Response To Haslam Plan For Lowering Tax On Food, Raising Gas Tax

  • Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Here are responses to the plan by Governor Bill Haslam to lower the tax on food and raise the gas tax and vehicle registration charge:

Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) said, "Governor Haslam's proposal does what Republicans do consistently: It cuts taxes. This plan addresses our transportation funding dilemma in a way that makes sense and still reduces the overall tax burden on our citizens. In just the past few years, we have repealed the gift tax, eliminated the death tax, reduced the sales tax on food and begun the phase out the Hall Income Tax. Governor Haslam's plan unveiled today does even more to reduce the overall tax burden on our citizens. This plan eases the tax burden on our manufacturers allowing them create jobs that Tennesseans need. The plan also takes another bite out of the food tax which gives our working and middle class citizens a tax break on the everyday necessities of life. For Tennessee's economic growth to continue we must have the infrastructure to support it. This plan attacks the funding issue in a responsible way. I appreciate Governor Haslam bringing forth this proposal. I look forward to a spirited debate on the merits in the House and the Senate."

 

Susie Alcorn, executive director, Tennessee Infrastructure Alliance:

“We applaud Governor Bill Haslam for putting forth a proposal to address our state’s growing transportation infrastructure needs. Governor Haslam is the first Tennessee governor in 27 years to make this important piece of the state budget a priority, and we are grateful for his leadership.

“Tennessee’s identified transportation infrastructure needs now total more than $11 billion in projects.

"From the launch of our Coalition, our goal has been to see reform that provides long-term sustainable funding for our transportation system while addressing public transportation needs. Governor Haslam’s proposal is balanced, responsible and comprehensive, and we look forward to working with the legislature on this critical issue.”

Bill Moore, chairman of the Tennessee Infrastructure Alliance and former chief engineer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation: 

“We thank Governor Haslam for putting forth this proposal to address long-term, sustainable funding for our state’s transportation infrastructure needs. The Tennessee Infrastructure Alliance has advocated for a solution to these growing needs for more than a decade, and we see the governor’s leadership as a huge step forward in maintaining an important part of our state’s ability to grow and to be economically competitive.

“We are encouraged by the governor’s announcement today, following his two years of statewide tours to educate Tennesseans about the vital role of infrastructure and the need to adequately fund it for the generations to come. We look forward to working with Governor Haslam and House and Senate members as the proposal makes its way through the legislature.”

Kent Starwalt, executive vice president, Tennessee Road Builders Association:

“The Tennessee Road Builders Association thanks Governor Bill Haslam for his leadership and for addressing long-term, sustainable funding to meet our state’s identified highway and bridge needs, which now total more than $11 billion in projects.

“We know Governor Haslam has put a great deal of time and effort into the proposal he outlined today. He has spent upward of two years educating Tennesseans about our state’s transportation needs and how those needs could be funded.

“Transportation infrastructure funding is both a state and local issue and one that affects both urban and rural communities. Governor Haslam’s proposal seeks to boost economic development, reduce traffic congestion and ensure safe travel for everyone who drives on Tennessee roads.

“Now is the time to take action. We look forward to working with Governor Haslam and members of the House and Senate as this proposal works its way through the legislature.”

Dave Huneryager, president and CEO, Tennessee Trucking Association:

“The Tennessee Trucking Association appreciates Gov. Bill Haslam’s leadership and his willingness to address our state’s transportation infrastructure needs. A well-maintained and less-congested interstate system is important to the trucking industry and to the state’s economy.

“Today’s announcement is a starting point for a larger conversation. We are eager to review Gov. Haslam’s proposal in detail and look forward to working with him and members of the legislature on a long-term funding solution.”

Ralph Schulz, president and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce:

“There is a direct link between a strong transportation system and economic development, and Middle Tennessee is a perfect example of the benefits and challenges our state faces. We appreciate the governor’s efforts to not only address the current backlog of transportation projects across the state but also allow local governments in the Nashville region to address the need for transit options. The chamber looks forward to working with the governor and General Assembly to address the transportation needs of Middle Tennessee. It makes a difference to businesses that already call Tennessee home as well as ones looking to come here.”

The Tennessee Transit Coalition said it "applauds Governor Haslam for proposing an infrastructure funding plan and looks forward to working with him and the members of the Tennessee General Assembly to ensure that it supports public transportation in all Tennessee communities."

 

“We’re encouraged that Governor Haslam’s proposal includes a local funding option to give communities the tools to finance their own projects,” said Jason Spain, executive director of the Tennessee Public Transportation Association (TPTA). “However, in some regions of the state, particularly our rural areas, raising additional revenue locally isn’t a viable option. We would like to see the state invest the necessary resources to improve public transportation statewide. Public transit is a growing choice in our state; but it is also a necessity for many Tennesseans in both our rural and urban areas who rely on it for access to jobs, schools and everyday services like medical appointments.”

 

Last week, Mr. Spain met with Governor Haslam’s staff to deliver more than 1,000 petitions from residents from more than 60 counties throughout the state and a letter signed by seven partner organizations, including AARP Tennessee, Tennessee Association of Human Resource Agencies, Tennessee Disability Coalition, Tennessee Public Health Association, Tennessee Public Transportation Association, Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee and Walk Bike Tennessee. These voices represent the Tennessee Transit Coalition, TPTA’s new grassroots initiative.

 

 

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