NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Earlier this week, Republican Gov. Bill Haslam proposed to raise Tennessee’s tax on each gallon of gasoline by 7 cents while cutting the state’s sales tax on groceries and income from earnings on stocks and bonds.
Haslam says average motorists would pay an extra $4 dollars more per month as part of his plan to generate $278 million annually in new money to pay for road projects around the state.
Local state representatives responded to the announcement:
“Tennessee’s transportation infrastructure has and will always be a top priority for me. When our roads are properly maintained, our economic development flourishes, but more importantly, Tennesseans’ safety is improved,” State Representative Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville) said. “In Montgomery County, we have been blessed with immense growth in recent years, but I’m sure we all know that this growth can take a toll on our infrastructure. With this in mind, I eagerly await the legislative review process for any measures that can satisfy our state’s transportation needs. I am honored to join with other leaders from around the state in addressing this pressing matter. Ultimately, I will vote the way I always do, by listening closely to our community and by doing what is best for the citizens of the 68th District.”
“I am pleased to know Gov. Haslam will propose a long-awaited funding package to address our growing infrastructure needs,” Rep. Joe Pitts (House District 67) said. “The reduction in sales and Franchise & Excise taxes are certainly noteworthy and deserve deliberation, as does the local option, via referendum, gas tax idea. The ‘user fee’ increase, or increasing our gas and diesel taxes, merit a lot of study and I am hopeful we will get that done this session. I need details about the tax increases, and especially some firm commitment that if a tax increase is approved, Clarksville-Montgomery County will get some much needed relief in our traffic congestion by way of road improvements. I have not heard much about mass transit funding which is a critical regional need in Middle Tennessee.”