Blackburn Prioritizes Cost of Living Cuts in Nashville

Marsha Blackburn will focus on lowering the cost of living in Tennessee beginning immediately. The newly elected governor stated that her transition team is already working on specific measures to address rising prices for residents.

Blackburn made the announcement on Wednesday during a joint news conference with outgoing Governor Bill Lee at the State Capitol in Nashville. She won the governorship in Tuesday’s election, becoming the first woman to hold the office in the state.

"Tennesseans have been very specific that the cost of living is going to be a top issue for them and getting that cost of living down," Blackburn said. "As we begin our transition we are already going to be focusing on some things we can do there."

The proposed agenda includes eliminating the 4% statewide tax on groceries. Blackburn also plans to place caps on increasing property taxes. Additional priorities listed in her remarks include improving access to child care and making housing more affordable.

Democratic leaders acknowledged the need for these changes but questioned the method of implementation. Rep. John Jay Clemmons, the Democratic minority leader in the House, pointed to the current conditions in the state.

"People are facing incredible challenges across the state of Tennessee, skyrocketing prices, potholes on their roads, the kids’ public schools don’t have the resources they need," Clemmons said.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton said the two parties will attempt to collaborate on the new agenda. "We’ll try to work together as much as we can, but you can’t work together all the time," Sexton said.

State Republicans retained a supermajority in the legislature despite losing six seats to Democrats on Tuesday. Sexton expressed confidence in passing the grocery tax elimination and further infrastructure projects.

"I think there’s a great possibility to eliminate grocery sales tax on food staples," Sexton said. "I think workforce housing, we did a lot this last year, we can do more in the following year…roads and infrastructure."

Blackburn is scheduled to be sworn into office in January. She must first resign her position in the U.S. Senate, though the timing of that resignation has not been set. State Republican insiders said they have not received an official name for her replacement in the Senate but have begun vetting candidates for a short list.