No WhiteWash!

How does your city stack up?  Kiplinger’s Personal Finance has a list of US 352 cities that can be sorted by different criteria. 

Below are the Tennessee cities that have been extracted from the list.  Kingsport MSA area has the highest cost of living and the lowest median household income for the cities listed below.  Also, Kingsport has a low median household income rank of 336 for the 352 cities studied.  Using the cost of living index data below, it is 12 percent more expensive to live in the Kingsport area than Johnson City.

The Cost of Living Index is based on 100 being the national average. Income Growth is the increase in household income from 2005 to 2009. 

The entire list of cities can be found here

See the 2010 post The Kiplinger Study Kingsport Area Elected Officials Would Like to Keep Quiet

Listed below are the November, 2010 Tennessee sales tax collections for the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) listed below.

The laggard in monthly/yearly percent change sales tax collections is the Kingsport-Bristol MSA.

Chattanooga, Cleveland and Jackson are showing the greatest yearly percent increase and it appears that the involvement of the State of Tennessee to bring new industry to these areas are paying off.

Sales tax collections (thousand $) (Seasonally adjusted)

Source: Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR)

Tennessee Appeals Court rules police must show failing to signal caused a hazard to initiate a traffic stop.
The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday ruled that a driver cannot be pulled over for failure to signal when that conduct did not affect any other driver. The decision came down in the case of Antoinette Feaster, 37, who was stopped and arrested on August 15, 2007 around 11am. Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department Officer Travis Robinson had set up a speed trap on the median of Interstate 24 when he saw Feaster’s Chevrolet Tahoe traveling about 8 MPH below the speed limit and making a lane change without signaling. Feaster’s attorney quizzed Robinson on the stand at trial about his recollection of the incident.

Read more via Tennessee Court Rules Overturns Turn Signal Traffic Stop.

The 2010 Tennessee Pork Report is out.  Below are some examples of waste that is mentioned in the report.  Click on the link below to see the full report. 

Click here to see the media attention the report has received thus far.

State and local government officials in Tennessee should be scouring their budgets to slash spending in order to help restore some semblance of fiscal sanity. The Pork Report offers dozens of such examples, including:

• $15 million for an aquatics center in Kingsport;
• $3.95 million in excess fees collected by professional regulatory boards;
• $1.6 million washed away on the fairways of the 11 state-run golf courses in 2010;
• $1.5 million to help smokers kick the habit;
• $510,000 for dog parks in Knoxville and Knox County;
• $48,600 in incentives to bring film production to Tennessee; and
• $34,000 to advertise the U.S. Census in Clarksville.

KINGSPORT DROWNS ITSELF IN POOL DEBT (page 7)

In October 2009, the Kingsport City Council made a splash when it authorized $15 million for a new aquatics center. “Bathing suits have been getting moldy waiting on this thing to be built,” noted Alderman Valerie Joh in support of the project.  Kingsport residents should thank their grandkids when they bust out those moldy swimsuits and head to their new government-run swimming pool this summer, because the project was funded as part of a $41.1 million bond issuance by the city. This adds to the city’s enormous debt, which has doubled from $110 million to $218 million over the past five years. Whether they get to take a swim in the pool or not, this debt will undoubtedly be paid off by future generations of Kingsport residents.

Read the entire report at 2010 Tennessee Pork Report

Tennessee was named the second most obese state in the country, according to the seventh annual F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2010 report from the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The state’s adult obesity rate is 31.6 percent, and, in Tennessee men are obese than women at more percent. Now more than two-thirds of states (38) have adult obesity rates above 25 percent.

Read more via F as in Fat 2010 Tennessee Press Release.

NASHVILLE - State tax collections for May were less than budgeted, yet included positive growth in state sales tax collections.  Finance and Administration Commissioner Dave Goetz reports that overall May revenues were $767.1 million, which is $18.6 million less than the state budgeted.  May sales tax collections represent consumer spending that occurred in the month of April.

“May is the second consecutive month this fiscal year in which sales tax collections posted positive growth over the year before; and before April, we had not seen positive growth since May of 2008,” Goetz said. “This is encouraging and we hope this marks the beginning of economic recovery for Tennessee. However, we will continue to closely monitor collections and do whatever is necessary to end this fiscal year with a balanced budget and leave the next governor with a balanced budget on a recurring basis.”

