Minutes of Maryville Huddle 

For a copy of minutes from the

November 2024 and all 2025 meetings, please email

maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com

September 2024

Huddle Meeting Minutes September 26, 2024

Presentation: Ms. Shannon Brown, founder/owner of Psychotherapy & Forensic Services and Appalachian OUTreach, gave us a detailed history of the Slate of Hate as it has evolved in the TN General Assembly. Beginning in 2009 and through 2024, TN has passed more anti-LGBTQ+ legislation than any other state in the nation, and more can be expected in 2025. See the pdf and video of her presentation for details. In addition to legislation, the TN Attorney General is suing the EOC over transgender and Title IX protections, and TN is now home to an increasing number of hate groups. Life in TN has become very difficult for the LGBTQ+ community. 

Business Meeting: 

a. Marilyn relayed they registered some voters at the Library on National Voter Registration day and may set up a table again before the Oct. 7th registration date. 

b. Ruth announced that a listening session over fully-funding public schools is planned for October 18th from 6:30-7:45PM at Martin Luther King Community Center, Alcoa. Dinner and free school supplies will be provided.

c. The October 1st Huddle meeting is postponed until Thursday, November 21st, so that we can hold a discussion on “What Know?” after results of the election are known.

August 2024

Huddle Meeting Minutes August 19, 2024

Panel Discussion: Marilyn moderated a panel of Gen Zers recruited by Shirley to participate in tonight’s Huddle Meeting. Participants were Pierce Gentry (UTK Senior), Delali Gadzekpo (graduate UTC 2021), and Owen Woods (graduate UTK 2022). Below are some questions that were posed to the panelists and a summary of their answers. To see their actual answers, watch this video: https://youtu.be/-CDh7dfvnzY

1. How does your generation feel about civic or community engagement? A: Civic engagement and voting are very low to nonexistent, in part because they do not have election day off to go vote. Community engagement is more likely. 

2. Why doesn’t Gen Z vote? A: They feel their voices aren’t heard; they lack hope & trust; they’re unaware of how local and state government impact their lives; recent SCOTUS decisions and Congressional gridlock makes them think it isn’t worth it; and efforts are in place to make voting harder. They are discouraged and do not believe democracy is working for them. 

3. What are important issues for them this election? A: climate change, economy (prices, wages), working conditions, abortion, Project 25, LGBTQ+ rights, social justice, rise in hate crimes, and America’s place in the world. They doubt many of their contemporaries know about Project 25. 

4. What can we do to increase their engagement? A: Treat young people with respect. Don’t argue with them, shame, preach at, or patronize them. Local and state candidates need to reach out more.

5. Does involvement by celebrities in the election make a difference? A. Yes, no, maybe. 

6. What social media platforms do they use? A: Instagram, X, Reddit, Discord, various podcasts.

7. Do memes make a difference? A: Yes – Trump was originally very funny. Harris is doing great. Yes – Harris team is great. No – They are just distillations of the 24-hr news cycle. They spread misinformation and are a distraction.

8. Are there differences between voting in blue vs red states for Gen Z? A: Blue states are slightly easier. 

9. How do they feel about the future? A: Cautiously optimistic. Hoping for the best & preparing for the worst. Hope is up since VP Harris entered the race. Hope mostly comes from family & community support. 

Announcements: 

1. Marilyn is planning a voter registration event for Tues, Sept 17th, on National Voter Registration Day. It may be at BC Public Library. Please contact her if you’d like to help (973-903-8331).

2. Marilyn asked that we complete this survey from the US Forest Service on an amendment to the environment impact statement on old-growth forests.

3. Ruth reminded folks that Blount Pride has a rally planned at 11 AM, Saturday, August 31st at the Sam Houston statue at the Maryville Municipal Building. She also made us aware that several companies are dropping the DEI policies in the wake of the recent SCOTUS decision. 

4. Jean announced that A Place To Stay has their Blessing Bowlsevent on Friday, September 20th from 11:30AM-1PM at Monte Vista Baptist Church, 1735 Old Niles Ferry, Maryville. Get tickets here. Their online auction started today, September 1st at 12:01 AM and concludes 12:30PM September 20th. Visit this website for details and items available. 

5. Betsy offered information on the book, On Call, an autobiography by Dr. Anthony Fauci. Check it out!

Future meeting dates are as follows:

a. Sept. 26th – Shannon Brown of Appalachian OUTreach

b. Oct 31st – open

c. No meetings in Nov & Dec

July 2024

Huddle Meeting Minutes July 25, 2024

Presentation: Ms. Kim Smith and Erika Peirtrzak of The Wilderness Society educated us on the Renaming Place Name Initiative. A federal advisory board created in 2021 is trying to undo past mistakes on names. One successful renaming is that of Bacoate Branch in Buncombe NC. Current efforts are underway to rename Clingman’s Dome as Kuwohi. A video of the presentation is available here: https://youtu.be/9yA5xFT2zyw If you want to learn more visit www.outdoorrenaming.org or email renaming.coalition@gmail.com. 

Business Meeting: 

1. Sue reminded folks that comments can be offered on the proposed extension of Foothills Parkway between Wears Valley and east of Gatlinburg. 

2. Marilyn and Shirley announced they have lined up four participants for the August 29th Huddle meeting on Youth Voting, Pierce Gentry, Owen Woods, Sam Goins, and Delali Gadzekpo.

3. Ruth informed us that Nashville installed the first rainbow cross walk on June 29th, and TN is now one of the top states in gun sales. Voices for a Safer TN that was founded after the Covenant school shooting has been criticized for donating $60K to state lawmakers, of which 80% went to TN Republican legislators who oppose gun control laws. White supremacists/nazis have started marching regularly in Nashville, and Rep. Aftyn Behn is organizing efforts against them. Blount Republicans’ Lincoln Day Dinner to be held at the Airport Hilton on August 8th at 6PM will feature Rep. Byron Donalds from Florida who expressed nostalgia for the Jim Crow era.

4. Sue and Marilyn presented a list of ideas and links to organizations for those wanting to get involved in the election. 

a. https://www.momsrising.org/campaigns/momsvote

b. https://votefwd.org

c. https://www.voteriders.org/volunteer/

d. https://whenweallvote.org

e. Zoom Phone Bank for Democrats sponsored by DNC

f. BCDP volunteering: https://www.blountdems.org/volunteer

g. https://www.nopeneighbors.org/

h. https://www.red2blue.org

i. https://www.turnoutpac.org

j. https://swingbluealliance.org/about-us/

Future meeting dates are as follows:

a. No meetings in Nov & Dec

b. Aug 29th – Youth Voter Engagement Panel

c. Sept. 26th – Shannon Brown of Appalachian OUTreach

d. Oct 31st – open

May 2024

Huddle Meeting Minutes May 30, 2024

Presentation: Ms. Darcy Ayers of  East TN Clean Fuels educated us about the organization and its projects, such as Drive Electric TN, Rural Reimagined, GUMBO, and Empower, the workplace charging initiative. For a pdf of her presentation, please visit the Huddle website at https://sites.google.com/view/wmcethuddle/maryville-huddle?authuser=0 and a video recording is available here: https://youtu.be/ksXUlZPibqE

Business Meeting: 

1. Donna reminded us that May 31st is the last day to offer comments on the Blount County Growth and Development plan and Sue provided a link to the website.

2. Ruth informed us that the abortion trafficking bill was signed by Gov. Lee on May 29th, which makes it a criminal offense to help a minor access abortion services. Ruth also let us know that TEP has prepared a list of all the times TN Attorney General has attacked the LGBTQ community recently. 

3. Marilyn shared plans for the August Huddle meeting on Youth Voting. Pierce Gentry at WUOT has agreed to serve as moderator for the panel discussion. Marilyn and Shirley are in the process of recruiting panelists. Marilyn also shared some details on how new laws are impacting groups that do voter registration, and let us know that the League of Women Voters lawsuit against the law requiring a person to be a bona fide political party member to vote in the TN primaries is proceeding. 

4. Ginny is working with Interfaith Power & Light on scheduling a screening of the movie “Common Ground” on regenerative agriculture for probably August at New Providence. See https://commongroundfilm.org or IFPT’s website for information on the movie.

5. Rhea announced that we were unable to convince enough candidates to participate in the June Huddle Meeting Candidate Meet and Greet for it to be held. She asked if anyone wanted to invite a speaker for that night. It was decided to cancel the meeting altogether and encourage folks to spend that time supporting the candidate(s) of their choice.

Future meeting dates are as follows:

a. No meetings in Nov & Dec

b. June 27th – no meeting this month

c. July 25th – Kim Smith of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians & Wilderness Society

d. Aug 29th – Youth Voter Engagement Panel

e. Sept. 26th – Shannon Brown of Appalachian OUTreach

f. Oct 31st – open

February 2024

Huddle Meeting Minutes February 29, 2024

Mr. Scott Banbury of the Sierra club spoke on legislative issues affecting the environment in the current session of the TN General Assembly. A video of the presentation can be reached here. A main focus of discussion was HB1054/XB0631 that would weaken protections for wetlands. The bill is prompted by expected development around the Blue Oval Ford project in Haywood County in western TN. Its effect would be felt across the state, however. Other items discussed included the TN Waste/Recycling Act; usage of energy by crypto mining; and the proposed building up of small nuclear reactors in the state. Current legislative issues being monitored by TN Sierra Club can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-gSVmnPbUjjQnRV_zSiOlRx2VQw-0j2JXSD_dAulniE/edit 

A short business meeting took place. Ruth sent it updates on other legislative issues. (See Huddle Action list.)

Future meeting dates are as follows:

1. No meetings in Nov & Dec

2. Mar 28th – Steve Adelson of CivicTN.org

3. Apr 25th – Legislative Update (tentative)

4. May 30th – School Board Candidate Forum

5. June 27th – State & Congressional Legislative Candidate Forum

6. July 25th – Kim Smith (tentative)

7. Aug 29th – Youth Voter Engagement Panel

8. Sept. 26th – open

9. Oct 31st – open

January 2024

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting January 25, 2024

General Discussion: Discussion centered around what we should focus on this year in our monthly meetings; what activities/organizations we should support; and actions we should take regarding upcoming elections and legislation, as follows:

Voting Engagement: Shirley presented ideas she and Marilyn have been discussing on ways to improve youth voter turnout. They include hosting an event around the Youth Voting Rights Act. Marilyn checked with Susan Knopf who says they may do voter registration events at area high schools in April/early May but have no plans for any more in the fall (August). Find ways to get information on candidates and issues into the hands of students. Check with Maryville College to see if they have voter registration events scheduled. Get a local dance company to do a voting video and post it on TikTok. See this LWVTN presentation for additional ideas. 

Hold Candidate Forums: It was decided to plan for a school board candidate forum at the May 30th Huddle meeting. Ginny will try to find a moderator for the forum who is well versed in local & state education issues. For the June 27th Huddle meeting, we’ll try to plan a legislative candidate forum for TN State and Congressional seats.

Other Speakers: Jennifer is trying to contact Kim Smith about possibly speaking at the July meeting. Ginny offered for her daughter, Darcy, of East TN Clean Fuels as a speaker.

Organizations to Network With: Kent Minault has been approached about working with RuralOrganizing.org in East TN. RuralVote.org is another organization that we need to watch. Very few Protect the Vote groups are currently active but may gear us as the November election approaches. Freedom over Fascism is concentrating primarily on messaging. Ginny introduced us to Third Act – TN Working Group and actions they had planned for early February. Fortunately, the Biden Administration has postponed decisions on LNG exports and the protests have been cancelled.

Other Issues: Heather will forward issues on healthcare we may want to monitor and act on. 

Future Huddle meeting dates: 

1. Feb 29th – Scott Banbury, TN Sierra Club Conservation Coordinator

2. Mar 28th – Steve Adelson of CivicTN

3. Apr 25th – TN General Assembly Legislative Update (tentative)

4. May 30th – Candidate Forum for School Board elections

5. June 27th – Candidate Forum for TN General Assembly and Congressional elections

6. July 25th – Kim Smith (tentative)

7. Aug 29th – open

October 2023

Here's the recording of tonight's Huddlepresentation: https://youtu.be/785J93sVhLU

Ms. Lisa Smith, founder of the GIRL Institute, spoke to the group on gender equity. GIRL = Global Initiatives, Relationships & Learning. GIRL Institute is a 501c3 nonprofit that was started after Ms. Smith was involved in a local political campaign for a TN State Senate seat, and she went through some training at the UN and Stanford University. The goal of the organization is to develop a consulate or embassy in every country that provides support to women. You can follow the group on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20girl%20institute

Ms. Smith shared some global statistics that she has featured on her podcasts:

1. Every 11 minutes a woman is killed somewhere by a family member.

2. 61% of girls do not attend secondary school.

3. 1 in 3 women experience food insecurity.

4. Women are paid $0.77 for every $1 earned by men.

5. Women spend 3 more hours per day working than men. That time is taken up by elder care, childcare, and collecting water. With their 3 hours, men gather together. 

6. Less than 1% of all property in the world is owned by women. 

Ms. Smith introduced the book, Equality Within Our Lifetimes; How Laws and Policies Can Close or Widen Gender Gaps in Economies Worldwide by J. Heymann, A. Sprague, and A. Raub.  The book outlines 8 steps for improving gender equity:

1. Talk about it

2. Connect women to other women via cell phones

3. Stop child marriage

4. Increase educational opportunities for women

5. Raise aspirations & expectations for women; educate boys as to worth of girls/women

6. Empower moms

7. Give value to childcare

8. Get women into positions of power in businesses, political offices, boards of directors, etc.

Ms. Smith is planning a Knoxville Summit on Gender Equity for October 23-26, 2025, and will soon be starting some focus groups to discuss what the summit should address. 

Announcements: Betsy introduced the book, Shadow Docket – How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic, by Stephen Vladeck. Rhea introduced the book, Supermajority: How the Supreme Court Divided America, by Michael Waldman. Rhea reminded everyone to see last Sunday’s email for links where they can offer the National Park Service comments on Section 8D expansion of the Foothills Parkway. 

Future Huddle meeting dates: 

1. No meetings in Nov & Dec

2. Jan 25th – Strategic planning for 2024 – bring ideas for speakers, how we can support election campaigns, voting, etc. 

3. Feb 29th – open

September 2023

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting September 28, 2023

If you missed the meeting, here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/3Inc_1mmY6Q

Zoom Meeting Discussion: Justin Kanew of the TN Holler spoke on his founding of the TNHoller.com  and his efforts to monitor legislative actions and political events in the state. He launched the Holler in 2019 after he caught Speaker Cassada on tape. His work and the investigation undertaken by Phil Williams of Channel 5 eventually resulted in Cassada’s resignation. Justin also broke the story of Sen. McNally commenting on the Instagram account of a young gay man. There are now 10 Hollers across the state, manned mainly by volunteers. TNHoller has a presence on Instagram, FB, Twitter, TikTok and Threads. You can subscribe for email blasts that are sent out on Tues & Fri by visiting the website.

Justin feels the biggest take-aways from the Special Session in August was the crackdown on dissent and the transition of the Covenant Moms from feeling they would be heard to anger that they were not. He is hopeful that Gloria Johnson has a shot at beating Marsha Blackburn. He suspects when the TN GA reconvenes in Jan that education privatization, abortion and guns will be top subjects. 

Announcements: Donna reminded everyone that they have until Oct 6th to submit comments on the BC Comprehensive Development Plan. Sue announced the BCDP has a Blue Outreach Social planned for Wed, Oct 4th, from 6:30-8PM at Pearson Springs Park, 1467 Montvale Station Rd, Maryville. The event is to support public schools and the library. Speakers are Manny Leite and Vandy Kemp. Rhea announced that Students Demand Action are planning an event for Saturday morning, Oct 7th, in Maryville, which is the day Smith & Wesson holds an open house at its plant in Alcoa. 

Future Huddle meeting dates: 

1. Oct 26th – Lisa Smith of The Girl Institute

2. No meetings in Nov & Dec

3. Jan 25th – Strategic planning for 2024

4. Feb 29th – open

August 2023

Zoom Meeting Discussion: Sue, Donna, and other members of the EWG led a discussion on recent open houses to obtain preferences for future development in Blount County. Doug will try to find out how data from the open houses is being tabulated and whether it will be made accessible to the public. The timeline for process going forward was discussed. Doug expects the Steering Committee to have its 2nd meeting in October. After a draft plan is created, public hearings will be held in Feb- Mar, 2024. BC Commission has final say on whether the proposed plan is adopted. There is a risk that even if adopted, it might not be enacted. Suggestions for providing more input include: 1) add more comments; 2) like, dislike, start a discussion on comments made by others; and 3) encourage other groups to comment to the interactive map. 

Announcements: Rhea announced that a federal judge has placed a restraining order on the BC District Attorney who was threatening to close down and prosecute organizers of the BC Pride even), so the event can proceed. It is Saturday, Sept 2nd, from 1-8 PM at the Clayton Center. A summary of the last 2 days of the TN Special Session will be included in Sunday’s Huddle email. Sue announced that candidates are needed for BC School Board in districts 2, 4, & 6.   

Future Huddle meeting dates: 

1. Sept 28th – Justin Kanew of TN Holler

2. Oct 26th – open

3. No meetings in Nov & Dec

4. Jan 25th – Strategic planning for 2024

5. Feb 29th – open

July, 27 2023

Zoom meeting guest speakers:

Doug Gamble, who serves as a citizen representative on the Steering Committee working on a Growth Development plan, provided history on what has transpired in Blount County (BC) wrt to controlling/managing growth over the last 45 years.

1. 1977: A development was proposed that would bring a ferris wheel and 2 high rise hotels to Townsend. There were no zoning regulations in place to stop the plan but luckily it never came to fruition. 

2. 1997: A medical waste incinerator was proposed for Townsend, which prompted the development of zoning regulations in BC. A zoning program has been in place since 2000.

3. 2005: A Growth Management Advisory Committee was formed and a growth strategic  plan was developed by Hunter Interests.. 

4. 2009: A green infrastructure plan was proposed by John Lamb. 

5. 2009-21: Discussions continued on zoning, roads, infrastructure to support schools, etc. with no long-term definitive plans.

6. 2021: The plan to develop Pate farm on Old Niles Ferry Rd with 400+ houses and the Best Rd farm subdivision created increased concern about unchecked growth in the county. A new ad hoc committee was formed of county commissioners, planning committee members and private citizens. This Steering Committee proposed hiring a consulting firm to help build a new plan to replace the 2005 plan. The goal of the plan is to thoroughly evaluate land use, transportation, infracture and other factors to guide development of a strategic plan for future residential and commercial growth, and infrastructure needs. 

Sarah Sinatra of Inspire Placemaking Collective consulting firm provided an overview of the process and timeline of developing a growth plan for BC.  Two components involve data acquisition/analysis and identifying objectives, policies and goals. Both rely heavily on public input to be successful. TN state code requires each county to have a growth plan and to post it on their website. It is not the same as zoning regulations. It involves the unincorporated areas of BC. A pdf of Sarah’s presentation will be posted with these minutes. In particular, note the opportunities for public input (e.g. website comments map, survey, open houses Aug 21 & 22, public hearings, etc.). The Q&A session at the end of the presentation was very informative and worth watching on the video. See link above.  

Future Huddle meeting dates: 

1. Aug 31st – BC Comprehensive Plan, Part 2 

2. Sept 28th – Justin Kanew of TN Holler

3. Oct 26th – open

4. No meetings in Nov & Dec

5. Jan 25th – Strategic planning for 2024

June 29, 2023

Video recording of the presentation can be viewed here. 

Zoom meeting guest speaker: Mr. Manny Leite, Director of BC Public Library. Mr. Leite is a native of Rhode Island and received his library degree from the University of RI. He did graduate work at UMass and served as Library Director in Foxboro and East Bridgewater MA before coming to TN in January 2022.

Benefits and Activities: Mr. Leite described some of the activities and benefits of BCPL, such as the following:

1. In Person activities: technology classes; soft career skills classes; printing/scanning to email; recurring events, e.g. summer reading hot summer nights concerts (6PM Thursdays in August), spring & winter/holiday concerts, chess club (Sat 12-2PM), Artsy Fridays, Minicon 7/28; genealogy & historical society; seed library; local history archives

2. Online benefits: TN R.E.A.D.S. (regional ebook, audiobook library), Libby app (ebooks), Hoopla (ebooks, audiobooks, movies, TV series, music), Kanopy (movies, TV series, documentaries), and 5from5 reading resources are all available free when you use your BCPL card to sign up. 

3. Onsite benefits: meeting rooms, Bookmark Café, hotspot rentals, ARCONIC Foundation Global Internship, writer in resident (strong women in history project), office space for A Place to Stay and BeAware Blount, Friends of BCPL book sales, teen reading/video game room, kids story time, STEAMkids, and kids book club.

Challenges the Library Faces: Current concerns facing the Library are book challenges (i.e. requests to ban certain books); threats against Library directors and staff in TN; complaints about Pride displays (e.g. Athens library; and questioning the free office space provided by for a Place to Stay and BeAware Blount. 

Upcoming Projects: A new, automated library book return system will hopefully be installed in the fall. The first remote locker where books can be picked up and returned will be available outside the Louisville Town Hall sometime in September. Long range (5+ years) plans include remodelling the basement, expanding and enclosing the children’s section, expanding genealogy & reference sections, and developing new services. There is no plan to create branch libraries.

Supporting the Library: Mr. Leite recommended we attend BCPL Board of Director meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at 5PM in the Sharon Lawson Room to provide support for the Library. A new law going into effect on July 1st limits public input at the meeting to 30 minutes. Speakers are given 2 minutes each and the subject must be on the agenda. Another way to support the Library is to join Friends of the Library. 

Working Group Updates

Environment Working Group – The July Huddle meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 26th instead of the Thursday that week. The meeting will feature Sarah Sinatra, the consultant helping to develop the BC Comprehensive Plann and Doug Gamble, representing the steering committee. Planning consultants are asking for public input on Blount County’s future growth. Visit this website to find 3 ways to offer comments, ideas and vote for your future preferences.

EWG will also host the August Huddle meeting on Thursday, August 31st. Topic will be water-related issues. 

Gun Violence – The special session of the TN General Assembly called by the governor is to start August 2st. So far, we have seen no legislation filed. Ruth informed us of the recent report indicating gun violence is the leading cause of death for TN Youth. 

