NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn says making Tennessee more affordable will be one of her administration’s top priorities, with plans that include property tax relief, government spending cuts and initiatives aimed at helping first-time homebuyers.
Blackburn, Tennessee’s senior U.S. senator, defeated Democrat Jerri Green in Tuesday’s gubernatorial election, becoming the first woman elected governor of Tennessee. In her victory speech, she focused heavily on the rising cost of living and pledged to provide tax relief for Tennesseans.
“We know that Tennesseans are struggling right now. We all are,” Blackburn said. “The cost of living needs to be addressed. And we are going to fight to make certain that we get property tax relief for everybody.”
However, turning those promises into reality may be more complicated than campaign rhetoric suggests.
Property Tax Relief Faces Local and Legislative Hurdles
Property taxes in Tennessee are largely controlled by local governments. County commissions and city governing bodies set tax rates, while county assessors determine property values.
As governor, Blackburn cannot directly order counties or cities to reduce property taxes. Instead, she could work with state lawmakers to expand existing tax relief programs, increase state assistance to qualifying homeowners, or propose changes to state law regulating how local governments raise property taxes.
Current Tennessee programs provide assistance to low-income seniors, disabled homeowners and disabled veterans. Blackburn could seek to increase funding or expand eligibility, but such changes would require approval from the Republican-controlled General Assembly.
Grocery Tax Repeal Would Require Legislative Action
Another potential avenue for relief is Tennessee’s grocery tax.
The state currently charges a 4% sales tax on groceries, while most purchases are subject to Tennessee’s 7% state sales tax.
Eliminating the grocery tax has been proposed several times in recent years but has repeatedly stalled in the legislature due to concerns about the impact on state revenues. Fiscal analyses have estimated that repealing the tax could reduce state revenue by hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Any effort to eliminate or reduce the grocery tax would require approval from lawmakers and would likely spark debate over how to replace the lost revenue.
Blackburn Eyes Leaner State Government
Blackburn also used her victory speech to announce what she called a “Government Lessening Plan,” or GLP, aimed at shrinking government spending and reducing waste.
Unlike local property taxes, the state budget is an area where governors have greater influence. Blackburn will be responsible for submitting a proposed state budget and can direct agencies to review programs, contracts and spending for potential savings.
Still, the General Assembly must approve the final budget, meaning lawmakers will ultimately determine whether proposed cuts become reality.
Blackburn said her administration will focus on ensuring taxpayer dollars are being spent efficiently and pledged to “skinny up” state government where possible.
Housing Affordability Also a Priority
The governor-elect also highlighted housing affordability as a key concern. Blackburn proposed support for workforce housing and potential tax incentives aimed at helping first-time homebuyers.
She specifically mentioned making homeownership more attainable for young Tennesseans and ensuring teachers, healthcare workers, law enforcement officers and first responders can afford to live in the communities they serve.
Details of those proposals have not yet been released.
First Budget Will Provide Early Test
Political observers say Blackburn’s first budget proposal, due during her first year in office, will provide the clearest indication of how she plans to convert campaign promises into policy.
Whether she can deliver broad-based tax relief will likely depend on support from lawmakers, the state’s financial outlook and the willingness of local governments to participate in programs designed to reduce the burden on homeowners.
For now, Blackburn says affordability remains at the center of her agenda as she prepares to take office.
