(Nashville) – Republican Senate and House leaders today declared opposition to an increase of the cable TV tax included in the proposed 2010-2011 fiscal year budget.  Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris and Caucus Chairman Diane Black were joined by House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower and Caucus Chairman Glen Casada in opposing both the cable TV increase and the proposal to apply sales taxes to the food given to hotel and motel customers.
 

“Increasing the cable bill of Tennessee citizens is not the way to balance our budget,” said Lt. Governor Ramsey (R-Blountville).  “We must reduce spending and encourage job creation to grow our way out of the current economic climate.”
 

“Unlike Congress, the Tennessee General Assembly is constitutionally bound to balance the budget and we are not going to do it on the backs of the taxpayers,” said Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville).   “The legislature will closely examine the budget over the next two months.  The weakened economy means lawmakers must be vigilant to make sure that taxpayer dollars are spent in the most efficient and effective manner.”
 

“Republicans will scrutinize and question any tax proposal that could cost small businesses money during economically troubling times,” said Caucus Chairman Diane Black (R-Gallatin).  “We need to keep both taxes and spending low to return our economy back to growth and provide more opportunities for all Tennesseans.”
 

“The legislature should operate like Tennessee families and small businesses in these difficult times and reduce spending,” said House Majority Leader Jason Mumpower (R-Bristol).   “Tennesseans across the state are making difficult choices on a daily basis and state government must do the same to live within its means.”
 

“We simply cannot tax our way out of this recession,” said Caucus Chairman Glen Casada (R-College Grove).  “We should take this moment to review our priorities and cut waste and unnecessary programs.”

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