On Friday, August 7th, the Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce played host to Sen. Mark Norris, Rep. Craig Fitzhugh and Rep. Judy Barker during a Legislative Coffee meeting.More along the lines of a town hall meeting, the state legislative members first gave an introductory presentation and then answered questions from the audience.
Next, Fitzhugh took the podium. He said there were some leadership changes on Capitol Hill and especially in the House. Fitzhugh was reappointed as chairman of the House Finance Committee. He said he and Norris did have some disagreements, but they worked through them. He also noted Barker, Norris and himself work well together and will continue to do so.
Fitzhugh said this past budget was a tough one. He mentioned legislative members not wanting to be where they were a few years ago, where they spend one-time money for recurring obligations. And they had the opportunity to spend the money this time because they had a bundle of federal cash, but chose not to. Fitzhugh however said they did continue some necessary programs.
Fitzhugh said the General Assembly did something unusual this budget year. The oddity was taking steps for the next budget year.
“They made some decisions to change some recurring expenses based on recurring revenues to non-recurring expenses based on non-recurring revenues,” said Fitzhugh. “We put in place already, a lot of cuts that are going to take place at the end of this next fiscal year.”
Fitzhugh said the state was looking better on revised revenue estimates.
“This is a relative term. We’re looking a little better actually,” said Fitzhugh. “Our decrease in revenue is not as much as we thought. That’s good news believe it or not.”
He then told the audience the General Assembly was closely watching the state’s tax dollars.
“I can say with assurance your tax dollars are being looked at, every single dollar,” said Fitzhugh.
He said his finance committee and the budget sub-committee scrutinizes every bill that spends a dollar. Both the committee and sub-committee are composed of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats.
He then noted Tennessee is so sales-tax dependant that revenues dip significantly when automobiles and homes don’t sell. But, when they do sell, Tennessee will catch up faster than surrounding states.
Fitzhugh said he knows what local governments are facing and they are making an extra effort to not have unfunded mandates.
“I think Judy, Mark and I know and understand that and watch that,” said Fitzhugh. “So, if you can be grim and optimistic at the same time I think that’s about where I am.”
Fitzhugh said the biggest disappointment he has is spending so much time in Nashville, but is easily available by phone and e-mail.
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