You Get The Next One: Secretary Of State Offers To Pick Up The Tab For SJR 127 Notification
Posted on April 8, 2009 at 3:57 pmSecretary of State Tre Hargett has apparently stepped in and removed a potential roadblock to the passage of SJR127, the constitutional amendment which would allow the legislature more power to regulate abortions in Tennessee.
In a memo obtained by NashvillePost.com addressed to leaders in both parties and both chambers of the legislature, Secretary of State Tre Hargett states that his office will fund the constitutionally mandated printed public notification required of all constitutional amendments (at an estimated cost of $20,000) regardless of whether a traditional appropriation is provided for in the budget.
“[B]ecause the Department of State is obligated by the constitution to publish a proposed amendment to the constitution, we will do so even without the appropriation of additional funds,” states Hargett in the memo.
If the Department of State does have to “front” the funds needed for the publication of the notifications, however, it will be a one time-only type deal.
“The ability to absorb publication expense is not without limit. After the publication of SJR127, the publication of any additional amendments would be subject to having adequate funding,” warns the Secretary of State.
This action is not without precedent.
In 2004, in a time of similar budgetary constraints, then-Secretary of State Riley Darnell picked up the tab for the notification for two proposed constitutional amendments, one banning gay marriage and other providing a property tax break for elderly homeowners.
The Secretary’s memo gives SJR127 the wide berth conservatives had been hoping for. While $20,000 fiscal note attached to SJR127 had been jettisoned in favor of a provision to publish notification online, some legislators balked at the notion of an internet-only notification in deference to constituents without convenient and reliable internet access.
An amendment to ban a state income tax was “put behind the budget” and effectively killed in the House Budget Subcommittee last week over similar internet-only notification concerns.
Comments
28 Responses to “You Get The Next One: Secretary Of State Offers To Pick Up The Tab For SJR 127 Notification”
Of course Hargett will pick up the tab on this. How else do they expect to get the Rapture Right to the polls next year?
I am extremely disappointed with the legislators who voted for this. 1) It shows they lack understanding of the issue-abortion is a symptom of the real problem-unwanted pregnancy. 2) I take great issue with a government who wants to make decisions about my body only if I become pregnant but could care less about it before and after. I would never take away a woman and her doctor’s right to chose what is best for her. It is not for government to judge, those decisions should be judged by God alone.
It is sad that legislators vote on an issue such as this to remain in power rather than on its health implications/costs and indivdual freedoms.
“but could care less about it before and after. ” I think you need to check your facts. Tenncare, food stamps, WIC, welfare, Choices resource center, Tennessee right to life etc. There are plenty of public and private resources available pre and post birth to cover all realistic needs.
There are plenty of public and private resources available pre and post birth to cover all realistic needs.
Excuse me, but….BAAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAA!
Doesn’t surprise me you haven’t bothered to read any of the publications by the Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers, the TN Economic Council on Women, or several other advocacy groups that place Tennessee near the bottom on virtually every indicator on quality of life for women in the United States.
We have worse access to capital; less access to health insurance; less economic opportunity; less political opportunity…the list goes on.
If you and your pals over at the Legislature would do more work on these issues and less on grandstanding and promoting yourselves, we likely wouldn’t be having these problems. Not that any thinking person looks for that to happen anytime soon.
“Rapture Right”??? Wow…you liberals are all so intolerant of views other than those that align with your own. The anger and hatered toward Christians reflected generally in some of these posts is shocking…shocking! I guess that constantly spewing anti-christian hate speech and posting diatribes attacking people of faith…are accpetable to some as long as they think the recipient is Christian, Conservative, or Republican. Tolerant…I think not!
JC, you are being used.
The Republicans know damn well that this will be struck down in the courts as a direct violation of the 14th Amendment of the US constitution. They do not care. They have no interest in passing this law. In fact, passing this law would be the worst thing to ever happen to them. They need it as an issue far more than they need it as an accomplishment. If they illegalize it, it’s hard for them to promise to illegalize it every two years, taking away a big part of their agenda and one of the few issues they can use to rally religious voters as a bloc.
They know that the law will be struck down. But they need religious leaders telling their followers to vote for this amendment if they’re going to hang onto their margins in 2010 and have a chance at winning the gubernatorial race. It’s one of the oldest plays in the book. They did this in 2006 too. Everyone else put an anti-gay marriage amendment on their ballots in 2004 to drive religious vote for George W. Bush. Tennessee was alwasy going to W— It was never in play. So they waited until 2006 when they had a Senate race that everyone in the nation would be one of the most hotly contended in the nation and used it to get the Religious Right to the polls.
Spare me the “intolerant of Christians” pablum. You can sit next to me in mass Sunday morning. The difference between me and the voters the Republican Party is trying to turn out with this is that I read the WHOLE Bible. Not just a couple of verses in Leviticus and the book of Revelation.
This is a political stunt. Nothing more, nothing less.
BDC,
You go to church? You “read the WHOLE Bible”? I guess I’m supposed to give you the benefit of the doubt. If only you would do the same.
