A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly and the entire Tennessee General Assembly to take the action necessary to amend the Tennessee Constitution to allow a portion of the lottery revenue generated in each county to be designated for local schools, police and fire functions.

WHEREAS, on November 5, 2002, the voters of the State of Tennessee voted to amend the Tennessee Constitution to authorize the legislature to enact a state lottery to provide college scholarships to Tennessee citizens, with any surplus lottery proceeds to be used for capital projects for educational facilities or early education programs; and

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, municipalities and counties in Tennessee have experienced a decrease in state-shared taxes, and many municipalities and counties are facing serious budgetary issues for which their limited taxing authority is insufficient to address; and

WHEREAS, any increase in state funding to help offset local contributions for education and public safety functions would help alleviate the budgetary constraints experienced by county governments; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Tennessee General Assembly take the action necessary to allow Tennessee counties to share in the state lottery proceeds to help support public 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 the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly and the entire Tennessee General Assembly to take the action necessary to amend the Tennessee Constitution to allow a portion of the lottery revenue generated in each county to be designated for local schools, police and fire functions.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution 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