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A resolution urging the Tennessee General Assembly to support House Bill 1893/Senate Bill 1702 to permit metropolitan governments to lower the grocery tax rate.
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WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County recognizes the burden of food insecurity within Nashville; and
WHEREAS, studies have demonstrated that grocery taxes are correlated to increased food insecurity, most affecting households that do not participate in SNAP program; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 1893/Senate Bill 1702, filed in February in the Tennessee General Assembly, would allow metropolitan governments to tax food and food ingredients at a rate lower than the city tax rate or exempt food and food ingredients entirely from the city tax rate; and
WHEREAS, over the course of a year, this proposal could save Nashvillians hundreds of dollars; and
WHEREAS, this legislation should be advanced to show Tennessee’s commitment to affordability and food security for all residents; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to call for the Tennessee General Assembly to enact this legislation to permit metropolitan governments to lower grocery tax rates.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as urging the Tennessee General Assembly to support House Bill 1893/Senate Bill 1702, which permits metropolitan governments to lower the grocery tax rate.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.