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Rep. Jim Hackworth - House District 33
IMMEDIATE RELEASE May
20, 2010
Democrats Release Budget
Plan Restoring Funding To Programs Without New Taxes,
Leaving Over $500 Million In Reserves
Plan focuses on jobs and education
NASHVILLE (May 20)
– On Thursday, State Representative Jim Hackworth (D-Clinton) and
members of the Tennessee House Democratic Caucus announced they reached
major consensus on an alternate budget plan and asked the Senate to
reconsider their actions to cut programs for Tennessee’s teachers,
farmers, and students.
“In just over two years
the Tennessee Legislature has cut state spending by over $2 billion, and
this year we’re cutting another 9%,” said Hackworth. “But
cuts to programs that support teachers, farmers, and families are
unacceptable and the House budget plan puts back the reckless cuts
proposed by the Senate.”
Under the House Democratic
budget plan, funding to programs like the Career Ladder Program for
teachers and the Agriculture Enhancement Program for farmers would be
restored. In addition, House Democrats would establish the Small
Business Opportunity Fund, a program designed to help stimulate new
business growth and create new jobs.
“Small businesses are key
to Tennessee’s economic future by creating new jobs while also bringing
in revenues,” said Hackworth. “To create jobs in this state
we must do more for small businesses and establishing the Small Business
Opportunity Fund is one way to help small businesses create jobs in
Tennessee.”
In addition to restoring
many of the cuts and non-recurring changes to the Senate budget plan,
House Democrats included additional funding for farmers, college
students, and other important programs. For example, $10 million
new dollars are added to the Agriculture Enhancement Program, returning
it to its original level of $26 million.
“Agriculture is a vital
component of our state’s economy and we must continue to support our
farmers,” said Hackworth. “The Agriculture Enhancement
Program gives farmers a leg up in expanding and producing more for the
people of this state and we must continue to fund this great program.”
Finally, House Democrats
have proposed adding additional funds to assist flood and storm victims
of the recent rains that pummeled much of West and Middle Tennessee.
Proposal includes property tax relief and sales tax relief, as well as
funding to assist families who may slip through the cracks.
“As Tennesseans, we have
answered the call of the Volunteer State and extended hands of hope to
our neighbors in need,” said Hackworth. “While the waters
have receded, the effort to rebuild has just begun and we must continue
to help those in need by reducing their costs in building again.”
House and Senate members
are expected to continue negotiations through at least next week.
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