|
Lawmakers push for no-tax budget as legislature delves into budget proposals
Written by Administrator
Saturday, 22 May 2010 12:01
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Budget discussions heated up this week as lawmakers rolled up their sleeves and continued to work on reaching a consensus on a proposal, with some in House leadership standing firm against any tax increases. The leadership previously denounced the Governor’s plan to implement an additional $85 million tax on single article sales as a way to balance the budget. This tax proposal was in addition to $50 million the administration called for by increasing taxes on cable television, cable boxes, business telephone services, and free hotel breakfasts. In total, Bredesen has proposed over $130 million in new taxes this year alone. Opponents of the taxes have maintained, throughout budget discussions, that raising taxes on economic-weary Tennesseans would be irresponsible. Their plan calls for significant reductions to discretionary spending, no tax increases, and leaving the Rainy Day Fund at roughly $500 million. Tax proponents, on the other hand, have proposed further depleting the Rainy Day Fund and a myriad of increased spending on various projects, funding them with proposed tax increases. Some of the additional projects being discussed include $16 million for a fish hatchery, $4 million for demolition work at the UT Health Sciences Center, and $5 million for the National Civil Rights Museum. Lawmakers will continue to hammer out details next week, as the General Assembly is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget each year. Each General Assembly is allowed to meet for 90 session—or legislative—days over the course of two years. After session on Thursday morning, the House has only five legislative days left to finish business. The Senate has only three legislative days remaining. House members continue fight for health freedom measure The House Calendar and Rules Committee, which is responsible for setting the House floor agendas, considered House Bill 2622 this week. House Bill 2622 prohibits the legislature from requiring any person to participate in any health care system or plan. Opponents attempted to refer the bill back to the House Health and Human Resources Committee essentially killing for it the year, but the proponents of the bill prevailed and it remained in Calendar and Rules. After a lengthy discussion, the legislation was deferred until the next Calendar and Rules Committee meeting. House members have fought all year to enact legislation to counter the federal health care takeover, believing that expanding government programs is rarely an effective solution to complex issues. Further, proponents have argued the federal government’s takeover of healthcare will only prove to balloon the cost of healthcare services to the states.
Last Updated ( Saturday, 22 May 2010 12:03 )
|