STATE LAWMAKERS KICK OFF 2026 SESSION WITH FOCUS ON GROCERY TAX CUTS
The 2026 session of Tennessee’s 114th General Assembly convened in Nashville on the second Tuesday in January, marked by the traditional raising of flags atop the Capitol’s lantern cupola, a mix of ceremonial pomp, bustling meetings, and early protests. Lawmakers described the return as a family reunion amid a hectic schedule of lobbyist sessions and legislative business, with one representative likening the atmosphere to a lively zoo while emphasizing enjoyment in serving constituents.
Although some legislators anticipated no major controversies initially, demonstrators—including clergy and supporters—gathered to voice opposition related to lingering issues from prior sessions, such as amendments affecting drag shows and venues. Interviews with Republican lawmakers highlighted priorities like public safety and security as foremost concerns, prudent stewardship of taxpayer funds, and significant focus on education improvements, given ongoing bills in that area. Tax relief emerged as a prominent theme, with senators noting past reductions exceeding $6 billion over a decade alongside economic growth, and discussions around further sales tax cuts.
A key issue dominating early conversations was the potential reduction or elimination of the state’s 4% sales tax on groceries (with local add-ons possible up to 2.75%), one of the few remaining such taxes nationwide. House Majority Leader William Lamberth prioritized addressing the cost of living by advancing stalled proposals like HB0021 to eliminate the grocery tax, confident it could occur within a balanced budget without new revenue sources, building on prior cuts while maintaining services like teacher raises and infrastructure. Senate Finance Committee leaders viewed it as worth exploring, contingent on fiscal stability and the state’s strong bond rating.
Democrats, including Rep. John Ray Clemmons, echoed constituent complaints about rising prices and supported grocery tax relief but criticized Republican plans as mathematically unsustainable without offsets—proposing alternatives like repealing certain voucher programs, curtailing corporate tax breaks, or legalizing cannabis for revenue.
Both sides expressed optimism about the session, with excitement for budget work, potential early action on expanding the governor’s Education Freedom Scholarships (if fiscally feasible), and the vital role of state government in serving Tennesseans effectively and collaboratively, even amid passionate debates.
