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News & Updates

Tax holiday OK, but reform needed: says Chatt paper [7.28.09]
In a Chattanooga Times Free Press editorial today, entitled: Tax holiday OK, but reform needed, the paper writes, "Meaningful tax reform, anathema to the Legislature, would ease that burden. It would bring relief to those struggling to make ends meet 52 weeks a year rather than on the one weekend a year provided by the sales tax holiday." Click here for more.
Taxes and the Wisdom of Our Forebears [7.17.09]
TFT's former Executive Director, Brian Miller pens a thought-provoking editorial that calls on elected officials across the country to consider the wisdom of our forebears when choosing the most fair and just tax systems for their respective states. Click here for full op-ed.
Legislative Wrap-up; More Cuts to Come [6.21.09]
Legislators wraped-up the year promising more cuts to come for 2010. "Last week, lawmakers passed a $29.6 billion plan that shrinks state spending by about 10 percent. It also calls for eliminating 1,400 jobs, including 717 through layoffs." Read the full Tennessean story here.
A Victory: FONCE Loophole Closed [6.7.09]
TFT is pleased to announce that the FONCE bill passed with the support of TFT and the leadership of Gov. Bredesen. This bill, as you may know, will close large tax loopholes for wealthy landowners and raise an estimated $22 million for the state. For more information on FONCE please click here. For more information on closing other tax loopholes click here.
Tennessean, TFT, and Allies, Look at Budget Cuts [6.5.09]
One June 5, the Tennessean published an editorial about the budget cuts and their impacts on those with special needs from autism to mental health challenges. In addition to the Tennesseans' own editorial, they printed guest columns from the Tenn. Disability Coalition, the Tenn. Conference on Social Welfare, and Tennesseans for Fair Taxation.
Budget Cuts Hit Mental Health, Special Needs Programs [5.28.09]
The state is poised to eliminate 1,400 jobs under the proposed cuts. The bulk of the proposed cuts will come from the Departments of Mental Health and Retardation, including programs to assist families of children with learning disabilities. Click here for the full Tennessean story.
Great editorial in the Chattanooga Times-Free Press [5.13.09]
"Tennesseans could be forgiven for thinking their state lawmakers are mainly interested in providing us comic relief and theater of the absurd while Rome burns. Unfortunately, that’s a pretty accurate assessment," writes the Times-Free Press in an editorial about the misplaced priorities at the General Assembly, where bills allowing guns in bars and banning sagging pants are being debated as the state budget crumbles before our eyes. Click here for the full editorial.
Growing Shortfall Points to Need for Tax Modernization [5.7.09]
On May 7, in conjunction with release of a revised budget projection from the Funding Board, TFT issued a news release pointing to the structural problems helping to fuel the budget shortfall - a tax system that is dependent on the outdated sales tax. Click here to real the full release.
April 2009 Newsletter Available for Download [4.23.09]
TFT's twice annual newsletter just went to the printer today and should be arriving in mailboxes across Tennessee by early May. This issue features stories about our 2009 legislative agenda, why tax modernization is essential to the long-term health of our state, new organizing in West Tennessee, and much, much more. Click here to join our mailing list and receive this and other publications. Click here to download an electronic copy of the newsletter today.
New handouts summarize legislative agenda [4.9.09]
A new handout is available from TFT that summarize the 2009 legislative agenda, including various bills that will close loopholes and end unjustified exemptions. Click here to download this new handout.