On an accrual basis, May is the tenth month in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

The general fund was under-collected by $16.5 million, and the four other funds were under-collected by $2.1 million.

Sales tax collections were $6.1 million less than the estimate for May.  The May growth rate was positive 3.70%. For ten months revenues are under-collected by $207.9 million. The year-to-date growth rate for ten months was negative 3.38%.

Franchise and excise taxes combined were $8.5 million below the budgeted estimate of $31.4 million. The growth rate for May was negative 12.50%. For ten months revenues are over collected by $54.9 million and the year-to-date growth rate is 6.86%.

Privilege tax collections were $1.4 million below the May estimate. For ten months collections are $23.8 million below the budgeted estimate.

Tobacco tax collections were $2.2 million under the budgeted estimate of $24.9 million. For ten months revenues are under collected in the amount of $3.1 million.

Gasoline and motor fuel collections for May increased by 6.38%.  For ten months revenues are under-collected by $15.4 million and the ten month year-to-date growth rate is 0.48%.

Year-to-date collections for ten months are $219.3 million less than the budgeted estimate. The general fund was under collected by $170.1 million and the four other funds were under collected by $49.2 million.

The budgeted revenue estimates for 2009-2010 are based on the state funding board’s consensus recommendation adopted by the first session of the 106th General Assembly in May of 2009, and are available on the state’s website at http//www.tn.gov/finance/bud/budget.html.

The state funding board met on December 18, 2009 and adopted mid-year revised revenue ranges for 2009-2010. The revised ranges reflect growth rates ranging from negative 1.50% to negative 0.25% in total taxes, and negative 2.35% to negative 0.85% in general fund taxes. Based on the consensus recommendation, the official budgeted estimates for 2009-2010 were revised in late December.

The revised mid-year estimates are reflected on pages A-70 and A-72 in the 2010-2011 budget document and assume an under collection in total taxes in the amount of $161.3 million, and an under collection of $153.2 million in the general fund.

The funding board met again in March of this year and adopted final revenue ranges for 2009-2010.  The board’s consensus recommendation was to recognize lower growth rates than those adopted on December 18, 2009. The revised ranges reflect growth rates ranging from negative 1.77% to negative 1.29% for total taxes, and negative 2.31% to negative 1.78% in general fund taxes.

Based upon the funding board’s March recommendation the revised estimates for 2009-2010 now assume an under collection in total taxes in the amount of $258.9 million, and an under collection of $231.0 million in general fund taxes.

Tennessee revenue collections improved in April with a net positive growth of 2.23% over April collections one year ago.  Finance and Administration Commissioner Dave Goetz reported today that overall April revenues were $1.243 billion, which is $43.4 million more than the state budgeted.

“April is the first positive sales tax growth month in almost two years – since May of 2008,” Goetz said.  “Sales tax collections started their downward spiral starting in January of that year and, beginning with the month of June, recorded an unprecedented 22 consecutive months of negative collections.”

On an accrual basis, April is the ninth month in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

The general fund was over collected by $51.4 million, and the four other funds were under collected by $8.0 million.

Sales tax collections were $9.7 million more than the budgeted estimate for April.  The April growth rate was positive 5.62%. For nine months revenues are under collected by $201.8 million. The year-to-date growth rate for nine months was negative 4.11%.

Franchise and excise taxes combined were $47.6 million above the budgeted estimate of $312.9 million. For nine months revenues are over collected by $63.4 million.

Hall Income tax collections for April were $13.8 million less than the budgeted estimate. For nine months collections are $14.2 million less than the budgeted estimate. The growth rate for the nine month period was negative 22.42%.

Inheritance and estate tax collections were $1.4 million below the April estimate. For nine months collections are $9.4 million under the budgeted estimate.

Gasoline and motor fuel collections for April decreased by 2.80%.  For nine months revenues are negative 0.15%, and $16.5 million below the budgeted estimate of $620.0 million.

Tobacco tax collections were $2.6 million under the budgeted estimate of $24.4 million. For nine months revenues are under collected in the amount of $1.0 million.

All other taxes for April, including the tobacco tax, were over collected by a net of $3.9 million.

