Tennessee’s neighbors have already raised taxes, or are looking to do so, to balance their state’s budget; Georgia has eliminated sales tax credits for the poor, Missouri is looking to raise its sales tax, Mississippi established a new franchise tax on business and Virginia is expanding its sales tax.
Most states view their citizens as ATM’s, a never-ending source of cash for more and more government spending.
Gov. Bill Haslam presented his budget to the Legislature yesterday; it is a balanced budget with no tax increases on Tennessee’s citizens....
...The Governor has presented a budget that cuts spending by 5.6% compared to the current operating budget and eliminates over 1,100 state jobs. Those are meaningful cuts. They deserve our support.
Accoding to 2009 statistics Tennessee is 21st in the nation in GDP with a federal contribution of 1.7%. It is 36th in the naiton with GDP per capita of $34,089 annually. Historically (prior to 2009) Tennessee was ranked 34th in the nation with a GDP per capita of $29,844. That means since President Obama has taken office Tennessee's GDP per capita has increased by $4245 per person annually. So, with a population that is 17th in the nation according to 2010 statistics numbering 6,346,195 that is a lot of NEW tax revenue.
“The question becomes, 'How do you define tax increase? Does that mean there will be no fees or assessments?'” said Dallas Democratic State Senator Royce West, during a taping of "Inside Texas Politics.
Facing a $10 billion gap in 2003, the Republican-controlled Legislature balanced that budget as Gov. Rick Perry recalled Tuesday speaking to senators.
“And as we did back in '03, we'll balance the budget this time too, setting priorities, making tough decisions and not raising taxes," Perry said.
But, what Perry didn't mention is how lawmakers in 2003 deregulated college tuition that shot up 72 percent since then, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and slapped on $2.7 billion in new and higher fees centering on health care and vehicle regulations.
According to the Texas Comptroller’s office, among some of the bigger fee hikes were up to $1,000 more per teacher in health insurance premiums that raised $711 million.
Also, there were the $30 traffic ticket fee forecasted to bring in $271 million and a $20 fee on motor vehicle transfers budgeted to raise $200 million.
So, drivers shouldn't be surprised some lawmakers talk now of raising the vehicle registration fee up $50 more.
Democrats, like West, question if raising the fee on such a basic necessity for the vast majority of Texans owning a car is really just a de facto tax increase.
“I think voters need to look at, and Texans need to look at as well, whether or not there is going to be transparency," he said....
Will no tax increases in Texas just mean highers fees, charges? (click title to entry - thank you)
AFP-TN Analysis of Gov. Haslam's Budget (click here)
by BRAD WATSON
WFAA
Posted on January 14, 2011 at 7:33 PM
Updated Friday, Jan 14 at 9:47 PM
