There are 86 article(s) tagged Antonio Parkinson:

• June 2020

  • House gives schools, businesses protection from COVID lawsuits

    The state House voted 80-9 Tuesday to give schools, businesses and hospitals broader protections against the potential for "frivolous lawsuits" tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    By Sam Stockard June 18, 2020

  • House tries to find calm amid chaotic atmosphere

    In the waning days of the 111th General Assembly, the House of Representatives descended into an atmosphere of chaotic uncertainty but slowly started trying to take a new direction Wednesday morning.

    By Sam Stockard June 18, 2020

  • Rep. Parkinson apologizes in effort to cut House tension

    In an effort to calm nerves, state Rep. Antonio Parkinson issued an apology Wednesday night for cursing during an outburst the previous evening as he tried to defend a slain Nashville teenager.

    By Sam Stockard June 17, 2020

  • House panel passes legislation recognizing Juneteenth that may die in Senate

    The House finance committee passed a bill Monday creating the observance of Juneteenth in Tennessee to recognize the freedom of the slaves in Texas 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. But it appears to be going nowhere in the Senate, like many other House measures.

    By Sam Stockard June 15, 2020

  • House Democrats face uphill battle to pass George Floyd Act

    State Rep. Antonio Parkinson says if NASCAR can ban the Confederate flag, the state Legislature can take action in response to George Floyd’s death, including passage of legislation designed to reform police techniques.

    By Sam Stockard June 14, 2020

  • Tennessee deploys 1,000 troops to D.C. to deal with potential rioters

    The Tennessee National Guard mobilizes 1,000 troops to stop potential rioting in the nation’s capital over the death of George Floyd.

    By Sam Stockard June 02, 2020

• May 2020

  • Legislation on pay for student-athlete endorsements fails

    An effort to tweak the NCAA's nose failed Tuesday in the General Assembly as two Memphis lawmakers' bills allowing student-athletes to be compensated failed to gain traction.

    By Sam Stockard May 26, 2020

  • DeVos directive on CARES Act funding splits Shelby lawmakers

    Tennessee House Education Committee Chairman Mark White agrees with federal guidelines diverting a great share of CARES Act funds to private schools, but Memphis Democrats say the decision creates a wider gap in education resources.

    By Sam Stockard May 21, 2020

  • Appeals Court decision puts voucher program in jeopardy for 2020-21

    Tennessee’s Education Savings Account program faces a tough road for the coming school year after the state Court of Appeals upheld a decision enjoining the state from executing it until the legal case is decided. Arguments aren't scheduled until Aug. 5, about the time school is expected to start.

    By Sam Stockard May 21, 2020

• April 2020

  • House Democrats call for unemployment protection as state returns to work

    Tennessee’s House Democrats urged Gov. Bill Lee’s Administration to reverse policy and provide people with unemployment benefits even if they're scared to go back to work as the state opens businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    By Sam Stockard April 29, 2020

  • State’s COVID-19 response reflecting desperation of some

    COVID-related protests in Tennessee and nationally are drawing mixed reviews from lawmakers with some calling them "troublesome" and "irresponsible" while others saying they are encouraging.

    By Sam Stockard April 20, 2020

  • White predicts difficulty reopening schools; governor set to announce decision

    House Education Committee Chairman Mark White is skeptical about the safety of reopening schools this year because of the need to maintain social distancing.

    By Sam Stockard April 14, 2020

  • Legislators doubt schools will reopen, question voucher rollout

    State lawmakers say schools likely won't reopen this year amid the COVID-19 threat, and some are questioning the state Department of Education for rolling out applications for education savings accounts during an emergency.

    By Sam Stockard April 02, 2020

• March 2020

  • Parkinson, Coley urge stronger action by governor

    State Reps. Antonio Parkinson and Jim Coley say Gov. Bill Lee needs to take more "decisive" action to stop the spread of COVID-19.

    By Sam Stockard March 31, 2020

  • Coronavirus daily blog, March 13: Grizzlies to pay game-night employees

    • Germantown cancels programming until end of March
    • Bartlett changes municipal services
    • Municipal school districts to close through March 27
    • First Shelby County coronavirus patient released from hospital
    • Weekend looms large for restaurateurs

     

    Confirmed cases

    Tennessee

    26

    Shelby County

    2

    By The Daily Memphian Staff March 20, 2020

  • North Memphis officials seek state funding to help with COVID-19

    State Rep. Antonio Parkinson is seeking more state funding for unemployment benefits and food stamps to help the working poor during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    By Omer Yusuf March 16, 2020

  • Uninsured Tennesseans will depend on safety net, charity for coronavirus treatment

    Memphis is home to one of Tennessee's safety net hospitals, which will serve low-income residents in need of health care should they contract the COVID-19 virus.

    By Sam Stockard March 15, 2020

  • State leaders look to speed up budget work amid economic shock

    Tennessee’s political leaders are speeding up work on Gov. Bill Lee’s $40.9 billion budget proposal, which is expected to contain extra funding to deal with COVID-19 and tornadoes that struck the state amid a state of emergency.

    By Sam Stockard March 14, 2020

  • Wiseman inspires move for collegiate athletics panel

    Lawmakers made a move Tuesday toward pay for student-athletes, an effort designed to avert situations like the James Wiseman case at the University of Memphis.

    By Sam Stockard March 11, 2020

  • State changes course on coronavirus reporting, will identify home county

    The state reversed course Tuesday amid criticism and said it would begin identifying the home county of those with confirmed cases of coronavirus.

    By Sam Stockard March 10, 2020

• February 2020

  • Governor’s early childhood literacy bill runs into questions

    House Education Committee Chairman Mark White is taking a "slow walk" on Gov. Bill Lee's proposed early childhood literacy legislation, a $68 million proposal to tackle poor reading skills among students.

    By Sam Stockard February 27, 2020

  • Wiseman bills prompt special House committee schedule

    James Wiseman played only three games for the Memphis Tigers, but Shelby County lawmakers are still targeting the NCAA and trying to protect student-athletes from exploitation.

    By Sam Stockard February 26, 2020

  • Nashville-Shelby lawsuit against private-school vouchers imminent

    Metro Nashville officials are likely to announce a lawsuit Thursday to dismantle the state's private-school voucher program, and Shelby County Schools is expected to join the legal battle.

    By Sam Stockard February 06, 2020

  • Legislation would keep ‘HOPE’ alive for pregnant students

    Legislation sponsored by state Rep. London Lamar of Memphis would allow students who become pregnant to keep their HOPE Scholarships and take time to have a child before enrolling in college.

    By Sam Stockard February 04, 2020

• January 2020

  • Democrats demand major funding increase for K-12 education

    One Memphis lawmaker contends Tennessee is setting up public education to fail by underfunding it then turning it over to charter operators and private schools.

    By Sam Stockard January 29, 2020