NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell wants to reduce or eliminate the city’s grocery tax, but state law currently prevents metro governments from doing so.
Every city in Tennessee is allowed to lower its grocery tax rate — except metro governments like Nashville. O’Connell is asking state leaders to change that law so the city can reduce or eliminate the 2.75% it collects on grocery purchases.
Resolution headed to Metro Council
A resolution asking the state legislature to change the law is set to be introduced at Metro Council next week. O’Connell said the effort fits into a broader affordability push that has included other cost-saving measures, such as free bus passes for people receiving social services.
“They basically have more money in their pocket to participate more in the local economy,” O’Connell said. “I think you’d see the same thing if we didn’t have grocery taxes. People would be able to save more, spend on other needs, and those kinds of things.”…