Attempt to block closing of Taft Youth Center fails

Arkansas-Tennessee Live Blog

NASHVILLE - An amendment to block Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's closing of Taft Youth Development Center failed this afternoon in the House.

The effort by Rep. Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, to save the facility that for decades has served as home for what some lawmakers say amounts to a maximum-security center for "the worst of the worst" youthful offenders, got only 38 "yes" votes while 60 members, mostly Republican members, voted against it.

Earlier in the day, efforts by House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, to table Sexton's motion failed on a 44-53 vote, sowing confusion on the House floor and a brief recess where GOP leaders pressured members to support Haslam.

The House went on to pass the budget on a 66-30 vote.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.

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