Year-to-date collections for nine months were $200.7 million less than the budgeted estimate. The general fund was under collected by $153.6 million and the four other funds were under collected by $47.1 million

The budgeted revenue estimates for 2009-2010 are based on the State Funding Board’s consensus recommendation adopted by the first session of the 106th General Assembly in May of 2009, and are available on the state’s Web site at http//www.tn.gov/finance/bud/budget.html.

The State Funding board met on December 18, 2009 and adopted mid-year revised revenue ranges for 2009-2010. The revised ranges reflect growth rates ranging from negative 1.50% to negative 0.25% in total taxes, and negative 2.35% to negative 0.85% in general fund taxes. Based on the consensus recommendation, the official budgeted estimates for 2009-2010 were revised in late December.

The revised estimates are reflected on pages A-70 and A-72 in the 2010-2011 Budget Document and assume an under collection in total taxes in the amount of $161.3 million, and an under collection of $153.2 million in the general fund.

The funding board met again in March of this year and adopted final revenue ranges for 2009-2010. The board’s consensus recommendation was to recognize lower growth rates than those adopted on December 18, 2009. The revised ranges reflect growth rates ranging from negative 1.77% to negative 1.29% for total taxes, and negative 2.31% to negative 1.78% in general fund taxes.

Based upon the funding board’s March recommendation the revised estimates for 2009-2010 now assume an under collection in total taxes in the amount of $258.9 million, and an under collection of $231.0 million in general fund taxes.

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced that Tennessee will join forces with Microsoft in an innovative public-private partnership to provide free technology training to people across the state. Through Elevate America, Microsoft will work with the Tennessee Department of Labor to distribute 25,875 vouchers for free, online technology training and certification.

“Maintaining a competitive workforce relies on providing advanced computer skills training to Tennesseans,” said Bredesen. “I appreciate Microsoft’s generosity and believe having access to these training and certification resources will help expand the growing base of high-skilled labor that has helped make Tennessee so successful in economic development efforts.”

Bredesen made the announcement at the Tennessee Department of Labor Career Center in Nashville along with representatives from Microsoft, the Tennessee Department of Labor, Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Career Centers, Tennessee Technology Centers and the Tennessee Department of Human Resources.

“Elevate America is helping to make a life-changing difference for individuals and families across the nation,” said Jack Westerlund, Microsoft sales director for state and local government. “Microsoft is pleased to partner with the Tennessee Department of Labor to assist people across the state in gaining technology skills training they need to move forward in today’s economy.”

“Workers can take these free online courses from home, Tennessee Career Centers or Tennessee Technology Centers,” said Labor Commissioner James Neeley. “Offering immediate access to computer skills training will greatly improve recipients’ employment prospects.”

Tennessee will receive 11,500 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification training, 11,500 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification exams, and 2,875 vouchers for advanced Microsoft IT Professional online learning.

Vouchers can be used for the following training and certifications:

• Computer Basics for Beginners – Access basic computer concepts and skills. Perfect for those new to computers. No voucher is required for the beginner courses.
• Intermediate Level, Business Worker Online Learning – Select from: Microsoft Windows Vista, Office 2003 or Office 2007 online training. Voucher must be activated by July 26, 2010. E-Learning is accessible for 12 months from activation date.
• Intermediate Level Certification Exams – Certification exams must be taken at a Certiport Testing Location. Select from Office 2003 or Office 2007 exams. Voucher must be activated by July 26, 2010. Certification exams must be completed by July 26, 2010.
• Advanced Level IT Professional Online Learning – Select a training from Microsoft’s online learning library for IT Professionals and Developers. The cost of certification exams at this level is not covered by this program. Voucher must be activated by July 26, 2010.

Tennessee’s participation in Microsoft’s Elevate America program makes it the 16th state to take part in the initiative, which is expected to provide up to one million vouchers nationwide. The program is a part of Microsoft’s overall efforts to provide technology training for up to two million people during the next three years.

Microsoft Elevate America vouchers can be obtained online at http://elevateamerica.tn.gov. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities at the Tennessee Career Center nearest you. For a list of Tennessee Career Center locations, visit http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/cc/cccounty.htm.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee revenue collections continued to fall short of budgeted estimates in March. Finance and Administration Commissioner Dave Goetz reported today that overall March revenues were $776.5 million, which is $11.7 million less than the state budgeted.

