A resolution requesting Governor Phil Bredesen, the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, and the entire Tennessee General Assembly to take the action necessary to increase taxes on tobacco, beer, and liquor, and earmark these additional funds for local education and public safety functions.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government is limited in its taxing authority to ad valorem property taxes, the local option sales tax, and the vehicle regulatory license fee; and

WHEREAS, county and municipal governments across Tennessee are experiencing budgetary shortfalls as a result of their limited taxing authority and reductions in state shared taxes; and

WHEREAS, educating children and protecting the safety of citizens are the most important functions local governments provide; and

WHEREAS, increasing taxes on alcohol and tobacco is a way to generate additional revenue for local governments without increasing property and sales tax, which are already pose a burden on senior citizens and low income families; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the State of Tennessee increase taxes on tobacco, beer, and liquor to help sustain local education, police, and fire functions.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting Governor Phil Bredesen, the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, and the entire Tennessee General Assembly to take the action necessary to increase taxes on tobacco, beer, and liquor, and earmark these additional funds for local education and public safety functions.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Governor Phil Bredesen and to each member of the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. The Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly is further requested to respond to the Council regarding the request stated in Section 1 hereof within ninety (90) days from the adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace