “People can do injustice by their thoughts.  When we hear complaints or accusations against any person, and readily believe them, without knowing what the accused might say in self-defense, we are generally unjust.  We must therefore be careful, and not judge hastily; and we must not, even in our minds condemn the absent unheard person.  We should not like to be judged and condemned thus; and it is unjust for us to form opinions in this way about others.”

Here is a rule of thumb:

• Those who gossip and slander are wrong doers.  

• Those who listen to gossip and slander are also doing wrong.

• Those who repeat gossip and slander are wrong doers.

• Those who judge the victim of gossip and slander without a hearing are doing wrong.

• And those who refuse to reveal the identity of the slanderer to the victim but feel justified with having merely alerted the victim to the slander are also doing wrong.  The victim deserves justice - and the gossiper deserves to be confronted.  Such activity leaves the victim to worry about the source of the gossip, how to measure the damage, and the number of people that are privy to the lie.

I urge all – be better than this.  Be better Christians than this.  Have more regard for the rights of others than this.  Refuse to listen. Refuse to repeat what you hear. Reject the gossiper, and reject the slanderer; those who artfully seek to paint some poor soul badly in your eyes; robbing the victim of the right to a hearing and of their reputation.

From what I've seen, Dad was absolutely right, people will say anything.  And as my mother taught us, rejecting gossip is the best way to stop it.

Public Notice: Under Threat

This year several bills have the State Legislature considering doing away with the publication of public notices in local newspapers in order to save money.

Before you conclude that this is a good idea, consider a few facts.

The state Constitution and state law require publication of public notices. This is due to an important principle of civil societies: if the government is going to take some action to limit or change our rights, or take away our property, it must go out and seek to provide public notice to the citizens of the potential action. It is not mandatory that you read it but a good faith effort must be made by the state to provide the information.

Publication has always meant that the notice must be outside of Government's own halls; in newspapers of general circulation where the community can read them. But to get around this provision, the legislature wants the government to publish legal notices on the state's website and charge for the posting.

While this may sound like an efficient way to gain a new stream of revenue; this sort of publication does not meet the standard of the past; that publication is outside of government's own halls.

In recent weeks we’ve seen governments around the world “switch off” the Internet denying access to its citizens. An Internet switch is currently being considered in Washington. In such a case, what would happen to the notice that the government is constitutionally required to provide?

Meanwhile, over 669,800 out of 2.2 million Tennessee households are still without Internet access (1). This means that those citizens’ chances of ever seeing a public notice will be equal to zero.

The elderly are the most vulnerable because only 28% of those 65 and older use the internet.(2) While most of our legislators have a college degree, and 80% of those with a college degree have the internet,(3) legislators must remember, that equates to only 19.6% of Tennesseans.(4) Only 35% of those without a high school diploma use the internet. And a full 40% of those with a high school diploma still have no internet in their home.

But even of those adults that have the internet – fully 50% say they never seek online news. Will they ever really look at a government web site for legal notices?

The state budget is $29 billion dollars.

It costs a just tenths of a cent per person to print a statewide legal notice informing Tennesseans of a state Constitutional Amendment - about $17,000.

It costs just a few hundred dollars for your election commission to publish the ballot for upcoming elections. In danger too is publication of utility rate increases, annexations, zoning changes and city or county meeting notices.

Consider that the expense for most notices is not born by the government but by individuals who are seeking a court ordered legal claim to your property, to put you under lien, or to take some legal action that will affect your family. Public notice ensures that there is an attempt to reach out and notify you of some action that may affect your rights.

Most newspapers of general circulation post the notices on their Websites but it is the printing; creation of a permanent record, and the circulation of the notice in the community where all can see it and decide upon its fate that serves to secure our Republic. Truly, publication is an essential price of democracy.

Susan Lynn was state representative in the 57^th House district from 2002-2010.  She is leading EPPC – Education, Public Policy Consulting, a 501 (c)3.  For more information visit www.publicnoticetn.com.

1. http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2011/tables/11s1156.pdf
2. http://www.census.gov/prod/2009pubs/10statab/infocomm.pdf
3. http://www.census.gov/prod/2009pubs/10statab/infocomm.pdf 
4. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47000.html

Antitrust, Unions & the Wall Street Journal

.
I have been saying for years now that collective bargaining violates antitrust law. My theory was greeted quietly yet thoughtfully at first in 2007 at ALEC but I've stood by it.

On Friday, I created a pop culture cartoon on the anti-collective bargaining bill to explain my theory.




Now, finally, in today's Wall Street Journal a Professor of Economics at Harvard University is stating the very same thing; that collective bargaining is a violation of Antitrust.

"For a teachers union, collective bargaining means that suppliers of teacher services to all public school systems in a state—or even across states—can collude with regard to acceptable wages, benefits and working conditions. An analogy for business would be for all providers of airline transportation to assemble to fix ticket prices, capacity and so on. From this perspective, collective bargaining on a broad scale is more similar to an antitrust violation than to a civil liberty."

I hope the logic of this thinking will quickly spread - it is about time...

Susan Lynn


NOTE: When the law is unjust we see ill effects. That is why laws get changed. Special treatment; excluding the activities of particular special interest groups from the law does not make it just. Why did they need to be excluded in the first place? What have the effects been? Others comment "what about all the good for which unions have worked?" If the law is changed unions can and always will still exist. In fact, many associations (guilds, industry groups, special interest groups, whatever you want to call them) successfully work for the passage of very good laws (and some bad ones) all the time and they don't need collective bargaining to do so.

Today's Tennessean Guest Editorial

Please see my guest editorial in today's Tennessean. They named it:

Special interests pull strings on government diet rules


Please visit my Facebook Notes section to see two articles that provide further information on this subject:

1. Diet mentioned in my Tennessean guest editorial.
2. The Diet.
I also wrote a 2007 blog post on the subject located here. 

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published a proposed rule on nutrition standards for school lunches funded by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The bill’s been criticized for expanding schools’ responsibility for outcomes while providing only 6 cents extra per child per meal to accomplish goals.

I have a personal interest in good nutrition for children. At age 3, my son was diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.

We were told there was no cure but that when he was old enough (6) he could be treated with Ritalin. Giving Ritalin to a 6-year-old was unacceptable to me. My research led me to the Feingold Diet; primarily, avoidance of synthetic food additives.

After just three days of strict adherence to the diet, I had a normal little boy. He never needed Ritalin. He excelled in school, graduating with honors. Today, he serves in the Tennessee Air Guard — something, had we used Ritalin, he could not do.

After achieving success in their alternative school, an entire school district in Wisconsin is using a similar diet. And Chefs as Parents, a Washington-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving freshly prepared, additive-free whole foods in schools, is successfully going well beyond federal minimum standards.
Although thousands of families have found help, similar dietary solutions are neither recommended by the government nor part of the USDA’s new rules.

As the former chairman of the House Government Operations Committee — the committee in the Tennessee Legislature that approves rules — I can tell you that rules are developed by consensus; that means there is great influence from special interests.

Sometimes that is good, sometimes bad; how should we view these rules?

No basis for federal authority

Constitutionally, the feds typically cite the General Welfare Clause as authority to produce such rules, but the clause really only applies to the general welfare of the nation within the confines of the federal government’s 30 enumerated powers — there is no authority over school lunches.

As a states’-rights issue, states alone have police powers over behavior; but even then, only over behavior that infringes on the constitutional rights of others. But let’s be real: Federal money comes with strings. School-lunch funding is no exception.

What of objectivity? Do we trust that the USDA’s directive is truly objective — free of Washington special-interest influence?

Parents, school districts and organizations are taking action — avoiding FDA-approved synthetic food additives, which were initially approved with the good intention of extending the shelf-life of the food supply.
But the ancillary effect is that whole, fresh, vital foods have been supplanted by an overwhelming array of highly processed, chemical-laden, nutrient-poor foods, high in refined sugars and carbohydrates. They’re cheaper, quicker and easier to serve, and abundant but unfortunately, they produce obesity, poor health and problem behavior.

Clearly, America is suffering from a health/nutrition problem. But solutions to most social problems are not typically found in government rule-making sessions manipulated by special interests but rather in the hearts, minds and homes of the American people. It’s called a movement — try it on.

Susan Lynn is a former Tennessee state representative. She invites readers to view her Facebook notes for more information on the diet mentioned in this guest editorial.

Thank You!

Dear Friends,

I write this letter to you on my last day in office to say thank you very much for the honor of serving as your state Representative for the last eight years. It has truly been one of the greatest pleasures of my life - one that I will remember fondly always.

Over the last several weeks since the Primary Election, I have been busy winding up work in my legislative office; helping constituents, checking on the progress of road projects and working to ensure that the several pieces of legislation on which I was working are delivered to competent hands for future passage.

I appreciate everything you have done to help me while I was in office. I thank you for all of your support, and I look forward to our continued friendship.

Once again, let me say how grateful I am to you for the last eight years. Thank you for every special memory.

Sincerely,

Susan Lynn
State Representative
57th District, Tennessee

Tennessean - Right to Hunt and Fish

Susan Lynn's Ratings and Endorsements for state Senate

• Tennessee Right to Life 100% rated
• A+ National Rifle Association
• Wilson County Republican Assembly
• Sumner United for Responsible Government
• Ken Mererro - Conservative Blogger - Blue Collar Muse
• JB Williams - Conservative Commentator
• Tri-Cities Tea Party
• John Smaldone of Cross Country Patriots, Tennessee TEA Party Coalition, Lone Star Tea Party, Smoky Mountain Tea Party, Patriots Tea party Patriots

Tennessee Right to Life Endorsement List

Susan Lynn onece again meets all pro-life criteria by the Tennessee Right to Life Political Action Committee. The announcement was made via the TNRL PAC 2010 Tennessee State Legislative Endorsement List.

"I am very proud to be consistently rated as 100% prolife by Tennessee Right to Life throughout my time in the state legislature" stated Rep. Susan Lynn.

Susan Lynn has worked hard for the pro-life cause in the Tennessee General Assembly by co-sponsoring SJR 127, a Constitutional Amendment that will allow protections for women; Susan defunded Planned Parenthood in 2008 with an amendment to the state budget to realign funding for family planning services and this year Susan sponsored the Anti-Coersion Act, a law that will place a sign in places where abortions are performed to notify women that it is illegal for anyone to coerce them to have an abortion.

"Being included on this list gives assurance to voters that they can count on me to be a consistant prolife vote for them in the state legislature." added Lynn.

All listed candidates have returned 100% pro-life surveys and have also been personally interviewed by members of TRL PAC. Each meets criteria as a pro-life candidate and members of Tennessee Right to Life may be confident in voting for any one of them.

For more information, please contact: Daniel Diffenderfer, Campaign Manager, Susan Lynn for State Senate - 615-406-3914.

Lynn receives highest rating of A+ from the NRA

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has announced that Susan Lynn has received a rating of A+; the organization’s highest ranking. An A+ indicates a legislator with not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment.

Lynn stated “I am honored by this rating, and grateful that the NRA has acted to recognize my strong support of the Second Amendment.”

The National Rifle Association is the nation’s leading gun rights organization. This is the fifth election that Susan Lynn, a candidate for the State Senate in the 17th district and consistent advocate of individual freedoms, has received such recognition from the organization.

For more information; visit http://www.nrapvf.org/Elections/State.aspx?y=2010&State=TN or call 615-596-2363.

Susan Lynn Endorsed by Sumner United for Responsible Government!

Sumner United for Responsible Government, one of the largest and most active tea party groups in Tennessee, has selected Susan Lynn as their first ever political endorsement. Susan is running in the Republican primary for Tennessee Senate District 17.

As a State Representative Susan has consistently been the most vocal and effective advocate for the principles of individual liberty and state sovereignty in the Tennessee legislature. She has a deep and abiding commitment to the U.S. Constitution, which is reflected in her numerous bills reclaiming Tennessee's state sovereignty and protecting Tennesseans from an intrusive federal government. Susan established and now leads a committee that is communicating and recruiting other states to work together to protect the rights of the States and individual citizens. She continuously introduces and passes legislation that protects citizens from government and protects Tennessee from federal overreach. She is the definition of a tea party candidate.

Susan has been an unstoppable force in reigning in government spending, taxes, and waste and supporting Tennessee values. Her record on taxes, illegal immigration, support for small business, crime, life and education is impeccable.

We urge you to make a donation to Susan Lynn today and volunteer to help with her campaign. Susan is running against an entrenched State Senator and will need every bit of your support. Visit Susan's website: http://www.repsusanlynn.com/

JB Williams Endorses Susan Lynn

Thank you to Conservative Journalist JB Williams for your endorsement

"Beavers’ personal ambition won out over honorable statesmanship and the best interest of the people of Tennessee. Don’t expect to hear this truth from Beavers sycophant Steve Gill.

But it is for this reason that I hereby endorse TN Rep. Susan Lynn for Tennessee’s District 17 Senate seat.

I further request that ALL conservative Americans seeking honest conservative leadership in government join me in supporting Ms. Lynn’s campaign to end the politics of old in the Tennessee Senate..."

http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/24854

Blue Collar Muse Endorsement

Thank you Ken Marerro for your endorsement...

I am excited and proud to wholeheartedly endorse Susan, without reservation, and encourage you to donate to her campaign, to volunteer for her campaign and on election day, I urge you to cast your vote for perhaps Tennessee’s finest legislator, Susan Lynn....

http://conservablogs.com/bluecollarmuse/2010/06/21/susan-lynn-the-superior-candidate-for-tn-senate-district-17/

Wilson County Republican Assembly Endorses Susan Lynn for State Senate

The Wilson County Republican Assembly recently announced their endorsement of Rep. Susan Lynn for State Senate.

“Rep. Susan Lynn is a true, conservative leader who has worked to promote strength and unity within the local Republican community for years. Rep. Lynn works tirelessly to promote Tennessee’s state sovereignty, reduce government spending and waste, protect our second amendment rights, and to protect the rights of the unborn,” said WCRA President Michael Cole.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Wilson County Republican Assembly,” said Rep. Lynn. “I believe the Wilson County Republican Assembly’s endorsement of my bid for State Senate is indicative of the mood of Wilson County. The groundswell of support we’ve seen the last few weeks is incredible.”

Rep. Lynn announced her bid for State Senate after Senator Mae Beavers decided to run for County Mayor in June of 2009. After Senator Mae Beavers reversed that decision in March, Rep. Lynn said she felt “ethically bound” to keep her word and continue in her bid for State Senate.

The Wilson County Republican Assembly is the seventh conservative organization to endorse Rep. Susan Lynn’s candidacy for State Senate. The WCRA joined Sumner United for Responsible Government, Cross County Patriots, the Tennessee Tea Party Coalition, the Lone Star Tea Party, the Smoky Mountain Tea Party Patriots, and The Tea Party Patriots.

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Tea Party in Tennessee Endorses Susan Lynn for State Senate

Rep. Susan Lynn’s bid for State Senate continued to gain momentum when she picked up another endorsement by a conservative organization when the Tri-Cities Tea Party-912 Group endorsed her bid for State Senate.

“We would like to express our support of Rep. Susan Lynn for State Senate. Rep. Lynn has been the most outspoken proponent of state sovereignty in the state legislature for years,” said Doug White, a founding member of the organization.

Rep. Susan Lynn passed a resolution to create “The Conference and Correspondent’s Committee on State Sovereignty” in the Fall of 2009, gaining statewide and national media attention for the state sovereignty movement.

“The 10th amendment is something I’ve been passionate about my entire life. Tennesseans are tired of the Federal Government encroaching upon their personal liberties. I created the committee on state sovereignty as a way to fight back against an increasingly-intrusive federal government,” said Rep. Lynn.

“I’m finding an incredible amount of grassroots support in my campaign. For years, I’ve fought for lower taxes, the second amendment, and the rights of the unborn in the state legislature. I will provide that same type of leadership in the State Senate.”

Earlier this week, Rep. Lynn announced an endorsement by the Wilson County Republican Assembly; joining leaders of eight conservative organizations who have publicly endorsed her bid for State Senate; including Sumner United for Responsible Government, the Cross County Patriots, the Tennessee Tea Party Coalition, the Lone Star Tea Party, the Smoky Mountain Tea Party Patriots, The Tea Party Patriots, and the Tri-Cities Tea Party-912 Group.

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For Immediate Release
July 21, 2010
For more information call Daniel Diffenderfer - 615-406-3914

Cagney, "You're a Grand Old Flag", from Yankee Doodle Dandy(1942)

Groups endorse Susan Lynn for State Senate

I'm proud to announce that I've been endorsed by five tea parties in Tennessee, Sumner County SURG and by conservative blogger, Ken Marerro.

Please take a moment to read these endorsements.

Rep. Susan Lynn
Candidate for State Senate
District 17

www.VoteSusanLynn.com

SURG Endorses Susan Lynn for State Senate

Susan Lynn Endorsed by Sumner United for Responsible Government!

Sumner United for Responsible Government, one of the largest and most active tea party groups in Tennessee, has selected Susan Lynn as their first ever political endorsement. Susan is running in the Republican primary for Tennessee Senate District 17.

As a State Representative Susan has consistently been the most vocal and effective advocate for the principles of individual liberty and state sovereignty in the Tennessee legislature. She has a deep and abiding commitment to the U.S. Constitution, which is reflected in her numerous bills reclaiming Tennessee's state sovereignty and protecting Tennesseans from an intrusive federal government. Susan established and now leads a committee that is communicating and recruiting other states to work together to protect the rights of the States and individual citizens. She continuously introduces and passes legislation that protects citizens from government and protects Tennessee from federal overreach. She is the definition of a tea party candidate.

Susan has been an unstoppable force in reigning in government spending, taxes, and waste and supporting Tennessee values. Her record on taxes, illegal immigration, support for small business, crime, life and education is impeccable.

We urge you to make a donation to Susan Lynn today and volunteer to help with her campaign. Susan is running against an entrenched State Senator and will need every bit of your support. Visit Susan's website: http://www.repsusanlynn.com

Thank you John Smaldone & friends!!!

FROM THE DESK OF JOHN A. SMALDONE

Cross County Patriots

Tennessee Tea Party Coalition

Loan Star Tea Party
Smoky Mountain Tea Party Patriots
The Tea Party Patriots

P.O. Box 5688Maryville, TN 37802

865-982-5180

E-Mail: john@usa-godandcountry-petition.com


2010 THE YEAR OF RECONING, THE YEAR WE MUST VOTE
THE YEAR WE MUST VOTE FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE

We have endorsed what I feel are three of the most qualified people for the job they will be taking on. I would like you to know something about these people so you can judge for yourself.

Susan Lynn is running for state senator of Tennessee. Where do you begin about Susan. Her life is consumed with her love and passion for the state of Tennessee. Let me tell you a little about Susan, than you will know why we need to support and vote for her.

Susan Lynn has represented the 57th Legislative District in the Tennessee House of Representatives for the 106th, 105th, 104th and 103rd General Assemblies. She is chairman of the House Government Operations Committee, and serves on the Calendar & Rules and Commerce Committees as well as the Small Business Sub-Committee.

Susan has been the recipient of the Legislator of the Year Award by the Greater Nashville Regional Council; the Guardian of Small Business and the Champion of Small Business awards from NFIB and recipient of the Hann’s Seidel memorial fellowship.