Women & LGBTQ+ Rights – U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., has introduced two bills in Congress "in light of Pride month," according to his office. One, the "Keep Our Kids Safe" Act, prohibits the use of federal funds for "performance or instruction by drag queens in elementary or secondary schools." The second, the "There Are Two Sexes Act of 2023" would ban federal forms including any gender options but 'male' and 'female.' 

TN laws banning drag shows and transitional care for transgender youth have been struck down by federal judges. Some progressive clergy are speaking up in support of the LGBTQ+ community in TN (see video). 

Book Club – Here are some books on the TN League of Women Voters summer reading list: Facism A Warning by Madeline Albright, The Soul of America by Jon Meacham, Twilight of Democracy by Anne Applebaum, The 1619 Project, The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein, White Fragility by Robin Diangelo, Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi

Announcements

1. Ginny brought to our attention a recent article in the Daily Times on how book bans were a major focus at the recent American Library Association’s annual meeting.  

2.  Rhea reminded everyone that the Annual Race Relations Symposium hosted by Alcoa-Blount NAACP is July 14 & 15th. See Huddle calendar for details.

Future Meeting Dates:

July 26th – Sarah Sinatra & Doug Gamble: Blount County Comprehensive Plan

Aug 31st – Waters of USA or Local Water Issues panel discussion

Sept 28th – Justin Kanew of TN Holler

Oct 26th – Open

Blount County Animal Welfare presentation

April 27, 2023

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting April 27 2023

Video recording of the presentation can be viewed here. 

Zoom meeting guest speaker: Ms. Florence French Fagan is the Senior State Organizer with Bread for the World – a non-partisan, faith-based advocacy organization focused on ending hunger. French Fagan mobilizes individuals, faith institutions, colleges, nonprofit agencies, and other entities across the 12 southeastern states to advance equitable policies for reducing hunger. As a Senior Organizer, she walks alongside leaders to encourage them to share their experiences with local policy makers to effect change in their communities.

Ms. French Fagan started her presentation by pointing out the differences between Equity and Equality. She reminded us of the Racial Wealth Gap simulation that Bread for the World developed. With respect to the Racial Equity Scorecard, they developed 5 grades that access how successful the policy/program is wrt to achieving racial equity:

​0 = policy is harmful

​1 = policy appears to be race neutral

​2 = policy is broad-based

​3 = policy is broad-based with some elements of racial equity

​4 = one-half of policy tries to improve racial equity

​5 = all of policy tries to improve racial equity

Five principles involved in developing good policies:

1. Center needs & leadership of POC first.

2. Name & consider each community of POC and avoid terms, such as “minority”.

3. Analyze specific outcomes for each racial & ethnic group, asking these questions:

a. How does each fare with each outcome (quantitative, qualitative)?

b. What are reasons for outcomes? 

c. What is racial/ethnic composition of the population?

d. What is expect impact on each group? 

4. Set up policies/programs that are responsive in a way that is proportionate to disparate impacts, i.e.targeted support.

5. Include robust implementation & monitoring plan.

Ms. French Fagan ended the presentation with a discussion on the upcoming farm bill and the priorities Bread for the Word hope to see included. 

Working Group Updates

Environment Working Group – Sue & Donna brought to our attention that the Blount County Commissionapproved a motion against removal of the low-rise dams on the Little River. Ginny says that the board ofBetter Nature Solutions is planning a memorial hike in late June and a memorial service in honor ofElizabeth. Details tba. 

Book Club - Betsy recommended reading some of the books that people are trying to get banned from schools, e. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, What Girls are Made Of by Elana Arnold, and Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin. Rhea recommended Beyond How Fascism Works – The Politics of Us and Them by Jason Stanley. 

Gun Violence – Ginny reported that Rep. Richey is against any ERPO (Red Flag) law being passed in TN. When the NAACP Ed Committee met with him, he admitted he is not very interested in education and had preferred to be assigned to the Ag Committee. He is pro-school voucher and parenteral rights. He is uncertain whether he will stand for re-election in 2024. 

Women & LGBTQ+ Rights – Ruth informed us that the Dept. Of Justice has filed a lawsuit to try and stopthe TN bill that outlaws transitional care for transgender minors. The bill allowing schools to ignorestudents‘ preferred pronouns was signed by the governor. Ruth urged everyone to contact the BC Commissioners to provide feedback on the attempts to ban books  on LGBTQ subjects in schools. Here are their email addresses. You can also send one email to all of them using this form. 

jhannah@blounttn.org

emcmahan@blounttn.org

makard@blounttn.org

dbledsoe@blounttn.org

mcaylor@blounttn.org

sking@blounttn.org

rbennett@blounttn.org

dreagan@blounttn.org

jgiles@blounttn.org

janderson@blounttn.org

rcarver@blounttn.org

nbright@blounttn.org

mdavis@blounttn.org

tstinnett@blounttn.org

bbowers@blounttn.org

jjopling@blounttn.org

rfrench@blounttn.org

smikels@blounttn.org

lwebb@blounttn.org

dwells@blounttn.org

________

Future Meeting Dates:

May 25th – Kristin Baksa, Founder Blount County Animal Welfare Society

June 29th   – Manny Leite, Director Blount County Public Library

July 27th – Waters of US or Local Water Issues panel discussion

Aug 31st, , Sept 28th, Oct 26th – Open

March 30,2023

The meeting was opened with a moment of silence honoring the victims of the school shooting in Nashville this past Monday. Participants included Sen. Briggs and Rep. Johnson. Sen. Massey had to cancel because of a family emergency. Rep. Richey did not show up despite confirming on March 29th he would attend. Video of session can be watched here: https://fb.me/e/Jzm0DITN . Legislation was discussed under these broad categories.

1. Corrective measures 

   1. 3rd grade retention bill – One bill has become the favorite to pass the House but Rep. Johnson says it does very little. It adds 1 test score to the criteria for retention that is linked to 2 other benchmark tests but that is insufficient. Sen. Briggs doubts the Senate has time left to pass a bill but is hopeful that the waiver options in the original bill may allow enough students to be moved forward that the schools won’t be overwhelmed. Both legislators believe that problems with reading proficiency must be caught much earlier than 3rd grade. They advocate universal pre-K; smaller classes sizes (N=15) for grades 1 & 2; and improved quality and financial support for childcare, such as outlined in SB750 filed by Sen. Massey. In addition, the “below proficiency” criteria provided in the original bill (for retaining students) is flawed.  

   2. Abortion ban exceptions – Sen. Briggs is very disappointed that the House would not agree to his bill because it provides much more detailed information on exceptions that pertain to the life/health of the mother and covers exceptions for rape and incest. The entire Senate Health Committee is displeased with the House bill but it will be the one to pass. It allows termination of ectopic and tubal pregnancies and pregnancies with a dead fetus, as well as those that threaten the life of mother and irreversible organ damage. The bill does away with affirmative defense. Rep. Johnson pointed out that doctors become more protected the closer the mother is to death, which is going to continue to endanger women. Sen. Haile intends to bring back his bill next session that provides an exception for rape and incest of a minor. 

   3. Camping on public property is a potential felony – Sen. Briggs pointed out that the bill passed last year was not intended to target the homeless and is surprised it is being used in that fashion. He says his committee will not take up SB1334 that would allow campsites to be set up for the homeless that separates them from the public. The bill has also been withdrawn in the House. 

2. Bills pushed by the governor 

   1. Fast Lanes highway bill – Sen. Briggs described in some detail the Transportation Modernization Act that passed this week. The bill includes plans to add additional lanes to most major urban highways in the State and to make choice express lanes toll lanes. Fees would be levied on electric vehicles because they don’t pay gas tax but it is uncertain whether it will be assessed to each vehicle or based on mileage driven. Rep. Johnson pointed out that the gas tax continues to rise each year and the choice lanes may be too expensive for some poorer workers to use. The main reason for passing this bill is that the State cannot afford to keep up its roads. There is a backlog of $26 billion of congestion-related needs.

   2. Expansion of school vouchers to Knox County – The bill that expands vouchers to Hamilton and Knox County will pass the House. Sen. Briggs says he and others are determined to see it does not pass in the Senate. 

   3. Plans to examine refusal of Federal education funds – Speaker Sexton has a bill that would create a committee to investigate replacing federal funds with state funds. TN currently receives $1.8 billion of it $8.3 billion education budget from the federal government each year. Federal funds are applied to Title 1, 2, 3 programs and underserved communities. Should the State choose to completely fund its education budget, it feels it can ignore federal guidelines that require meeting the needs of special education students. At the same time the state openly admits it needs more funds for infrastructure, it is considering robbing from other programs to give up $1.8 billion in federal education funds. Both legislators feel this is wrong and that the state should take all federal dollars offered for education, HIV prevention/treatment, expand Medicaid, etc. Rep. Johnson’s bill to expand Medicaid failed once again this year in the House. 

3. Anti-LGBTQ+ bills

   1. Drag show bans – Sen. Briggs said the drag show ban that includes the “prurient interest” clause was passed because it was needed to protect children from obscenity. He said the committees were shown horrible videos where children were exposed to pornographic behavior at drag shows and they supposedly took place in TN. Rep. Johnson refuted that and doesn’t believe any of the videos were take here. In addition, she pointed out that an obscenity law already exists that provides for people to be prosecuted for exposing children to obscenity anywhere/anytime, and that drag shows are far tamer that WWE and other professional wrestling events that children frequently attend. A federal judge agreed with this assessment and halted enforcement of the ban yesterday for 14 days while he considers whether it is unconstitutional. Sen. Briggs pointed out that the Senate killed a second, more onerous drag show ban bill. 

   2. Transitional care ban for transgender minors – Sen. Briggs supported the ban on transitional care for minors because he said there is not enough positive science behind it and some studies have shown it to be dangerous. He also cited evidence that psychological care may be more effective than hormonal methods, and is safer. He provided this link of the February 2022 Cass Review, an independent review of gender identity services for children and young people authored by Hilary Cass. The study was commissioned by the National Health Service of England and performed in the UK. Sen. Briggs pointed out that the drugs (e.g. anti-puberty blockers) are not FDA approved for this use and that no standardize protocol on delivery of such care has been established in the State. See pages 19-23 for recommendations on delivery of care he would like to see here. See pages 30-31 for the “Dutch Approach” also mentioned by Sen. Briggs. Sen. Briggs also questioned data on increased suicide risk associated with banning care. 

Rep. Johnson pointed out that the TN legislature is not medically qualified to make these types of decisions. Such decisions should be made between the patient and his/her medical team. 

Editorial Note: Sen. Briggs adamantly says that proper scientific studies have not been performed on hormonal transitional therapy and challenged us to bring him evidence based on double-blind, controlled studies. Unfortunately, due to the nature of gender dysphoria, double-blind, controlled studies would probably fail federal guidelines for humane scientific research, so will never be performed. Instead, it is more likely that retrospective studies and meta-data analysis will provide answers as to efficacy, safety, and outcomes in the years ahead. It is true that gross disparities exist in the healthcare available to LGBTQ+ folks and they must be remedied. However, there is a growing body of evidence that gender-affirming case is beneficial. See information from Columbia University, Cornell University, University of California-San Francisco, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,  and UCLA on their standards of care. Because the TN ban requires all minors to detransition before March 2024, read this article on patients that have done so. With respect to transitional care reducing suicide risk, some published studies (e.g. Pediatrics 2020, Amsterdam study 2020) have confirmed it. 

4. Liberalized gun bills – The question was posed as to whether liberalized gun bills that are currently active will move forward given the recent mass shooting in TN. Sen. Briggs said he opposed permitless carry; he opposes lowering the age of carry to 18; and opposes liberalizing carry of long guns. Rep. Johnson said she hoped some of the gun bills would be set aside. Sen. Briggs provided information on how successful the gun permitting program is in TN (no one with a permit has ever been convicted of a crime) and hopes it will be expanded. Rep. Johnson intends to bring back her Red Flag (ERPO) next session and supports safe storage laws and universal background checks. On Friday, it was reported the Senate will take up no gun bills for the rest of the session. Unfortunately, this means Sen. Yarbro’s safe storage and Sen. Massey’s voucher for safe gun training programs also won’t be considered. 

5. Positive Outcomes – Sen. Briggs thinks passage of the transportation bill and the bill regulating Delta 8, an illicit drug, are both positive outcomes. 

February 23, 2023

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting February 23, 2023

Video recording of the presentation can be viewed here. Pdf of the presentation is available on the Huddle website. 

Zoom meeting guest speaker: Dr. Jay Clark, Director of Environmental & Sustainability Initiatives, Maryville College. Jay gave summarized his academic life while earning his BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Wildlife Ecology and Wildlife Science, beginning in 1992 when he attended Maryville College as an undergraduate, and ending in 2003 when he earned his PhD at Oklahoma State.  He returned to Maryville College in 2012 to serve as Adjunct Professor of Biology at Maryville College, and in 2022 became Director of Environmental & Sustainability Initiatives.  

Jay reviewed numerous goals for the college and current projects, such as the following: 

• Landfill diversion efforts, i.e. reduction of the amount of material sent to the landfill, which involves an increase in rates of recycling and composting

• Participation in the STARS Program (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System)

• Management of the Maryville College Woods, including intensification of efforts to remove the non-native invasive species that are choking out the native plant communities in the woods.  

• Providing a sense of place for students, so they can learn about and appreciate the unique natural and cultural history of the Appalachian region

• Securing funding for a new science building, which will focus on environmental education and STEM, as well as serve as a community and regional destination

There are also plans for projects focused on expanding the agricultural footprint on campus; collaboration with Maryville and Blount County; water-quality monitoring for the city of Townsend; and a fermentation program.  Part of the fermentation program involves securing funding to create a hops farm. Finally, Jay discussed revival of the Smoky Mt Jamboree, with the Clayton Arts Center as one of three rotating venues used for the WDVX radio show. First show at the Clayton Center will likely take place in August of this year. 

Jay emphasized that all the initiatives he’s working on depend on grant money.  He and his staff have brought in >$1 million in grant money during the 14 months he’s been in his current position, but there’s a lot more funding needed. 

Q&A Period:

Question: Status of EV chargers on campus?

Answer: There are plans for campus EV chargers near Clayton Center and eventually 1-2 chargers in every parking lot

Question: Who is currently involved with invasive plant removal efforts?

Answer: The Woods Crew (Dr. Drew Crain & others), students, Julie Konkel w/Blount County Soil Conservation District, and Friends of the College Woods.  Community work days are held 2-4x per year.

Question: Is wood still being used to provide heat to campus buildings? 

Answer: Wood chip burning as heat source on campus is no longer being used; wasn’t financially sustainable.  Those burners were replaced by high efficiency natural gas boilers. 

Question/comment: Amy Wood said she’s hoping Maryville College can be a partner in TVA’s flexibility program (as Denso is doing), which allows 5% of power generated by a Local Power Company to come from solar.  She said she’d love to work with the college on exploring options for partnering w/Maryville Electric on this program.

Working Group Updates

Book Club - Betsy recommended “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean. 

Environment Working Group - Amy Wood shared information about TN bill HB0946/SB1389 that would require counties and cities to classify natural gas as clean energy.  She’s with the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign, and provided a link to this action alert from the Sierra Club: https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/Tennessee?actionId=AR0381596  Sierra Club Conservation Day to lobby legislators is Wed, March 1st. Amy offered a ride to anyone who needs one. 

Donna mentioned a few other bad bills that are currently in committee: 

Bad Bills: SB0091/HB0018 would prohibit TDEC from classifying property as a wetland if it was formerly a wetland, but was then converted to cropland. SB0075/HB0028 would delete the requirement that municipalities adopt a comprehensive growth plan and have an approved urban growth boundary prior to annexing unincorporated territory.  

Good Bills: HJR0017 is a resolution that urge the U.S. Department of the Interior to provide additional funding to Great Smoky Mountains National Park based upon the number of its annual visitors. SB127/HB150 designates certain segments of the North Chickamauga Creek as Class I natural river areas. 

S464/HB447 designates a segment of the Duck River in Maury County as a Class II scenic river

Women & LGBTQ+ Rights: Ruth informed folks that Indivisible has a bus traveling to Nashville on Tuesday, Feb 28th to lobby the Legislature. Bus to arrive in Nashville 10AM CT and depart 4PM CT. Sign up for the bus here. As bills pass through committees that offer exemptions to the TN abortion ban, legislators are taking heat from anti-abortion groups. SB1/HB1 that prohibits transitional care for transgender minors and SB3/HB9 that bans drag shows are on their way to the governor for his signature. Other anti-LGBTQ+ bills include HB878/SB596 specifying public officials don’t have to solemnize same-sex marriages; HB1269/SB466 allowing educators to ignore student’s preferred pronouns; HB1215/SB1339 that prevents TennCare from contracting with healthcare agencies that provide transgender transitional care; HB306/SB1237 that allows private schools to regulate student athletes based on gender; and HB239/SB1440 that adds “sex” for statutory construction purposes. In addition, bills that could have discriminatory implications for the LGBTQ community include the following: 

SB102/HB158 by Sen. Gardenhire and Rep. Zachary. Prohibits public school districts and public higher education institutions from requiring an employee to go through implicit bias training. Note: The primary target of this bill is likely implicit bias training related to race. It may affect training related to sexual orientation and gender identity, though it is unclear how extensively those issues are discussed in implicit bias training in Tennessee school districts or Tennessee higher education institutions. Practice seems to vary.

SB138 by Sen. Hensley. This bill reg ulates phones and tablets sold in Tennessee and filtering of material deemed harmful to minors. It appears to be dealing with pornography, but it could be used to filter LGBTQ content.

SB603/HB571 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Carringer. As introduced, prohibits public institutions of higher education offering certain medical and health-related degree or certificate programs, and state contractors, from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training and education for purposes of the issuance of a degree, or the approval of a state contract or grant, as applicable. Note: It is not clear the extent to which the practice is occurring with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity in Tennessee.

SB620 by Sen. Pody. As introduced, enacts the "Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act", which declares that the ability of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of that parent’s child is a fundamental right.

Positive Legislation: SB290/HB370 by Sen. Yarbro and Rep. Clemmons. As introduced, requires the department of health to seek federal funding to implement programs for the prevention, testing, and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for residents of this state, including programs in partnership with community and nonprofit partners; requires the department to annually report to the general assembly certain information about the programs and funding.

Gun Laws: See the Huddle Action list for February 19th for a summary of laws liberalizing gun carry in the State. 

________

Future Meeting Dates:

Mar 30th – TN General Assembly Update with Rep. Gloria Johnson, Rep. Bryan Richey, Sen. Richard Briggs (tentative)

Apr 27th – Racial Equity Scorecards by Florence French

May 25th – Open

June 22nd – Waters of the US Panel

July 27th – Open

Aug 31st – Open

January 26, 2023

No video recording was made of this meeting. 

Zoom meeting guest speakers: Mr. Henry Seaton, Transgender Justice Advocate, and Ms. Stella Yarborough, Legal Director, for ACLU-TN gave a presentation on how bills work their way through the TN General Assembly and deadlines for filing in the current session. They then discussed several bills that have been filed that ban transgender transitional care and drag shows; limit access to youth of online materials; allow school staff to discriminate against transgender students; and restricts access to anything in school curricula that pertain to LGBTQ+ topics. The presentation ended with ways to get involved in the fight to stop these bills. ACLU maintains a website that maps attacks on trans youth across the country. You can access the tracker here. For any questions, contact Mr. Seaton at hseaton@aclu-tn.org .

Working Group Updates

Environment/Climate Change – EWG is keeping track of a consulting firm’s work to create a regional development plan for the county. They are planning to reach out to local power companies to encourage them to increase their commitment to solar power. EWG is monitoring plans for the TVA to convert the Cumberland coal plant to gas. So far the required pipeline has not been approved. Several pro-conservation bills have been filed in the TN GA and they are monitoring those. 

LGBTQ Rights – Ruth made us aware that TN Dept. of Health is pulling out of the Federal program run by the CDC that funds HIV prevention, testing and treatment through nonprofit organizations. The state is forfeiting around $8 million federal dollars per year. Funding ends May 31, 2023. Supposedly the state will fund such activities in metro health departments starting June 1st but no details have been issued about what will happen in rural counties. Is this a purely political decision and will other states follow?

Bills that clearly and directly attack the LGBTQ community

SB1/HB1 by Sen. Johnson and Rep. Lamberth. Bans gender-affirming care for minors.

SB3/HB9 by Sen. Johnson and Rep. Todd. Restricts public drag performances and also has the effect of putting trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people in danger.

SB5 by Sen. Bowling. Another bill banning gender-affirming care for minors.

HB30 by Rep. Doggett. Another bill connecting drag performances to adult cabaret performances. It defines a permitting process and prohibits the attendance of those under 18.

HB239 by Rep. Bulso. As introduced, adds "sex" as a defined term for statutory construction purposes.

HB306 by Rep. Bulso. As introduced, authorizes a private school to create a policy to regulate a student's participation in the school's athletic activities or events based upon a student's biological sex. This is another anti-trans student athlete bill.

SB466 by Sen. Rose. As introduced, specifies that a teacher or other employee of a public school or LEA is not required to refer to a student using the student's preferred pronoun if the pronoun is not consistent with the student's biological sex; insulates a teacher or other employee of a public school or LEA from civil liability and adverse employment action for referring to a student using the pronoun that is consistent with the student's biological sex.

SB596 by Sen. Pody. As introduced, states that a person is not required to solemnize a marriage if the person has an objection to solemnizing the marriage based on the person's conscience or religious beliefs.

Bills that could have discriminatory implications for the LGBTQ community

SB102/HB158 by Sen. Gardenhire and Rep. Zachary. Prohibits public school districts and public higher education institutions from requiring an employee to go through implicit bias training. Note: The primary target of this bill is likely implicit bias training related to race. It may affect training related to sexual orientation and gender identity, though it is unclear how extensively those issues are discussed in implicit bias training in Tennessee school districts or Tennessee higher education institutions. Practice seems to vary.

SB138 by Sen. Hensley. This bill reg ulates phones and tablets sold in Tennessee and filtering of material deemed harmful to minors. It appears to be dealing with pornography, but it could be used to filter LGBTQ content.

SB603/HB571 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Carringer. As introduced, prohibits public institutions of higher education offering certain medical and health-related degree or certificate programs, and state contractors, from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training and education for purposes of the issuance of a degree, or the approval of a state contract or grant, as applicable. Note: It is not clear the extent to which the practice is occurring with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity in Tennessee.

SB620 by Sen. Pody. As introduced, enacts the "Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act", which declares that the ability of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of that parent’s child is a fundamental right.

