Sales Tax Cut

Fore Note: Isn't it ironic, while conservative republican state legislators are working to lessen the sales tax burden on the elderly and struggling families, Lenoir City mayor, Tony Aikens and of his most loyal council members are working hard to increase the sales tax burden on the elderly and struggling families.

From 32nd State Representative Monty Fritts

Grocery Tax Relief

Unfortunately, Bidenomics has hurt all Tennesseans. The buying power of every one of our dollars has been diminished. Our elderly and our young families have probably been hit the hardest.

Fortunately, the Tennessee political decisions in the last decade have placed our state in a favorable fiscal position relative to most other states. House Bill 2044 will help Tennesseans in meeting some of their most basic grocery needs by removing the state portion of the sales tax (4%) on many grocery items. We have targeted this legislation to provide tax relief on very basic grocery items. We used the WIC list of food items to cover a broad spectrum of grocery items while approaching this in a fiscally responsible manner. Our ability to consider this today is resultant of fiscally healthy and incremental steps. This legislation follows that pattern of responsibility to the citizens of Tennessee and commitment to sound fiscal policy.

I think those 4% tax dollars that the Tennessean saves when they purchase fresh vegetables or other grocery items will be used at the fuel pump or retail clothing store or purchasing school supplies for their kids. Again, many of the Tennesseans hit hardest by poor federal monetary and tax policy are our young families and the elderly. This legislation will responsibly provide tax relief and increase their grocery buying power.