3/17: TN legislators prepare for a vote to ban an income tax

WDEF: Tennessee legislators prepare for a vote to ban an income tax

A constitutional amendment banning an income tax has now been read twice on the Senate floor. Senators could vote on it as early as Thursday. If it passes, the proposal would then be sent to the House for approval. Then, next year, lawmakers would have to pass it with a two-thirds majority before the public could vote on it in 2014.

State Rep. Eric Watson of Cleveland says Tennessee and an income tax don't mix. "It's very difficult and this is something we don't need. The people are fed up with the government and state agencies wasting money."

The constitutional amendment would allow the state to continue to collect taxes on income from stocks and bonds.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's prepaid tuition plan could be over by fall 2011

ARKANSAS: Lawsuit contests law that bars unmarried couples from adoption/fostering

FLORIDA: FEMA denies Florida's request for Chinese drywall help

GEORGIA: House passes bill to keep crime scene photos sealed

KENTUCKY: Horse racing bill to get revamped before it heads to Senate

LOUISIANA: State a finalist in Race to the Top federal education funds competition

MISSISSIPPI: State Senate boosts education funding by $29 million

NORTH CAROLINA: State Attorney General wants to expand DNA database

SOUTH CAROLINA: State Senate rejects move to ban earmarks

VIRGINIA: Eight state rest-areas to reopen today

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

1/21: Pres. Obama may scale back health care overhaul

New York Times: President Obama may scale back health care overhaul

President Obama signaled Wednesday that he may be open to scaling back his proposed health care overhaul to a version that could attract bipartisan support. The election of Scott Brown to the Senate seat in Massachusetts has changed the climate in Congress, as Democrats no longer have enough votes to stop filibusters.

In an interview with ABC, President Obama cited two specific goals for the health care plan: cracking down on insurance industry practices that hurt consumers and reining in health costs.

This issue continues to be one to watch.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State gets $6 million in stimulus funds for energy job training

ARKANSAS: Sen. Teague considers business tax hike to cover borrowed unemployment funds

FLORIDA: 5,000 cold-stunned sea turtles rescued by state & federal wildlife workers

GEORGIA: World's largest wood pellet plant to be built in Waycross

KENTUCKY: Bake sales promoted as way to plug state's budget hole

LOUISIANA: Opinion: Forgiveness of federal loan lifts a heavy burden from Louisiana

MISSISSIPPI: A dozen libraries in south Mississippi close due to budget woes

NORTH CAROLINA: Nonprofit to get $28 million in stimulus funds to expand Internet access

SOUTH CAROLINA: Gov. Sanford gives final State of the State address, gives three goals

TENNESSEE: Senate approves restructuring of higher education funding

VIRGINIA: State to re-open 19 rest areas

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org