Women’s Rights – HB10 would decriminalize abortion in the case of rape, incest and life/mental health of the mother but the rape would have to be reported to police. Antiabortion bills include HB90/SB600 (prohibits local governments from expending funds for abortion assistance) and HB269 (requires Dept of Health to provide information on its website about reversing effects of chemical abortion). 

Gun Violence – Bills have been filed on storage of guns in cars, arming teachers, lowering the age for firearm carriage, as well as a red flag bill. Examples include HB37/SB659, HB41, HB120/ SB406, HB190, HB192/SB488, etc. 

Other Announcements

Joani announced that the Safer Homes program has received an Americorp grant for Blount, Monroe, and Loudon counties to build ramps at the homes/apartments of disabled folks. She needs volunteers to help her with outreach and to build the ramps. Please contact her at jshaver@blountcaa.org

Betsy notified us that Conservative Blount has objected to 8 books available at Blount County Public Library. The library has a review process in place and that process has been started. They expect the objections to eventually end up at the BCPL Board. 

Watch for a letter to the editor to be published by Ginny in the Daily Times on Sunday, Jan 29th.

Future Meeting Dates

Jan 26th – Henry Seaton, Transgender Justice Advocate at ACLU-TN

Feb 23rd – Jay Clark, Director of Environmental & Sustainability Initiatives, Maryville College

Mar 30th – TN General Assembly Update (tentative)

Apr 27th – open

2

October 27, 2022

Zoom meeting guest speaker: Mr. Kent Minault is a Sierra Club volunteer activist in Knoxville with experience advocating for the transition to electric vehicles, particularly those used for mass transit. Kent shared with us information he learned at the TN Valley Solar Conference & Storage event that was held on Oct 26 & 27th sponsored by TennSEIA. 

We learned that TVA has a goal of obtaining 10K Megawatts of power from solar by 2035 and KUB has a goal of getting 20% of all their electricity from solar by 2030. Supply chain issues are hampering the installation of solar arrays but work progresses. In addition, Drive Electric TN has a goal of havimg 200,000 electric vehicles on TN roads by 2028. The major hurdle to EV deployment is misinformation. However, subsides provided in the recently passed IRA bill are substantial and can be applied to the purchase of both used and new EVs. 

Kent explained how TVA has granted local power companies (LPCs) the ability to generate 5% of their power capacity from solar. The city of Maryville has partnered with Denso to build 3 solar facilities.These facilities will generate 15 MW, which is 8 MW less than Maryville’s allotted 5% of 23 MW. We learned that LPCs can aggregate/share their 5% allotments in order to build more facilities. Aggregation allows counties with small allotments to join with urban areas with large allotments.

Kent also introduced us to Seven States Power Corporation, a cooperative owned and operated by 153 LPCs across the 7 states of the TN Valley. They help LPCs aggregate and make decisions as to where to install solar arrays.  Contacts with Seven States include Betsy McCall and Steve Noe (who lives in Knoxville). 

There is some interest on the part of the TN Farm Bureau Federation to work with solar installers to place arrays on farmland. Farm Bureau wants to be involved to ensure landowner rights are protected.

Before large numbers of solar arrays can be commissioned, the number of transmission lines need to double in TN, and the number of connection points must increase. See and watch for future reports from the TN Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations(TACIR).

We learned about the Lower Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Kent warned us against predatory solar installers who are taking advantage of people. There is much work to be done to convert from fossil fuels to renewable energy but things are changing rapidly.

Working Group Updates

Environment/Climate Change – Jay Clark has accepted Donna’s invitation to speak at the February 2023 Huddle meeting. EWG group meets Wed, Nov 9th, with location tba.

Women’s Rights - Sue has arranged a luncheon for Francie Hunt on Wed, Nov 2nd at Vienna Coffee House in Maryville. See recent Huddle announcements for details on Francie’s schedule as she Walks for Our Lives through Oak Ridge, Knoxville & Maryville.

Voting Rights – Marilyn informed us the League of Women Voters – Blount County has disbanded and read an explanatory statement from Vandy. Anyone interested can still belong to the very active TN state and national associations.

LGBTQ Rights – Ruth provided updates on the attacks on the trans community here in TN, including the canceling of drag shows and pride events. A rally against trans surgeries was held in Nashville last weekend. You can contact your legislators in support of trans/gender affirming care through this link. 

Gun Violence – Ruth informed us that an independent candidate for TN governor from Knoxville was recently arrested for bringing a gun to a polling place and harassing voters. 

Censor Bill – Betsy brought to our attention TN HB1944/SB1944that passed the House last session and was in Senate summer study recently. It may appear again in the next legislative session. Libraries are very concerned about it because it can penalize librarians and schools for having obscene material in their collections, and the definition of obscene is so vague that complaints could be lodged about many items. 

Other Announcements

Ginny announced that the nonprofit, Better Natures Solutions, will continue despite Dr. Hamilton’s untimely death. New board members have been recruited & Ginny will continue to serve on the board. 

Jean brought us up to date on the event planned for Nov. 5th that will provide services to our homeless neighbors. Event will take place at Monte Vista Church. Check the Huddle calendar for details and to volunteer contact volunteer@aplacetostaybc.org.

Shirley brought to our attention an LGBTQ+ town hall meeting that is scheduled for Nov 10th at Maryville College. The FBI will explain what hate crimes are and how to combat them. See the Huddle calendar and the weekly events list for details.

Rhea reminded everyone that this is the last Huddle meeting for 2022. We’ll keep in touch via email and look forward to seeing everyone again in 2023!

Future Meeting Dates

Jan 26th – Henry Seaton, Transgender Justice Advocate at ACLU-TN

Feb 23rd – Jay Clark, Director of Environmental & Sustainability Initiatives, Maryville College

Mar 30th – TN General Assembly Update (tentative)

Apr 27th – open

September 29, 2022

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting September 29, 2022

If you were unable to attend the meeting, here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/_OBLPl2jH3s

Zoom meeting guest speakers: 

Ms. Francie Hunt 

Ms. Hunt is Executive Director of TN Advocates for Planned Parenthood (TAPP), the advocacy and political arm for PPTN. She is currently walking across TN for the Walk for Our Lives campaign to bring attention to TN’s abortion ban. 

Francie pointed out that most American’s support abortion rights, and the 3 SCOTUS justices that overturned Roe v Wade were appointed by presidents who did not win the popular vote. It is important at this time that trust be built in the community so that women can be helped safely. She worries about whether population of babies will increase under TN’s total abortion ban and whether the foster care system will be overwhelmed. To move forward, women must build power.

Ms. Max Carwile

Ms. Carwile has been working to decrease abortion stigma and increase abortion access for years. She is a founder of the Tennessee Stories Project (an abortion storytelling campaign) and Mountain Access Brigade (an abortion fund). As Programs Director at Abortion Access Front, she acts as fairy godmother for independent clinics to help their wishes come true.

Max described in detail efforts to help and support of women seeking abortions and specific work she does at Abortion Access Front. Max warned of incorrect information being provided by Crisis Pregnancy Centers and other entities. She feels most young women are unaware of their rights and what rights have been stripped from them. However, Gen Z’s Teens for Reproductive Rights is trying to educate folks. Max provided links to abortion resources and ways to donate and support the cause:

https://www.plancpills.org/ 

https://www.ineedana.com/ 

https://www.abortionfinder.org/ 

http://operationsaveabortion.com/

https://www.aafront.org/operation-save-abortion/#cal

https://www.exposefakeclinics.com/

https://www.exposefakeclinics.com/supportrealclinics

https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/T4R4J7P/mountain-access-brigade-supporting-tennesseeans-traveling-for-abortion-care

https://mountainaccessbrigade.org/

Ms. Chloe Akers

Ms. Akers is a criminal defense attorney with >14 years of experience. A Tennessee native and graduate of Cornell University and the University of Tennessee College of Law, Chloe has defended the accused as both a state and federal public defender. She is the founder of Standing Together TN, a legal resource center founded to assist providers, attorneys, and patients in navigating TN’s Trigger Ban on Abortion.

Chloe explained us that the TN bill provides no exceptions for rape, incest or health of the mother. It bans any/all terminations of pregnancy, even those considered medically necessary based on state-of-the-art care. Termination of a pregnancy in TN is now a Class C Felony. The law provides for only an affirmative defense, i.e. after a doctor is prosecuted they can argue that procedure was medically necessary to save the woman’s life. TN’s newly appointed Attorney General is promising to prosecute doctors, even if local Das do not. TN’s abortion ban is arguably the worst one in the USA. The medical profession is very upset about TN governmental interference in the delivery of medical care to women and is lobbying behind the scenes to get the bill changed. But in general, the medical profession is not being supported by any national organizations or legal entities. Chloe introduced us to No Exceptions TN, a postcard writing group based in Knoxville, and Healthy and Free TN, a non-partisan network of agencies, organizations, and individuals working together to promote sexual health and reproductive rights and justice in the state of Tennessee.

Rep. Gloria Johnson

Ms. Johnson recently represented District 13 in the TN General Assembly but was gerrymandered out of that district and is now running for office from a newly drawn district in West Knoxville. 

Gloria informed us it is unlikely the TN GA will modify the current TN bill. She feels behind the scenes lobbying will probably fail, similar to how it failed on Medicaid expansion in the state. Gloria is requesting 4 different new bills be filed in the 2023 GA session that provide exceptions for rape, incest, and life of mother; decriminalize medical terminations and protect physicians; and codify Roe. She admitted the likelihood of them passing is very slim. Gloria called on us to meet at Legislative Plaza in Nashville on January 10th to protest the bill and to take an offensive stance on a peoples’ agenda that includes other issues, e.g. workers’ rights, education, etc.

Working Group Updates

Environment/Climate Change – Donna will be inviting a speaker for the February 2023 meeting. 

Women’s Rights - Sue will reach out to Francie Hunt to see if we can provide some support as she walks through Anderson and Knox Counties in early November. 

Gun Violence – Ruth forwarded this petition from EveryTown supporting the Gun Industry be held accountable for failing to address the violence and death caused by their products.

LGBTQ Rights – Ruth also provided this petition supporting gender-affirming care for transgender youth. 

Other Announcements

Ginny urged us to get more involved in BC School Board meetings because more right-wing folks are showing up to speak. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at 5:30 PM at 831 Grandview Dr. Maryville.

Rhea is sad to report that the speaker at our August Huddle meeting, Dr. Elizabeth Hamilton, passed away suddenly about 10 days after our meeting. 

Future Meeting Dates

Oct 27th – Kent Minault, Political chair of Harvey Broome group of Sierra Club

No meetings in Nov & Dec

Jan 26th – Henry Seaton, Transgender Justice Advocate at ACLU-TN

Feb 23rd – speaker tba

Mar 30th – TN General Assembly Update (tentative)

Apr 27th – open

August 25, 2022

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting August 25, 2022

Zoom meeting guest speaker: Dr. C. Elizabeth Hamilton, ISA Certified Arborist and founder Better Nature Solutions. Dr. Hamilton gave an informative presentation on Managing Our Habitats With and For Nature. See the pdf of her presentation. She also introduced us to the nonprofit she created for women. Visit www.betternature.solutions for more information. If you were unable to attend the meeting, here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/O64C3NqxIRE

Working Group Updates

   Environment/Climate Change. Donna described the ongoing effort in Knoxville to stop the city from cutting

 down 5 mature oak trees to make space for the erection of a large sculpture in Cradle of the Country Music Park. She also provided information on how the Inflation Reduction Act is expected to reduce carbon emissions and spur conversion to renewable forms of energy. The next Environment Working Group meeting is Wed, Sept. 14th, at 4:30 PM. Whether it will be on Zoom or in-person has not been decided yet.

Voting Engagement. Marilyn reminded us that National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 20th.

Women’s/LGBTQ Rights/Gun Violence. The TN abortion ban went into effect Aug 25th and bans all abortions. There are no exceptions to the bill, although physicians can use the defense of the mother’s life was threatened after they are charged with a crime. This topic is the focus of our Sept 29th meeting.

July 28, 2022

Introduction of Panel Participants by Marilyn

1. Corinne Dooley, candidate for Blount County Commission with experience in community housing problem in the Boston area 

2. April Smith, Executive Director, Family Promise 

3. Hancen Sale, government and policy official with Knoxville Area Association of Realtors, covers 12 counties including BC, does data analysis & engages with local/state govts regarding housing policies

4. Joani Shaver, former Blount County Office on Aging Director at Blount County Community Action Agency 

5. Jennifer Wackerhagen, President and CEO, United Way Blount County

Joani: Elderly people are being pushed out of their housing.Currently ~10 seniors are being evicted per month. Some are living in their cars. This is having an adverse effect on their health and well being. Some BC properties are being bought by corporate entities that come in and evict everyone in the apartment building. Many elderly people can’t afford anything but subsidized housing. Situation is now a crisis here. 

Jennifer: United Way supports programs for the most vulnerable, which includes housing/self-sufficiency. ALICE = asset-limited, income-constrained employed. In BC, 33% = ALICE, 12% = living in poverty, 13% live on the cusp (prepandemic data). Labor: 24% = full-time salary, 25% = full-time hourly, 7% = part-time hourly, 23% not in labor force (high school student, college student, stay-at-home caretakers, medically unable), 16% = retired. Unemployment rate = 3% (May 2022). 81% of UW services support ALICE, including $264,000 for housing thru Family Promise, Haven House, Good Neighbors, Habitat for Humanity. 

April: Mission is to make sure every child has a home. Currently uses a static shelter model but hopes to return to rotational sheltering through churches in the future. Lack of affordable housing is a severe problem here. Evictions are up and hard to rectify/resolve. Childcare issues are serious. Rent is unaffordable (~$1400/month for 1 bedroom apartment). Today 53 families are on their wait list. Family Promise also has a diversion program to help with food stamps, pay temporary hotel costs, pay deposits, etc. 

Hancen:  KARR and others are asking the State of TN for $150million of COVID relief money to help with housing. He works mostly in nonsubsidized housing market. Rents have gone up on average $300/month during the pandemic. Housing prices are up on average 35% compared to 2019. Mortgage rates are rising recently, so people are starting to shift from housing market to rental market, which adds more pressure. Based on the average wages paid, 2/3 of the region’s population is vying for 1/3 of what is available on the housing market at this time. Underproduction of houses has been going on for about 10 years and got much, much worse during the pandemic. Major supply problem. We need to look at land use and housing policies because most states are biased against developing new housing. Need to relook at cluster developments, mixed housing, etc. regulations. Current building that prioritizes 2-story, 3-bedroom houses is not what seniors need and local population is aging. 

Corinne:  She comes from a state (MA) that required all new developments to have 10% of the units be affordable and available to city for subsidized use. Up to 20-25% had to be affordable that were made available through a lottery. In 2016,TN banned all such mandates, as well as any (voluntary) effort to incentivize it. One option is to redesign zoning local regulations to prioritize affordable units. 

Question 1: Is there a coordinated county-wide plan for developing policies to address affordable housing and housing insecurity? 

Jennifer: A group of nonprofits has started meeting. Local governments and business leaders need to get involved. 

Joanie: Nonprofits are never going to be able to solve this problem. Requires government, realtors, private business investors, etc.

April: She agrees that nonprofits are boots on the ground & are not in a position to solve the problem.

Corinne: Wants to put together a committee of all interested parties to tackle the problem. 

Linda: Offered ideas like allowing accessory dwelling on single family properties and cohousing models used in Scandinavian countries. 

Question 2: Can open, paved, unused spaces be used for housing, e.g. Midlands parking lot in Alcoa?

Hancen: Zoning regulations are responsible for over-sized parking lots. Tax increment financing (TIFs) and PILOTs provide financial incentives for developers that might be applied in these instances. It is a real problem here that voluntary persuasive measures have been outlawed by the State. 

Question 3: What are policy initiatives to increase wages in BC? 

Hancen: Tight labor market is driving wages up. Prime working age group is shrinking in size. Not many jobs in this area still pay minimum wage. Problem is that housing costs are going up faster than wages because of short supply.

Question 4: Do Alcoa, Maryville & BC planning commissions work together?

April: It is very confusing how/where these 3 entities overlap. Most people don’t know who is responsible for any given issue. She noted that if a person works $15/hr, wages = $2400/month. They cannot afford a 1-bedroom apartment at current prices. 

Question 5: What about massive increase of investors buying up properties to rent at high prices? Is there a way to limit this?

Hancen: This is not occurring on a widespread scale in this area. 

Doug: BC is about to begin a comprehensive land use planning process. Process is to start in August but will take a couple of years to play out. RFP calls for the entire county to be involved but it is unclear how Alcoa & Maryville will be involved. We still need to consider what to do in the short term. 

Wendy: Section 8 vouchers are no longer going out for BC (ended May 2022). People ended up on a 4-year wait list because of lack of affordable units to apply the vouchers to. If units open up, program will be restarted. 

Joanie: Deck is often stacked against individuals during planning processes. 

Corinne: Agreed with Doug that a short-term/temporary plan needs to be developed ASAP.

Hancen: Rental occupancy rate is around 99% right now, hence the reason vouchers aren’t working. He noted it is important that any comprehensive plans be legally binding. He warned about hastily banning certain housing types and advised concentratingmore on tweaking developments in the short term. Feels there must be an ability to make short-term decisions, so housing development can move forward in the interim.

Question 6: Where do we go from here? What concrete steps can come out of this discussion?

Bob A: Two major obstacles to overcome, i.e. profit motive and zoning/code regulations. These are areas we need to concentrate on. 

Jennifer: United Way doesn’t have a housing navigator in BC like in Knoxville. Allie (who is a regional housing facilitator for TDMHSAS program called Creating Homes Initiative) will reach out to UW. 

Brenda: Pay attention & get involved. 

Thanks to all the panel participants and attendees. 

June 30, 2022

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting June 30, 2022

Zoom meeting – Local Candidates Virtual Meet & Greet, YouTube video: https://youtu.be/NOfFfTURBfY

Participants

• Hannah Volk - Register of Deeds, maudevolk@gmail.com 

• Tracey Farr - County Commission District 2, Seat A, votetraceyfarr@gmail.com , https://www.traceyfarr.com/home , https://www.facebook.com/votetraceyfarr/ 

• Robert Hanye - County Commission, District 3, Seat B, electroberthanye@gmail.com , https://www.citizenstoelectroberthanye.com/ , https://www.facebook.com/electroberthanye 

• Corinne Dooley - County Commission, District 4, Seat A, fieldspaniels6@gmail.com , https://www.votecorinnedooley.com/ , https://www.facebook.com/VOTECORINNE 

• Jenny Jordan - County Commission, District 5, Seat B, electjennyjordan@gmail.com ,

• Phil Tiehen - County Commission, District 6, Seat A, philtiehen@gmail.com , https://www.facebook.com/Phil-Tiehen-for-Blount-County-Commission-Dist-6-Rep-102835565684290/?ref=page_internal 

• John Ross Conley - County Commission, District 7, Seat B, Johnrossi87@msn.com , https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077579306884 

• Phil Young - County Commission, District 8, Seat A, phossilphil49@gmail.com , https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076959161677 , https://www.philyoungdistrict8.com/ 

• Alice Wardrep - County Commission, District 9, Seat B, alice.wardrep@bellsouth.net , 

• Stanley Young - County School Board, District 3, votestanleyyoungsr@gmail.com , https://www.facebook.com/VoteStanleyYoungSr/ 

• Nathan Higdon – State Democratic Executive Committee for Senatorial District 2, j.nate1879@yahoo.com , https://www.facebook.com/electJNathanHigdon 

• Jeff Russell – Maryville City School Board, https://m.facebook.com/jeffrussellformaryvilleschools?ref=py_c 

• Bob Ramsey – State Representative District 20, rep.robert.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov

Future Meeting Dates

July 28 - Panel discussion on shortage of affordable housing/homelessness in Blount County

August 25 – Dr. Elizabeth Hamilton of Better Nature Solutions

September 29 – open

October 27 - open

May 26, 2022 Meeting Minutes

Guest speaker: Dr. Andrea Lorene Ludwig, Associate Professor of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Sciences (University of Tennessee) and Program Director for the Tennessee Smart Yards program through UT Extension

Ludwig described the TN Smart Yards program https://tnyards.utk.edu  The program encourages homeowners and communities to “create healthier, more ecologically-sound landscapes” following 9 principles: 1 – right plant, right place; 2 – manage soils & mulch; 3 – water efficiently; 4 – reduce, reuse, recycle; 5 – use fertilizer appropriately; 6 – manage yard pests; 7 – provide for wildlife; 8 – protect water’s edge; 9 – reduce stormwater runoff & pollutants

Working Group Updates

Environment/Climate Change. Donna Edwards will send details on important federal legislation pertaining to wildlife.

Voting Engagement. Marilyn Finley continues to register voters and encourage membership in the NAACP.

Women’s/LGBTQ Rights/Gun Violence. 

Watch Huddle email for upcoming event details:

May 27 Knoxville Mothers Demand Action, 4 pm Morrell and Kingston Pike

June 3-5 wear orange to call attention to gun violence

June 11 March for Our Lives – Nashville (gun violence; Parkland students)

Future Meeting Dates

June 30 Panel discussion on homelessness in Blount County (tentative)

July 28 Local Candidate Forum (40 candidates representing 20 races have been invited)

August

Huddle Meeting Minutes – April 28, 2022

Oops! Due to a miscommunication with the speaker, the meeting did not take place. We’ll try to reschedule her for a future date. 

Reports from Working Group Leaders/Liaisons: 

Environment Working Group Updates from Donna

GSMNP is proposing a parking fee be established for the park to raise funds for park maintenance and to help control parking issues. Proposed daily fee = $5, 7 days = $15, and annual = $40. Camping fees at campground would also be increased to $30, with group camps set between $50-$94. See this website for more details. Public comments can be submitted until May 7, 2022 at this site. 

TN GA Assembly Updates from Ruth

Guns:  HB2554 / SB2523 taken off notice in House and not taken up in Senate. HB1735 / SB2291 that lowers the age requirement to obtain an enhanced or concealed handgun carry permit or lawfully carry a handgun in public from 21 to 18 years of age passed in the House but was not taken up in the Senate. 

Women's Healthcare:  HB2416 / SB2281 that require a woman to acquire medications that induce an cation abortion In-person passed the GA and is awaiting signature of governor. HB2314/SB2300 that criminalized a miscarriage was not acted on in either chamber. HB2557 / SB2158 that prohibits an LEA or public charter school from knowingly entering into an agreement (contract) with an individual or entity that performs abortions, induces abortions, provides abortion referrals, or provides funding, advocacy, or other support for abortions passed both chambers and has been sent to the governor. HB2779 / SB2582 that wass a Texas-style antiabortion bill failed in the House and was not taken up by the Senate. 

