A key vote on efforts to boost transportation funding in Tennessee has been put off by at least a week.
House Transportation Subcommittee Chairwoman Terri Lynn Weaver on Wednesday decided to first take up a rival proposal to Gov. Bill Haslam's plan introduced by Republican Rep. David Hawk.
“I do not want to portray this as being adversarial to the governor or anyone else. I’m simply being a voice for the legislative branch as well as our constituents across the state who say look within your existing revenue streams first before we talk about a tax increase,” Hawk said.
Weaver then refused Democratic Rep. John Mark Windle's effort to add a sales tax exemption for baby formula because he hadn't offered the amendment earlier in the day.
Windle responded by calling for the committee to adjourn for the week, which prevailed on a voice vote.
“It was quite a confusing thing and quite an odd way to move a significant piece of legislation,” Rep. Craig Fitzhugh said. “I think Rep. Windle did the right thing to back off and lets look at this a little more.”
Haslam's proposal would raise money in large part through a tax hike on gasoline and diesel, but also taxes on groceries, large manufacturers and personal investments.
Hawk's bill would instead redirect a small percentage of sales tax money to road projects.
Haslam held a community forum at Station Camp High School in Gallatin to discuss the IMPROVE Act with community members.