TFT has also produced a handout summarizing the new Tax Modernization and Economic Stimulus Act that offers a long-term solution to Tennessee's challenges. Click here to download the modernization handout.
State parks falling into disrepair [4.8.09]
Chronic under-funding of public structures are being felt in every area, including parks and recreation. Today's Tennessean ran a story, "Tennessee can't keep up with park repairs," that documents some of the consequences. Click here for Tennessean story and click here for the Tennessee Infrastructure Report Card from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
Big Victory! Anti-Income Tax Amendment Defeated [4.2.09]
TFT extends a big thanks to all who made calls and sent emails to state legislators in opposition to the constitutional amendment to ban a state income tax! We did it! The amendment was effectively killed yesterday after it was put "behind the budget." Read the WSMV report and the Knoxville News Sentinel story for more information... Then reach around and pat yourself on the back!
Myth-busters inject a “dose of reality” into Legislative Plaza [3.23.09]
As the Governor prepares to present his proposed budget Monday evening, "myth-busters" from TFT, wearing wearing white coveralls and wielding mock insect sprayers, are visiting legislative offices Monday afternoon to inject some reality and humor into the conversations about budgets and revenues. Click here for press release.
Part-time Job Opening in TFT's Jackson Office [3.19.09]
TFT is seeking a part-time community organizer to work in our Jackson Office. Click here for more information.
Member Letters printed in Chattanooga Times-Free Press [3.19.09]
Several letters to the editor in support of tax modernization, including a state income tax coupled with repeal of the food tax and reduction of the sales tax, were printed in the Chattanooga Times-Free Press. A number of those letters came from TFT members... Thanks! Click here to view the letters.
Ch. 5 in Nashville does story on food tax bill [3.18.09]
Channel 5 in Nashville aired a brief report on the bill by Rep. Hardaway to reduce the food tax in Tennessee. They note that Rep. Hardaway is also sponsoring the Tax Modernization bill that will fully repeal the food tax, lower the sales tax, and enact a progressive state income tax - A plan fully supported by TFT. Click here for Ch. 5 story.
Nashville Free Press picks up story about 5 plans supported by TFT [3.12.09]
The Nashville Free Press picks up the story about the various revenue-generating proposals TFT is supporting in the face of damaging budget cuts, including closing corporate tax loopholes with combined reporting, closing the FONCE loophole, ending the tax advantage enjoyed by out-of-state merchants, ending unjustified sales tax exemptions, and full-fledged tax modernization. Click here for full story.
Nashville is Talking talks tax modernization [3.11.09]
Picking up on the blog postings from Pith in the Wind, Nashville is Talking starts an on-line discussion about the need for tax modernization, including a state income tax as part of a broader package. Click here for more.
Series of editorials in the Nashville Scene focus on tax modernization [3.11.09]
Over the past week, Pith in the Wind, a blog / column by Pete Kotz in the Nashville Scene, has written a series of articles related to tax modernization, and the need for a state income tax. The first post discusses the surprisingly strong support for income tax in a recent MTSU poll and a second post quotes TFT's Bill Howell.
TFT responds to Gov. Bredesen's "reprieve" for higher education cuts [3.10.09]
TFT issues a press release in response to Gov. Bredesen's remarks about higher education being saved from proposed cuts by the federal stimulus package. TFT calls for using this 2-year reprieve to get our own fiscal house in order with tax modernization so higher ed (and other programs) can be saved from unnecessary cuts when the stimulus runs out. Click here for full release.
Radio story airs statewide about TFT's 2009 legislative agenda [3.9.09]
Quoting TFT's Board Chair, John Stewart, a radio story aired on stations across the state about the need for additional revenue, and the various proposals supported by TFT to do so. Click here to listen to audio.
TFT unveils 2009 legislative agenda with statewide news release [3.2.09]
In a statewide news release, TFT announced its support for five different pieces of legislation in the 2009 session, including closing corporate tax loopholes with combined reporting, supporting closure of the FONCE loophole, ending the unfair tax advantage enjoyed by out-of-state retailers, closing unjustified sales tax exemptions, as well as full-fledged tax modernization. Click here for full release.
Tax Modernization Bill Filed, Ch. 4 Interviews TFT Regarding Proposal [2.27.09]
The Tax Modernization & Economic Stimulus Act was filed this week, gaining media attention immediately. The new bill would modernize our tax system by eliminating the food tax, reducing the sales tax by 3%, and enacting a progressive state income tax. While it is an uphill battle, TFT spokesperson Jean Harrington notes, we have to start the dialogue now. Click here for Channel 4 news story.
Federal stimulus won't solve problem [2.23.09]

