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Norris wins second top lawmaker honor By Matthew Woo, Memphis Commercial Appeal Members of the WKNO board of trustees have presented state Senate Republican leader Mark Norris with the "Tennessee Legislator of the Year" award. Norris, R-Collierville, received the award last week for helping secure funds for six public television stations across the state as well as gathering necessary financial support for pubic stations to finalize their transition from analog to digital broadcasts. Norris was one of six legislators in the state to win the award. "He was very helpful to get the state to find grant money to switch to digital," said WKNO promotion manger Teri Sullivan. Under federal law, all full-powered television stations are required to switch to digital broadcasting by Feb. 17, 2009. Norris helped secure more than $1 million in funds for the area's public television station. "I'm humbled and appreciative that everyone is (grateful) that we made this possible," Norris said. "Public broadcast plays an important role." This is the second time this year Norris has been named the state's top legislator. During the Tennessee District Attorney General Conference in October, Norris was presented the "Legislator of the Year" award for his work with state law enforcement and for his efforts in sponsoring the "Crooks with Guns" legislation, which became effective earlier this year. The legislation increases the punishment for those with previous felony convictions who use a firearm during the attempt or act of a violent crime. |
