Press Release: KETRON IGNORES MTSU SCIENCE BUILDING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 29, 2010 Contact: (931) 797-5772 KETRON IGNORES MTSU SCIENCE BUILDING IN STATE BUDGET TALKS Incumbent senator makes no effort to assist critical jobs and education project COLUMBIA – State Senate District 13 Democratic candidate Debbie Matthews called on Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) this week to stop ignoring the pressing need for a new science building at Middle Tennessee State University during state budget negotiations. “Senator Ketron worked to get pet projects in the budget without saying a word about providing a critical science and research facility for MTSU to train students for high-paying jobs,” Matthews said. “Senator Ketron wants to use state money to teach dogs how to find cell phones. I’m concerned about creating jobs and opportunities for our region through education.” As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a change in the Federal Medicaid Match Rate (FMAP) will result in a one-time, $341 million payment to Tennessee, which cannot be deposited or credited to any reserve or rainy day fund in this state. Lawmakers have discussed spending the money on various pork projects, including a $16.1 million fish hatchery, and a $50 million employee buyout plan that wouldn’t begin until June 2011. Meanwhile, Ketron has stayed silent on the MTSU science building, which is the top priority on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s capital improvement list. The building has been on the capital list for at least nine years. “The funds are there to make this crucial project happen,” Matthews said. “How long will Senator Ketron continue to ignore the needs in his district?” Senators will have the opportunity to amend the budget on the Senate floor next week. Matthews says she hopes Ketron will fight to give residents the opportunity to earn a quality education that will lead to high-paying jobs in science and research fields. ### For more on Debbie Matthews and her candidacy for the State Senate, visit http://debbiematthewsforsenate.com.