NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A coalition of community, faith and labor organizations have launched a petition to end the tax on groceries in Tennessee, and make corporations that recently received a tax break from the state pay what they argue is their fair share.

Tennessee For All told News 2 the petition has gained a lot of traction since its launch this week, sending a clear message to lawmakers that many Tennesseans want to see the grocery tax go away. At last check, the petition had more than 1,000 signatures.

“This would put upwards of about $400 back in the pockets of the average Tennessee family when they go back to the grocery store," Michaela Winter with Jobs with Justice said. "This would make daily life more affordable. It would make food more accessible to purchase, and it would be a good signal to working families in Tennessee that we are heading towards an economy that works for everyone and not just the wealthy few.” 

Lawmakers have talked for years about ending the grocery tax, which currently sits at 4%, but both Republicans and Democrats have failed to get their proposals passed. Republicans said they need to be sure the state can make up at least some of the revenue it would lose by eliminating the tax.

"We have to be confident that we have a robust economy coming forward — where there's going to be revenues coming into the state in sales tax dollars from Tennesseans — to be able to cut that tax," House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) said. "We've cut about one and a quarter percent previously, and we can cut it again." 

Democrats have criticized the Republican supermajority for not eliminating the grocery tax, and instead approving major tax cuts for corporations. Their bill would have replaced the grocery tax revenue by raising taxes on corporations they argue don't pay their fair share.

"Instead of helping people who are buying groceries every week, these guys have prioritized tax cuts for people who own stocks, a tax cut for highly-paid professionals, and two separate tax cuts that primarily benefit out-of -tate corporations," Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) said.

Tennessee For All's petition asks state lawmakers to hold a summer study on "closing corporate tax loopholes" and ending the grocery tax.

Tennessee is one of 10 states that still taxes groceries.

Republicans have said they are working to end the grocery tax, however, they didn't include any funding in next year's budget for a grocery tax holiday, like they have in years' past.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-politics/petition-to-end-grcoery-tax/