Tennessee lawmakers have adjourned for the year after a session that featured heavy infighting among the Republican majority about Gov. Bill Haslam's gas tax hike and other budget issues.
The House and Senate concluded the first session of the two-year 110th General Assembly on Wednesday afternoon.
Haslam's road funding plan dubbed the Improve Act raises the tax on gasoline by 6 cents over the next three years. The plan also cuts taxes on groceries, manufacturers and income from stocks and bonds.
House Republicans were deeply divided over the measure, but the bill ended up clearing the chamber with Democratic support.
Other high-profile legislation passed this year dealt with abortion, gun rights and extending the state's free community college program to adults.
Wednesday afternoon, Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden released the following statement:
"Today marks the end of another successful legislative session at the Tennessee General Assembly. The success of the legislature would not be possible if not for the leadership of Governor Haslam, Lieutenant Governor McNally and Speaker Harwell.
This session has produced results including passing a balanced budget, expanding the Tennessee Promise to include access to education for more Tennesseans and fully funding road and infrastructure projects while instituting a 20% tax cut for food sales and reducing business taxes on manufacturing by over $100 million. Our State Representatives and Senators put in the tough work of making Tennessee a better place to live, raise a family and start a business."
