Phil Bredesen in 2001-2009 gubernatorial press release

On Families & Children: Increase fetal & infant survival rates among babies

"The Governor's Office of Children's Care Coordination, local officials and partnering organizations are putting in place the best and most successful programs from across the country to give babies the very best chance of reaching their first birthday," said Bredesen. "While we've seen some preliminary indications that the number of infant deaths is on the decline, we must continue to do everything we can to improve the health outcomes for this vulnerable population."

In 2006, Governor Bredesen joined more than 200 stakeholders to develop and outline a strategy to address infant mortality in Tennessee. Since the strategy's implementation, more than $15 million has been invested statewide.

On Civil Rights: The great stain on our dream has been racism

The great stain on our dream in my lifetime has been racism. And yet, just when we seem stuck as a people, just when we seem unable to ever start clearing that stain, along comes a Martin Luther King. Along come all those who worked with him, along come all those who followed him. And he taught us. And the world changed.

What Martin Luther King taught me--what he taught me by his living, by his dying, by the vigor and persistence of his vision--what he taught me was that America is a land that is still young, a land that is still new, a land that still harbors undiscovered shores. A land where we, with God's help, can indeed be reborn.

On Free Trade: Open state's first economic development office in Beijing

The Governor made the announcement today in Memphis during a contract signing ceremony between U.S. cotton growers and officials of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The agreement calls for the export of more than 350,000 metric tons of cotton valued at more than $500 million from the U.S. to China.

"The trade relationship between China and Tennessee has been growing at a rapid pace and holds the potential for even stronger growth," said Governor Bredesen. "We're taking an important step with this agreement on cotton, but China has demonstrated a willingness to purchase chemicals, electronics and manufactured goods from Tennessee as well. I believe having a permanent economic development presence in China is a good start toward a stronger trade relationship."

On Social Security: Own Your Future: planning for long-term care needs

"None of us likes to think about getting older and the possibility that we might one day be unable to do simple things--but the reality is that many of us will need a little help with the daily activities of living as we age," said Bredesen. "This campaign is designed to educate Tennesseans about preparing now for the future. By planning ahead, you know that you are the one in charge."

The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability is the designated state agency on aging and works to coordinate programs for the aging and persons with disabilities, and makes recommendations for improvements.

On Immigration: Operation Jump Start: support border patrol effort in Texas

Beginning this week, members of the 1-230th Air Cavalry Squadron will deploy to Laredo, Texas, for border patrol duty. Tennessee's soldiers will provide reconnaissance to the U.S. Border Patrol.

"Immigration reform is a complex and serious issue," Bredesen said. "While this challenge ultimately requires a national, comprehensive solution, it falls to state and local governments to step in and fill the void left by the federal government. I'm committed to doing what we can in Tennessee, and helping to secure our nation's border is one critical part of that effort."

In July, Tennessee deployed soldiers to Arizona, where they continue to assist the U.S. Border Patrol with reconnaissance, surveillance and aviation.

On Immigration: Enforce prohibitions against employing illegal immigrants

"It is clear the lure of employment is a primary factor that attracts illegal immigrants to our country and to our state," Bredesen said. "State law prohibits individuals and businesses in Tennessee from knowingly employing individuals who have illegally entered the United States. That's why I signed today's Executive Order, which outlines specific steps to ensure that those who do business with the state do not knowingly hire illegal immigrants."

Executive Order No. 41 requires Tennessee's government to spot check the personnel records of state contractors and issue fines to businesses that employ illegal labor. This move strengthens Public Chapter No. 878, which Bredesen signed in June, to prohibit state contracts for businesses and individuals that knowingly employ illegal labor.

On Homeland Security: Keep the 118th Air Lift Wing in Tennessee

The lawsuit asks the courts to declare that the Department of Defense may not realign the 118th and relocate its eight C130 aircraft to other states without the Governor's consent. Bredesen's lawsuit is based on federal law which states that an Air National Guard unit cannot be withdrawn from a state without the consent of the Governor.

Bredesen noted that the changes likely would lead to the loss of more than 700 personnel, while the loss of the eight C130 aircraft would severely hamper future response to "natural disasters, terrorist acts and other catastrophic circumstances."