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Advocate Andy
Committee Appointed to Guide New State School Funding Formula
A new school funding formula takes effect in 2023-24, this committee will supervise implementation. 2023 marks the last year of Tennessee's legacy school funding formula - the Basic Education Program (BEP). The BEP formula determined how much each of the state's school systems received in state and local dollars each year based on an intricate set of inputs and desired outcomes. That formula governed school finance in the state for 30 years and is essentially retiring at the end of this year.
Customers of Burlington Financial Group to Receive $30 Million in Payments as Victims of Deceptive Marketing
Credit repair company illegally took upfront payments, failed to improve consumer credit situations. Consumers who were victims of a debt-relief and credit repair scheme operated by Burlington Financial Group are receiving a portion of $30 million in compensation as a refund for fees paid to the company.
Lee Signs Law Expanding School Vouchers to Chattanooga
Education Savings Accounts will now be available in Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga for 2023-24 school year. Gov. Bill Lee today signed a law expanding the state's school voucher program, known as Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to Chattanooga. The program, now in its first year, is already available in Memphis and Nashville.
Consumer Group Cheers Collapse of TD Bank, First Horizon Merger
TD Bank chided by advocates for excessive overdraft fees. The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), consumer advocacy group focused on finance and banking issues, is cheering the collapse of a proposed merger between TD Bank and First Horizon as the two banks announced today they are terminating their agreement.
Consumer Bureau Raises Concerns About Medical Credit Cards
Fintech payment products create billions in medical debt for sick consumers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is raising concerns about so-called "medical credit cards" after releasing a new report showing the specialty financial products can push sick consumers into a cycle of debt.
Consumer Groups Back $8 Cap on Credit Card Late Fees
Advocacy groups express support for Consumer Bureau effort to curb fees. A coalition of consumer groups is expressing support for an effort by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to cap credit card late fees at a maximum charge of $8.
How the Consumer Bureau is Protecting Homeowners Seeking Clean Energy Financing
Consumer bureau creates new protections for homeowners financing clean energy upgrades. Converting a home that uses traditional energy sources to one that relies on clean energy can mean long-term savings for a homeowner - but those savings often come at a steep upfront cost. A federal program exists that is designed to help homeowners make the clean energy switch, but until now, loans made under this program lacked significant consumer protections.
Democratic Leaders Call for Gun Safety Reform
Lawmakers push for action in upcoming special legislative session. The Democratic leaders of Tennessee's House and Senate are calling on their colleagues to heed Gov. Bill Lee's request for passage of a Red Flag law for gun safety and also suggesting additional reforms to enhance public safety.
Lee Announces New Commissioner of Education
Gov. Bill Lee announced today that the Tennessee Department of Education will soon have new leadership. Current Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn announced her resignation today, effective in just a few weeks when the school year ends for most districts around the state.
Tennessee Doctors Say Abortion Law Limits Freedom, Harms Patients
Physicians warn new laws could restrict access to reproductive healthcare. A group of Tennessee doctors affiliated with the healthcare advocacy group Protect My Care are speaking out about an amendment Gov. Bill Lee recently signed which creates some narrow exceptions to Tennessee's near-total abortion ban.
Lee Commends Legislators for Passing His Policy Agenda
Lawmakers backed Lee's $56 billion budget and approved key policy goals. Gov. Bill Lee is celebrating the passage of his 2023 legislative agenda, including a $56.2 billion state budget. Lee put forward his key policy initiatives early this year and as the legislature's session concluded, saw passage of each of them - from roads and infrastructure improvement to education.
Coalition Calls on House Committee to Preserve Powers of Consumer Bureau
House GOP seeks to weaken Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A broad coalition of consumer advocacy groups is calling on members of the U.S. House of Representatives to reject efforts to weaken the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Consumer Advocates Cheer End of Income Share Agreement Legislation
Illinois bill would have allowed interest rates up to 20% for student loans. Legislation backed by the Income Share Agreement (ISA) industry met its legislative demise this week to applause from consumer and student borrower advocates.
Consumer Bureau Takes Action to Protect Homeowners from "Zombie Mortgages"
Regulator issues guidance designed to protect consumers from improper foreclosure. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is taking action to protect homeowners from foreclosure actions brought on what it calls "zombie mortgages" that are outside the statute of limitations for collection.
Good Government Group Calls for Criminal Investigation of Speaker Sexton
Group cites conflict between Sexton's residency, per diem requests. A national nonprofit group with a focus on ethics in government is calling for state and federal criminal investigations into Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton following media reports related to Sexton's residency and per diem requests.
Consumers Defrauded by Tooth Whitening "Free Trial" to Get Refunds
FTC to issue $1.1 million in checks to more than 40,000 consumers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is issuing a total of $1.1 million in checks to 41,934 consumers who were defrauded in what they thought was a "free trial" of tooth whiteners and other related products.
Nearly 1100 Physician Parents Call on Legislature to Pass Gun Reform
Group says recent school shooting highlights need for policy action. A group of Tennessee physicians who are also the parents of school-age children is calling on the Tennessee General Assembly to take action to reduce gun violence. The group is hopeful legislators will use an upcoming special legislative session to pass a Red Flag law and other measures that would protect children from gun violence.
Pastors Decry Harmful Policies Passed in Legislative Session
Advocacy group says General Assembly moved state away from a "moral agenda" A group of Tennessee pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition is decrying the recently concluded session of the Tennessee General Assembly as one that moved the state away from what the group calls a "moral policy agenda."
Advocate Andy
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Andy Spears is a middle Tennessee writer and policy advocate. He reports on news around public policy issues - education, health care, consumer protection, and more.
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