Anti-Trans: HB2835 / SB2696 that criminalizes trans youth healthcare passed, was signed by the governor and went into effect March 18, 2022. HB1895 / SB1861 that requires schools to determine an athlete’s gender assigned at birth BOE before they can play school sports passed and was signed by the governor.  

Anti-LGBT: HB1944 / SB1944 that allows libraries to be sued for containing obscene content school materials, such as LGBT content passed the House but was sent to summer study by the Senate.   HB2316 / SB2153 that prohibits males from participating in public higher education sports that are designated for females and violates NCAA policy for collegiate athletes passed both houses and was sent to governor for his signature. HB0233 / SB0562 that created special marriage licenses in an attempt to stop same-sex marriages was withdrawn. HB2633 / SB2777 that  specifies a teacher or other employee of a public school or LEA is not required to refer to a student using the student's preferred pronoun if the pronoun does not align with the student's biological sex passed the House but was not voted on in the Senate. 

Announcements: The Alcoa-Blount NAACP will be holding an online forum on Racism July 15 & 16th. Details will be published as soon as they are available. 

Future Huddle Meeting Dates: Send suggestions to maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com

1. • May 31 – Dr. Andrea Ludwig: TN Smart Yards Program

   • June 30 – Local candidate forum

   • July 28 – Panel Discussion on BC Homelessness & Shortage of Affordable Housing

   • August 25 – Better Nature Solutions (tentative)

Huddle Meeting Minutes – March 31, 2022

Main Presentation: Video of the meeting is available here: https://youtu.be/2UZAguE8mQM . Reps. Bob Ramsey & Gloria Johnson, and Sen. Richard Briggs conducted a lively discussion of bills and actions of the current session of the TN General Assembly. Much of the discussion pertained to the TISA bill, the governor’s plan to fund public schools. A lot of concerns were raised about the bill because it does not include funding (funding is in the budget), and initial amount offered is $1billion, which is less that current funding ($1.4billion). Funding would increase each year. But after the governor leaves office, counties will have to contribute up to 30% of the funding, which is going to lead to higher property taxes. None of the rules for applying formulas are included in the bill. They are to be worked out after the bill is voted on. In other words, there is little transparency in the process. Despite none of the three officials supporting the bill, they think it will be rammed through. For more details, follow Amy Frogge on Twitter. 

Other subjects discussed include bills supporting charter schools, anti-abortion bills, obscenity bills that target librarians, anti-LGBTQ bills, and bills penalizing higher education teachers for divisive teaching.

Good bills include increased funding for addiction counseling, broadening practice authority for physician’s assistants, support for hospitals dealing with kids with mental health issues, $ for dental care in Medicaid, several other healthcare initiatives, and $ for interchanges with I40 in West Knoxville.

The FBI investigation of GA leadership and the governor was also discussed. The undue influence of out-of-state think tanks and ideological associations was brought up, as well as the need to better vet candidates for statewide office. 

Reports from Working Group Leaders/Liaisons: 

TN GA Assembly Updates from Ruth

Guns:  HB2554 / SB2523 - expands definition of "law enforcement" to a person issued an enhanced carry permit. Currently: House: Taken off notice for cal s/c Civil Justice Sub. of Civ. Just. Comm.   Senate: Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee

HB1735 / SB2291 - lowers the age requirement to obtain an enhanced or concealed handgun carry permit or lawfully carry a handgun in public from 21 to 18 years of age. HB1735 On Reg. calendar for  4/4.  SB2291 in Senate Judiciary Committee for 4/6. 

Women's Healthcare:  In order to donate to help re-build the Knoxville Planned Parenthood clinic which was destroyed by arson, please access this link: https://plannedparenthoodnow.org/donate 

HB2416 / SB2281 -  Medication abortion must be In-person. Severe Penalty to distribute pill by courier, delivery or mail.  House Gov. Ops for  4/4.   In Senate Calendar Committee for passage. 

HB2314 / SB2300 - Criminalizes miscarriage, expands the offenses of child abuse, child neglect, child endangerment, aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect, and aggravated child endangerment to include acts of abuse, neglect, and endangerment against a fetus. Defines fetus ("unborn") as an individual living member of the species, homo sapiens, throughout the entire embryonic and fetal stages.  Referred to House Health Subcommittee for 3/22 - no action taken.  Senate referred to Judiciary Committee action deferred on 3/29. 

HB2557 / SB2158 - prohibits an LEA or public charter school from knowingly entering into an agreement (contract) with an individual or entity that performs abortions, induces abortions, provides abortion referrals, or provides funding, advocacy, or other support for abortions. Simply: these entities cannot teach family life, sex-ed, and prohibits them from teaching facts about abortion.  House passed on first consideration 3/10.  Senate referred to Calendar committee. 

HB2779 / SB2582 - Decreases from 7 days to 72 hours the period within which a physician must notify the board of medical examiners after learning that the physician has been criminally charged with violating the statutory requirements that a physician must satisfy prior to obtaining informed consent to an abortion from a pregnant woman. - Amends TCA Title 20; Title 29; Title 37; Title 39; Title 63 and Title 68. House Health committee for 4/6.  Sent to Senate Judiciary 3/30 - Action deferred. 

Anti-Trans: HB2835 / SB2696 - Criminalizes Trans Youth Healthcare - they call it "Youth Health Protection Act.”  - A minor/parent/guardian would have to get 3 recommendations from physicians to obtain gender affirming care. Failure to do so would mean punishment as child abuse or professional misconduct. House Health Subcommittee: taken off notice  3/22.   Senate general sub. for Health & Welfare Committee 3/9.

HB1895 / SB1861 - LEA must disclose athletes gender assigned at birth BOE enforces: Requires the commissioner of education to withhold a portion of the state education finance funds that an LEA is otherwise eligible to receive if the LEA fails or refuses to determine a student's gender, for purposes of participation in school sports, by the student's sex at the time of birth; exempts an LEA that fails or refuses to determine a student's gender, for purposes of participation in school sports, by the student's sex at the time of birth if the LEA's failure or refusal to do so is required by a court or other legally binding order.  House placed on Regular committee 3/31.   Senate Calendar Committee 3/29 for passage.   Final:  passed the House 3/31. 

HB1944 / SB1944 - Obscene content school materials can include harmless content as well as LGBT content.   House passed on first consideration 3/30.  Senate Judiciary committee 3/30. 

Anti-LGBT: HB2316 / SB2153 - Education - As introduced, prohibits males from participating in public higher education sports that are designated for females; creates a cause of action for violations that deprive a student of an athletic opportunity or that cause direct or indirect harm to a student at the middle school, high school, or postsecondary level. - Amends TCA Title 49.  House: Finance Ways & Means Sub. for 4/6.  Senate referred to Senate Calendar for passage. 

HB0233 / SB0562 - Deletes statutes on marriage licensing and ceremonies; limits the jurisdiction of circuit courts and chancery courts in cases involving the definition of common law marriage to the principles of common law marriage. - Amends TCA Title 8; Title 10; Title 16; Title 36; Title 39; Title 67 and Title 68.  House: placed on Cal. Civil Justice Committee for 4/6.  Senate: Senate Regular Calendar for  4/7. 

HB2633 / SB2777 -  Teachers, Principals and School Personnel - As introduced, specifies that a teacher or other employee of a public school or LEA is not required to refer to a student using the student's preferred pronoun if the pronoun does not align with the student's biological sex; insulates a teacher or other employee of a public school or LEA from civil liability and adverse employment action for referring to a student using the pronoun aligned with the student's biological sex instead of the student's preferred pronoun. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 6.  House: Finance Ways & Means committee for 4/5.  Senate: recommended for passage w/ amend. to Senate Calendar Committee on 3/30.

Announcements: Ginny reminded us that the Blount County Schools meeting originally scheduled for April 7th has been moved to April 4th at 5PM. A list of recommended candidates for Director of Schools will be introduced. Please consider attending.  Location: 831 Grandview Dr, Maryville.  

Future Huddle Meeting Dates: Send suggestions to maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com

1. • Apr 28 – Dr. Elizabeth Hamilton: Better Nature Solutions

   • May 31 – Dr. Andrea Ludwig: TN Smart Yards Program

   • June 30 – Local candidate forum

   • July 28 – Panel Discussion on BC Homelessness (tentative)

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting February 24, 2022

Zoom meeting

Guest speaker Dennis Clark described the activities of the Equity Alliance, a group that “unapologetically builds independent Black political, civic and economic power” (website https://theequityalliance.org/).

The group, based in Nashville, organizes and trains Blacks to address issues that affect them. 

Working Group Updates

Guns, Women's Health, LGBT Committee – Ruth Holloway

Guns:

HB2554 / SB2523 - expands definition of "law enforcement" to a person issued an enhanced carry permit. Currently in House Civil Justice Subcommittee and Senate Judiciary Committee.  

HB17351 / SB2291 - lowers the age requirement to obtain an enhanced or concealed handgun carry permit or lawfully carry a handgun in public from 21 to 18 years of age. HB1735 On House calendar for Civil Justice Committee 3/2.  SB2291 in Senate Judiciary Committee. 

Moms Demand Action on Gun Sense - Advocacy Day - March 9th 

Nashville: (meeting the legislators in Nashville)--  March 9th at the Cordell Hull Building  425 Rep. John Lewis Way Nashville. RSVP: https://act.everytown.org/event/moms-demand-action-event/43440/signup/?_gl=1*109m5k5*_ga*MjEyODkxNDYyNy4xNjQzOTI4MzM0*_ga_LT0FWV3EK3*MTY0NTY0ODIwNy4xNC4wLjE2NDU2NDgyMDkuMA..&emci=551a4f4b-8b8e-ec11-a507-281878b83d8a&emdi=0b1d6f5d-a795-ec11-a507-281878b83d8a&ceid=140834

And in other cities: 

Knoxville:  Moms Demand Action Press Conference Knoxville - March 9th - at 11am - at St.James Episcopal Parish Hall  1101 N. Broadway Knoxville -- All supporters are invited to attend: Following Covid Protocols.  RSVP: https://act.everytown.org/event/moms-demand-action-event/43702/signup/?_gl=1*10yi329*_ga*MjEyODkxNDYyNy4xNjQzOTI4MzM0*_ga_LT0FWV3EK3*MTY0NTU1OTU0Ni4xMS4xLjE2NDU1NTk1NTguMA..&emci=551a4f4b-8b8e-ec11-a507-281878b83d8a&emdi=0b1d6f5d-a795-ec11-a507-281878b83d8a&ceid=140834

Moms Demand Action Phone Bank:  March 9th -- 1:30pm-3:30pm eastern / 12:30pm-2:30pm central  - to sign up: https://act.everytown.org/event/moms-demand-action-event/43668/signup/?_gl=1*184cvbq*_ga*MjEyODkxNDYyNy4xNjQzOTI4MzM0*_ga_LT0FWV3EK3*MTY0NDk0NjY4My44LjEuMTY0NDk1MDAzMy4w&emci=551a4f4b-8b8e-ec11-a507-281878b83d8a&emdi=0b1d6f5d-a795-ec11-a507-281878b83d8a&ceid=140834

Women's Healthcare:  

In order to donate to help re-build the Knoxville Planned Parenthood clinic which was destroyed by arson, please access this link: https://plannedparenthoodnow.org/donate

HB2416 / SB2281 - Medication abortion must be In-person. Severe Penalty to distribute pill by courier, delivery or mail.  House Health Subcommittee 3/1.  On Senate Judiciary Committee for 3/1.

HB2314 / SB2300 - Criminalize miscarriage: expands the offenses of child abuse, child neglect, child endangerment, aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect, and aggravated child endangerment to include acts of abuse, neglect, and endangerment against a fetus. Defines fetus ("unborn") as an individual living member of the species, homo sapiens, throughout the entire embryonic and fetal stages.  Referred to House Health Subcommittee for 3/8.  Senate referred to Judiciary Committee. 

HB2557 / SB2158 - prohibits an LEA or public charter school from knowingly entering into an agreement (contract) with an individual or entity that performs abortions, induces abortions, provides abortion referrals, or provides funding, advocacy, or other support for abortions. Simply: these entities can not teach family life, sex-ed, and prohibits them from teaching facts about abortion.  House Calendar & Rules Committee. Senate Education Committee.

LGBT:

FYI:  Companion Bills  and Actions below

HB2835 / SB2696 - Criminalizes Trans Youth Healthcare - they call it "Youth Health Protection Act.”  - A minor/parent/guardian would have to get 3 recommendations from physicians to obtain gender affirming care. Failure to do so would mean punishment as child abuse or professional misconduct. House Health Subcommittee 3/1.  Senate Health & Welfare Committee 3/2.

HB1895 / SB1861 - LEA must disclose athletes gender assigned at birth BOE enforces: Requires the commissioner of education to withhold a portion of the state education finance funds that an LEA is otherwise eligible to receive if the LEA fails or refuses to determine a student's gender, for purposes of participation in school sports, by the student's sex at the time of birth; exempts an LEA that fails or refuses to determine a student's gender, for purposes of participation in school sports, by the student's sex at the time of birth if the LEA's failure or refusal to do so is required by a court or other legally binding order.  House Education Admin Committee 3/2.  Senate Education Committee. 

HB1944 / SB1944 - Obscene content school materials can include harmless content as well as LGBT content.   House Criminal Justice Subcommittee 3/2.  Senate Ed. Committee.

Organizing with TEP: 

March 1st - Noon central - Anti-trans youth Healthcare bill - House Subcommittee Cordell Hull Building (CHB) house hearing room 2 

HB2633, which is the bill that allows school personnel to disregard a student's pronouns, was deferred a week...means it comes back March 1st. 

HB1944, which is one of the public school’s obscenity bills, was deferred a week in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee - it comes back March 1st.

SB2696, which is a far-reaching attack on gender-affirming care for trans youth. It will presumably be back in the same committee next week - week of Feb. 28.

Future Meeting Dates

March 31 TN General Assembly Update

April 28 Environmental Group – Better Nature Solutions

May 26 open

June 30 Local Candidate Forum

July 28 Panel discussion on homelessness in Blount County (tentative

Huddle Meeting Minutes – January 27, 2022

Main Presentation: Speaker was Ms. Jamie Satterfield, former investigative reporter for the Knoxville News Sentinel.  Ms. Satterfield has covered the Kingston Coal Ash spill that took place on December 22, 2008 and the effects it has had on clean-up workers. Despite the material being radioactive and toxic, workers hired by Jacobs Engineering and TVA were not given protective gear. Whereas Coast Guard crews on site wore hazmat suits and took precautions, TVA lied to its workers and told them there was no danger. A complaint lodged with the Atlanta office of OSHA that was referred to the TN office for investigation was suppressed. The response to TN OSHA by TVA was filled with falsehoods and both items were eventually removed from TN OSHA files. Since the spill, 54 workers have died and more than 400 have become sickened. Although landowners impacted by the spill successfully sued and settled with TVA for $27million, workers have received no compensation. A jury decided that Jacobs Engineering failed to protect the workers, but attempts to receive workman’s compensation benefits has not been successful for most. Some local doctors abandoned their patients rather than be asked to testify. TBI also refused to investigate/prosecute Jacobs Engineering and TVA. To date, toxic coal ash remains on public grounds in Anderson County, including a playground and ball fields in Claxton. You can watch a video of Ms. Satterfield’s presentation to the Huddle on YouTube and reach it through the Huddle’s FB page. If you have any contacts with national investigative news agencies, we ask that you put them in contact with Ms. Satterfield at ladyjusticeseeker@gmail.com , via Facebook Messenger or on Twitter at @jamiescoop. This story needs to be pursued!

Reports from Working Group Leaders/Liaisons: 

• Environment Working Group – EWG has decided to meeting every 2 months, with the next meeting on March 9th at 4:30 PM on Zoom. See the Huddle website for minute s of their January meeting. https://sites.google.com/view/blount-county-environment/home?authuser=0

• Voting Engagement – Marilyn informed us the redistricting bill passed in the TN legislature this week and is expected to be signed by Gov. Lee. It eliminates one Democratic US Congressional seat, makes it harder for several State senators to run for re-election, and eliminates 5 of 27 Democratic House seats. The maps carve up urban centers and incorporate them into nearby rural counties, thereby diluting the votes of city dwellers and minorities. It appears the NAACP and TN Democratic party are going to file lawsuits against the maps. 

• Women’s/LGBTQ Rights, Gun Violence – Ruth is keeping track of several bad bills in the TN General Assembly, including SB0654 that makes it a crime for a doctor in TN to perform an abortion. Fortunately, the House version was withdrawn last week. HB800/SB1216 bans school instructional materials pertaining to LGBTQ community  has passed one Senate Committee and is working its way through the House. HB1735would lower legal age for carrying a concealed handgun from 21 to 18 years. 

Announcements: Ginny reminded us that Blount County Schools is holding a public forum on Thursday, Feb 10th at 6PM in the BCS Central Office regarding the search for Director of Schools. Ginny also educated us on the move by Moms4Liberty and others to get books banned in TN public schools. 

Future Huddle Meeting Dates: Send suggestions to maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com

• Feb 24, 2022 – Dennis Clark: Equity Alliance or Legislative Update

• Mar 31- Rep. Gloria Johnson & Rep. Bob Ramsey: TN GA Legislative Update 

• Apr 28 – Ms. Cyd Hamilton: Better Nature Solutions

• May 31 – open

• June 30 – Panel Discussion on BC Homelessness (tentative)

• July 28 – Local candidate forum

Huddle Meeting Minutes – October 28, 2021

YouTube Link 

Main Presentation: Speaker was Mr. Alex Wyss, Director of Conservation Programs for The Nature Conservancy of TN. His presentation featured global and local areas of work by TNC. He described numerous projects in TN that TNC has completed or is working on. Mr. Wyss also discussed the 30x30 project, which aims to protect 30% of American land, water, oceans by 2030. Other goals include remove 3billion metric tons of CO2/year from the atmosphere, conserve 4billion hectares (40%) of ocean, as well as protect millions of acres of healthy forests, rivers, streams, and wetlands. If you missed the meeting you can watch the presentation on YouTube and reach it through the Huddle’s FB page. For further information, see the TNC website. 

Reports from Working Group Leaders/Liaisons: 

• Environment Working Group – Donna announced that EWG is moving to quarterly meetings, with the next one scheduled for Jan 12, 2022. The group will continue to send out action alerts between meetings. Donna also reminded us that comments on the next phase of the Foothills Parkway and proposed construction of an entrance to Metcalf Bottoms off Lyon Springs Rd are due by the end of October 31st. Comments may be submitted here. See link at bottom of page. 

• Voting Engagement – Marilyn informed us that redistricting in Blount County has been completed. Although things didn’t change much, she felt the process went well and folks were very cognizant of not diluting minority representation. Knoxville redistricting is also finished and they managed to keep one minority-majority district in the city. State committee meetings are open for public comment but there is uncertainty whether maps will be available for viewing before they are finalized. One concern is whether Nashville will be split up, effectively wiping out a democratic Congressional seat.

• Women’s/LGBTQ Rights, Gun Violence – Ruth reminded us of two anti-abortion laws that will be heard by SCOTUS next month from TX and MS. 

Announcements: Ginny educated us on the efforts by TVA to convert some of their coal-fired plants to natural gas rather than seek renewal energy solutions. TVA is also refusing to hold public hearings before their board meetings. The next board meeting is November 10th. For more information and to submit comments before the meeting, visit this link. 

Future Huddle Meeting Dates: Send suggestions to maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com

1. • No meetings in November & December

   • Jan 27, 2022 – Jamie Satterfield: Reporter who broke the story of the Kingston Coal Ash Workers

   • Feb 24, 2022 – Dennis Clark: Equity Alliance or Legislative Update

   • Mar 31- TN GA Legislative Update (tentative)

Huddle Meeting Minutes – September 30, 2021

YouTube Link 

Main Presentation: Speaker was Ms. Max Carwile, Community Organizer and Affiliate Data Manager for Planned Parenthood TN. She discussed efforts to decrease the stigmas and misunderstandings around reproductive health, especially abortion. PPTN is reaching out to women 18-30, single women and POC to hold deep values conversations. Many people don’t understand that PP also helps men and transgender people with health issues, does testing for HIV and STDs, etc. Ms. Carwile also described PP’s efforts to increase voter registration, to provide support for candidates for office, and lobbying to affect legislative outcomes in the TN GA. An interesting discussion was held on the most recent anti-choice bill passed in TX; the Mississippi case before SCOTUS; abortion restrictions in place in TN; and how to “build back better” if Roe is overturned. You can view a video of the discussion on the Huddle’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MaryvilleHuddle, or watch it on YouTube https://youtu.be/ZiIzT17eOpg . For more information visit the PPTN website. 

Reports from Working Group Leaders/Liaisons: 

• Voting Engagement – Marilyn described local efforts for redistricting Blount County commissioner and school board districts. Committee deadline is January 1st and they are making good progress, although no major changes are expected. State committee meetings are open for public comment but there is uncertainty whether maps will be available for viewing before they are finalized. One concern is whether Nashville will be split up in order towipe out a democratic Congressional seat. Deadline is April 1, 2022.

• Women’s/LGBTQ Rights, Gun Violence –

o Ruth provided updates on the NRA backed challenge before SCOTUS over the right to keep and bear arms outside the home. The case challenges a NY law, which requires some applicants to show cause to carry a concealed handgun in public. Hearing is scheduled for Nov 3rd. 

o The suit over the 15-week abortion ban law (which would effectively overturn Roe v Wade because the fetus is not viable at 15 weeks) passed in Mississippi will be argued before SCOTUS on Dec 1st.  

o In late August a trans student was bullied at Fulton High School in Knoxville. Police were called on a black student who intervened. The trans student and the classmate who defended her were suspended but the bully was not disciplined. Since anti-transgender laws were passed in TN last year, more calls have been made to help lines from students because of harassment. 

• Environment Working Group – Sue announced that the October EWG meeting has been moved to Oct 20th. EWG is hosting the next Huddle meeting. Speaker is Alex Wyss, Director of Conservation at TN Nature Conservancy. He will discuss the 30x30 Executive Order that requires 30% of US land and ocean be protected by 2030. At the most recent EWG meeting Julie Kunkle provided updates on water quality in two nearby areas of Blount County. 

