TN TAX BATTLE: SHIFTING FUNDS WILL REOPEN 13 STATE PARKS (WE NEED MORE MONEY)

Thirteen now-shuttered state parks could reopen in a matter of days after the legislature yesterday approved shifting $900,000 out of the state parks land-acquisition fund.

The House and Senate also approved spending an additional $1.9 million for ''homeland security'' measures, bringing total state spending on that effort to nearly $10 million since Sept. 11.

NTU.org

What's At Stake!

Spending is Out of Control in Nashville

As you may know, Governor Don Sundquist and big-spending members of the Tennessee Legislature are once again trying to increase your taxes. Because of the efforts of concerned taxpayers like you, their past attempts to raise taxes have failed. Unfortunately, supporters of the big-government agenda haven't given up, and they are working harder than ever to take more money out of your pocket.

While the politicians would have you believe that the State is facing a fiscal crisis, nothing could be further from the truth. During the last few years Tennessee's budget has increased at a record pace, driven by a strong economy and out-of-control spending by the Legislature and Governor. Here are the facts:

* Since Governor Sundquist took office in 1995, Tennessee's budget has increased from $13 billion to $19.5 billion.
* According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 1990 and 1999, inflation rose by 27 percent. During that same time period, Tennessee's overall state expenditures increased by 74 percent and per capita expenditures increased by 66 percent.
* Despite misleading cries of "budget cuts" from a few Nashville big-spenders, last year's budget actually increased spending by more than 3 percent, compared with a rate of inflation of only 2.85 percent in the same time period. Politicians who claimed they had to make "cuts" to the budget were actually referring to reductions in the amount they had planned to spend, not cuts in real spending as they want you to believe.
* A study conducted by Dr. Thomas R. Dye of the Lincoln Center for Public Service estimated that, because of retarded economic growth, each Tennessee resident could lose as much as $46,737 in personal income by 2020 if an income tax were adopted.

Nashville's big-spenders don't want to give up their reckless, free-spending ways, so they have been using gloom-and-doom propaganda and scare tactics in an effort to convince Tennessee taxpayers to send a blank check to Nashville. Don't believe the rhetoric - the truth is that there is no lack of money in Nashville, only a lack of fiscal discipline.

At this moment, Legislators are looking at a variety of schemes - including a sales tax increase, an income tax, a car tax, and a gas tax increase - that would boost your tax burden. But you and I both know that the real solution is to eliminate wasteful spending, not raise taxes.

If you oppose tax-and-spend politics as usual, you must contact your State Senator and State Representative now to encourage him or her to oppose any form of new taxation on Tennesseans. Time is short - please call or e-mail right away!

NTU.org: Tennessee taxpayers need your help. While the state's budget has grown at a record pace of almost $1 billion per year since Governor Sundquist took office (and next year's budget is projected to be the largest in the state's history) the Governor and some in the Legislature say that the state needs a tax hike! Tennessee doesn't face a "fiscal crisis." It faces spending that has spiraled out of control. Tell your legislators to restrain state spending and not raise taxes!

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: Cut Spending; Don't Raise Taxes

Dear (insert legislator's name here),

There has been a lot of talk about the need to increase Tennessee's tax revenues in order to avert a "budget crisis." However, a quick examination of the facts shows that Tennessee's fiscal troubles are not because of a lack of revenues, but rather excessive spending by the Governor and Legislature that has grown at a record pace over the last several years. For instance:

* Since Governor Sundquist took office in 1995, Tennessee's budget has increased from $13 billion to $19.5 billion.
* According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 1990 and 1999, inflation rose by 27 percent. During that same time period, Tennessee's overall state expenditures increased by 74 percent and per capita expenditures increased by 66 percent.
* Despite talk about "budget cuts," last year's budget actually increased spending by more than 3 percent, compared with a rate of inflation of only 2.85 percent in the same time period. Those who claimed they had to make "cuts" to the budget were actually referring to reductions in the amount they had planned to spend, not cuts in real spending as they wanted taxpayers to believe.

Faced with slowing revenue growth, the easy solution for government is to simply raise taxes. But the best solution for Tennessee's families, businesses, and economy is to eliminate unnecessary government spending and ultimately reduce, not increase, the tax burden imposed on Tennesseans.

When a Tennessee family has a budget shortfall they have to trim excessive spending. Now it is time for Tennessee's elected officials to do the same. Trimming the fat from a budget isn't easy, but it is sometimes necessary.

As your constituent, and as a voter, I ask that you do anything possible to eliminate wasteful and inefficient government spending and oppose any proposal that would increase the tax, regulatory, or overall fiscal burden imposed on me, and my fellow taxpayers.

Sincerely,

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