Her endorsements have included Tennessee Right to Life, NRA, National Federation of Independent Businesses, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, Local police and Firefighters.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and a minor in history from Tennessee State University where she graduated Cum Laude.

I could go on and on about Susan. You need to go to her website and see all that she has accomplished for the state of Tennessee and Our country. Susan’s website will give you an in-depth look at her past voting record as well as all the committees she is on and all of her accomplishments. Please got to Susan’s website and study the candidate. Once you do, you will have no problem voting YES for Susan Lynn.


http://www.votesusanlynn.com/

Rep. Lynn's Newsletter for June 6, 2010

Please read my newsletter on my web site

The American Conservaitve - mentions Rep. Lynn's work

States’ Fights
Nullification makes a comeback—and not just on the Right
By Jeff Taylor

Inside Baseball on the Health Care Freedom Act(s)

There is some confusion over the bills so here is the inside baseball.

There are two bills and a Constitutional Amendment. One bill and the Constitutional Amendment are now dead.

(HB2622/SB2560)I filed the Health Care Freedom Act on January 14th and gave the Senate companion to Senator Diane Black. My bill is model legislation from the American Legislative Exchange Council (http://www.alec.org/). I am a Task Force Chairman at ALEC. We worked on this bill all last summer and fall through conference calls – then passed it as national model legislation at ALEC’s December meeting in Washington DC. It is being run all over the country and has passed in many states. The Attorney General opined that my bill is Constitutional.

HB3433/SB3498) Senator Beavers filed another version of the bill on January 28, one which she also named the Health Care Freedom Act. She gave the House companion bill to Rep. Harwell to run. Harwell felt bad when she realized that Beavers had filed a bill similar to mine so she asked me to take over the bill. I refused saying I was concerned about political appearances. So after a couple of more weeks of talking it over, Harwell gave the bill to Rep. Bell on 2/22/10. It was found to be un-Constitutional by the AG. Beavers has stated that her bill is not the ALEC model legislation however it was created by an ALEC state chairman.

HJR745 - I also filed a Constitutional Amendment, called the Health Care Freedom Act, to amend the Tennessee Constitution to do the same thing.

Both bills and the Constitutional Amendment made it out of Industrial Impact Committee and the Commerce Committee in the House. Bell’s bill (Mae’s) and my Constitutional Amendment made it to the Finance Committee. Bell’s bill died in Finance because the Speaker voted against it. He said because it is unconstitutional and because Rep. Odom read something out of the federal legislation that influenced him. My Constitutional Amendment died in Finance too.

My Health Care Freedom Act bill made it to the Calendar and Rules Committee (it didn’t have to go to Finance Com) where it has averted death many times and been held up waiting for my Senate sponsor to take action on the bill. At this point, all of the Senate committees are closed so right now the bill cannot be run. However, my Senate sponsor says she is working hard to get a committee open so she can run the bill. I hope so.

Speaker Williams voted for my bill in Calendar and Rules Committee yesterday afternoon because it is Constitutional - so now the bill is on the floor calendar. To get the bill voted out of Calendar Committee, and close the debate so we could take the vote or else the Democrats would have prevented us from calling the question indefinately, I had to promise that I won’t run the bill on the floor unless the Senate version makes it out of the Senate Committee.

I hope and pray that the bill makes it out of the Senate committee…stay tuned.

In addition, I filed HJR704, to send a message to Congress about the health care bill and their mandates on us. It was a HUGE two hour floor fight to get it passed. So far, it has not passed in the Senate either. I hope you will watch the video of the floor fight. It was a battle but I really loved defending this legislation.


GOLDWATER INSTITUTE'S NOTES
ALEC'S NOTES ON BILL

Boards and Commissions the Subject of Political Points of View

As Session ends, the House and the Senate differ on amendments for legislation regarding appointments to boards and commissions, and the bills may head to conference committee. In question is whether appointments to a handful of regulatory boards and commissions should be strictly political appointments or if a merit based system is best; one which provides the regulated industries a say in who represents their profession or trade.

Approximately 112 different professions and trades are licensed by regulatory boards and commissions in Tennessee. This represents thousands of business people across our state. As a result, each licensed individual is subject to an extensive amount of state law and regulation over what they do.

The duty of a board or commission involves issuing licenses to practice, deciding on certain industry regulations and standards, and hearing complaints against a licensee.

Boards and commissions typically include members of the executive branch of state government such as the Commissioner of Health, Labor, or Commerce. Other appointees may include members of the legislative branch such as state legislators, the State Treasurer, Comptroller or Secretary of State. Members of the regulated profession or trade are also appointed to serve. In addition, a consumer member is appointed.

Boards often meet a few days a month. Members are not paid but some boards and commissions have the authority to grant a per diem for compensation of gas and hotel expenses - typically up to $50.00 a day maximum. “Some members do complain that their service poses a significant loss of time and income – so finding dedicated individuals to serve is critical.” stated State Rep. Susan Lynn, Chairman of the House Government Operations Committee.

