Jan. 4th, 2010

TFT is up to the challenge!

Last year, the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation gave TFT a challenge: They would match every dollar we raised from individuals that exceeded what we raised from individuals the previous year... up to a maximum of $25,000. In short, all new and increased donations were matched dollar-for-dollar and the challenge was extended for this year.

We raised $40,000 from individual donors from July ‘07 to June ‘08, so we set a goal for the last fiscal year of raising $65,000 from individuals July ‘08 to June ‘09 to get the full $25,000 challenge grant from Babcock. We beat our goal of $65,000 by raising $66,256, and with six days to spare! TFT extends our thanks to all the donors across the state who made this success possible.

So now what? The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation is doing it again for this budget year that began July 1, 2009, but they are upping the ante. They will match dollar-for-dollar all new and increased gifts over the $65,000 goal from this year. That means we must raise $90,000 in individual donations this budget year (July ‘09 to June ‘10) to leverage the full $25,000 matching grant from Babcock. This is the kind of growth TFT takes seriously to face the state’s challenges of the coming years, as the stimulus runs out and pressure for new revenue mounts.

If you are one of those who gave previously, your continued or increased support will help us meet the Babcock Challenge in the coming year. If you did not give to TFT recently, your new or renewed support will go a long way toward helping TFT meet the Babcock challenge and build the kind of organization that can challenge political inertia and bring about real change.
Thank you for your financial support of TFT.

Oct 19, 2009

Message from TFT’s new Executive Director, Elizabeth Wright

As a lifelong Tennessean, I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to improve our state’s vitality and sustainability by joining the important work of Tennesseans for Fair Taxation. As a TFT member and contributor, you know we must modernize our tax system not only to secure our financial future, but also to ensure each and every resident has access to the education, social services and support needed to make our state viable and competitive into the future.

It’s an issue I care about deeply. As the new Executive Director, I am ready to accomplish the changes we seek. TFT is gaining momentum with a higher membership rate than ever before, exciting funding opportunities providing matches for individual donations, and a strong staff and Board of Directors with the combined experience and passion to help us realize our goals.

With these strengths, we will grasp the opportunities that come at this critical juncture in our state’s history to relieve the tax burden on low-income residents and families and secure the long-term revenue needed to enhance Tennessee’s progress, support our citizenry, and maintain the unique cultural and natural beauty we all love and enjoy.

I look forward to working with you in these endeavors. Please feel free to contact me anytime or drop by our office to share your ideas and feedback on our accomplishments and ongoing goals. Thank you for your support!

Sept. 26, 2009

Tennesseans for Fair Taxation's 2009 Annual Meeting, which addressed "Tennessee’s Future: Working Together or Cutting to the Bone," was a smashing success!

View our slideshow of highlights from this year's meeting.

February 27, 2009

Tax Modernization Plan Filed for 2009-2010 Session

This session, the Tax Modernization and Economic Stimulus Act (SB2054 / HB2182) was filed, renewing the dialogue about the kind of reform Tennessee truly needs to move forward. This new bill, which is supported by Tennesseans for Fair Taxation (TFT), would completely repeal the state and local sales tax on grocery food, reduce the overall sales tax on all other items by 3%, and enact a progressive state income tax that would replace the current, more limited Hall income tax.

Animated graph hard to read? Download the PDF handout of the Tax Modernization Act with before and after graphs that don't move.

Tax Modernization is one of at least five bills TFT is supporting as part of our 2009 legislative agenda. Click here for a full list of bills being supported by TFT.

December 17, 2008

New Video: Food for the Holidays

As the state faces record budget shortfalls and families struggle amidst the worst economic downturn in decades, TFT has released a new video on YouTube about the role Tennessee's high food tax plays in making matters worse on both fronts.

1. The high food tax in Tennessee takes 28 days worth of groceries from every family each year. Repealing the food tax would be like getting an extra month's worth of groceries each year... enough food to last from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
2. At the same time, the high food tax drives shoppers into neighboring states, resulting in significant loss of sales tax revenue across our state lines. Now more than ever, as our budget shortfall approaches $1 billion, we cannot afford such an inefficient and uncompetitive tax system.

There is a better way to fund state services than with such a high food tax, whether closing corporate tax loopholes or enacting comprehensive tax modernization. With real leadership, legislators could both reduce the food tax while also raising hundreds of millions to help stave off the proposed budget cuts.

Did you know?

• Tennessee has the nation's highest average sales tax at nearly 10%.
• Tennessee is one of only a handful of states that still tax groceries.
• Tennessee has more border states than any other state in the nation.
• Over half of Tennessee residents live in counties bordering another state.
• Every single state bordering Tennessee has a lower sales tax.
• Every day people drive across the border or go on-line to avoid the sales tax.
• Tennessee’s high sales tax costs the state tens-of-thousands of jobs.