The High Cost of PORK BARREL;

PORK ANYONE?

By Pat Hunter

Everyone seems to like PORK Barrel when it’s in his or her own backyard but it usually comes with a mammoth price tag; this year $2 Billion!

Politicians have a knack for making friends; unfortunately it’s at your expense.

Wouldn’t it be nice to see a reduction in YOUR State Sales Tax rather than to spend BILLIONS in proposed new spending on bills and amendments for Pork Barrel (something for everyone) or Pet Projects for VIP groups and special interest?

When politicians or department heads say, “Grant Money is FREE Money” or “its not going to cost you a dime” just remember that’s not true! Sales tax that you pay go to state coffers for the General Assembly to divvy up with Grants and other appropriations!

Here’s how they hope to spend your hard earned money this upcoming year, assuming they have the necessary votes.

For a complete list of pending amendments 158 pages, click here Lots of Pork  (PDF) 
 

News Sentinel Story, click here  - 412 budget changes sought –

Senators' proposals would add $2 BILLION to plan; House hasn't yet filed amendments.

• $1 million – your tax money for Lenoir City Utilities Board for sewer system improvements, by Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge.
• $25,000 – your tax money for a grant to the Lenoir City Historical Society to be used to acquiring and renovating a permanent facility for the Lenoir City Historical Museum. 
• $5,000 – your tax money for a grant to the Carmichael Inn Museum in Loudon.
• $30,000 – your tax money for a grant to the historic Lyric Theater Association in Loudon.
• $10,000 – your tax money for a grant in equal amounts to the volunteer fire departments in Loudon County, to be used for operating expenses & the purchase of equipment.
• $10,000 – your tax money to Greenback City for the sole purpose of community & economic development.
• $10,000 – your tax money to the Town of Philadelphia for the sole purpose of community & economic development.
• $10,000 – your tax money to the Mideast Community Action Agency – Loudon County.
• East Tennessee Area Health Education Center Program, which serves Loudon & 16 other counties, $125,000- from funds appropriated, the institutions shall distribute not less than 75% of the funds to local (AHEC) programs.

AT&T EMINENT DOMAIN vs. Property Owner Rights!

When you contact your state officials about PORK, please express your opinions about NOT granting AT&T Eminent Domain authority. AT&T says that they want to compete with the cable business; BUT AT&T should NOT be allowed to dig through your private property without your consent and agreement.

State Senator Randy McNally: District Address: 94 Royal Troon Circle, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, Phone (865) 483-5544 

Nashville Address:  307 War Memorial Building, Nashville, TN 37243-0205, Phone (615) 741-6806. Staff Contact: Anne Rasmussen and Rick Nicholson, Research Analyst.

E-Mail: sen.randy.mcnally@legislature.state.tn.us

State Representative Jimmy Matlock:

District Address: 190 Matlock Road, Lenoir City, 37771, Phone: 986.4201

Nashville Address: 219 War Memorial Building, Nashville, TN 37243-0121. Phone (615) 741-3736, Staff Contact: Brenda Moore.

Email: rep.jimmy.matlock@legislature.state.tn.us

State Representative Dennis Ferguson:

District Address: 2851 Roane State Highway, Harriman, TN 37748. Phone (865) 882-8163

Nashville Address: 17 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243-0132, Phone (615) 741-7658, Fax (615) 253-0163, Staff Contact: Kim Coleman

Email: rep.dennis.ferguson@legislature.state.tn.us