Republicans in the House Have Introduced a Bill to Get Rid of the Sales Tax on Food

R-Knoxville Tennessee Rep. Elaine Davis has introduced a bill that would get rid of the state’s sales tax on food.

This is the second bill to get rid of the tax. Last month, Democrats put forward a bill. The bills only get rid of the tax on food and food ingredients. They don’t get rid of the tax on ready-made foods, candy, or booze.

Davis said that her bill would not make taxes go up or local governments lose money. A food tax could be put in place by local governments.

“We have all felt the impact of rising food prices over the last few years, and working families have struggled to put food on the table as a result,” said Davis. “People in Tennessee know how to spend their own money best.” One of my main goals in office has been to get rid of taxes on basic things like food and personal hygiene goods.

William Lamberth, R-Portland, is the majority leader in the House and supports the bill.

That’s what Senate Democrats said about the Republican bill: it was a “publicity stunt.”

“The grocery tax has been in place in Tennessee for 14 years and the Republicans have not gotten rid of it.” They said in a social media post, “Instead, they cut BILLIONS in taxes for the rich and big businesses.”

During the 2024 session, Democrats tried to pass the bill, but it failed.

The state’s grocery tax was put on hold for three months in 2023 by a bill that was passed by lawmakers. This saved people about $272.8 million.

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