• Recommended Books –

o Marilyn introduced American Girls Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers by Nancy Jo Sales. The book describes the adverse effects of social media on girls aged 13-21. 

o Betsy introduced The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson. The book tells how Doudnaand collaborators developed the CRISPR tool that allows editing of DNA and how they now must wrestle with the moral issues associated with that ability. 

o Rhea introduced Peril by Bob Woodward & Robert Costa. The book describes the perilous time between the 2020 election and Jan 6th and what transpired within the White House. It also describes how the Biden transition team spent those weeks preparing to take on the pandemic as soon as he was inaugurated. It also provides insights into the inner workings of the current White House leadership. 

Announcements: More than 650 “We Won’t Go Back, Defend Roe” rallies are scheduled for October 2nd. The largest will be in Washington DC. There are around 10 rallies/marched planned in TN. Knoxville’s will be at 2PM in Krutch Park at Market Square.

Future Huddle Meeting Dates: Send suggestions to maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com

• Oct 28, 2021 – Alex Wyss: TN Nature Conservancy

• No meetings in November & December

• Jan 27, 2022 – Jamie Satterfield: Reporter who broke the story of the Kingston Coal Ash Workers

• Feb 24, 2022 – Equity Alliance or Legislative Update

Meeting Aug 26, 2021

https://youtu.be/p1bT_sf9A88

Distinguished Panelists

1. Sam McKenzie, Democratic State Representative in TN

2. Richard Briggs, Republican State Senator in TN

3. Katie Cahill, Associate Director, Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at UT

4. Judy Roitman, Executive Director of TN Healthcare Campaign

5. Kinika Young, Senior Director of Health Policy and Advocacy at the TN Justice Center

6. Carole Myers, UT College of Nursing

7. Melissa Knight, Director or Interfaith Clinic

8. Bob Ramsey, Republican State Representative in TN

Moderator: Ana Goncalves, director of the non-profit Rescuing Health

Cohost: Maryville Huddle

Questions to Panelists (Scroll down for action you can take based on the following information.)

1. Dr Carole Myers, I would like to start with you by asking that you please give us a quick overview explaining how healthcare in TN is funded currently? 

1. 1. 90% of Tennesseans have some sort of medical coverage. 54% have employer-based coverage, 20% have TennCare. Uninsured: men, Hispanic, young adults, unemployed, low education, low income. Of this group, 40% of unemployed, working-aged people lack insurance. 24% of those with only high school education are uninsured. 256,000 Tennesseans are uninsured, with 30% eligible for TennCare or Obamacare. . ~100,000 may be eligible for Obamacare. 118,000 are in the Medicaid gap. Enrollment in TNCare has become more difficult.

1. 2. Where does $$ come from for healthcare programs?

      1. Medicaid/TennCare – 65% from Feds, 35% from TN

      2. Medicare – entirely funded federally

1. 3. Katie Cahill, under the current funding, in terms of data, who is left behind? Who is covered: 1.4 million are covered by TNCare (20% of all Tennesseans). Most (57%) are children. The State covers ~50% of all children in TN. Not many adults (age 19-64) are covered. 51% of recipients are white, 25% = other, 23% = Black, <1% = Hispanic. Eligibility focuses on poor, disabled, caretakers of disabled, people with certain illnesses.

1. 4. Melissa Knight, who are safety-net providers like Interfaith seeing? They don’t see many children because TNCare covers them pretty well. They see mainly low-income adults, e.g. under-employed and unemployed. 80% of Interfaith’s services clients work in the service industry (some hold 2 or more jobs) and are in the 19-64 age bracket.

1. 5. Kinika Young- 119,000 adults are covered by TNCare, including 11K parents with children at home, 31K women at reproductive age, 28K essential workers. See data here: https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/closing-medicaid-coverage-gap-would-help-diverse-group-and-narrow-racial 

1. 6. Judy Roitman – To qualify for TNCare must fit into one of the 5 TennCare categories: child, disabled, caretaker of disabled, breast cancer victim, nursing home resident 

2. In January of this year, the TN legislature approved applying for the first Medicaid Block grant. The TNCare 2 program was ending and the Medicaid Block grant was proposed as an alternative method to a more traditional program. Dr Myers, please explain what a Block Grant funding model is? 

1. 1. Carole Myers- Traditional block grants are part of discretionary funds that are set in the federal budget. Money available is a fixed amount. Medicaid is paid for by entitlement funding, so is open-ended. It also does not go through the annual budget process. 

Modified block grant waiver for TNCare 3: Funding can change based on enrollment. There is the possibility of more federal funding because State can spend money on other health programs that aren’t in TNCare and may receive the 35% matching funding. State has right to put restrictions on cost of prescription drugs. Maintenance of Effort is theoretically maintained, so the State can’t cut people or benefits. Includes incentives for the State to save money. Devil is in the details of how program is enacted. Waiver was developed and passed very quickly with most details regarding enactment that left out.

2. 2. Kinika  Young – Under the block grant waiver, all savings must go to certain State investment programs but nothing would prevent the State from using those savings to replace the funds they already apply to current safety-net/community programs. Less federal oversight and accountability. The State can possibly be rebated 55% of what they spend on TNCare 3 if they meet 10 federal criteria.

2. 3. Richard Briggs – State has set forth priorities for TNCare 3 program enhancements, e.g. 1) maternal-postpartum healthcare enhancements, 2) clearing waiting list for people with intellectual developmental disability, 3) opioid-related services, 4) dental care for pregnant women with children. State can lower threshold for qualifying for TNCare 3 but has to get permission from CMS for increasing threshold and that would take a prolonged review. Will take several years for the aggregate savings from TN Care 3 to show up, so none of these program enhancements will be enacted in the short term. 

2. 4. Kinika Young – Clarified that savings can’t be applied to anything that is already a part of the State’s Medicaid plan. 

2. 5. Katie Cahill – Historically, for a number of years the State underspent on TNCare and the savings went back to the State and were carried over. The Obama administration ruled that savings could not be carried over from year to year when the next waiver application was submitted. Under TNCare 3, the State cannot reduce benefits and eligibility so all cost savings must come from somewhere else, such as control of the drug formulary. One question is what can the State do with the savings it gets. By law the money cannot be spent on nonhealthcare items, but it might be possible for money to be shuffled around so it indirectly goes to other things (e.g. roads). 

2. 6. Judy Roitman – TNCare cares for some very sick people who require specialty drugs. She is worried those expensive drugs won’t be covered. Also concerned that special care children will be shuffled from physicians to managed care facilities that may not provide the same level of care. No known oversight or means of appeal have been put forth. Not enough savings in TNCare 3 to expand Medicaid coverage.

2. 7. Richard Briggs – Pharmacy benefits proposal is not new. Gov. Bredesen wanted the State to be able to control the TNCare formulary, rather than live with the federal formulary. The federal formulary sometimes includes more expensive drug options (e.g. statins of varying prices may be prescribed). When attempt was made by the State to take control of the formulary it was stopped via lawsuits. Since Gov. Bredesen could not get savings by moving to cheaper pharmaceuticals, he was forced to throw thousands of people off TNCare. 

3 Why does the state want to move to a block grant model? What are the advantages of a block grant versus the current federal funding structure? 

A. Sam McKenzie – He is not a proponent of the block grant and feels the whole process was flawed. His priority is to expand Medicaid because TNCare leaves too many people uncovered. 

B. Richard Briggs – After TNCare 2 ended there was a budget neutrality cap placed on it by the feds. When TN stayed under that budget cap the remaining money was kept by the feds. (In other words, “spend it or lose it”.) Idea of block grant was for that savings to be shared with the State. That would mean the State would have new federal money coming in. The State ran TNCare 2 very efficiently from a monetary perspective. And a significant source of more savings is taking control of pharmaceutical formulary (see above). 

C. Bob Ramsey – Gov. Lee went with the block grant model because expansion of Medicaid is unpopular in the General Assembly and block grants were encouraged by Trump administration.

4.     What are the concerns regarding the work requirement waiver in the block grant funding proposal? 

a. Richard Briggs – Proposal for work requirement is still pending with CMS but since similar applications from other states have not been approved, State of TN believes it won’t happen. 

a. Carole Myers – Court challenges also weighed in against work requirement. 

5. At a 2018 round table that some of our members attended, our legislators explained that the main priority for the TN state legislature is to balance the budget every year. After that, that the main area money would be invested in first would be education.  Is this still the case, and if so what is the priority for health/healthcare funding? 

A. Richard Briggs – TN spends more on healthcare than education. Both are priorities 

B. Sam McKenzie – Priorities: health & education pretty equal.

6.What are the advantages and disadvantages of expanding Medicaid in the State of TN? 

A. Carole Myers – Advantages include both economic and individual impacts. Economics: State would be expected to pay 10% of the expansion, which is estimated to be $100million. That is down from 35% of cost under traditional Medicaid. May also bring in more state revenue from taxes because rural hospitals and healthier population bring in more business/economic activity. General consensus is that expansion pays for itself. For individuals, increased financial security and increased mobility are important benefits. Expansion in other states has been shown to 1) improve access to care,2) increase preventative care, 3) improve quality of life, 4) improve care for children, 5) provide better access to mental healthcare, 6) decrease mortality, 7) better treatment outcomes for chronic health problems, 8) better reproductive healthcare, 9) moves State closer to health equity, etc. States that expanded Medicare also have had better/stronger responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

a. Katie Cahill – People’s core priorities everywhere are good jobs, healthcare & education, which all impact people’s opportunity to thrive. It is a bit ironic that while TN is invested in improving education (e.g. TN Promise, TN Reconnect, K-12 advances), the State is very behind others in advancing healthcare. 

b. Richard Briggs – He has filed a bill to expand Medicaid each year for the last 7 years, and he’s prepared to file it again. When Gov. Haslam proposed InsureTN, he outlined a plan to pay for the expansion without it costing taxpayers anything. Pres. Biden put forth even more enhancement, grants, and incentives to make Medicare expansion cost the states very little. He cannot think of a single disadvantage to expanding medicaid. Disadvantages of not expanding: When rural hospitals close, new industries and businesses will not move into that area. Cost shifting to cover the uninsured hurts small businesses because they end up being charged higher co-pays, etc. 

c. Sam McKenzie – He knows of no disadvantages to expanding Medicaid.

d. Kinika Young – American Rescue Plan Act increased federal portion of payment from 65% to 70%, which translates to almost $1.3billion. This incentive more than covers any state expenses for expansion. Doesn’t make sense for TNCare to be modified to compensate for expansion because reimbursement for TNCare 3 is much lower for than under full Medicaid expansion.

e. Bob Ramsey - Under Affordable Healthcare Act expansion was mandatory but Koch brothers and affiliates sued and SCOTUS ruled expansion could not be mandatory. Two groups of outside influencers then came to TN and told legislators expansion would have many disadvantages. They used Arkansas as an example. However, Arkansas recently voted to expand Medicaid anyway. 

7. What will it take for TN to expand Medicaid? 

a. Bob Ramsey – Doesn’t believe there is enough support for it to happen. Outside influencers have cast a sense of fear on TN’s agencies and institutions with respect to speaking up. They are afraid of being targeted. 

b. Sam McKenzie – Public needs to be educated as to its benefits. 

c. Richard Briggs – Very difficult because of outside pressure and disinterest on the part of the governor. Polls of voting Republicans (65%) want to see it passed, 18% are disinterested/don’t know, and rest are against it (small minority). 

d. Judy Roitman – She believes things are now different because the pandemic has brought to the forefront the importance of good healthcare coverage. There are some new legislators in the GA and they are more amenable to expansion. Gov. Lee is a barrier, however. See this study on rural hospitals: https://tnhealthcarecampaign.org/rural-equity-report/ 

e. Carole Myers – Economic benefits of expansion need to be emphasized. Need to engage county mayors, civics & other groups, etc. and get healthcare providers involved.

f. Katie Cahill – Need to emphasize that better healthcare can be the solution to some of the other problems in the State; bring to light the financial benefits; make people understand that we cannot compete with surrounding states who have expanded Medicaid wrt to recruiting workers and businesses. 

8. If TNCare 3 is approved, could Medicaid expansion still be enacted in the State?

a. Kinika Young – Yes, the waiver application is separate. 

9. Federal government has re-opened the comment period for block grant waiver. TNCare 3 is still in effect (since January 2020), but has not yet been fully implemented. 

a. Kinika Young – The legal challenge to block grant waiver is now halted pending outcome of Biden administration looking at it again. Important point to comment on is the change that now 3 months of retroactive coverage is not covered for the length of the waiver, which is an unprecedented 10 years. That means the applicant is only covered after the date they enter TNCare 3 and must pay all the medical bills they’ve accrued in the prior 3 months. Most people become eligible to apply because of serious illness, so their most recent bills are catastrophic and the likelihood of them being pushed into personal bankruptcy is greater.

10. Melissa, what do you hear your clients consistently ask for or speak of regarding these issues? 

a. Melissa Knight – People mainly want to know why they aren’t covered and they wish to be covered regardless of how it is done. 

11.  How is the pandemic affecting these issues? What other strains do you expect the pandemic will put on our healthcare system in this state?

a. Richard Briggs – Healthcare system is under tremendous strain. Healthcare to non-COVID patients and finances of medical professionals and hospitals are also being impacted, e.g. suspension of elective procedures. 

b. Carole Myers – Expansion could conceivably improve vaccination rates because more people would have good working relationships with primary care physicians that they trust. 

12. Other points from panelists….

a. Katie Cahill – Safety net providers cannot fill the healthcare needs of the uninsured. Medicaid expansion is much more effective at positively impacting health outcomes. 

b. Carole Myers – Agrees with Katie’s statement. Gov. Lee’s proposal of increasing support to safety net providers instead of expanding Medicaid is not a workable solution. 

c. Judy Roitman - A federal solution to Medicaid Expansion is proposed in the budget reconciliation process currently underway in Congress. https://tnhealthcarecampaign.org/a-federal-solution-to-affordable-health-coverage-in-tennessee/ 

13. Question from audience…

A. Can we use the income we are making from taxing internet sales to pay for Medicaid expansion? Answer from legislators: No

To Learn More: Stephen Smith, the Directory of TNCare is the keynote speaker at THCC’s policy conference. For details, visit https://tnhealthcarecampaign.org/2021-conference/ 

What You Can Do: The Biden administration has reopened the comment period for the proposed Medicaid Block Grants and a lawsuit against enactment of the waivers has been halted in a federal court. Deadline for submission of comments is Thurs, Sept. 9th. Please answer the survey on the TN Justice Center website and offer comments through their portal. Additional information on the topic is available here. 

Huddle Meeting Minutes – July 29, 2021

Main Presentation: Speaker was Ms. Drocella Mugorawera, Executive Director Bridge Refugee Services, Knoxville. Ms. Mugorawera was joined by two colleagues, Mr. Freddy Nsapo and Mr. Peter Green. The presentation educated us on the mission of organization, the goals set for refugee and asylee immigrants, and numbers of refugees estimated for the Knoxville area in fiscal year 2021-22.  Amazingly, the entire program has only 20 employees so there are many volunteer opportunities available. For details, see the pdf on the Huddle website, view the video on the Huddle’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MaryvilleHuddle, or watch it on YouTube https://youtu.be/3oD2GfCqUEI . For more information visit www.bridgerefugees.org.  

Reports from Working Group Leaders/Liaisons: 

1. • Environment Working Group – Donna brought the group up to date on spraying of the herbicide, glycophosphate, by the city of Maryville near Pistol Creek. Linda is leading the effort to have TDEC and others investigate. EWG is searching for the right folks in Maryville to discuss the planting of nonnative, invasive species that has been done along the Maryville Greenway. The next BC Watershed Alliance meeting is set for August 4th, from 12-1PM. You can join the Google meeting online at https://meet.google.com/yan-cpgg-mre?hs=224 or call in at 339-788-5283 (PIN: 791765900). 

1. • Voting Engagement  – Marilyn reported that the current main focus is redistricting and concerns about American Community Survey data being used to supplement Census date. See this statement on the differences between 2 sets of data. Overall Census response rate was only about 70%, which raises concerns about under-represented groups. 

1. • Recommended Books – Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When we Fall Apart by Alicia Garza, the co-creator of Black Lives Matter. 

Announcements: 

• The August Huddle meeting is cosponsored with RescuingHealth.org and features an impressive group of people who will discuss the proposed Medicaid Block Grants requested by TN. Sue & Marilyn offered to help with publicity for the event. We hope to get members of the media interested and promote it widely. 

Future Huddle Meeting Dates: send suggestions to maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com 

1. • Aug 26, 2021 – Impact of TN Medicaid Block Grants

   • Sept 30, 2021 – New Federal Policies Update (tentative)

   • Oct 28, 2021 – TN Nature Conservancy (tentative)

Huddle Meeting Minutes – May 27, 2021

Main Presentation: Speaker was Dr.  Stephen Smith of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE). SACE is active in TN, NC, SC, GA and FL, and concentrates on 5 areas: climate change, renewable energy, electrification of transportation, increasing energy efficiency, and shutting down coal-powered plants/minimizing new drilling. The topic of Dr. Smith’s presentation was TVA and Public Power. For details, see this pdf. For more information visit www.cleanenergy.org .  

Reports from Working Group Leaders: 

1. • Environment Working Group – Thanks to EWG for sponsoring tonight’s meeting. 

1. • Women’s/LGBTQ Rights/Gun Violence Group – Ruth reported on bills that were recently signed into law by Gov. Lee (and supported by our local state officials): 

• Five anti-LGBTQ bills, including anti-trans student athlete bill, anti-trans youth healthcare bill, anti-trans unisex bathroom bill, student opt out of sharing locker rooms/bathrooms/sleeping facilities, parent/student opt out of any teaching of sex education that mentions LGBTQ community.  

• Permitless gun carry bill goes into effect July 1st. 

• Prohibition of teaching Critical Race Theory and systemic racism in TN schools. 

1. • Voting Engagement Group – Marilyn discussed upcoming online events on redistricting. 

1. • Recommended Books: 

• Daughters of Kobani: Story of Rebellion, Courage and Justice by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon. Book describes how female Kurdish forces defended the town of Kobani and eventually went on to defeat Isis in Syria. 

• Under White Sky: The Nature of the Future by Elizabeth Kolbert (the author of Sixth Extinction). Book is an upbeat look at whether we can turn the tide on climate change and save humanity. 

Announcements: 

• Heather invited folks to view some of the short documentary films offered on the filmgeographies.com website. Film Geographies is a group of geographers make films about geography in all its human and physical forms. Heather has a film available on the site on older people and COVID. On June 24th, there will be a free screening of international films. 

• For anyone interested, Heather has some podcasts available on the WOZO Radio website on Health Profiles in 13 East TN Counties, including one on Blount County. 

• Big thanks to Millie for her letter to the editor in support of the LGBTQ community that was published in today’s Maryville Daily Times. 

Future Huddle Meeting Dates: send suggestions to maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com 

1. • June 24th – Monuments, Memory & Legacy of White Supremacy

   • July 29th – Bridge Refugee Services

   • Aug 26th – Impact of TN Medicaid Block Grants

   • Sept 30th – New Federal Policies Update

   • Oct 28th – open

Huddle Meeting Minutes – April 29, 2021

I uploaded last night's huddle recording to FB and to YouTube (for those not on FB)

https://fb.watch/5bNbhYYcfH/

Youtube:

https://youtu.be/0Y4Ce87HHfU

Main Presentation: Dr. Marianne Wanamaker spoke on “150 Years of Economic Progress for African American Me: Measuring Outcome and Sizing Up Road Blocks”.  You can read a summary of her work here.  Following her presentation, a good discussion occurred on corrective measures, impact of reparations and $15 minimum wage, etc. Dr. Wanamaker recommended the following reading list: 

• WILKERSON, ISABEL.  The Warmth of Other Suns

• TANKERSLEY, JIM. The Riches of this Land: The Untold, True Story of America’s Middle Class

• BOSTIC, RAPHAEL. “The Moral and Economic Imperative to End Racism” https://www.atlantafed.org/about/feature/2020/06/12/bostic-a-moral-and-economic-imperative-to-end-racism 

• HURSTON, ZORA NEAL. Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo”

Reports from Working Group Leaders: 

1. • Environment/Climate Change Group –Sue reported it is still possible to offer feedback on SR-162 Extension of Pellissippi Parkway. The proposed State Route 162 Pellissippi Parkway Extension includes construction of a new transportation corridor, extending Pellissippi Parkway from its current location at SR 33 (Old Knoxville Highway) to SR 73 (US 321/Lamar Alexander Highway) in Blount County. The length of the proposed extension would be approximately 4.4 miles. Web link for offering comments: https://gather.cdmsmith.com/v/v8jkyAVO149 and to download comment form for mailing in comments.  Sue also provided information on the speaker and topic of the next Huddle meeting on May 27th. 

1. • Women’s/LGBTQ Rights/Gun Violence Group – Ruth reported on bills under consideration in the GA. Included in her report are these bills: 

• HB1027/SB0126 that prohibits physicians from prescribing hormonal therapy to transitioning transgender minors will be voted on by the full House May 3rd. It has passed the Senate. 

• SB1370/HB1252, the Personhood Bill, that declares all aborted fetuses to be persons and allows people to file wrongful death lawsuits against women and doctors involved passed House & Senate and goes to governor. 

• HB1182/SB1224, an anti-transgender bill, that requires businesses to post notices near a unisex bathroom passed the Senate & House and goes to the governor. 

• SB1229/HB0529 that requires parents to be notified of any discussion of sexual orientation/gender identity in school curriculums so students can opt out has been transmitted to governor. 

• HB1233/SB1367 that requires schools to accommodate any student who doesn’t want to use a multi-use bathroom, changing room, sleeping quarters (anti-LGBTQ students) passed House & Senate. 

• HB1181/SB0828 that requires aborted fetal remains to be buried or cremated at expense of woman or abortion clinic has been transmitted to governor. 

• Crown Act (SB0136) that prohibits discrimination and shaming based on hair style will be voted on by full Senate May 3rd. It was deferred in the House. 

• SB0635 that mandates equal pay for women was deferred. 

• HB0578/SB0657 that makes medica/surgical therapy of minor transgender children a criminal act for physicians and allows child abuse charged to be brought against parents was deferred. 

1. • Voting Engagement Group – Marilyn advised that numerous webinars and online events are happening around redistricting. Think Tennessee has one scheduled for Thurs, May 6th at 1 PM. Register here. 

Future Huddle Meeting Dates: send suggestions to maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com 

• May 27th – Clean Energy

1. • June 24th – Monuments, Memory & Legacy of White Supremacy

   • July 29th – open

   • Aug 26th – open

   • Sept 30th - open

Maryville Huddle Meeting Minutes – February 25, 2021

THANKS! Rhea thanked everyone who made donations to RescuingHealth.org in her name. 

