//andyberke.com/the-issues/rss/ None en-us 5 //andyberke.com/the-issues/education/ Every child deserves an excellent education, and an excellent education begins with a quality teacher in every classroom.  Throughout my time in the legislature, I have pushed for more emphasis on teacher quality.  If we recruit, retain, and support powerful instructors, we will see the results in better educated citizens and a higher quality workforce.As a member of the Education ... 2010-06-29 13:04:44 //andyberke.com/the-issues/jobs-and-the-economy/ As the Governor’s appointee from the legislature to the State Workforce Development Board, I have seen the opportunities for expanding our economy.  While a top-notch workforce helps over the long-term, we also need to provide the environment for businesses to thrive in Tennessee.  We have seen in Chattanooga how the legislature and Governor can work together to bring a company ... 2010-06-29 13:09:14 //andyberke.com/the-issues/government-waste/ We need to cut waste and demand more accountability from our state government. Just like a company must manage costs to serve its customers efficiently, we must use Tennessee taxpayer dollars wisely. Part of that is reviewing all government programs and departments to examine their productivity and effectiveness. That’s why I sponsored and passed Senate Bill 2023, to create an accountability ... 2010-06-29 13:12:19 //andyberke.com/the-issues/adoption/ Adoption is an incredible gift that changes the lives of both adopted children and their adoptive parents. We need to help caring, loving families cut through red tape to fulfill their dreams of adopting a child. I am constantly looking for ways to improve the adoption process in Tennessee while ensuring that the necessary precautions are taken for the best ... 2010-06-29 13:14:05 //andyberke.com/the-issues/transportation/ When I meet people while traveling, they ask me where I'm from. When I tell them I'm from Chattanooga, the question inevitably follows: "Does it really have a Choo Choo?"The idea of the Chattanooga Choo Choo sprang from our role as a transportation hub that connected the East Coast, providing access to major stops like Atlanta en route to Florida. ... 2011-05-05 00:00:00 //andyberke.com/the-issues/energy-security/ Energy Security is one of the most important issues our country faces today. While it is a national issue, I have taken steps on the state and local levels to increase our energy security. In becoming more energy efficient and investing in renewable energy sources, Tennessee has become as leader among the states on energy issues. Under the leadership of ... 2010-07-21 19:53:57 //andyberke.com/the-issues/protecting-seniors/ Our senior citizens are a treasured part of our families, and we want them to receive the best care available. Many Tennessee families rely on outside help for the medical and daily living assistance that our seniors can’t provide for themselves. This relationship is built on trust and assurance that service providers treat our family members as if they were ... 2010-07-21 19:54:13