posted May 18, 2007
Rep. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) called upon Gov. Phil Bredesen "to endorse real education reform and submit a 'no new taxes' budget."
He said, “If the governor really wanted to improve education, he would support allowing charter schools to serve all at-risk students. He would allow the state to fix our failing schools in Memphis. Just spending more money without allowing for real change won’t fix the problem.
“With all the money we have flying around this year, there is no excuse for raising taxes. It’s time to be honest with Tennesseans and admit that we can fund education this year and cut the sales tax on groceries.
“The people in this state are being told that in order to fund education, we must have a $219 million tax increase, but the House Republican budget proves that is not true.”
The House Republican alternative budget plan endorsed by Rep. Kelsey includes $386 million in increased education spending and a 1% cut on the sales tax on food with no new taxes.
Estimates are now putting the budget surplus in the $1.3 billion range, he said.
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