TN General Assembly Legislative Discussion 

Participants: Rep. Bob Ramsey (Blount County, Rep. Gloria Johnson & Sen. Richard Briggs (Knoxville)

Impressions of the Education Special Session: The 3 bills passed are a mixture of good and bad ideas. Summer school camps and after school camps to address lost learning are needed and should be beneficial but they are underfunded. Teachers received <1% raise despite the governor’s statement it is a 2% raise. Holding back 3rd graders based on one reading test score is not a good idea. The Basic Education Program (BEP) needs to be fully funded and these bills did no address that deficiency. 

Legislative Priorities: 

2. 1. Sen. Briggs: Helping seniors raising grandchildren via Kinship Care Act; Preventing elder financial abuse; Expanding TENNCare/Medicaid coverage especially in light of new incentives in the COVID relief package moving through Congress

   2. Rep. Johnson: Revocation of the TN Medicaid block grant; Funding and changing formula for paying teachers in BEP; Limiting class size in Grades 1-3 to 15; Increase number of school social workers; Refiled Red Flag law 

   3. Rep. Ramsey: Facilitate building of the transition center in Blount County; Passage of medical cannabis & cannabis oil law; Bill requiring lethality survey for domestic violence incidents; Bill allowing art therapists to be licensed

Positions on Bills to be voted on in the near future:

3. 1. Permitless carry gun laws: all 3 oppose

   2. Fair redistricting laws: all 3 support

   3. County Mayors to make health decisions rather than Health Boards: all 3 oppose (very strong opposition by Sen. Briggs)

   4. Transgender sports bill: all 3 oppose but Sen. Briggs feels questions need to be addressed about transgender girls competing against birth girls

Working Group Updates

1. Environment WG (Sue): Next meeting is March 10th at 4:30PM. They are supporting the CLEAN Act filed in TN General Assembly. They will host the May 27th Huddle Meeting.

2. Voting WG (Marilyn): The LoWV-BC is planning a 4-part series of panels/discussions/films on gerrymandering, TN legislation, and redistricting. 

3. LGBTQ/Women’s’ Rights & Anti-Gun Violence (Ruth): Other discriminatory/hateful bills filed in the TN GA include the following:

   1. House Bill 1079/Senate Bill 0494 AKA the Impregnator Permission Bill is an unconstitutional, insulting bill that gives the suspected impregnator veto power over another person’s abortion decision.

   2. House Bill 1425/Senate Bill 1222 AKA the Forced Counseling Bill. There is already decision counseling before every legal abortion in Tennessee, but this bill wants to push the state mandated script even further to try and coerce/shame people out of having an abortion.

   3. House Bill 0578/Senate Bill 0657 This bill would severely limit parents of trans children in supporting their child’s transition with hormone therapy/puberty blockers. Parents would need to seek three different doctors’ approvals, and if they don’t, it would be considered child abuse.

   4. House Bill 1252/Senate Bill 1370 AKA the Personhood Bill is an inane, misleading bill that states that a person cannot sue due to wrongful birth or wrongful life, by claiming they should have been aborted. In effect, the harm of this bill is that it defines a fetus as a person.

   5. House Bill 1181/Senate Bill 0828 AKA Medical Tissue Burial is a bill meant to shame people seeking an abortion by requiring fetal remains to be buried or cremated.

   6. House Bill 0529/Senate Bill 1229: This bill would require public schools to notify parents before offering any curriculum about sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill allows parents to opt their children out of such instruction.

   7. House Bill 0724/Senate Bill 0204 Bans abortion as soon as a pregnancy can be detected in any way. AKA a total abortion ban. They call it the Rule of Law Life Act.

Other Announcements

1. COVID Vaccine Availability: Heather described a glitch in signing up for vaccines through Kroger’s website (www.Kroger.com/covidvaccine ). It may be better to use the Kroger app if you have an account with a Kroger pharmacy or call 866-211-5320. For information on other pharmacies in the area with vaccines, visit vaccinefinder.org. To sign up through the Blount County Health Dept, you can call 983-4582 and choose Option 7, not Option 8 (which takes you to the State sign up system).  You can also sign up in different counties via the TN Vaccine Map: https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/county-vaccine-information/ . Choose risk-based or aged-based phase for each county. 

2. Future Huddle Meetings:

   1. March 25th: Dr. Frances Henderson speaking on Systemic Racism

   2. April 29th: Dr. Marianne Wannamaker speaking on 150 Years of Racial Equality

   3. May 27th: Speaker on Clean Renewable Energy

   4. Send suggestions for future meetings to maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com 

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting January 28, 2021

Zoom meeting

Strategic Planning Meeting

Before discussion started, Huddle members presented Rhea Morgan with a painting by local artist and Huddle member Claudia Erwin. The painting represents Rhea’s commitment to and leadership of the Huddle.

Welcome

Review of Mission and Priorities

The meeting focused on reviewing the Huddles’ mission and priorities. Rhea and members affirmed that the Huddle is an issue-driven group rather than a political group although its progressive-leaning agenda aligns with the Democratic party frequently—but not always. The presentations and working groups strive for non-partisan activities. 

The Tennessee legislature is closed to visitors so it is harder to voice support or concerns about the actions taken. Emails and calls are good, but there is no in-person lobbying. One issue to watch for is re-districting. Another is a bill to require transgender students to play on their birth-gender teams

Review of Monthly Meetings

Members voted to continue meeting on the last Thursday of the month at 7 pm. Local speakers is the favored formats. Approximately 20 members participated in the meeting.

Status & Plans of Working Group

Secretary

Ginny West Case will take the minutes for future minutes. Special thanks to Betsy for serving as secretary for the group over the last 4 years. 

Environment/Climate Change

Sue DuBois and Donna Edwards reported on the group’s plans. The group has identified 5 goals for education and community awareness: 1 – promote renewable energy, 2 – raise awareness about the relevance of biodiversity, 3 – monitor and advocate for legislation and policy at the global, federal, state, and local level, 4 – be involved in Earth Day, and 5 – networking and actions with other local environmental organizations. See the minutes for this working group posted on the Huddle website for more details.

Voting Rights

Marilyn Finley is also a member of the League of Women Voters and will continue to serve as the liaison between the groups. She will keep Huddle members updated on the actions of the TN legislature.

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control

Ruth Holloway will continue to keep Huddle members up-to-date on these issues. 

Immigration

Rhea Morgan will continue as the liaison with local immigration organizations and the Huddle.

Book Club

Huddle members will suggest books, podcasts, and other resources. Some of the suggestions at this meeting were

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, Isabel Wilkerson (Random House, 2020)

edX online courses on a variety of topics:  courses.edx.org

Fate of Food: What Will We Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World, Amanda Little (Harmony, 2019)

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country, Amanda Gorman (Penguin, 2021)

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (Beacon, 2015)

Just Us: An American Conversation, Claudia Rankins (Graywolf, 2020)

A Promised Land, Barack Obama (Crown, 2020)

The Tradition, Jericho Brown (Copper Canyon, 2020) and Inaugural – an original poem

Supreme Inequality: The Supreme Court’s Fifty-Year Battle for a More Unjust America, Adam Cohen (Penguin, 2020)

Unsettling Truths – The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, Mark Charles & Soong-Chan Rah (InterVarsity Press, 2019)

Native, Kaitlin Curtice (Baker Publishing, 2020)

Weekly Emails

The consensus was that the weekly emails and legislative-alert emails are very helpful and should continue. Mailchimp reports a 76% participation rate. Participation is defined as having the email is opened, read, and links clicked on.

Website

The website has become a valuable archival source of information to share with others in the community. Meeting presentations, reading lists, and more provide Huddle members and others with resources and reference points. Special thanks to Laura for maintaining the website.

https://sites.google.com/view/wmcethuddle/maryville-huddle?authuser=0

Other Items

Consider reviving the Healthcare working group. Ana & Heather will be valuable resources on this subject.

Heather will contact Carol Sutton about presenting “We’re Still Here” program on healthcare in elderly women.

Have a program on the 1st Amendment.

Consider ways to increase distribution of weekly emails, i.e. increasing our audience. Possibly post link to actions on Huddle FB page

Explore coalition building with other progressive groups and parties in TN to turnout more progressive voters next election. 

Future Meeting Dates

February 25 - General Assembly Legislators: Bob Ramsey, Gloria Johnson (if her schedule is open), Richard Briggs

March 25 - Dr. Henderson – Institutional/systemic racism in the context of the police response to the January 6th Capitol riot

April 29 - Tentative: Racism – Dr. Wannamaker

May 27 - Tentative: Environmental Group – Solar Alliance or new species in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

June 24 - Tentative: Poetry Slam – Blount County SURJ]

July 29 – 

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting September 24, 2020  and ALICE Presentation

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting September 24, 2020

Zoom meeting

Wendy Wand, Vice President of Blount County United Way described the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income- Constrained, Employed) program. In 2017, 37% of Blount County residents (39% statewide) were identified as living in ALICE or below. ALICE workers often are fully employed but living paycheck to paycheck because their wages do not cover the cost of living. In 2020, COVID-19 has affected this population disproportionally. United Way has seen a 42% increase in home insecurity and a dramatic increase in requests for help with food. A significant number of Blount County residents need access to affordable healthcare, housing, and childcare with an income that will cover the cost of living. Blount County business groups are working with United Way to bring in businesses that pay a living wage.

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights. (Marilyn) The League of Women Voters is distributing “I Vote” yard signs. She will deliver;

donations appreciated.

Environment/Climate Change: (Sue) Nothing to report.

Book Club: (Betsy) Rage, Bob Woodward, (Simon & Schuster, 2020).

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control: (Ruth) Nothing to report.

Postcards: (Rhonda) ~19,000 postcards sent since beginning of the year; almost 3,000 in the past month; focusing on local candidates in the next few weeks.

Other Comments/Announcements:

Folks who attended the vigil for RBG this past week said it was very moving, with good speakers. About 100 people attended.

Saturday, October 17. Nationwide action is planned by the Women’s March, Planned Parenthood, Supermajority, Indivisible, and other organization to protest the push to appoint a Supreme Court justice before the election.

Democracy Defense Force is forming to protect the election process. Details to follow.

Marilyn will follow up on the racist sign and bearskin placed on GSMNP sign to see what action the park service and county officials are taking.

Encourage voters who requested an absentee ballot to send it back immediately. Voters who decide to vote in person instead will have to submit a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are problematic—not always counted.

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

Oct 29 Frances Henderson: Institutional Racism in Housing and Employment Jan 28 Strategic Planning

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting August 27, 2020

Zoom meeting

Rescuing Health.  Ana Gonçalves described the need for the Rescuing Health organization. At the end of 2019, almost 10% of Tennesseans were uninsured and 46% were underinsured. Rescuing Health provides financial help to individuals with a medical need they cannot afford. It has helped transgender individuals and immigrants with an average of $708 in assistance. Gonçalves goal is to get the word out about the organization to help more members of the community. Huddle members had several suggestions.

Working Group Updates

Book Club: (Betsy)

Dark Towers: Deutsche Bank, Donald Trump, and an Epic Trail of Destruction, David Enrich, (HarperCollins, 2020).

Dying of Whiteness, Jonathan Metzl, (Basic, 2019).

How to be Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi, (Random House, 2019).

These Truths: A History of the United States, Jill Lepore, (Norton, 2018).

Ginny West Case volunteered to facilitate zoom sessions to discuss books.

Environment/Climate Change: (Donna) The GSMNP has proposed a network mountain bike trails near the Wears Valley entry. Concerns for the environment include disruption to wildlife, crossing a wetlands area, runoff from steep trails, and more.

The Citizens Climate Lobby held the SE Appalachian Conference via zoom August 22. Donna is looking into getting a link to the program for the Huddle.

Voting Rights. (Marilyn) The League of Women Voters is distributing “I Vote” yard signs. Yard signs encouraging voting appear to be more effective than signs identifying a particular candidate.

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control: (Ruth) Governor Bill Lee called a Special Session of the TN Legislature to pass legislation to protect businesses from Covid-related lawsuits by their employees and customers. The Legislature also passed a law that allows peaceful protesters to be punished with arrests, jail (felony), and termination of voting rights.

The Governor and legislators passed several unconstitutional bills during this term:  1) restrict women's reproductive choice, 2) approve educational vouchers (funds from public tax monies), 3) allow individuals to carry guns just about anywhere with or without a permit, 4) criminalized making mistakes on voter registration forms, and 5) limiting protesters 1st Amendment rights.

Immigration: Immigration Outreach recently raised over $10,000 to help 25 families with rent and utilities. They need Spanish speaking interpreters. Contact winblountcounty@gmail.com 

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

Sept 24 Wendy Wand: ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed)

Oct 29 Frances Henderson: Institutional Racism in Housing and Employment

Jan 28 Strategic Planning

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting July 30, 2020 Zoom meeting

https://www.facebook.com/MaryvilleHuddle/ 

Meeting Video

Candidate Forum:

Jay Clark, TN General Assembly House District 8 (D) Renee Hoyos, Congressional House District 2 (D)

Bob Ramsey, TN General Assembly House District 20 (R) Susan Sneed, TN General Assembly House District 20 (D)

The questions are included below. The forum incorporated several question formats:

• yes/no questions covering the topics voting, gun legislation, environment, education,

• healthcare, immigration, and COVID-19 (responses shown below)

• questions asking for a 1.5 minute responses from candidates focused on public school, high-speed internet access, TN as a “right to work” state, COVID-19 liability, legislative

• priorities

• questions for Hoyos on the topics: saving the US Postal Service, citizenship for DACA

• recipients, abuse of power within the Executive branch, raising the minimum wage, and

• environmental regulations

• 1.5 minute responses from each candidate on questions specific to the candidate.

• The final statements from each candidate captured much of their focus:

• Jay Clark stressed his support for public education but not vouchers. He supports expanding Medicaid, working to bring jobs to Blount County, efforts to protect our natural resources. He promises to be accessible to his constituents.

• Bob Ramsey expressed concern for the impact of the pandemic on the economy and world hunger that will be part of the fallout. He stressed his support for teachers and law enforcement—and the importance of good leadership in tackling the problems of this State and the country.

• Susan Sneed emphasized the need for good education, good healthcare (expanding Medicaid), and good jobs. She suggested that funds are available in “rainy day” funds set aside by the State to support those priorities.

• Renee Hoyos noted that education, healthcare (all Americans should be covered), and the environment (for example, strengthening the coal ash rule, making EPA a cabinet-level position) are interconnected. She emphasized that a plan is needed to address issues and not politicize them.

• Watch the Facebook post of the forum Huddle Candidate Forum

Working Group Updates

Updates will be given in Huddle emails and at the August meeting

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

Aug 27 Sept 24 Oct 29 Jan 2021

Dr. Ana Consalves of RescuingHealth.org (Zoom meeting)

ALICE [asset-limited, income-constrained, employed] Demographic Study Institutional Racism in Housing and Employment

Candidate Forum

Rhea: Welcome

Candidate Self-Introductions (approx 5 mins) – in alphabetical order: Clark, Hoyos, Ramsey Sneed

Yes or No Questions for all candidates – to be asked to candidates in reverse alphabetical order: Sneed, Ramsey, Hoyos, Clark, no details/qualifications to be given (approx 10 minutes)

1. Voting - Do you support excuse-free absentee voting or universal voting by mail for everyone in TN? Yes – all candidates

2. Gun Legislation - Are you for or against permit-less gun carry in TN (HB2661/SB2888)? Extreme protection order/Red flag laws? Allowing guns to be carried on campus? Against, 2a – all candidates; Yes, 2b – Clark, Hoyos, Sneed; No, 2b – Ramsey; No, 2c – all candidates

3. Environment - Do you support a bottle bill for TN? Do you support a bill (SB2131/HB2369) that prohibits grocery stores, retail stores, and service businesses from providing free paper or plastic bags to customers? Yes, 3a – Clark, Hoyos, Sneed; No, 3a – Ramsey; Yes, 3b – all

candidates

4. Education – Do you support the governor’s education savings account pilot (school vouchers) program? No – all candidates

5. Healthcare – Do you support the governor’s proposed block grant proposal? Do you support Medicaid expansion in TN? No, 5a – all candidates; Yes, 5b – all candidates

6. Immigration – Should DACA recipients and undocumented students who are residents of TN pay in-state tuition? Yes – all candidates

7. COVID-19 – Should the governor mandate the wearing of face masks in TN? If he does not, should Mayor Mitchell mandate the wearing of face masks in BC? Yes – all candidates

8. Healthcare – This past legislative session a bill capping the co-pay costs on insulin at $100 (i.e. HB1931 (Hodges)/SB1939 (Briggs) was filed but didn’t make it through the abbreviated session. If refiled in in TN or in Congress in 2021, would you support it? Yes – all candidates

Questions requiring Detailed Answers (including * Hoyos) - Candidates to answer in alphabetical order, with the 1st answerer staggered, 1.5 min allowed per candidate (approx 20 mins). See Vide for their answers.

9. Tennessee’s public schools consistently rank among the bottom 10. Provide 1-2 steps that you would propose to improve our public schools? Jay>Bob>Susan

10. What specific step(s) do you support to make high-speed broadband available in rural TN?* Renee>Bob>Susan>Jay

11. Do you think being a “right to work state” helps or hurts TN residents? Bob>Susan>Jay

12. Do you support state or federal legislation waiving liability for businesses, schools, local governments over illness or damages caused by COVID-19?* Susan>Jay>Renee>Bob

13. If elected, name your top legislative priority, i.e. bill you would file or would like to see passed

*

ASAP. Jay>Renee>Bob>Susan

Congressional House Questions – for Renee Hoyos, maximum 1.5 minute/answer (approx 6 mins). See Vide for her answers.

1. How can we save the United States Post Office?

2. Do you support offering US citizenship to DACA recipients? What about amnesty and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?

3. Are there specific steps you think should be taken to address abuse of power by any person in

the White House or Cabinet?

4. Do you support raising the federal minimum wage? If so, to what?

5. What 3 environmental regulations that have been rolled back by the current administration would you prioritize with regards to their reinstatement?

Q&A Session – 1.5 minutes per answer per candidate (approx 20 mins)

1. For Rep. Ramsey: "As the only incumbent present tonight, please list one or more specific bills you have proposed or personally championed in the past year." Getting Automatic Electrical Defibrillator bill passed.

2. For S. Sneed: You have not been endorsed by Planned Parenthood. Why? She didn’t get the paperwork in before their deadline.

3. For S. Sneed & J. Clark: There is burgeoning shortage of affordable housing BC. Can you provide 1 or 2 ideas on how to combat it? Incentives for developers, stop state interference, increase wages.

4. For Rep. Ramsey: What has changed under Speaker Sexton’s leadership as House Speaker and do you support him remaining speaker in the next GA session? Works across the aisle, tries to keep House autonomous, with less interference from outside, less pressure on how you vote, very accommodating. Yes.

5. For R. Hoyos: What, if any, areas or departments of the Federal government do you think would be improved by privatization? None

 6. For Rep. Ramsey: Does your campaign receive money from private prison companies, .eg. CoreCivic? Yes

7. For All Candidates: Are you for or against the death penalty. All are against it.

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting June 25, 2020 Zoom meeting

Guest speaker Aftyn Behn, Senior Regional Organizer for Indivisible in Kentucky and Tennessee, gave an update of Indivisible activities and upcoming events.

2. Black Lives Matter There are new resources below and updates to those shared last week. Be sure to give each one another review.

• Learn more about and take action around Defunding the Police and Investing in Black Communities.

• These dos and don'ts are especially useful for all white group members and activists on how to approach this work and use best practices when doing so.

• Intersectionality & Allyship: The Pitfalls of Allyship read this with your groups to learn how you can show up in the correct way and be most useful in spaces led by Black and Brown Organizers and organizations.

• The third video in the COVID Corruption youtube series covers the ongoing protests against police brutality that we've seen around the country and provides examples of how allies can take action.

• Support Organizations Helping #BlackLivesMatter Protesters

• This Solidarity Ramp Up slide deck from our Senior Regional Organizer, Emily, in WI! Want to

• make a copy for your group? Just let me know and I’ll send you a copy.

• Resources collected by Learning For Action on additional ways you can take action and help in

• the fight to demand justice. Special thanks to a GL in CA for sharing this. Please note: This doc is open for editing. Please be careful when adding your own resources and do not delete anyone else’s additions.

• This MomsRising email with additional resources and info

• How you can donate to assist George Floyd’s family as well as other donation opportunities

• You can also read Leah and Ezra’s response here.

1. National Priorites: presidential election, numerous House primaries, 11 Senate races

2. The Let’s Get Rural initiative is sponsoring the Rural Voices Virtual Summit, June 27, 11 am -5:30

3. pm.

4. Tennessee Priorities: focus on flipping 4-5 state-level seats, HD 18, 34, 97, 83, and protecting

5. Gloria Johnson’s seat. No wins are projected at the federal level, particularly in the Senate. She

6. encouraged Huddle members to invest their time in flipping state-level seats.

7. Vote by Mail and Get Out the Vote initiatives. How to get involved:

1. The Workshop: Relational Organizing Amidst Racial Violence last Thursday was a powerful call. Thank you to everyone who was able to join and leaned in to the work. For those who were not able to make it, you can view the recording here.

National has been working to keep info and actions in this resource up to date so that you and your group can take action and stand with Black communities across the country as they demand justice for George Floyd and for all black lives that are under attack from racist police across the country.

a. VoteFWD

b. Sign up to help with Payback Project

c. Sign up for National Rural Summit this Saturday the 27th

1. Sign up for Tennessee Indivisible e-mail list for more information about absentee ballot

2. campaign

3. Sign up for rural email list

Working Group Updates

Environment/Climate Change: Next meeting July 8 via Zoom. Group activities include water sampling of the Little River and a July 4th cleanup of the Little River in the Walland area.

Time: Jul 8, 2020 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85955985645?pwd=cFVQejJXZThMTDN0ekZSNExGdjU0QT09 Meeting ID: 859 5598 5645

Password: 055998 Dial by your location

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

Voting Rights. Activities include working with the League of Women Voters and Daily Times to gather written and videos responses to the prompt Why I Vote?; participating in Vote Forward organization

In recognition of the woman’s right to vote, suffrage flags are going up on area light poles and Walls for Women artwork will be displayed on East Broadway.