Most board and commission members are appointed by the governor. However, a few select boards require a very high degree of technical knowledge, commitment and experience. For these, the General Assembly has developed a process that allows the regulated professions and trades to nominate individuals that they feel are qualified, experienced and willing to make a personal sacrifice to represent their industry.

The current process requires that several nominations are received from the industry with a final decision made by the Governor. If the Governor finds all nominees are unsatisfactory, he may reject all nominations and request more from the industry. “The current process has worked well and the industry has felt as if it is well represented. Who doesn’t realize that it is only natural to every politician to appoint people that will best serve their own self-interest not society as a whole? Or at least that is the publics’ strong perception. The current process has taken that kind of politics out of the mix, and allowed the regulated business people to have a voice.” stated Chairman Lynn; House sponsor of the bills in question.

However this year the Senate Gov. Ops. Committee wants to remove any say by the regulated trades and professions over who will serve their industry. Instead, the Senate has proposed leaving the appointments for these technical boards strictly up to the Governor; a process which creates fear over political patronage and the injection unnecessary politics into the process. The Senate committee concedes that no one has requested their proposed change but they still want to make all appointments political appointments starting this year.

Lynn noted that “it is not only industry that will lose their ability to ensure competent and knowledgeable representatives on boards of vital interest to them – local governments too will lose the same opportunity.”

This week Attorney General Bob Cooper stated in an opinion requested by Senator Bo Watson, Chairman of the Senate Government Operations Committee, that the current process of allowing the trades and professions to submit nominations from which the Governor shall choose is indeed constitutional.

The Air Pollution Control Board makes regulatory decisions which are crucial to business and industry in our state regarding air pollution as well as to those groups with environmental concerns. The interests and views of the two sides can at times differ greatly.

The point has always been to nominate people to the Air Pollution Control Board based on merit; people that truly understand the technical aspects of the issue. Environmental and business trades currently nominate members to serve. It is in each sides best interest to recommend to the governor the most highly qualified and competent voice they can find. However, if the board is subject to strictly political appointments the fear is that sides will be prevented from having who they perceive to be the very best representative for their side of the cause.

“The Senate’s amendments are very governmentcentric. They assume politicians’ and government know best. The regulated industries are already subject to the whims and opinions of politicians to a very high degree. Politicians create the law that governs their trade, then a board made up of politicians and political appointees makes regulations for what they can and cannot do, and also judges how they do their jobs. To me, the few boards and commissions that have industry nominations are the most Republican. It is the people that make nominations to these boards and commissions but for some reason the Senate wants to take away the peoples’ voice.” stated Chairman Lynn.

“I have reviewed the legislation from the Senate and listened to legislators and concerned parties. I have not heard from Governor Bredesen…he has not stated that he wants sole decision making authority over appointments to these boards and commissions but I have heard from realtors, dentists, architects, engineers, chiropractors, auto dealers and physicians who are afraid of mere political appointees representing them. One individual said to me “Look, government is supposed to be for the people, by the people and of the people – why is the Senate trying to exclude us from the process and hand absolutely everything over to the politicians?” Stated Lynn.

Lynn further commented “I understand how he feels. Right now I am trying to pass another bill that would ensure that initial rules created for licensure can never be emergency rules because emergency rules exclude public input.”

Lynn added “There are nearly 2000 appointments to be made on boards and commissions each year – the Governor could literally spend all day, every day, looking for people to serve. The current process, while it may not be perfect, does cut down on that work for a small quantity while making sure that the people are involved and have a voice.”


Susan Lynn is a four term Tennessee state House member and Chairman of the House Government Operations Committee. She is also the Chairman of the Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force at the American Legislative Exchange Council; currently in her second term. She is the only member of the Tennessee House ever appointed by ALEC to chair a Task Force.

An Evening with Ann Coulter

The National Fiscal Conservative P.A.C. is pleased to announce their inaugural event, an evening with Ann Coulter.

The date and time are May 29, 2010 from 5:30-9:00pm at the Sheraton Downtown Nashville. The evening will feature a Meet and Greet with Ann, an elegant 3 course dinner and a program to follow culminating with Ann’s remarks as the highlight of the event. The final item on the agenda is a book signing.

Space is limited and seating is reserved with the best seats going to the first to register.

Also Appearing: Con Hunley, Marsha Blackburn, Glen Casada, and Jack Johnson.

The cost for the event is $175 per person to attend the pre-event networking with a cash bar, dinner, program, Ann’s remarks and the book signing. Seating will be “Reserved” by name with reservations being assigned from the front of the room to the back of the room on a first come-first served basis. We're holding a silent auction of some very special Conservatively themed art work specially created for this event. There will also be a special presentation that evening the likes of which you have never seen before!

Tickets for the Meet and Greet with Ann are available at $500 per ticket. This grants access to the entire evening, beginning with the Meet and Greet at 5:30 through the book signing. There are only 48 of these tickets available. Each table for the evening will seat 12 persons. Table sponsorships are available for $3500 per table. Table sponsorships include the entire evening’s events AND 2 tickets to the 5:30 Meet and Greet with Ann. Table sponsors will receive priority table assignment.

You may pay for your tickets online at their website or by mailing your check with a note as to the seating package you desire to: NFC PAC Attn: “An Evening with Ann” 236 Gardenridge Drive Franklin, TN 37069

Download a flyer for An Evening with Ann Coulter for more information.

Tennessean Column

Please see my guest column in today's Tennessean


Taxing the oil and gas industries is a roadblock to economic stability

I believe that we Tennesseans are forward-looking, innovative people. Just think of all the great marvels that came from our state: country music, the typewriter ribbon, the touch-screen monitor, miniature golf and nuclear research. Unfortunately, with a state unemployment rate averaging 10 percent, Tennesseans are lacking opportunities to utilize their ingenuity. President Barack Obama has said jobs are his top priority — well then, he can start creating them through an industry that already supports more than 9 million American workers: the U.S. oil and natural gas industry. Exploration and production of untapped domestic oil and natural gas resources would create hundreds of thousands of new jobs and generate more than $1.7 trillion in revenue. That's money desperately needed to help meet Tennessee's $1 billion budget shortfall, build roads and schools in our cities and fund health-care initiatives. People get it.

Here in the Volunteer State, we can begin by expanding and upgrading projects associated with Canadian oil sands. A study by the Canadian Energy Research Institute estimates that by allowing our neighbors to the north develop their rich and abundant resources, Tennessee could gain 7,000 new indirect and direct jobs — including well-paying jobs in refining — between 2011 and 2015. The study also projects that we'll see an added economic value of $598 million by 2015.

President Obama's recent decision to allow offshore energy development in the Outer Continental Shelf moves Tennesseans an inch closer toward those economic benefits, but we cannot afford to inch along. People understand this. In fact, 72 percent of registered voters are in favor of offshore drilling, according to a recent Rasmussen survey.

We want the president to take prompt action to ensure our state and nation will see recovery, while securing America's energy future and decreasing our dependence on foreign oil. His support for misguided policies, including cap and trade and $80 billion in tax increases on the U.S. oil and natural gas industry, are roadblocks to job growth and economic revival. These proposals would discourage investment and pass on added costs to consumers and businesses, while increasing our dependence on imported energy.

The president has offered rhetoric on harnessing America's oil and natural gas resources to breathe life back into our state and national economies. I sincerely hope he takes swift, but wise, steps to make that happen. As I imagine all of the great innovations that have yet to be born in our state, I know that Tennesseans are eager to put their skills to work.

State Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mt. Juliet, represents the 57th Legislative District and is chairman of the American Legislative Exchange Council Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force.

Constitutional Amendment Protecting Freedom of Health Care Rights Passes Committee

(NASHVILLE, TN) – Rep. Susan Lynn this morning passed HJR 745 out of the House Commerce Committee. The measure is a Constitutional Amendment to the Tennessee Constitution that would prohibit laws or rules that would compel any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system.

The amendment is directed at protecting the rights of Tennesseans from any government that would require them to purchase a health insurance project.

"This bill is a necessary step in light of what we see our federal Government passing and attempting to enact," said Rep. Lynn.

The resolution will be heard next in the House Finance, Ways & Means Committee.

Representative Lynn serves House District 57, which consists of part of Sumner and Wilson Counties. She is serving in her fourth term in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Her work includes serving as on the House Government Operations Committee as well as serving on the House Commerce Committee.

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AG Opinion: Constitutionally Valid

AG Opinion: Lynn's Health Care Freedom Bill Constitutionally Valid

(NASHVILLE, TN) – Tennessee Attorney General Robert E. Cooper, Jr. today issued an opinion that HB2622 – the Health Care Freedom Act sponsored by State Representative Susan Lynn (R – Lebanon) - is constitutionally valid; the Opinion number 10-47.

“The language in this bill was carefully crafted by the American Legislative Exchange Council and I was confident that the AG would conclude that it is constitutional,” said Rep. Lynn.

The bill today was deferred one week by the House Commerce Committee. It will be heard Tuesday, April 20th at 10 a.m.

Representative Lynn serves House District 57, which consists of part of Sumner and Wilson Counties. She is serving in her fourth term in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Her work includes serving as on the House Government Operations Committee as well as serving on the House Commerce Committee.

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HJR704 Passes House 66/29

(NASHVILLE, TN) – State Representative Susan Lynn defended for an hour and a half on Monday night on the House floor the need for a House Joint Resolution to the U.S. Congress that expresses opposition to the institution of new federal review, oversight, or preemption of state health insurance laws, the creation of a federal health insurance exchange or connector, and the creation of a federal health insurance plan (public plan) option.

