April 22, 2013

State Senate approves budget and closes 2013 legislative session
“In direct contrast to Washington, Tennessee’s budget is balanced,” said Leader Norris. “The state is ranked 48th lowest in the nation in per capita debt and 47th in per capita tax burden, all while balancing our state budget and lowering tax burdens for our citizens.” more…

April 13, 2013

Major bills combating criminal gangs are approved as legislature prepares to close 2013 legislative session
“One complaint that is often heard about Tennessee’s current criminal gang statue is that it is difficult even for the most astute prosecutor, defense lawyer or judge to navigate,” said Leader Norris. “Simplifying this definition goes far in making the law more effective — keeping gang members off the street and out of our communities.” more…

April 6, 2013

Budget moves front and center as legislature works toward adjournment
April 6, 2013 Senate Bill 502 , which authorizes the budget, will continue to be the main focus during the remainder of the 2013 legislative session. The bill is sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville). more…

March 30, 2013

Municipal Schools Legislation Advances
March 30, 2013 After much anticipation, Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) began moving SB 1353 lifting the ban on municipal school districts in Tennessee. more…

March 23, 2013

Senate Committees working hard to wind down the business of the 2013 legislative session
Senate Committees worked at full steam this week as they wrapped up budget hearings for various agencies and departments of state government and moved a number of important bills to the Senate floor for final action. more…

March 16, 2013

Workers’ Compensation reform tops busy week on Capitol Hill
“As businesses look at Tennessee to locate jobs, they look at many factors including the state’s workers’ compensation system,” added Senator Norris. more…

March 9, 2013

Legislation Providing Hall Income Tax Relief for Senior Citizens Passes Tax Subcommittee
“Senior citizens who are on fixed incomes are hit hardest by the Hall tax,” added Norris. “The increase in the income exemption will also make the state more competitive which is good for our economy.” more…

March 2, 2013

Senate Finance Committee is Briefed on Effects of Sequestration on Tennessee’s Budget
“Sequester is an evil,” said Norris. “But it has become a necessary evil given the dysfunction in D.C. It is for those of us who carry and balance our budgets in state government each year to mitigate the failure of our federal government.” more…

February 22, 2013

LEAP legislation introduced to educate and employ Tennesseans
Last week I introduced SB 1353 which would lift the state-wide ban against the creation of new municipal school districts. After consultation with local officials, attorneys, and my colleagues, we feel that this is the best approach to address the current circumstances in Shelby County. more…

February 18, 2013

Norris “LEAP” Law To Help Educate And Employ Tennesseans
February 18, 2013 Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) has filed legislation creating an “innovative statewide initiative merging traditional college coursework with technical training to address the skilled labor shortage faced by Tennessee employers.” more…

February 8, 2013

DSCC Students Chosen for 2013 All-Tennessee Academic Team
Miranda Davis and Jarred Holloway, current students at Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC), were recently chosen as members of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Tennessee Academic Team. They were among other academic team members representing two-year colleges from across Tennessee who were recently honored at the All-Tennessee Academic Luncheon held at the Doubletree Hotel in Nashville, TN on February 5, 2013. more…

January 11, 2013

The Republican Caucus elected me by acclamation to serve a fourth term as their Majority Leader–an honor and responsibility I do not take lightly. more…