Since 2008, America has struggled through what many call the Great Recession. The real unemployment rate has risen nationwide to 16.6% with underemployment at 18.4%, meaning that at least 35% of Americans are much worse off today than they were three years ago.
In Williamson County, TN we have fared better than the national average, but with a local unemployment rate of 6.6%, many families and small-businesses are hurting.
Yet, while most of us have tightened our belt since 2008, Williamson County government has increased spending by 13%!
Residents of Chattanooga saw their property tax bill increase by 19%, thanks to city leaders who decided that in the midst of 8.4% unemployment and rising home foreclosures now was a good time to increase the tax burden on the citys taxpayers.
Chattanoogas families and small-businesses have weathered the economic storm of the last three years with tremendous resiliency. Yet, still too many individuals and businesses in the community are unable to make ends meet. In April alone there were over 100 Chattanoogans who had filed for bankruptcy.
It is preposterous that city leaders raised property taxes by 19% in order to turn around and give raises to city employees.
Last night the Memphis City Council raised property taxes by 18 cents per $100 of assessed property value; generating an additional $45 in tax revenue for a $100,000 home bringing $20 million in new revenue to the City.
The most absurd part of this tax increase is not the increased burden council members put on a local economy with double-digit unemployment although thats pretty awful whats absurd is calling this a one-time tax increase.
"We need revenue"
Memphis City Councilman Myron Lowery proclaimed that Memphis city government needs more revenue more taxpayer money. Councilman Lowery wants a tax increase to ensure Memphis City Hall does not have to cut spending.
Too many politicians are addicted to your money!
Contact the City Council by clicking here right now! Tell them you support necessary spending cuts and oppose tax increases.
Shelby County faces a $26.6 million budget gap in the upcoming fiscal year.
You can bet labor unions and liberal groups will be working hard to balance the budget on the back of you the taxpayer by demanding tax increases.
We need your help to make sure Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell hears from you. Click here to e-mail Mayor Luttrell and tell him you support a balanced budget with no tax increases.
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Prosperity and opportunity begin when government gets out of the way. That’s why Americans for Prosperity is working hard to win major policy victories on the local and state levels and make sure your voice is heard loud and clear by our elected officials.
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