NOTE: For his last election, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam received twice as much as Alabama's Governor did. (Tennessee parents do not yet know how much Gov. Haslam may or may not have received for his upcoming election this year).
StudentsFirst spent more than $100,000 to help Rep. John DeBerry, D-Memphis defeat a Democratic primary opponent (the most money StudentsFirst spent on any campaign nation-wide!). Hmmm... DeBerry now has a critical role in the legislature. He was appointed to the committee that will first act on the legislation StudentsFirst is pushing by House Speaker Beth Harwell, whose PAC received $5,000 from StudentsFirst. Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey's PAC also got $5,000 from StudentsFirst.
"Tennessee Ethics Commission records show the group had nine lobbyists registered to lobby the General Assembly in 2012 -- including Rhee -- with payments to lobbyists of between $50,000 and $100,000 and related lobbying expenses of $300,000 to $350,000." (click HERE to read that recent article)
NINE lobbyists?!? Who are paid DOUBLE what most TN teachers earn! Volunteer parents are organizing across the state and will be present at the capital to lobby as volunteers for free. We are doing it for our children.
*Tennessee parents commend Alabama's Governor for his very wise decision to return the money to StudentsFirst. That shows integrity and leadership! We urge our Tennessee elected officials to do the same.
*If you are a legislator who refuses or returns money from StudentsFirst, please reply and let us know so we can tell our followers. Thank you!