TFT's Board Chair John Stewart was interviewed for a radio story that aired statewide about the impact of the federal stimulus. Stewart pointed out that this stimulus is only a temporary fix that will not solve the long-term problems facing Tennessee. Real tax modernization is still needed. Click here for more.
Two great guest editorials appear in the Tennessean [2.1.09]

On Sunday, Feb. 1, two great editorials appeared in the Tennessean. The first is TFT's formal rebuttal of the Tennessean's faulty analysis earlier in the week claiming that the state budget had doubled in 20 years. Click here for more. The second editorial was from Dr. Patrick Reagan. His editorial both made the case for tax modernization while also challenging the wisdom of the proposed constitutional income tax ban. Click here for more.
New report refutes Tennessean story about the growth of government [1.29.09]

TFT issued a report challenging the faulty analysis presented in a January 26 Tennessean news article that claimed the state budget had doubled in 20 years. In addition to pointing out the faulty assumptions of the Tennessean analysis, the report makes evident that the recurring budget shortfalls are an inevitable outcome of an outdated tax system. Download report here or read related press release.
UT students call on Peterson to sign petition supporting stimulus and income tax plan [1.27.09]

While Peterson has already gone on record criticizing our current tax system, telling the Tennessean editorial board this month that the state's reliance on sales tax revenue was "a regressive way to run the state." Students rallying to save the university are asking him to sign a petition explicitly supporting a state income tax and the federal stimulus package for states. Click here for full story.
TFT announces support for Governor's plan to close FONCE loophole [1.22.09]

TFT issues a press release today announcing support for the Governor in his effort to close the FONCE loophole estimated to cost the state $45 million per year. Dick Williams, TFT board member, says, "The State should be using that $45 million to help lower the food tax or provide pre-K education for our young children instead of giving a tax break to rich families..." Click here for full release.
Tennessean prints editorial series on food tax [1.21.09]

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, the Tennessean ran a series of editorials about the proposal to reduce the state food tax. In addition to running it's own editorial, they ran a guest editorial from TFT Board Chair John Stewart. Click here for Tennessean editorial and click here for John Stewart's guest column.
WRCB Ch. 3 in Chattanooga airs story on food tax [1.12.09]

TFT Board member Ron Naylor was featured in a news story that aired on Channel 3 in Chattanooga. The story highlighted the revenue lost over the state line by Tennesseans shopping in Georgia to avoid the high sales tax. View streaming video.
Knoxville News-Sentinel runs op ed from TFT Board member [1.11.09]

The News-Sentinel ran a guest editorial in the Sunday paper from Phil Schoggen entitled, "Close tax loopholes, use public investment to jolt economy." It makes the case that public investments, funded through our tax system, are an effective way to stimulate the economy while achieving goals that are important to us as a community. Read full editorial.
Commercial Appeal editorial supporting food tax cut [1.8.09]

The Memphis Commercial Appeal published an editorial in support of a fair and responsible food tax reduction... "The political risk involved with mucking around in the corporate tax structure is significant, but the General Assembly also owes Tennesseans a fair and reasonable system of taxation." Click here to read full editorial.
News channel 5 in Nashville runs food tax story [1.6.09]

News channel 5 in Nashville ran a follow-up story to yesterday's Tennessean piece. The News channel 5 story features an interview with TFT Board member and local chapter chair, Jean Harrington, who points out the need to find replacement revenue for any food tax cut. Click here for streaming video.
Food tax story in Tennessean features TFT [1.5.09]

The Tennessean ran a story today, quoting Rep. Hardaway and TFT Board member Ron Naylor, about the unfair impact the food tax has on low- and moderate-income families. The story also notes TFT's support for closing corporate tax loopholes as a way to pay for the food tax reduction. Click here for story.
Radio story challenges proposed income tax ban [12.19.08]

