The return of the I.T.?

Many people are speculating on the possible return of an Income Tax proposal. I for one do not think that form of tax increase will be in the mix again any time soon.

The last time an income tax was brought forward many of the income tax legislative supporters were run out of Nashville on a rail. The only legislators who supported an income tax and survived were from districts full of people who would not pay an income tax any way because many of them did not have jobs.

The thought of that form of taxation above many others made Tennesseans blood boil. Tennesseans hated the idea of punishing people for being hard working and industrious. By the time the vote was taken hard working people were ready to go after IT supporters.

When the dust settled, Republicans picked up several new seats from Democrat and moderates who supported IT. The Republican governor who supported it was replaced by a Democrat.


Oddly, The legislature still passed the largest tax increase in state history but the people who supported other forms of tax increases got a pass.The moderates and the Democrats learned. Pass any other form of tax increase, no matter how big, and the people will not notice. Many smaller bites instead of going after the entire sandwich all at once would get the same meal at the end of the day.

The governor and the legislature is hailed as a conservative. People know he hasn't pushed for an income tax and people think since they haven't heard of any other tax increases that he and their legislators must be conservative. Sadly this was not the case. In the end, Tennessee government spending went from $19 billion to over $27 billion in 5 short years. Something small government supporters seem to have over look in the past few years.

But a new wave is coming. With more news coming out from alternative sources as well as the MSM about taxes constantly increasing many people are starting to catch on. They see that some of the old moderates are just as bad as some of the IT supporting ones. Their is hope on the horizon. I am hearing of some conservatives looking to get involved in politics. I think we could see another strong resurgence of conservative legislators if some races go as hoped.

The next year could show some big changes in the state legislature. It could be fun.