| Posted by Pointer , Jul 24,2001,13:13 | MetroBlab |
During Sundquist's last term of office sales tax collections in
Tennessee have been at record levels. We have added over $1
billion to K-12 education.
What's changed? Why are we in a fiscal crunch? Has anyone
noticed that the usual budget shortfalls and the one time money
solutions generally run from $150 million to $200 million?
Have you noticed that the state is puting an addtional $150 million
to $200 million each year into TennCare out of the general fund?
Are these items related?
There has been no reform of TennCare except to just pour more
money into it. State tax money contributed to TennCare was at
$400 million a year when it started. The state portion is now $1.6
billion.
I am not saying that Tennessee's tax structure shouldn't be
changed. I am not saying that things like higher education don't
need more money.
I'm saying that it has always been hard to balance our state budget.
I'm saying that tax collection growth that would be funding things
like higher education is being eaten by TennCare.
I'm saying that the Sundquist administration has lacked the will and
the political ability to reform the process, reset priorities and
manage the state in a proper manner.
The state needs a fair and complete tax reform package passed as
a constitutional amendment and voted upon by the people of
Tennessee. It should require super majorities in both houses to
raise the rates and it should forbid loopholes.
It should come after a massive overhaul of the TennCare program.
It should not be passed in the midst of a crisis atmosphere to solve
a budget shortfall.
That's the worst way to determine public policy.