Lawmakers grill education commissioner over ‘missteps’
Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn avoided a no-confidence vote Tuesday, Sept. 21 but not verbal criticism from lawmakers during a House Education Committee hearing.
Topic: Antonio Parkinson
RSSThere are 120 article(s) tagged Antonio Parkinson:
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September 2020
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Lawmakers take partisan view of Trump downplaying COVID threat
Shelby County’s Republican legislators defend President Donald Trump’s comments to author Bob Woodward while Democrats say he misled the nation.
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Teachers’ group calls for speeding up ASD shutdown
A teachers' group is urging the state to speed up the phase-out of Tennessee’s Achievement School District and return those schools, most of them in Memphis, to their local school districts.
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August 2020
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Memphis mask fundraising campaign helps on multiple fronts
“Mask for Memphis” raised about $25,000 during the past four months and distributed 2,600 masks at multiple mask giveaway events in Raleigh, Frayser and other North Memphis neighborhoods. Masks provided through the fundraiser are washable and reusable.
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Sons of Confederate Veterans claim State Capitol Commission has no authority over Forrest bust
A Sons of Confederate Veterans lawsuit against the state contends the State Capitol Commission has no authority over the bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest and that a vote to relocate it should be “null and void.”
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July 2020
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Lee says virtual education parents could draw unemployment, but Labor Department uncertain
Tennessee parents who stay home with children for virtual education are eligible for unemployment and cash assistance, Gov. Bill Lee said this week. But the Department of Labor was unclear on the question.
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Potential legislative special session could be affected by pandemic
Tennessee leaders are weighing the prospects for a special session to consider a COVID-19 liability immunity bill and several other issues in early August.
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In-school or at-home learning: Parents face a tough question
They have until Saturday, July 18, to decide whether their children return to Shelby County Schools’ buildings or stay home to learn with the aid of a school-issued laptop or tablet.
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Critics say Tennessee push to reopen economy is backfiring
Gov. Bill Lee continues to call the COVID-19 pandemic a crisis, but some Memphis lawmakers question his strategy as cases spike. They say he needs to be prepared for another round of spending to help families as the school year starts.
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June 2020
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House gives schools, businesses protection from COVID lawsuits
The state House voted 80-9 Tuesday to give schools, businesses and hospitals broader protections against the potential for "frivolous lawsuits" tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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House tries to find calm amid chaotic atmosphere
In the waning days of the 111th General Assembly, the House of Representatives descended into an atmosphere of chaotic uncertainty but slowly started trying to take a new direction Wednesday morning.
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Rep. Parkinson apologizes in effort to cut House tension
In an effort to calm nerves, state Rep. Antonio Parkinson issued an apology Wednesday night for cursing during an outburst the previous evening as he tried to defend a slain Nashville teenager.
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House panel passes legislation recognizing Juneteenth that may die in Senate
The House finance committee passed a bill Monday creating the observance of Juneteenth in Tennessee to recognize the freedom of the slaves in Texas 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. But it appears to be going nowhere in the Senate, like many other House measures.
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House Democrats face uphill battle to pass George Floyd Act
State Rep. Antonio Parkinson says if NASCAR can ban the Confederate flag, the state Legislature can take action in response to George Floyd’s death, including passage of legislation designed to reform police techniques.
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Tennessee deploys 1,000 troops to D.C. to deal with potential rioters
The Tennessee National Guard mobilizes 1,000 troops to stop potential rioting in the nation’s capital over the death of George Floyd.
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May 2020
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Legislation on pay for student-athlete endorsements fails
An effort to tweak the NCAA's nose failed Tuesday in the General Assembly as two Memphis lawmakers' bills allowing student-athletes to be compensated failed to gain traction.
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DeVos directive on CARES Act funding splits Shelby lawmakers
Tennessee House Education Committee Chairman Mark White agrees with federal guidelines diverting a great share of CARES Act funds to private schools, but Memphis Democrats say the decision creates a wider gap in education resources.
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Appeals Court decision puts voucher program in jeopardy for 2020-21
Tennessee’s Education Savings Account program faces a tough road for the coming school year after the state Court of Appeals upheld a decision enjoining the state from executing it until the legal case is decided. Arguments aren't scheduled until Aug. 5, about the time school is expected to start.
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April 2020
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House Democrats call for unemployment protection as state returns to work
Tennessee’s House Democrats urged Gov. Bill Lee’s Administration to reverse policy and provide people with unemployment benefits even if they're scared to go back to work as the state opens businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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State’s COVID-19 response reflecting desperation of some
COVID-related protests in Tennessee and nationally are drawing mixed reviews from lawmakers with some calling them "troublesome" and "irresponsible" while others saying they are encouraging.
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White predicts difficulty reopening schools; governor set to announce decision
House Education Committee Chairman Mark White is skeptical about the safety of reopening schools this year because of the need to maintain social distancing.
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Legislators doubt schools will reopen, question voucher rollout
State lawmakers say schools likely won't reopen this year amid the COVID-19 threat, and some are questioning the state Department of Education for rolling out applications for education savings accounts during an emergency.
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March 2020
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Parkinson, Coley urge stronger action by governor
State Reps. Antonio Parkinson and Jim Coley say Gov. Bill Lee needs to take more "decisive" action to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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North Memphis officials seek state funding to help with COVID-19
State Rep. Antonio Parkinson is seeking more state funding for unemployment benefits and food stamps to help the working poor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Uninsured Tennesseans will depend on safety net, charity for coronavirus treatment
Memphis is home to one of Tennessee's safety net hospitals, which will serve low-income residents in need of health care should they contract the COVID-19 virus.
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