Yard signs encouraging voting appear to be more effective than signs identifying a particular candidate. Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control: See the list sent with the agenda on relevant legislation. Immigration: Concern expressed about racial profiling of Hispanics in Blount County.

Book Club:

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, (Little Brown, 2020). Additional Information:

Members encouraged to

• watch the documentary 13th on race and the criminal justice system, Ava DuVernay, director.

• read the works of Ijeomo Oluo, including So You Want to Talk About Race

• Upcoming Huddle Meetings

July 30 Candidate forum (Sneed, Ramsey, Richey, Clark, Hoyos, Brown confirmed) – Zoom meeting

Aug 27 Dr. Ana Consalves of RescuingHealth.org - Zoom meeting

Discussed several possible programs focused on race and race relations.

Sept 24 racism-related program Oct 29 racism-related program

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting May 28, 2020

Zoom meeting

Guest speaker Chet Hunt represents the America Promise Association of Knoxville (APAK) as part of the national movement for Amendment 28, limiting big money in elections and reversing the 2010 Citizens United ruling by the Supreme Court (see americanpromise.net). House Joint Resolution 2 and Senate Joint Resolution 51 have been approved by 24 states—but there is long way to go to get an amendment.

He encouraged us to watch the 2012 documentary Dark Money, a case study on Montana https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Money_(film) and to read the book Corporations Are Not People: Reclaiming Democracy from Big Money and Global Corporations, Jeffrey D. Clements, (Berrett-Koehler, 2014, 2nd edition). [Huddle recommended reading November 2018]

Working Group Updates

Environment/Climate Change: Meeting via Zoom and participating in virtual opportunities. Among their activities: participating in a virtual Earth Day forum, watching https://www.storyofplastic.org/, supporting a Facebook town hall with Susan Snead and Jay Clark on biodiversity, commenting on a proposal by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to develop the entrance to the Park at Metcalfe Bottoms.

Voting Rights. Activities include: working with the League of Women Voters and Daily Times to gather written and videos responses to the prompt Why I Vote?; exploring a virtual clinic to explain voter IDs; encouraging absentee ballots for voters over 60; discussing with Representative Ramsey getting the electronic highway signs to encourage voting.

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control: See the list sent with the agenda on relevant legislation.

Immigration: Welcome Immigration Neighbors, Loudon County, had a successful fundraiser ($10,000).

100 Million Mask initiative filled all local requests for masks (over 2,000 were delivered to veterinarians, doctors, dentists, assisted living facilities, hospitals, animal shelters, Knoxville Zoo, numerous nonprofits, etc. in the area).

Book Club:

Post-Truth, Lee McIntyre, (MIT Press, 2018).

This America: The Case for the Nation, Jill Lepore, (Liveright, 2019).

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

June 25 Aftyn Behn of Indivisible (via Zoom)

July 30 Candidate forum (Sneed, Ramsey, Clark, Hoyos) – not sure if virtual or in-person

Aug 27 Dr. Ana Consalves of RescuingHealth.org

Discussed several possible programs focused on race and race relations.

Sept 24

Oct 29

Jan 2021

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting January 27, 2020

“Talking Gun Sense in Tennessee.” Kendra Straub described areas Mothers Demand Action (MDA) focus on: 1. Firearm Safe Storage (BeSMART program), 2. Red Flag Laws, and 3. School Safety. The MDA’s goals for the 2020 Tennessee legislative session are opposition to arming teachers and support for red flag laws. March 4 is Advocacy Day in Nashville (see https://www.facebook.com/events/s/reject-the-coverup-rally/1119121121770438/ ).

Rhea Morgan briefed Huddle members on the Refugee Resolution coming before the Blount County Commission and urged members to attend the Commission’s workshop February 11 at 6:30. Refugees are vetted before they come to the U.S. and they must be sponsored when they arrive. Blount County does not have the required public transportation to support the refugees; therefore, is not eligible to receive the refugees. Knox County does meet the criteria.

Working Group Updates

Environment/Climate Change: Next meeting Wednesday, February 12 at 4:30 at The Bird and the Book. 

Rhea Morgan described UT’s clearcutting at the dairy farm.

The Federal Government continues to rollback environment-friendly policies.

Note: Marty Young (martyanna1@gmail.com), an electric vehicle advocate, is organizing a ride & drive event.

Voting Rights. Marilyn Finley needs people to help with voter registration. About a dozen students at Pellissippi State were registered recently.

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control: 

Fetal Heartbeat Bill: Bill Lee will sign and it will go into effect if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.

A bill has passed that will allow adoption groups to not place children in LGBTQ homes. Protest planned for February 15 at Legislative Plaza, Nashville.

A letter has been sent to all TN county clerks instructing them to not issues marriage licenses to LGBTQ couples. To date the letter is being ignored.

TN Equality Legislative Advocacy Days: February 4, March 3, April 7

Planned Parenthood Legislative Advocacy Days: February 11, February 25, March10.

Book Club:

Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth, Rachel Maddow, (Crown, 2019).

On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, Timothy Snyder, (Duggan Books, 2017).

We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast, Jonathan Safran Foer, (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2019).

What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia, Elizabeth Catte, (Belt, 2018).

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

Thursday, February 27. Census Representative, Kimberly Smith 

Thursday, March 26. RescuingHealth.org, Dr. Ana Goncalves

Thursday, April 30. Legislative Summary/Indivisible Update, Aftyn Behn

Thursday, May 28. American Promise, Sam Bledsoe (tentative)

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting October 24, 2019

Panel discussion organized by the Environment/Climate Change working group:

Voices of Youth on Climate Change

Logan Hysen, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Sunrise Movement

Donia Lehman, Maryville College

Samantha Stacey, Maryville College

Grace Dulin, home schooled

Dr. Mark O’Gorman, Public Policy, Maryville College

Dr. Jay Clark, Biology, Maryville College – moderator

Students focused on using the science of climate change to work with community members and government entities to reduce the impact of fossil fuels and other factors on the environment.

For more information, see the Daily Times front page article on Friday, October 25:  https://www.thedailytimes.com/news/youth-climate-panel-talks-local-and-national-climate-issues/article_3af9b243-7fcd-5452-88a2-38205531e831.html

Working Group Updates

Environment/Climate Change: Next meeting Wednesday, November 13 at 4:30 at the Public House.

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control: Members encouraged to participate a protest rally at the Sevier County Courthouse, Monday, November 18 at 6 pm against homophobia and racism. Wear red.

Immigration: Immigration outreach will be held at the Habitat for Humanity the first Tuesday in November and January at 6 pm.

Book Club: Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth, Rachel Maddow, (Crown, 2019).

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

No meetings November and December

Thursday, January 30. Moms Demand Action

Thursday, February 27. Census Representative

Thursday, March 26. RescueHealth.org 

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting September 26, 2019

Two speakers presented at the Huddle:

Chris Sanders with the Tennessee Equality Project. He described outreach activities and legislation. TEP is focusing on outreach activities throughout the State to increase awareness of the LGBTQ community. He reviewed four bills due to come before the 2020 Tennessee legislative session. The most alarming he described as preemptive legislation—that is, legislation from the State legislators that will over-ride, preempt laws passed by a Tennessee city and/or county.  The Business License to Discriminate bill (SB364) is an example. Another bill to be aware of is the Adoption Discrimination Bill (SB1304) that allows tax payer/public funds to be used by private adoption agencies even if they turn people away based on religious ground. An anti-transgender bathroom bill (SB 1499) is up again in the Senate. The TEP Legislative Days on the Hill are the first Tuesday in February, March, and April 2020.

Ben Sterling described the mentoring program tnAchieves.org, the student-support partner of Tennessee Promise. Mentors work with students that are first generation college students from families with an annual income of less than $50,000. Mentors offer support and help address problems with students 1 hour/month as they enter college. Two 1-hour training sessions prepare the mentor and students for the program. TN Achieves need to find 80 more mentors for senior high school students in Blount County who have applied for TN Promise. Please visit their website for more information: https://tnachieves.org/ and to download an application https://tnachieves.org/mentors/apply/ . 

Working Group Updates

Environment/Climate Change: Organizing the October 24 Huddle: Listening to Voices of Youth on Climate Change.

Sunday, September 29, New Providence Presbyterian Church, Jim Antole with discuss his book Climate Church, Climate World followed by 5 discussion sessions over the next 5 Sundays. See the Huddle website calendar for details. 

Voting Rights: Registered voters at the Maryville climate march September 20. Will work to register voters at other events that focus on an issue that concerns voters.

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control: Moms Demand Action has developed new campaign, includes attention to Red Flag Laws. They are the January Huddle meeting.

Immigration: Programs on Immigrant Experience held at the Habitat for Humanity building the first Tuesday in October, November, and January at 6 pm. See the Huddle website calendar for details.

Health Care: Two more rural hospitals are probably closing in Oneida and Jellico. Based on Congressional review and the opinion of several law professors, Gov. Lee’s Medicaid Block grant application is probably illegal. See Huddle Action list for Sept. 29th and website calendar for information and upcoming educational events on this subject.

Book Club: Climate Church, Climate World, Jim Antal, (Rowman & Littlefield, 2018).

The Man Without a Party: The Trials of Carl Von Ossietzky, Richard Tres, (Beacon, 2019).

Upheaval: Turning Points for Nations in Crisis, Jared Diamond, (Little, Brown 2019).

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

Thursday, October 24. Logan Hysen, Sunrise Movement. Listening to Voices of Youth on Climate Change.

No meetings November and December

Thursday, January 30. Moms Demand Action

Thursday, February 27. Census Representative

Thursday, March 26. Rescuing Health.org

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting August 29, 2019

Dr. Donald Bruce, Douglas & Brenda Home Professor of Business in the Haslam College of Business, University of TN, presented “Poverty in America: An Economist’s Perspective.” After a review of the Official Poverty Measure adopted in the early 1960s and the Supplemental Poverty Measure, he introduced the Gini Coefficient as the best measure of “household inequality.” He used Tennessee to illustrate “holes in the safety net” and programs such as Medicaid that ends abruptly when a participant no longer qualifies. Programs that gradually reduce services benefit participants.

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights: Tuesday, September 24 is National Voter Registration day. Watch for announcements of plans for the day. We’ll be coordinating voter registration canvassing with BC NAACP in October. A workshop on getting folks to vote will be held in conjunction with BC LoWV in January. Registrations are running 400-500/month in BC; now we have to get them to the polls. No one has seen the new touchscreen voting machines yet. 

Environment/Climate Change: Members are encouraged to participate in the Climate March Friday, September 20. Next meeting: Wednesday, September 11, 4:30 at the Public House. EWG is hosting the October Huddle meeting, which will be a forum featuring representatives of the Sunrise Movement.

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control: Organizing the September Huddle: Chris Sanders, Tennessee Equality Project. Blount County United is holding a talent show October 10—consider submitting an application. 

Book Club:  Suggested book to read is Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land

Immigration Outreach: The flow of immigrants through Knoxville has slowed; organizers are shifting the resources to help local immigrants. WIN-BC starts a series of 4 monthly presentations on educating people about the immigrant experience. Sessions are on the 1st Tuesday of Sept, Oct, Nov and Jan at 6PM in the BC Habitat for Humanity Building. See the weekly email or Huddle calendar for details. 

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

Thursday, September 26. Chris Sanders - Tennessee Equality Project, Ben Sterling – TN Achieves

Thursday, October 31. Logan Hysen, Sunrise Movement

No meetings November and December

Thursday, January 30. Kendra Robins - Moms Demand Action

Thursday, February 27. Census Representative

Thursday, March 26. Ana Goncalves – RescuingHealth.org

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting July 25, 2019

Speakers described the work of three Blount County community programs and the important role volunteers play in each. See attachments for more information.

Lisa Blackwood, Directory, Blount County Good Neighbors (GN) explained the nonprofit’s mission of helping our working poor/disabled neighbors. GN provides coaching and financial assistance with housing, utility bills, and transportation. It helps around 100 families per month via one-on-one meetings that develop specific plans on how the family can meets its needs. GN’s newest endeavor is a program that teaches budgeting. See the example of GN’s monthly financial report and read the stories of hope (attached). For more information visit www.goodneighborsbc.org, email: info@goodneighborsbc.org, phone: 865-681-5420 or stop by Mon-Wed-Fri at 320 W. Broadway Maryville in the lower level of St. Andrew’s Church.  Upcoming events:

• Moonlight Mile on September 20th at 10PM. It is a fun, family-friendly, 1-mile walk/run in downtown Maryville.

• Spirit of Good Neighbors Award Banquet on November 7th, a truly inspiring evening!

Joanie Shaver, Director, Office on Aging, Blount County Community Action Agency introduced us to the SMiles program, whereby volunteers provide rides to BC residents who no longer drive. Because the county lacks public transportation, Smiles has become a means for people to remain in their homes and still travel to doctor and other important appointments (see attached brochure). Average age of drivers is 66 and average age of riders is 82, so you are never too old! The Senior Savings Checkup was also explained. It is estimated that 4300 residents of BC are not receiving their full federal benefits. These include Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy, Medicare Savings Program (MSPs), TennCare, Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP). The Office on Aging has a grant to help folks sign up for these benefits (see attachment). To refer someone, call 865-724-1219 for BC and 865-546-6262 for Knox County residents. Upcoming events: 

• Next SMiles Drivers Class/Orientation is August 7th from 9AM to 12:30 PM. Drivers are needed. There is a waiting list of riders. See application attached.

• 2019-2020 Focus on Seniors free programs sponsored by BC Public Library & Office on Aging, dates: 9/25/19, 10/23/19, 11/20/19, 2/26/20, 3/25/20 and 4/22/20. See list of subjects attached. 

David Buchanan, Executive Director, Blount County Community Action Agency provided further information on other BCCAA programs. Meals on Wheels that provides free meals, groceries and pet food to >1000 home-bound seniors. BCAA also provides some financial assistance for utility bills/deposits, dental care, low-income energy assistance, gas cards, etc. A gardening program teaches people to raise their own healthy food. The drug court program helps recovering addicts get back on their feet. For further details, see the attached fact sheet and stories to warm the heart.  

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights: September is Voter Registration month. August 21st Susan Hughes will hold a voter registration training session from 6:30-7:30 PM in the Sharon Lawson Room of BC Public Library. It is hosted by League of Women Voters BC and open to the public. Information on Civic Responsibility and REV UP was provided. The group is looking for ideas on how best to reach potential voters, particularly students. Next meeting: Monday, August 18th at 6 PM in Study Room A of the BC Public Library. 

Environment/Climate Change: Two activities: 1) The group set up their first recycling table at the Blount County Democratic Party picnic; 2) Members of the group met with Blount County Soil Conservation about taking water samples from the Little River and Reedy Creek. Next meeting: Wednesday, August 14th at 4:30 PM at the Public House.

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control: Organizing the September Huddle meeting with Chris Sanders, Tennessee Equality Project and the January Huddle meeting with representative from Moms Demand Action. Both groups will preview legislation to be considered in the TN General Assembly in 2020. Blount County United is holding a talent show October 10—consider submitting an application (available at www.blountcountyunited.org .

Health Care: no update

Book Club:  Learn about the Supermajority (Power of Women) at their website. Supermajority Suggested Readings: https://act.supermajority.com/page/-/AG%27s%20Reading%20List_%20Supermajority%20%281%29.pdf

Immigration: The Huddle continues to support KITA as they help immigrants passing through Knoxville. Thanks to everyone who brought donations; they were delivered on Friday, 7/26/19. Donations can also be dropped off at Broadway Methodist Church, 309 E Broadway, Maryville. 

Upcoming Huddle Meetings – A special thanks to the anonymous donor who has paid the room rental for these meetings through October 2020. Thank you!

Thursday, August 29. Dr. Don Bruce, UT Dept of Economics: “Poverty in America/TN”

Thursday, September 26. Chris Sanders, Tennessee Equality Project

Thursday, October 31. Logan Hysen, Sunrise Movement

No meetings November and December

Thursday, January 30. Moms Demand Action – gun legislation 

Thursday, February 27

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting June 27, 2019

Two Heritage High School U.S. Government teachers, Kevin Rowland and David Butcher, and the Administrator of the Elections, Susan Hughes, lead a discussion of the teaching of civics in high school—what they do and how they encourage students to vote. Each emphasized the importance of voting in local elections to students. Audience questions and comments by TN State Representative Bob Ramsey added to a better understanding of the impact of civics lessons on young voters.

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights: Project Registration, allowing registration through companies, has been approved by the governor. Only non-partisan groups can participate.

Environment/Climate Change: Next meeting: Wednesday, July 10, 4:30 at the Public House

Upcoming Knoxville events: June 29 – Sing for the Climate, World’s Fair Park

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control: Organizing the September Huddle: Chris Sanders, Tennessee Equality Project. 

Health Care: July 9, 2019 Arguments set before Texas courts that may determine the fate of the Affordable Care Act.

Book Club: Dear Rachel Maddow, Adrienne Kisner. (Feiwel and Friends, 2018).

Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist, Eli Saslow. (Doubleday, 2018).

Immigration: Continue to help immigrants passing through Knoxville.

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting May 30, 2019

Dr. Nathan J. Kelly, University of Tennessee, Department of Political Science, presented “Economic Inequality: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions.” He first noted the difference between income (annual money flow) and wealth (the lifetime accumulation of money) before focusing on the increased inequality in income and the accumulation of wealth at the top in the U.S. since the mid-1970s. He identified policy stagnation and the inability of Congress to make changes and the decline of labor unions as two of several causes of this inequality. 

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights: The group is waiting to see what impact the voter registration bill has on their activities. Project Registration, allowing registration through companies, is moving forward and has the support of by the governor. The group is organizing the June 27 Huddle Meeting program: The Impact of Civics Education on Young Voters.

Environment/Climate Change: Next meeting: Wednesday, June 12 at the Liles Acre Organic Farm. Upcoming Knoxville events: June 6 – Microplastics in the Tennessee River UT Arboretum; June 29 – Sing for the Climate, World’s Fair Park

Women’s Rights, LGBTQ, and Gun Control: Organizing the September Huddle: Chris Sanders, Tennessee Equality Project. Legislative update: Human Life Protection Act passed (trigger law for stopping abortion); expanded locations where LGBTQ can be arrested for changing clothes; reduced the training needed to carry a concealed weapon.

Health Care: Block Grants for Medicaid for Tennessee; Jamestown Hospital closing.

Book Club: This Fight is Our Fight: The Battle to Save America’s Middle Class, Elizabeth Warren, (Macmillan, 2018) and The Library Book, Susan Orlean, (Simon & Schuster, 2018).

Immigration: Continue to help immigrants passing through Knoxville.

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

Thursday, June 27. The Impact of Civics Education on Young Voters

Thursday, July 25. Blount County Community Action Program/Good Neighbors

Thursday, August 29. Don Bruce, Poverty in America

Thursday, September 26. Chris Sanders, Tennessee Equality Project

Thursday, October 31

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting April 26, 2019

State Representatives Gloria Johnson (District 13) and Bob Ramsey (District 20) shared their experiences and answered questions about the current legislative session. Much of the discussion centered on the education voucher bill and on the Blount County Commission’s resolution in response to the Families Know First Act (also referred to as a Red Flag law).

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights: The group is waiting to see what impact the voter registration bill just passed has on their activities.

Environment/Climate Change: Next meeting: Wednesday, May 8, 4:30 pm, Public House

Women’s Rights, LGBT, and Gun Control: Refer to the Legislative Update published for the week of April 29.

Health Care: no report

Book Club: Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, Barbara Ehrenreich, (Simon & Schuster), 2018.

Immigration: Information was provided on ways to help immigrants passing through Knoxville.

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

Thursday, May 30. Income/Wealth Inequality

Thursday, June 27. Teaching Civics

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting March 28, 2019

Dr. Mark O’Gorman, Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies at Maryville College, presented “Hope and Hurdles of the Green New Deal: And How This Topic Helps Us Revisit (and Reuse) Lesson from the 1st Deal.” He reviewed the goals set by the Green New Deal and its status in the US Congress. O’Gorman addressed the environmental, economic, and social impact that must be considered when addressing climate change and sustainability.

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights: The group is organizing the June Huddle meeting on Civics Education. They are following the Election Commission’s proposal for voting centers. Next meeting is Monday, April 29th at 6PM at Library.

Environment/Climate Change: 

• Sponsored a successful screening of Hometown Habitat, documentary on creating biodiversity with native planting.

• Representatives attended a Water Quality Forum and are working with Julie Konkel, Watershed Coordinator for Blount County, to encourage citizen scientists.

• Monday, April 22. Earth Day.

• Next meeting: Wednesday, April 10, 4:30 pm, Public House

Women’s Rights, LGBT, and Gun Control: Ruth Holloway asked for volunteers to join her in following these issues.

Health Care: Wendell Potter, the founder of Tarbell.org will be touring TN to meet with business leaders, community advocates, etc. He will be speaking in Knoxville but date has not yet been set. A federal judge ruled Medicaid work requirements in KY and AR are illegal, which brings into question a similar bill passed in TN last year. 

Book Club: Leadership in Turbulent Times, Doris Kearns Goodwin, (Simon & Schuster), 2018.

Immigration: Immigrants continue to pass through the Knoxville bus station on their way to sponsors. When calls for supplies and monetary support go out, the need is critical—and the community responds.

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

Friday, April 26. 1 -3 pm. Legislative Review

Thursday, May 30. Income/Wealth Inequality

Thursday, June 27. Teaching Civics

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting January 31, 2019

Frances Henderson and Nina Gregg with Blount County SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) lead the workshop “The Impact of Structural Racism on Personal and Community Well-Being.” (See The Daily Times, Friday, February 1, 2019, for a description.) Materials from the workshop will be send out in a separate email.

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights: The group plans to work with senior groups to make absentee ballots available; get voter registration information in newcomer packets; study the possibility of precinct captains.

Next meeting: Monday, February 25, 6 pm, Library Study Room A

Environment/Climate Change: The group is

• Meeting with US Representative Tim Burchett, Monday, February 4, to discuss environmental issues.

• Working with Marge Davis, leader of the TN Can Bottle Bill to get 5₵ deposit on glass, aluminum, and plastic.

• Tuesday, March 5, Library. Screening of Hometown Habitat, documentary on creating biodiversity with native planting.

Next meeting: Wednesday, February 13, 4:30 pm, Public House

Health Care: Current issues include universal health care; TNCare work requirements; recent increase in the cost of insulin. See the attached file for details. 

Healthcare Legislators Day, Tuesday, February 19, Nashville

Book Club: One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy, Carol Patterson, (Bloomsbury, 2018) Detailed description of current voter suppression efforts.