TFT Board member Brian Paddock appeared on a radio story that aired on radio stations across Tennessee. Brian pointed out that the proposed income tax ban would chain Tennessee to the old way of doing things... while making the case for tax modernization. Click here to listen to the audio.
New YouTube video points out flaws of food tax [12.18.08]

While most Tennesseans are already aware that the food tax disproportionately hits middle- and lower-income families, this new video goes further by pointing out how the high food tax drives shoppers across state lines, costing Tennessee much-needed revenue as the state faces a $1 billion shortfall. Click here to see the new video.
Guest column from TFT Board member appears in Tennessean [12.15.08]

The Tennessean ran a guest column today (Dec. 15, 2008) on the on-line edition from TFT Board member Phil Schoggen. This column, entitled "Public investments stimulate the economy," challenges that worn-out anti-tax mantra with a little common sense.
Nation's highest sales tax drives shoppers over state lines [12.1.08]

On Dec. 1, the Tennessean ran a story about the state's inability to collect the "use" tax in lieu of sales taxes from purchases made across state lines or over the internet. With the nation's highest avg. sales tax according to the Sales Tax Clearinghouse, shoppers regularly leave the state to buy elsewhere.
Food tax victory! [1.1.08]

On January 1, 2008, the food tax reduction TFT helped to pass in 2007 took effect. This win, plus the earlier victory in preventing the 2002 sales tax increase from being applied to food, saves every Tennessee family enough to buy five-and-a-half-days worth of groceries each year. Click here for more.
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Part-Time Job Opening at Tennesseans for Fair Taxation
Community Organizer for West Tennessee

Tennesseans for Fair Taxation (TFT) is seeking a part-time organizer to work out of our new Jackson Office with organizing responsibilities in Jackson and West Tennessee. Must have at least one year of experience in coalition building and grassroots organizing. An understanding of community outreach, popular education, media campaigns, grassroots lobbying, membership recruitment, leadership development, and fundraising is expected. Must be a self-starter able to work in field office. Requires occasional overnight travel and flexible hours. Competitive salary and benefits.

Core responsibilities:

Develop and Support Local Organizing Chapters and Regional Coalition:

  • Identify core leaders through one-on-one meetings and other strategies to form local organizing chapters (LOCs) in Jackson and other areas of West Tennessee.
  • Work with LOC leaders to develop and implement local strategies for educating the public, engaging the media, holding elected officials accountable, and growing the organization.
  • Develop strong relationships with coalition members and allies throughout the region, working to include them in the local organizing work whenever possible.

Integrate Statewide Work with Regional Activity:

  • Participate in statewide events with members such as Annual Membership Meetings, Leadership Retreats, and periodic lobby days.
  • Coordinate local media activities, such as editorial board meetings and press conferences, as part of larger statewide strategies.
  • Coordinate regional aspects of statewide fundraising strategies, including organizing at least four house parties per year, supporting and working the annual phonathon, and organizing local membership drives.
  • Develop understanding of tax policies and their relation to broader issues of economic justice and adequate funding for important public programs.
  • Regularly communicate and coordinate work with other members of the staff team through weekly check-ins with the director, bi-weekly staff calls, and staff meetings.

About Tennesseans for Fair Taxation: Tennesseans for Fair Taxation (TFT) is a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations working to create a more fair and progressive tax system that invests in Tennessee, its communities, and its people. In addition to supporting progressive tax reform as a long-term objective, TFT has achieved recent victories such as reducing the state food tax and helping authorize a of study corporate tax loopholes.

How to Apply: Send a resume and three references by 4/1/09 to Staff Search, Tennesseans for Fair Taxation, 116 Hotel Road, Knoxville, TN 37918. The resume and list of references can also be emailed to brian@fairtaxation.org or faxed to 888-671-5189.

Tennesseans for Fair Taxation | Copyright 2008 | All rights reserved
Knoxville: 865.687.9600 | Nashville: 615.751.5011 | Jackson: 731.265.6700
Statewide Tollfree Number (access to all offices): 888.671.5188