Days earlier the measure easily passed the Commerce Committee, with the committee recognizing that Tennessee's insurance laws stand to be preempted by the federal health care legislation and that Tennessee will have to implement a very complicated and expensive the federal insurance exchange should the federal legislation come into full effect.

A great deal of debate on the House floor centered around concerns that some members have concerning the uninsured. "The measure is not about the uninsured but about the hundreds of thousands that are insured and satisfied with their insurance coverage; coverage that stands to change due to the new federal law” stated Rep. Lynn. “Insurance laws are the state’s responsibility, not the federal governments."

The bills finally passed after an attempt to table the measure, and to amend the measure were successfully defeated, in addition, motions to re-refer the bill to committee were also held off. The final vote was 66 to 29.

Representative Lynn serves House District 57, which consists of part of Sumner and Wilson Counties. She is serving in her fourth term in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Her work includes serving as on the House Government Operations Committee as well as serving on the House Commerce Committee.

Link to video clip http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=HJR0704 Click on video clips. Click on Floor Video - Video. Once the video starts click on HJR0704 under the video.

Video from News Channel 4 http://www.wsmv.com/video/23135068/index.html
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Anti-coercion bill passes Tennessee House

(NASHVILLE, TN) – Representative Susan Lynn (R-Lebanon) today passed the Freedom From Coercion Act on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The bill, passing with bi-partisan co-sponsorships, concerns current law which states that it is illegal to coerce a woman to have an abortion. The bill requires facilities where abortions are performed to post signage informing that it is illegal for anyone to coerce a woman to have an abortion.

House Government Operations chairman Susan Lynn (R-Lebanon) stated “This bill was inspired by a woman who was coerced to have an abortion at the age of 17 - thirty years went by before she sought help for her grief over the event. She subsequently learned that such coercion is not uncommon for women. This legislation is her attempt to try to make a difference. I am honored that I could play a part.”

The Senate version, sponsored by Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), was passed in the Senate on the same day.

Representative Lynn serves House District 57, which consists of part of Sumner and Wilson Counties. She is serving in her third term in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Her work includes serving as on the House Government Operations Committee as well as serving on the House Commerce Committee.

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Tennessean Column 4/1/2010

Labeling is just more government control


Last year, I passed an anti-menu-labeling bill that was subsequently vetoed by the governor. We overrode the veto in the House and Senate after reconvening in January, which put the law into effect in Tennessee.

As chairwoman of the American Legislative Exchange Council's Commerce Task Force, a national state legislator organization, I proposed and passed anti-menu-labeling model legislation for the states.

Now we learn that the federal health-care bill contains menu-labeling dictates for restaurant menus, menu boards, drive-through displays and vending machines. A few local and state governments have similar regulations. The evidence varies about whether menu labeling is effective.

Regulation will cost consumers

Some studies show that as few as one in six consumers actually use the information to make purchasing decisions. Harvard University removed menu-labeling information in its dining halls in the fall of 2008 due to concerns from parents and friends over students who developed eating disorders. As a result, other schools have avoided the idea altogether.

What can't be legislated are the motivations of consumers; for instance, another study showed that consumers significantly increased total energy, fat grams, carbohydrate grams and decreased protein and energy from protein when exposed to menu labeling information. It seems that people become overly concerned with calorie information rather than the more important matters of nutrition and variety.

Just as concerning as the misuse of information is the great monetary cost that consumers must suffer. Replacing menus, menu boards and handouts and testing food is expensive. Determining the number of calories in a food item is a matter of science — the food must be burned and the amount of heat it emits determines its calories. In several states the requirement has opened restaurants up to class-action lawsuits due to claims of inaccurate calorie and nutrition counts.
There are loopholes; menu specials, custom orders and ingredient substitutions are exempted —for now.

But where is the principle that allows the federal government to impose such a mandate on restaurants?

The fault is mainly due to a modern misinterpretation of the Commerce clause of the Constitution. Until roughly 1942, the Commerce clause was well understood to be a power of the federal government used only to remove impediments to trade between the states — such as tariffs charged by one state on goods moving through to another state. The idea was to limit state legislatures from restricting trade between each other, thus allowing consumers and merchants freedom to trade. It was never to allow the federal government to decide what commerce will be legal or not legal or what regulations will apply to trades and services.
In addition, such regulations are simply not anywhere part of the federal government's 30 enumerated powers. Further, there must be a constitutional violation of rights in order for government to force us all to incur such expense. What right is being secured by the imposition of menu labeling?

Is it even likely that anyone unschooled on proper diet will even appreciate the information on a menu board? Would not those that already understand know proper choices? Certainly people of good conscience are not fooled by their own purchasing decisions. Federal menu labeling is more big government control.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100401/OPINION01/4010331/1007

Susan's Weekly Newsletter

Please read my weekly newsletter March 11, 2010

Susan's Weekly Newsletter

Please read Susan's weekly newsletter, 2/5/10