While Norris said the bill is needed for a planned and orderly transition, Kyle argued that it is a state intrusion into a local issue with major ramifications on taxes and the economic development of the city and county. And Marrero charged that it's a "thinly veiled attempt to set up special school districts" and that the appointed commission will be unbalanced in favor of the suburbs.

New state legislation filed Tuesday by Senate Republican Leader Mark Norris of Collierville would require a countywide referendum for merging Memphis and Shelby County Schools and allow for a new municipal school district in the county.A separate measure filed by Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, would place Memphis schools into a special "achievement school district" if a March 8 referendum to transfer authority over MCS to SCS is approved. Under Kelsey's measure, the new district's three-member board would be appointed by state officials and the district's teachers would lose their right to collective bargaining at the end of their current contract with MCS. The latter provision is a new concept in the merger debate that appears designed to punish city teachers or stoke their opposition to a referendum.

The National Federation of Independent Business, Tennessee’s leading small-business association, has recognized state Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, with a Guardian of Small Business award. Norris earned a 100 percent NFIB/Tennessee voting record on issues affecting the state’s entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses. He helped lead the fight against a state income tax and championed the cause for workers’ compensation reform that resulted in reduced premiums and dramatic cost savings for Tennessee businesses.

The Republican legislative leadership is asking for public comment on the candidates. Senator Mark Norris' office is collecting those comments and recommendations via email, fax, and phone calls regarding the constitutional offices. Please take time to send your thoughts regarding who you would like to see serving as your next Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer. Senator Mark Norris' Email: sen.mark.norris@legislature.state.tn.us Senator Mark Norris' Fax: (615) 253-0194 Senator Mark Norris' Office Phone: (615) 741-1967