Glaser Calls for Tuition Freeze, Tax Cut

Of course, the Governor has already said no, but... here's the release:

(Portland, TN) – While Gov. Haslam held a “policy summit” on higher education affordability last week, 44th District State House candidate Steve Glaser called on Haslam to take meaningful action by calling a special session of the General Assembly in order to freeze rising college tuition and give working families a tax break on food.



“We’ve collected nearly $500 million in revenue beyond what was projected for this year,” Glaser said. “When the state collects more money than it needs, the taxpayers should get the benefit. I’m calling for that money to be used to freeze tuition at Tennessee colleges and to further reduce the sales tax on groceries.



Glaser said the special session should be called this summer because college starts in late August and Tennessee families need relief now. He said Tennessee families don’t need more summits and studies, they need action.


“We can’t wait until January to act,” Glaser said. “College students and their families need relief now. The state has over-collected from the taxpayers. It’s time for some relief.

 In addition to freezing college tuition at UT and Tennessee Board of Regents schools and reducing the sales tax on food, Glaser said the plan he’s supporting would put at least an additional $62 million in the state’s rainy day fund.



“This is a responsible, balanced approach to excess revenue,” Glaser said. “It’s a win-win for the state. We can put some money away to strengthen our financial position and we can help Tennessee families still struggling as we come out of the recession.



“Governor Haslam should act and act now to provide needed relief at this critical time.”