Rising Out of Hate: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist, Eli Saslow, (Knopf Doubleday, 2018).

Immigration: Outreach activities include speakers available for community organizations. Volunteers, supplies and donations are needed for asylum seekers passing released from detention. Contact WINBlountCounty@gmail.com for further information.

Upcoming Huddle Meetings

Thursday, February 28 – School Choice – Opportunity or Inequality?

Thursday, March 28 – Climate Change topic

Thursday, April 25 – Legislative Summary with our state legislators

Thursday, May 30

Thursday, June 27

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting November 29, 2018

Huddle members spent the meeting reviewing the 2017 election results and the goals for the Huddle established at the first meeting, February 16, 2017. Working groups then reported on plans for future activities. Rhea provided an update on the Women’s March January 19, 2019.

While election results for Tennessee were disappointing, the national results are encouraging. One note on the local races of Jay Clark and Susan Snead for TN State Representatives. Each met their goal for number of votes (approximately 7,000); however, the unpredicted increased turnout for this midterm election left them short. The success of Jackie Hill and Tanya Martin in the Blount County Commission and Alcoa City Commission races, respectively, illustrates the hard work of the candidates and volunteers.

The agenda for this meeting provides detailed lists of the Huddle’s Hopes & Goals, including 15 points for Envisioning the Future; 13 Internal Goals—of which only #9 and #11 were not reached; 11 External Goals—only #9 was not addressed. The agenda also provided a review of Doing Democracy: The MAP (Movement Action Plan) Model for Organizing Social Movements.

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights: Marilyn and Rhea. The group hopes to work with the NAACP to establish Expungement Clinics for Blount County, work with the League of Women Voters on voter registration initiatives, and reach out to college students, senior citizens, and newcomers for voter registration. Marilyn wants to bring Project Register or a similar initiative to BC, whereby voter registration is facilitated by employers.

Members are encouraged to contact members of Congress urging support of HR1—promoting democracy including independent voting commissions for re-districting, more disclosure of campaign finances, release of candidates’ tax information, and automatic voter registration. Visits to our Mocs offices will be scheduled for January, after the bill is filed. Anyone interested in participating in these visits can email maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com .

Environment/Climate Change: Sue  and Donna.

• Tuesday, December 4, 2:30 pm at New Providence Presbyterian Church the groups will meet with Marge, leader of the TN Can Bottle Bill. The bill would set a 5₵ deposit on glass, aluminum, and plastic—shown more effective than recycling.

• Wednesday, December 12, monthly meeting, 4 pm at the Public House.

• Tuesday, March 5. Screening of Hometown Habitat, documentary on creating biodiversity with native planting. Will reach out to high school and college faculty to encourage student participation.

• Nurturing Nature Facebook welcomes new friends.

Women’s/LGBTQ Rights/Gun Violence. Ruth H.

• Moms Demand Action. Advocacy Day in Nashville is planned in March.

• Tennessee Equality Project is organizing legislative days on Feb 5th, March 5th and April 2nd.

• Planned Parenthood has legislative advocacy days planned Feb 26th and March 19th.

• Anyone interested in participating in these events at the General Assembly in Nashville can email maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com. 

• Bills that may be brought before the GA include a Red Flag, fetal heartbeat, transgender bathroom, increases rights for businesses to discriminated against LGBTQ, etc.

Book Club: Betsy S. Books about issues of interest to Huddle members will be reviewed. Recommendations are encouraged from members.

Corporations Are Not People: Reclaiming Democracy from Big Money and Global Corporations, Jeffrey D. Clements, (Berrett-Koehler, 2014, 2nd edition. Described as the “definitive guide to overturning Citizens United.”

Universal Health Care: Susan Snead. The Affordable Care Act seems to be withstanding limited funding and is growing during open enrollment. January 7 is Legislative Action Day for health action groups—noon in Nashville. Review PowerPoint slide attached and see the petition in the weekly action list for 12/02/18. 

Immigration: Dani C and Sherry B. The group Welcoming Immigrants Neighbors - Blount County (WIN-BC) described current initiatives including accompanying immigrants to court appearances; coaching them for the citizenship test; teaching English; and presenting programs on immigrant issues (see handout posted on the Huddle website). Volunteers are needed. Email bcimmigrantoutreach@gmail.com .

Blount County Politics: Kathy P. Encourages members to stay involved in local politics. Be aware of zoning change requests, especially pertaining to Planned Rural Resort Development (PRRD).

State Legislative Monitoring. Rhea M. The time to influence TN legislation is while the bill is in committee. For example, Bill Lee, the incoming governor, may move to privatize education. Monitoring of bills will begin mid-January. 

Postcard Group & Indivisible. Nathan H. Postcard writing will resume the first week of January. The focus will be on contacting State-level representatives. The new Indivisible guides are out for 2019-2020. They will start focusing on influencing State Legislatures in addition to promoting progressive legislation in the new Democratic House. 

Upcoming Huddle Meetings – New Location: Dorothy Herron Room A

Thursday, January 31 – Impact of Structural Racism on Personal and Community Well-Being by BC United Education Committee and SURJ-BC. 

Thursday, February 28 – Education: the impact of vouchers and charter schools on public education

Thursday, March 28 – Zoning Rules in Blount County

Thursday, April 25

Thursday, May 30

Thursday, June 27

Minutes for the Status Of Affordable Housing in Blount County Forum, Sept. 27, 2018.

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting 

August 30, 2018

Wanda Sobieski, a leader in the Suffrage Coalition Project for Tennessee, described the “Showdown in Knoxville.” After a brief review of the history of the suffrage movement, she answered the question “Why Tennessee?” Her talk focused on the role women and men in Knoxville played in getting the Tennessee legislature to ratify the 19th Amendment.

Working Group Updates

Immigration: This summer members worked with immigrants caught up in the Morristown meatpacking plant raid. Accompaniment teams were also created to help provide immigrants transportation to their court and required meetings. If you want to get involved with this group, please email bcimmigrantoutreach@gmail.com 

Voting Rights: Efforts to register voters continue with registration events 9/8, 9/27, 10/2, and 10/3. If you want to volunteer for any of these dates, please email maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com .

LGBTQ Rights: No new developments. Members are encouraged to attend a Community Town Hall meeting September 4 with Rene Hoyos and Jay Clark and the Candidate Forum, October 4 with Susan Snead and Bob Ramsey.

Health Care: Members are encouraged to participate in Medicaid Expansion events.

Environment/Climate Change: Next meeting, Wednesday, September 5, 4:30 pm at the Public House, High Street, Maryville. The group is organizing the October Huddle meeting. The topic is air quality in the Smokies and the speaker is Jim Renfroe. They are following activities on the TN Bottle Bill and have started a Facebook page that continues what was started at the Nuturing Nature workshop. This FB group is open to the public. 

Book Club: Recommended reading: Utopia for Realists: How We Can Build the Ideal World, Rutger Bregman (Little, Brown, 2017)

Next Huddle Meeting: Thursday, September 27, 2018 – Affordable Housing Forum, hosted by League of Women Voters

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting

 June 28, 2018

Mary Laube and Linda Chavez presented Be Smart, the gun safety program developed by Mothers Demand Action for Gun Sense in America:

Secure guns in homes and vehicles. Separate from ammunition.

Model responsible behavior.

Ask about unsecured guns in other homes.

Recognize the risk of teen suicides.

Tell your peers to Be Smart.

Discussion followed with suggestions about gun safety and at-risk populations, including the elderly with guns.

Candidates

Susan Sneed’s representative (TN House, District 20), Ginny West Case (Blount County Commission, District 5), and Kathy Puckett (Blount County Commission, District 8) gave updates on their election activities.

Working Group Updates

Immigration: Designated Caregivers are needed to help children of immigrants if the parents are detained by authorities. Training will be provided. Translators for parent/teacher conferences are also needed.

Voting Rights: Efforts to register voters continue.

LGBTQ Rights: Members are encouraged to pay attention to selection of the next Supreme Court justice.

Health Care: Members are encouraged to participate in Medicaid Expansion events.

Environment/Climate Change: Next meeting, Wednesday, July 11, 4:00 pm at the Public House, High Street, Maryville. In addition to hosting the October Huddle meeting, they are also working on sponsorship for a screening of the movie “Hometown Habitat”. 

Book Club: Recommended reading:

Refugee, Alan Gratz, (Scholastic, 2017). Selection for Blount County Middle School 1READ program.

On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, Timothy Snyder (Tim Duggan Books, 2017)

The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America, Timothy Snyder (Tim Duggan Books, 2018)

Dog Whistle Politics: How Coded Racial Appeals Have Reinvented Racism & Wrecked the Middle Class, Ian Haney López, (Oxford UP, 2014).

Next Huddle Meeting: Thursday, August 30, 2018 – Wanda Sobieski: Suffrage Movement – Showdown in Knoxville

Possible Future Meeting: Adverse Child Events Training

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting on May 31, 2018

The focus of the meeting was Voter Initiatives:

• NAACP – Jill C. announced the next neighborhood canvasing in Blount County is on June 30th and next NAACP meeting is June 23rd. Kathy E. shared information on how we can reach out to register people living at Maryville Towers and Broadway Towers.

• When scheduling voter registration or canvassing events, you may want to register them on a website to make it easy for volunteers to sign up, such as Eventbrite or Sign Up Genius.

• Step Up – The Knoxville chapter is will to aid Blount County develop a program to help individuals restore their voting rights. NAACP will hopefully take the leadership role for this program.

• BC Election Commissioner is in charge of helping with voting at jails, nursing homes, and hospitals. Sharon H. assists with voting at the jail. 

• Carol S. described the work of the PostCard group that meets 12:30-2PM, Sundays at the Vienna Coffee House. Focus in 2018 is to send reminders to vote. So far 3600 have been mailed. Everyone is welcome to join them. 

• Signup sheets were passed around for 2 events cosponsored by the BC Office on Aging. 

  • June 9th – Food distribution event in Townsend that serves about 100 families.

  • June 28th – Savvy Seniors day at Cherokee Health Services in Alcoa.

  • Thanks to everyone who volunteered!! 

• Voting Reminders – Anyone registering voters may also want to sign them up for voting reminders that can be sent by text or email. TN Proud Vote is a statewide program supported by several NGOs.  Indivisible created Turbo Vote, which has a Spanish language version. People already registered can also be signed up for reminders. 

• Kathy E. and several volunteers will register voters at Riverside Apartments June 1, 4, and 5 as the folks come to pay rent. Thanks Nancy C. for inviting us!

• Marilyn F. introduced Project Register, which was created by two TN legislators. It provides kits and tools for businesses and corporations to encourage their employees to vote.

• R. Morgan & N. Higdon gave an update on Indivisible activities, including hiring a TN field director, developing a candidate endorsement committee, and providing voter registration at the Pride Parade in Knoxville on June 30th. 

• A discussion was held on the efforts of local white supremacists to target the campaigns of female candidates, especially while canvassing. Everyone was urged to show up and support women who are running. 

Guest Speakers: Candidates introduced themselves and spoke briefly about the issues that most concerned them.

Blount County Commission Candidates

District 1, Seat A – Jackie Hill

District 1, Seat B – Tanya Martin

District 4, Seat C – Jennifer Perkins spoke for Jeff Barbra.

District 5, Seat A – Ginny West Case

District 8, Seat B – Kathy Puckett

District 3, Seat A – Rhea spoke for April White, who was ill.

Tennessee State General Assembly

District 8, Representative – Jay Clark

District 20, Representative – Bob Ramsey

District 20, Representative – Susan Sneed

District 2, Senator – Nathan Higdon

Working Group Updates

Immigration: Members continue to work with immigrants; however, they have had to move underground with their activities to reach immigrant communities.

Voting Rights: See above list of voter registration initiatives. Next conference call TBA. 

Women/LGBTQ Rights/Gun Violence: Members continue to monitor legislation and restrictions ordered by Administration.

Health Care: Members are encouraged to attend the THCC forum on Medicaid Expansion June 14.

Environment/Climate Change: Next meeting, Wednesday, June 6, 4:30 pm at the Public House, High Street, Maryville.

Book Club: Recommended reading: Dog Whistle Politics: How Coded Racial Appeals Have Reinvented Racism & Wrecked the Middle Class, Ian Haney López, (Oxford UP, 2014).

Next Huddle Meeting: Thursday, June 28, 2018, 7PM – Gun Safety, Sara Ross with Be SMART

Note: There will be no Huddle meeting on July 26th. Instead, Huddlers are encouraged to spend their time helping candidates prior to the August 2nd election/primary. However, the GOTV organizers will touch base with each other in July. 

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting, April 16, 2018

Guest Speakers

Guest speakers Walter Davis, retired director of the Tennessee HealthCare Campaign (THCC), and Andrew Bennett, an advisor on the Affordable Care Act and Medicare (InsuranceThatFits.com), lead the discussion on the current state of healthcare in Tennessee.

After a brief history of healthcare in the US, they defined single payer, for profit/not-for-profit, and socialized medicine and the different forms healthcare takes in Belgium, Columbia, and Canada. A review of current proposals by the AMA, Democrats, Republicans, and others led to Q&A with the audience including the questions about Medicaid Expansion and using Medicare with a family coverage as a step toward better healthcare coverage in the US.

Laura Sell provided three handouts: 1. Sample Questions to ask Candidates about Medicaid Expansion, 2. TN gubernatorial candidates positions on rural hospitals, Medicaid funding and expansion, the opioid epidemic, and medical marijuana, and 3. Healthcare for All.

Several members of the THCC were in the audience. THCC is sponsoring a forum June 14 on Medicaid Expansion. They had a postcard campaign focused on Medicaid expansion and are planning more actions to promote better healthcare options for Tennesseans.

Working Group Updates

Immigration: Members continue to work with immigrants; however, they have had to move underground with their activities to reach immigrant communities.

Voting Rights: The group is organizing the May Huddle meeting: Voter Initiative.

LGBTQ Rights: Members continue to monitor legislation.

Health Care: Members are encouraged to attend the THCC forum on Medicaid Expansion June 14.

Environment/Climate Change: The Workshop: Nurturing Nature Saturday, April 7, was a success. Over 60 attended. One key point made by workshop leaders is that the loss of biodiversity is as important as the issue of climate change. Future community outreach activities are being planned.

Book Club: Huddle members suggested the following Netflix series and books:

Come Sunday, Netflix, 2018

The Little Blue Book: The Essential Guide to Thinking and Talking Democratic, George Lakoff (Free Press, 2012)

The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion, Jonathan Haidt (Knopf Doubleday, 2012)

The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row, Anthony Ray Hinton (St. Martin’s, 2018)

Candidate Introductions

Joshua Williams, 2nd District US Congressional seat

Susan Snead, TN House District 20

Ginny West Case, Blount County Commission, District 5, Seat A

Rene Hoyos, represented by campaign manager, 2nd District US Congressional seat

Next Huddle Meeting: Thursday, May 31, 2018 – Voter Initiative

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting, March 29, 2018

Guest Speakers

Kendra Staub with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America described the four goals of the organization: 1. have background checks for all gun sales, including gun shows and online sales; 2. promote education of adults and children through programs such as Be Smart; 3. work with lawmakers on reasonable limits on where, when, and how guns can be carried; and, 4. work to create laws to keep guns off of the street. Their purpose: End Gun Violence. Staub led an interactive program with Huddle members. The websites www.momsdemandaction.org and  everytown.org are valuable resources.

The June Huddle will be SMART: Gun Safety, a program developed by Moms Demand Action.

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights: Several members participated in voter registration drives during March, including one organized by the NAACP in Blount County.

LGBTQ Rights: Members are monitoring legislation.

Health Care: The group will sponsor the April Huddle meeting. Two guest speakers (Walter Davis and Andrew Bennett) will lead discussion of the positions each candidate for TN governor has on health care.

Environment/Climate Change: Huddle members are encouraged to attend the Workshop: Nurturing Nature Saturday, April 7 9:30 – 1:00 at the Blount County Library. The workshop leaders will focus on native plants. Huddle  members organized this workshop.

Book Club: The suggested reading for April in An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back (2017) by Elisabeth Rosenthal.

Next Huddle Meeting: Thursday, April 26, 2018 – Healthcare for All

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting, February 22, 2018

Guest Speakers

Members of the Blount County Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)—Chrystal Coulter, Doug Gamble, Nina Gregg, and Jacob Williams—described personal experiences as whites in a multi-racial environment. SURJ “encourages white people to act with passion and accountability as part of a nonviolent and nonpartisan multiracial majority to challenge racism in all its forms . . . .” The Huddle audience shared their experiences. Discussion focused on the values identified by SURJ.

Keri Prigmore spoke about her experiences and briefly about the NAACP in Blount County (which meets the fourth Saturday of every month).

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights: Members met with Knoxville StepUp to learn what is involved in working with disenfranchised voters. They learned that is has taken Knoxville four years to get to the point where they are helping individual regain voting rights. The League of Women Voters and members of the Huddle are conducting voter registration drives March 8 and 24.

Immigration: A Know-Your-Rights and Voter registration outreach is planned for February 24.

Health Care: The group will sponsor the April Huddle meeting. Two guest speakers (Walter Davis and Andrew Bennett) will lead discussion of the positions each candidate for TN governor has on health care.

Environment/Climate Change: Huddle members are encouraged to attend two workshops: Monday, March 26 – Impact of Non-Native Plants on the Great Smoky Mountain National Park; Saturday, April 7 9:30 – 1:00 Workshop: Nurturing Nature focused on native plants (organized by this committee’s members). Both workshops will be at the Blount County Library.

Book Club: The book club will no longer meet; however, readings related to the topic of the monthly meeting will be suggested. For March, read and listen to the students from Stoneman Douglas High School, particularly Emma Gonzalez’s call for action. For April, the suggested reading is An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back (2017) by Elisabeth Rosenthal.

Next Huddle Meeting: Thursday, March 29, 2018 – Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America 

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting, January 25, 2018

Guest Speakers

Anthony Nownes, Professor of Political Science, University of Tennessee, presented “A Little Bit About Dark Money.” He first reviewed campaign financing and how US House of Representative members must raise on average $1,500/day everyday they are in office; US Senators, $2,500/day. Members of Congress spend most of their time traveling and raising money—leaving little time for governing.

Campaign financing is complicated. Nownes explained the sources of funds: individual donations, PACs/interest groups, SuperPACs, candidate’s personal funds, loans, and government sources. The money can go directly to the candidate or indirectly and has to be disclosed or not disclosed depending on the source. Dark money is generally defined as money from sources that are not identified and the donor is not disclosed.

The good news is that individual citizens are still a dynamic force—Obama and Sanders proved that small donors are important. These donors are particularly effective at the local level.

The Threats to Democracy group sponsored this program; Tanya Harris introduced Nownes.

April White introduced herself. She wants to represent District 3 on the Blount County Commission.

Marc Whitmire introduced himself. He is running for 2nd District Congressional seat currently held by Jimmy Duncan.

Working Group Updates

Voting Rights: Check the calendar for events. The organizer of the Woke Vote in Alabama will be speaking locally February 17; Knoxville StepUp (who works to get voting rights restored for individuals) is meeting with the group February 20, 6PM; the League of Women Voters and members of the Huddle are conducting voter registration drives this spring.

Immigration: Members are developing a resource list of immigration-friendly churches, businesses, landlords, and more. Members will be participating in information sessions for immigrants to inform them of their rights.

Health Care: Plans for the April Huddle include a panel discussion on ways to achieve healthcare for all and will explore the positions on health care of each candidate for governor.

Womens/LGBTQ Rights: Ruth Holloway encourages members to join this working group.

Environment/Climate Change: The next meeting of the group will be Wednesday, February 6, 4:30 pm at the Public House. Watch for two workshops sponsored by the library on native plants and biodiversity. Blount County wants to set up a Citizen Advisory Committee to work with the Green Infrastrucure Plan and help develop a county plan. Members had two letters published in the Daily Times and members visited senators’ offices to discuss the Clean Air Network.

Book Club: The book club met and discussed Dark Money by Jane Mayer. Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving will be book for the February meeting. Irving describes her growing awareness of race in a series of short chapters that include prompts at the end for readers to self-reflect own their own views of race.

Next Huddle Meeting: Thursday, February 22, 2018

Minutes of Maryville Huddle November 30, 2017

Minutes of Maryville Huddle Meeting, November 30, 2017

Guest Speakers

Susan Hughes, Blount County Administrator of Elections, described the responsibilities of the Blount County Election Commission. The BC office oversees voting in BC and makes sure all laws are followed and the process is equal for all. Hughes encouraged us to visit the website: http:blounttn.org/447/Election-Commission. Tennessee now has online registration: https://ovr.govote.tn.gov

Hughes emphasized that the Election Commission works very hard to get anyone registered that wants to register. The Commission receives daily updates from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the State Election Commission. They address any questions of eligibility and work with applicants to resolve discrepancies in address or identification needed.

Questions were raised about identifications accepted and purging the list. A driver’s license or an identification issued by a federal agency, such as a passport or gun permit, are accepted. It was pointed out that some do not have birth certificates and that creates problems registering. No list purge can be done as long as the 2013 federal lawsuit is unresolved.

Tennessee over the past 5 elections is near the bottom of the states for voter turnout. Three actions for Huddle members: 1 – work on voter registration drives, 2 – encourage voting, and 3 – apply to be a poll worker. The Voting Rights/Reform group sponsored this program; Kathy Eckhardt introduced Hughes.

Marilyn Finley, a member of the Environment/Climate Change group, gave a quick, very informative how-to for writing letters to The Daily Times editor.  She pointed out that this is one advocacy tool that reaches a large, local audience and that the editorial page is one of the most read sections of the paper. 

Two important tips: start with a “thank you” and focus on making one point. The tips will be emailed to the Huddle mailing list.

Renee Hoyos briefly introduced herself. She is running for 2nd District Congressional seat currently held by Jimmy Duncan.

Working Group Updates

Womens/LGBTQ Rights: Ruth Holloway alerted the group to bills that will be part of the State legislative agenda in 2018, including abortion, bathroom, business license, and natural marriage. She alerted members that hate crimes against the LGBT community are increasing. Also, she reported that the Democratic party continues to work to have someone on the ballot for positions in Blount County.

Threats to Democracy: Sponsors of the January meeting, the group has invited Anthony Nownes, University of Tennessee political science professor and author of Total Lobbying, What Lobbyists Want (and How They Try to Get It). He will discuss how special interest groups get money and how they use their influence. The talk ties into the book club selection Dark Money.