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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Tennessee lawmakers will meet again and discuss another proposal to reduce the state’s grocery sales tax.
Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) introduced the legislation before the start of the 114th Tennessee General Assembly.
Grocery store owners said a little relief in the store would go a long way.
“I like to save money when I go grocery shopping and stuff, and I’m sure everyone would like to do that too,” Anthony Bishop said.
Bishop said this is also crucial for people across the state, especially now.
“With the economy being what it is, every cent matters. Saving on groceries or whatever it is,” Bishop said.
Democratic state Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) said lowering grocery sales taxes is necessary to help people, and businesses need to pick up the slack.
“Businesses are doing great,” said Rep. Johnson. “Businesses need to pay their fair share because Tennesseans are paying more than their fair share, and that is not okay.”
Republican Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville) said he supports tax relief but does not favor the current proposal. He said this would impose too much on large companies.
“I like all the tax cuts. However, we have bills to pay and tax cuts can come with cuts to services,” said Senator Briggs. “I really think this is the wrong way to tax big companies.”
Senator Briggs proposed another idea. He said Rep. Elaine Davis (R-Knoxville) plans to propose another tax cut on grocery store sales. He said her proposal would keep a small portion of the tax, while also not putting more emphasis on paying big companies extra.
“I would look much more favorably on that than jeopardizing our excellent reputation that we have in the state that encourages large companies with good-paying jobs to come to the state,” said Senator Briggs.
Rep. Johnson believes the bigger companies should pay for it.
“It’s time for Tennessee families to see a benefit for them and this is just a small step, but it’s a big step that they can count on all year long,” said Rep. Johnson.
Legislation can already be introduced by lawmakers, but the first day of the next General Assembly is January 14.
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