“This marks the 22nd consecutive negative growth month for sales tax collections out of the last 27 months, starting with January 2008,” Goetz said.  “Sales tax collections seem to reflect a degree of renewed consumer confidence, but revenues continue to lag below projections. Until we see clear signs that the economy is recovering we will continue to make budget decisions based on what we’re experiencing in Tennessee.”

On an accrual basis, March is the eighth month in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.  The general fund was under collected by $8.7 million and the four other funds were under collected by $3.0 million.

Sales tax collections were $14.0 million less than the estimate for March.  The March growth rate was negative 0.87%. For eight months revenues are under collected by $211.4 million. The year-to-date growth rate for eight months was negative 5.29%.

Franchise and excise taxes combined were $8.4 million above the budgeted estimate of $122.6 million. For eight months revenues are over collected by $15.7 million. The year-to-date growth rate for eight months was 6.64%.

Gasoline and motor fuel collections for March decreased by 1.70%.  For eight months revenues are under collected by $16.9 million.

Tobacco taxes collections were $1.3 million over the budgeted estimate of $24.4 million. For eight months revenues are over collected in the amount of $1.6 million.

Year-to-date collections for eight months were $244.1 million less than the budgeted estimate. The general fund was under collected by $205.0 million and the four other funds were under collected by $39.1 million.

The budgeted revenue estimates for 2009-2010 are based on the State Funding Board’s consensus recommendation adopted by the first session of the 106th General Assembly in May of 2009, and are available on the state’s Web site at http//www.tn.gov/finance/bud/budget.html.

The State Funding Board met on December 18, 2009 and adopted mid-year revised revenue ranges for 2009-2010. The revised ranges reflect growth rates ranging from negative 1.50% to negative 0.25% in total taxes, and negative 2.35% to negative 0.85% in general fund taxes.  Based on the consensus recommendation, the official budgeted estimates for 2009-2010 were revised in late December.

The revised estimates are reflected on pages A-70 and A-72 in the 2010-2011 Budget Document, and assumed an under collection in total taxes in the amount of $161.3 million, and an under collection of $153.2 million in the general fund.

The funding board met again in March of this year and adopted final revenue ranges for 2009-2010. The board’s consensus recommendation was to recognize lower growth rates than those adopted on December 18, 2009. The revised ranges reflect growth rates ranging from negative 1.77% to negative 1.29% for total taxes, and negative 2.31% to negative 1.78% in general fund taxes.

Based upon the funding board’s March recommendation the revised estimates for 2009-2010 now assume an under collection in total taxes in the amount of $258.9 million, and an under collection of $231.0 in general fund taxes.

Booklet Designed to Give Taxpayers, Lawmakers Simple Guide on Their States’ Rankings on 31 Different Tax and Fiscal Measures

The Tax Foundation has released its 2010 version of Facts and Figures, a pocket- and purse-sized booklet comparing the 50 states on 31 different measures of taxing and spending, including individual and corporate income tax rates, business tax climates, excise taxes, tax burdens and state spending. The booklet is edited by Tax Foundation Analyst Justin Higginbottom.

Facts & Figures: How Does Your State Compare? can be found online at http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/2181.html. For a free copy of the booklet call (202) 464-6200 or email [email protected]

“As states recover from the recession and legislators attempt to balance budgets and stabilize revenue, it’s important to keep in mind that tax changes affect states’ competitiveness regionally and nationally,” said Tax Foundation President Scott Hodge. “Having accurate and timely information is vital to this discussion, and our annual Facts & Figures handbook provides an indispensable metric.”

States made many significant tax changes in 2009 – enough that the Tax Foundation last summer issued its first-ever mid-year update of Facts & Figures in the annual publication’s history.

California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon and Wisconsin increased individual income tax rates, while Louisiana, Maine, North Dakota, Ohio and Vermont reduced them. States that increased sales taxes in 2009 include California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada and North Carolina, as well as the District of Columbia.

Fourteen states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico increased cigarette excise tax rates in 2009, and a number of states increased excise taxes on alcohol.

via The Tax Foundation – How Does Your State Compare? Tax Foundation Releases 2010 Facts & Figures Handbook.