01/09/2024
DAILY DOSE: TN Legislative Happenings
The 2024 Legislative session begins today, making it imperative to organize your county for this year's upcoming elections. Here's your daily dose of Democratic talking points:
Let's stay on message and ensure that our counties are informed about the progress Democrats are fighting for and delivering, while highlighting the differences with MAGA Republicans who appear to embrace extremism and obstruction. I am committed to closely tracking legislative bills to provide you with accurate information to share with your members.
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Happening in Tennessee: The Tennessee Senate gavels in at 12:00 CT. Nothing major is expected on the first day back, but you can watch it here. A full rundown of the Senate’s day is included below the top stories.
Top Senate Stories Tuesday, January 9, 2024
‘Unchecked TNGOP rule undermines family prosperity, safety and freedom’
READ: Chairwoman London Lamar’s editorial previewing the legislative session for the Commercial Appeal.
“I want my child — and yours — to grow up in a state that’s better off, more safe and healthier than the communities we grew up in. Unfortunately, after 13 years of total Republican control in our state, the exact opposite is happening in Tennessee.”
“People’s lives are shorter and commutes are longer. Working families have less financial security and experience more problems getting healthcare and childcare. Our kids are growing up in public schools with too little funding and communities with too much gun violence.”
Finance committee considers flat budget forecast amid falling corporate tax revenues
1:30 p.m. CT - State officials will present revenue forecasts and economic projections to lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee.
The state revenue forecast, i.e. tax collections, is important because it determines how much money the governor and lawmakers have to assign to their priorities in next year’s budget.
Preview: In November, economists told members of the State Funding Board the state economy is strong, but predicted tax collections will be flat year over year – meaning there will be less money for new initiatives.
As family hardships threaten economy, Gov. Bill Lee wants deeper corporate tax breaks
Lee’s corporate tax breaks are dragging down overall collections, shifting more reliance onto Tennessee’s regressive sales tax and forfeiting cash that could be invested in a variety of solutions that working families need.
In November, University of Tennessee economist Don Bruce warned that family hardships – not corporate tax rates – are the real threat to the state economy.
The economist cited access to child care, transportation and housing affordability, as culprits for lower-than-average workforce participation and recommended legislative action to help workers rejoin the job market.
But instead of offering solutions for working families, Gov. Lee announced last week he will be pushing for even bigger corporate tax breaks this session.
Economists: Tennessee’s economy strengthened by President Biden’s investments
Though the GOP-led finance committee is likely to skip over this analysis, Federal Reserve economist Laurel Graefe said Tennessee’s economy is “uniquely” benefitting from public investments in electric vehicles made by President Biden and Democrats in Congress.
Makes sense with four electric vehicle manufacturers in the state.
The Lee administration also has $3.4 billion left to spend from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. During budget hearings, finance officials said $1.8 billion out of $3.7 billion is obligated with only $244 million actually spent. The funds need to be committed to a project by December 2024. (Finance & Administration, budget hearing, 29 min mark)
Best,
Tamara Bates
Director of Community Engagement
Tennessee Democratic Party
