Eminent domain tops agenda of NFIB: Kingsport (TN) Times-News, 2/16/06

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Tennessee's largest small business advocacy group, said Wednesday that its 2006 legislative agenda will include adopting private-property rights protections, restoring vendors' compensation, and giving small businesses regulatory flexibility.

"Tennessee must better define the circumstances in which governments can invoke the awesome power of eminent domain," said NFIB/Tennessee State Director Gary Selvy, noting 90 percent of NFIB/Tennessee members are in accord with this objective. "Small business wants to ensure eminent domain is never used to seize private property for private commercial enterprises or for economic development purposes."

More than 20 eminent domain bills have already been filed in the Tennessee General Assembly, and NFIB is expected to work with lawmakers to share concerns from its 10,000 members across the state.

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Kingsport Times-News: www.timesnews.net