*Tennessee rankings among the 50 states

• 35th in average monthy social security supplemental security income payment (disability)
  

* Morgan, Kathleen O'Leary and Morgan, Scott. CQ Press's State Fact Finder Series: State Rankings 2009. Washington, DC, 2009.

Taxes and Persons with Disabilities

“The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”

— Hubert Humphrey

Because of its reliance on an irrational and outdated tax structure, Tennessee is failing that test. Tennessee’s revenue system only makes worse the challenges we face in an economic downturn like the one we are currently experiencing. Proposed budget cuts to health care, residential and day services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental health services, and programs for children and youth with disabilities target our most vulnerable citizens. Budget reductions will have life-changing and devastating impacts on individuals and families who have nowhere else to turn.

Over the past two decades, Tennessee has built an essential infrastructure to provide basic public services in child welfare, health, mental health, and disability. The foundation of these systems is now being eroded by funding cuts that limit opportunities for children to receive services and support necessary to succeed in school and life, and that reduce the ability of vulnerable adults to remain in their homes and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

Carol Westlake
Executive Director
Tennessee Disability Coalition