REVERSAL IN FEDERAL GUIDANCE PROMPTS CHANGE  

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development today announced that the state will continue to provide additional unemployment benefits to eligible claimants with dependent children through December 31, 2013. 

The department recently announced its intention to end the benefits based on state legislation that was passed earlier this year as a result of one-time federal funding that was no longer available.  The U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) State Conformity and Compliance team previously gave the state guidance that ending the additional dependent benefits would not affect other funds but now says that ending the additional benefits would risk the loss of funds paying for extended federal benefits called Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC). Continuing the additional benefit for approximately 12,000 claimants keeps another 22,000 Tennesseans from immediately losing their federal unemployment benefits. 

“This is part of the balancing act with federal funding, and our department’s focus continues to be efficiently and effectively serving Tennesseans who need temporary unemployment assistance,” Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips said. “It is critical that the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is sustainable. Often there are conditions regarding how federal funding may be used, and in this situation we had to balance the potential savings to the trust fund with the total impact of those receiving federal unemployment benefits.” 

In 2009, Tennessee received one-time federal funds in the amount of $141,808,031 as an incentive grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to strengthen the rapidly depleting Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. As a result, beginning in 2010, eligible unemployment insurance claimants supporting minor children began receiving an additional allowance to their weekly unemployment benefit amount.

At the end of December 2013, the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program is set to expire, and the additional dependent benefits are expected to end.

Raising over $300,000 in the second fundraising quarter Tracy ends the quarter 2 to 1 ahead of opponents combined 

Murfreesboro, TN- The Jim Tracy for Congress campaign announced raising $303,000 in the 2nd fundraising quarter, raising nearly $750,000 in six months more than 13 months prior the primary election.  Embattled incumbent DesJarlais reported his 2^nd quarter fundraising at $39,155, and challenger Joe Carr reported a 2^nd quarter fundraising number of $100,000. 

“The 2^nd quarter fundraising numbers clearly show Jim Tracy’s support in the 4^th district,” said Tracy for Congress Finance Chairman Shane Reeves. “But more importantly, the numbers demonstrate that the Tracy for Congress campaign is running a smart, lean, grassroots campaign focused on the issues.” 

Tracy ended the quarter with over $656,000 cash on hand compared to Desjarlais’s $88,000 and Carr’s $275,000. 

“I am truly grateful for the prayers, support, and encouragement Trena and I have received since announcing in January,” said Tracy. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet citizens of every county in the 4^th Congressional district and learn what is most important to them. I’m ready to take their fight to Washington and I won’t let them down.” 

To learn more about Jim Tracy visit www.tracyfortn.com

Marshall Medical Center Welcomes Pediatrician To Lewisburg

 

LEWISBURG, Tenn. – William A. See III, D.O., a specialist in pediatrics, has joined the medical staff at Marshall Medical Center. He is associated with the Family Health Group Lewisburg practice.

 

Dr. See received his medical degree from Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Kentucky. He completed a residency in pediatrics at Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. See is board certified in pediatrics.

 

Dr. See’s office is located at 1090 North Ellington Parkway, Suite 201, in Lewisburg. His office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 931.270.3655 for more information.

 NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation last night arrested a convicted felon on weapon charges after receiving allegations that he was involved in a murder for hire plot.

Frank Pittro, 62, of Ardmore, Tenn. was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of prohibited weapons. On June 26, 2013, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department received information that Pittro was possibly involved in a plot to have three individuals killed. The 17th Judicial District Attorney General requested TBI to investigate. TBI determined that Pittro had numerous felony convictions including murder, and through further investigation agents found firearms at Pittro’s residence on Ardmore Highway. The investigation into the murder for hire plot is continuing. 

The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the investigation. Pittro was booked into the Lincoln County Jail without bond.