A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to take the legislative action necessary to propose an increase in taxes on tobacco, beer, and liquor, as well as a special tax on coffee, and earmark these additional funds for technology in the public schools.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Board of Public Education recently informed members of the Council Education Committee that an additional $43 million is needed to provide our schools with the appropriate technology; 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, 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 is the most important function local governments provide; and

WHEREAS, students within the public school system should be provided every technological advance possible to enhance their learning experiences and prepare them for today's competitive working environment; and

WHEREAS, increasing taxes on addictive legal products such as alcohol, tobacco and coffee is a way to generate additional revenue for local governments without increasing property and sales tax, which 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 coffee, tobacco, beer, and liquor to outfit public schools with the necessary technology.

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 to take the legislative action necessary to propose an increase in taxes on tobacco, beer, and liquor, as well as a special tax on coffee, and earmark these additional funds for technology in the public schools.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to 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: Jamie Isabel