Tennessee Right to Life is pulling a stunt? Why? The process of amending our Constitution is different (and lengthier) than almost any other state, but I’m sure the folks at the TNGOP are flattered that you think they could/would be so ingenious and able to see the future so as to time a homosexual “marriage” vote to coincide with a hotly contested U.S. Senate race. But, votes on amendments can ONLY happen in gubernatorial elections, so . . . but nice try at political sageyness.
Lastly, you and other commenters seem to overlook the fact that there are two human lives at issue in abortion. And one of the lives is innocent and defenseless.
Rawhide, you seem to value the potential human being more than the fully-formed human being carrying it. THAT’S what this is about.
<<>>
Are you serious apparently you’ve never needed any of this assistance. I’m a single mother who works 2 jobs to take care of my child and need some of the assistance you listed and its not so easy to get. If I were sittin at home doing nothing to better myself or maybe a non-citizen of this country it would be easier to get then someone who is actually getting off there rear to help themselves who pays taxes such as myself. Until your one that trys to get the help from the country you are from and pay taxes to, I would step off your soapbox that you feel so inclined to jump on and stop talking about something you know nothing about.
I stand corrected on the timing, but everything else is still valid. The TNGOP is pushing for an amendment that is doomed to be struck down by the US Supreme Court as unconstitutional. And they’re doing it to rally votes from the Religious Right. This IS a stunt. I know it, THEY know it, and you should by now.
Lastly, you and other commenters seem to overlook the fact that there are two human lives at issue in abortion. And one of the lives is innocent and defenseless.
Gee, I could hear John Ashcroft singing the big finish to “Let the Eagle Soar” in the background as I read that.
Of course, that depends on when you define life as beginning. When I look at a mass of biological material that cannot survive without its host, I do not think “human life”.
So no, life does not begin at fertilization. Nor does it begin at erection, nor does it happen when two drunk college kids make eye contact at a kegger.
Boy, you’re funny, BDC.
Okay, how about when the heart starts beating? Is it “human” then? Is it “alive”?
How about other “human” and “living” things that cannot survive without “hosts,” like newborns or severely disabled?
You stand corrected on a lot. And you even dodged half of the questions posed.
The Devine,
I’m sad to hear about your plight, but is that supposed to prove that pro-lifers only “care” about children in the womb? Debating you guys is like attempting to staple jello to a wall.
But your complaint (and that of others on here) raises the question of how much responsibility I assume for keeping someone from violating the law (in this case, murder) . . . do I owe wages and benefits to guys I want to deter from robbing banks?
If they are going to use this as a wedge issue then the TNDP should pound them into the ground with it. Take up the cause and tell the women of TN that the GOP is fixing to take away their right to choose! I know far more women who want that right than want to give up that right. Especially the under 30 crowd. Bring them out to vote on it. Hell we’ve had the right for a long time now because more people wanted it that way. I’ve heard a lot more noise from the anti-abortion crowed than the pro-abortion crowed, so let’s rally the majority and take the state back!
We are trying to save precious lives - women and babies. Each life is sacred and valuable. Millions and millions of babies have died…many women have suffered physically and all have suffered emotionally. Think of all the babies that would now be women - women contributing to our society. Millions of women are missing because they were killed before they were born.
Rawhide,
My point here is The Rep wanted to show basically that one shouldn’t worry about bringing a child into this and not being able to take care of said child b/c there is so much out there to help. When it comes to the government yes I believe they show there concern when it comes to the child being born, as far as caring post-baby…no I don’t see where they continue to give a hoot.
Regardless, I don’t believe that our government should be able to say what a woman can and cannot do with there body. Personally I don’t think that one should have an abortion, if they can’t raise a child then look into adoption. But again, it shouldn’t be anyone’s choice but the mothers whether or not she wants to bring a child into this world.
If we want to reduce abortions we need to better educate our young women and men, it does take two to tango. Something like 50% of abortions are women under age 25. There are many reason’s women have abortions. They do not take the decision lightly, it is not like getting your teeth cleaned. And I would love to see the statistics on income and education levels. Educating our children will lead to higher income levels, better self awareness and self esteem, which will lead to less need for abortions, TennCare, prisons, welfare programs, etc. Where are the marches, protest and tea parties for better education???
And you even dodged half of the questions posed.
You asked if it was a stunt. I said yes. You asked why. I told you. You didn’t ask any other questions. You just ranted.
Okay, how about when the heart starts beating? Is it “human” then? Is it “alive”?
You don’t have human life until that life form reaches some minimum threshold of sustainability. I’m quite comfortable with the third trimester definition because, while it’s very slim, it would not be medically impossible for a seven month pregnancy to result in a live birth. At five months, there is no chance whatsoever. It is not a distinct life form at that point. It is, at best, a symbiote.
How about other “human” and “living” things that cannot survive without “hosts,” like newborns or severely disabled?
I don’t know if you managed to sleep through third grade science or not, but once something is born, it is no longer reliant upon a host. Once they have been brought into the world, they can survive, if not with the birth parents, then some other caregiver. But it is no longer reliant upon the biological functions of another being.
Very basic stuff. We’re talking about viability here. That’s where the legal line has always been drawn, and I’m quite comfortable with that.
See, I have this strange notion that, on matters of science and medical expertise, we should actually listen to… Scientists and medical experts.
Funny, huh?
Wedge Me Up,
You’re absolutely right. I would like the TNDP to show the leadership required to turn the TNGOP’s wedge issue politics around on them. The problem we face, as always, is evidenced by the votes in the legislature: Our house stands divided on this. We have to get the right wing of the Democratic Party to stand up and say “This is a bullshit wedge issue, a simple ploy to get right wing voters to the polls. Don’t stand for it! Get out and vote to protect your rights, and to tell the Tennessee Republican Party that our constitution is not meant to be wielded as a partisan weapon”. And I don’t think the odds are that good.
It will be overturned by the US Supreme Court regardless. They know this. It’s all a part of the game. If they illegalize abortion, they have absolutely nothing to rally the Religious Right around them. It would be a disaster for them.
I firmly believe in womans rites. They have the rite to keep their britches on instead of jumping in bed with that special guy you just met in your local bar. They have the rite to have more morals than a bitch dog in heat, if they had any morals there would be no need for abortions.
Not like you have anything like that to worry about, Ron.
Right. Because men are utterly victimized by women, which is why women in this state have no access to capital, equal representation, or health insurance. Give me a goshdarn break.
Personally, I can’t wait to see you right-wingers trying to round up women who’ve had abortions for prosecution. Especially when a goodly number of them are wives and girlfriends of the likes of our friends Campfield and Crisp, here.
Otherwise, right on, BDC. If TN Democrats would stop stepping into the traps the GOP sets for them on these lightning-rod social issues, we’d be a lot better off.
Hey! Drive all the mouth-breathers to the polls AND get the TNDP to alienate much of its own constituency through support of issues it ought to know better than to touch with a ten-foot pole! You really can’t beat the strategy. It’d be nice if Democrats could learn to craft plans half as effectively. But nooooo…their strategy always seems to be cower, run away, and hope nobody gets mad at them. I for one am good and tired of it.
Thank you, Eleanor. I would love to be wrong about the elected officials, but it doesn’t happen very often. Just know that they will assist in the Republican Party once again making this state a laughingstock when the law is overturned in federal court. The majority opinion when the decision is rendered will contain a line to the effect of “Could someone please send a copy of the US Constitution to Nashville please? Thank you.”
The “no exceptions” provision is gonna get slaughtered at the polls, if this ever makes it that far. Punishing the tramps is one thing, rape babies are another. Way to overplay your hand, wingnuts.
BdC,
The questions you didn’t answer (as opposed to the one you did answer incorrectly) was whether TN Right to Life is pulling a “stunt” or doesn’t believe in the legislation. And, sorry, but your WHOLE initial comment was about how disingenuous the legislation is. Your hypothesis isn’t standing up to well to analysis.
Re. when-abortion-is-bad-for-BdC: is it the point of viability or point of not being “hosted” that you’re relying on now?
And it’s news to me that the law has always drawn the line at “viability.” Abortion on demand is the law in the U.S., and it is definitely the law in Tennessee, due to the Supreme Court’s decision in PP v. Sundquist.
Raw, I don’t give half of a flying damn about some TN Right to Life. They’re an astroturf organization. Screw that.
I’m talking about the legislators of the Tennessee Republican Party. There could be no bigger disaster for this bunch than illegalizing abortion. They know this. They also know that this law is going to be ruled unconstitutional within about fifteen seconds of its first challenge in federal court.
So analyze this: Why would the Republican Party fight to put something on the ballot that they KNOW will not stand up in court?
It’s to get single-issue religious conservatives out to the polls. It’s the same old wedge tactic the national party has been running for years.
You’re being duped if you think they have any interest other than Republican turnout on their minds.
Re. when-abortion-is-bad-for-BdC: is it the point of viability or point of not being “hosted” that you’re relying on now?
At the point of viability, biological functions are autonomic, and are no longer reliant upon the host.
A premature birth in my family convinced me that maybe medical science is a little generous in calling all third trimester embryos viable, but I’m not trying to change laws to reflect that.
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(saw the following on the web - Billy)
FOR PRETRIB RAPTURE REPEATERS
Congratulations! You are now fulfilling the Bible which says “Come now, and let us repeat together.”
Be sure to repeat what Walvoord, Lindsey, LaHaye, Ice etc. repeat what their own teachers repeat what their own teachers repeat etc. etc. etc.!
Repeat that Christ’s return is imminent because we’re told to “watch” (Matt. 24, 25) for it. So is the “day of God” (II Pet. 3:12) - which you admit is at least 1000 years ahead - also imminent because we’re told to be “looking for” it?
Also repeat the pretrib myths about the “Jewish wedding stages” and “Jewish feasts” (where’s your “church/Israel dichotomy” now?) even though Christ and Paul knew nothing about a “pretrib stage” and neither did any official theological creed or organized church before 1830!
You should read “Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty” on the “Powered by Christ Ministries” site to find out why you shouldn’t repeat everything your pretrib teachers repeat.
Do I have to repeat this?
[...] The Secretary of State offers to pick up the tab for one part of the procedure necessary for the anti-choice to push through SJR127, at a cost of [...]