Senator Alexander Using Bad Math
Thursday, September 24, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Should health care reform be approved by Congress, Sen. Lamar Alexander recently asserted in a constituent letter, it would require the state of Tennessee to impose a 10 percent income tax to pay for it. That claim is being contested by a variety of organizations. They say the senator's arithmetic doesn't add up. Alexander contends that health care reform would add $1.2 billion to the state budget in coming years.
Dick Williams, chairman of Tennessee Common Cause and board member of Tennesseans for Fair Taxation, says figures from the Tennessee General Assembly Fiscal Review Committee show that a two percent income tax would be plenty to cover that.
"We don't see anywhere that the bills will cost enough for Tennessee to require a 10 percent state income tax."
Several Tennessee organizations have asked the Senator to either retract the information or issue a correction. They say it's important that elected officials provide accurate information to constituents.
Williams says health care reform and tax reform in Tennessee are far too important for anyone to be demagoguing.
"Using a scare tactic (which unfortunately is going around in Tennessee over the income tax) to criticize the national health care system, as well as demonize an income tax, is our concern."
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
The Missouri Legislature has approved a law to stop its Medicaid program known as MO HealthNet from paying Planned Parenthood for medical services for…
Environment
A round of public testimony wrapped up this week as part of renewed efforts by a company seeking permit approval in North Dakota for an underground pi…
Social Issues
Air travelers could face fewer obstacles in securing a refund if their flight is canceled or changed under new federal rules announced Wednesday…
Environment
An environmental group is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Arkansas mudalia snail under the Endangered Species Act. In …
A coalition of climate groups seeking cleaner air at the rail yards and ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will hold a "die-in" rally tomorrow at Los…
Health and Wellness
By Marianne Dhenin for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Georgia News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News …