by Scott Arnold
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The first day back in session for Tennessee state lawmakers brought some surprises: new bills, protesters and a detailed look at the Governor's agenda.
The first big surprise of the day started with Occupy Nashville protesters throwing fake money down on lawmakers while they were in session. When protesters lined the entrance to House Chambers early Tuesday morning lawmakers knew it wasn't going to be business as usual.
Occupiers rained fake money down on legislators. Protesters said they believe that politicians are bought and sold by donations from big companies.
Although the move was bold, it did not disrupt proceedings.
"We were aware that they were going to be with us today, and I really thought it was a rather insignificant gesture on their part -- so I did not gavel them down but of course I don't encourage any type of behavior like that on the house floor," said Speaker Beth Harwell
Another group that tried to steal the spotlight was Tennesseans for Fair Taxation, who vowed to make an appearance on the first day back in session.
Governor Haslam also had few surprises up his sleeve Tuesday. He revealed his legislative agenda, including a new push to lower the sales tax on food. The lower sales tax is something Democrats have wanted for years. Haslam wants to lower the tax from 5.5 percent to 5.3 percent.
The Governor also wants to give local school districts more options and flexibility in how they approach classroom instruction and teacher compensation.
"First it keeps the maximum class size requirement, but average class size requirements or mandates per school go away -- at the local's discretion. Also it eliminates outdated requirements of state and local salary schedules based on seniority and training and gives districts the flexibility to set parameters themselves based on what they want to reward," the Governor said.
Lawmakers will now carry the Governor's bills as the session continues. Over the next few months lawmakers will also debate some high profile issues.
Email: sarnold@newschannel5.com
