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Cigarette tax stalls in Senate Finance Committee By Andy Sher, Chattanooga Times Free Press NASHVILLE -- Gov. Phil Bredesen's proposed cigarette tax for education stalled in the GOP-run Tennessee Senate Finance Committee this morning. The delay stemmed from apparent Bredesen administration missteps as officials sought to provide senators with the latest information on accountability provisions in the governor's proposed overhaul of the Basic Education Program funding formula. Republicans complained that the 11-page memo distributed to senators Monday night on the Senate floor included a previously "rejected" amendment. The lawmakers said the amendment didn't reflect newer agreements such as making it easier for local schools to pay math and science teachers more money. The issue, raised this morning by Senate Republican Leader Mark Norris of Collierville, later drew an apology from Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz. "We may have inadvertently sent out the incorrect document last night on the accountability piece," Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz told Senate Finance Committee members. "I apologize. Apparently there was some confusion over who exactly was doing the legal drafting." Mr. Goetz promised to try and get members the latest amendment language before Wednesday. Earlier, Senate Democratic Leader Jim Kyle of Memphis urged colleagues not to delay the proposed $219 million cigarette tax again. Much of the 40-cent-per-pack increase in the cigarette tax will go toward the governor's proposed $476 million overhaul of the BEP. But Sen. Kyle agreed to put the cigarette tax bill off until Wednesday morning. The Senate Education Committee, meanwhile, is expected to hear more about the accountability provisions. |
