It’s Tennessee’s first school year under its statewide voucher program, and Hamilton County’s bill has arrived; the charge is a whopping $18 million. That won’t be covered by the wealthiest among us, nor will the state’s most lucrative corporations put in an equitable share.
To pay the tuition for some of Hamilton County’s wealthiest families, it will be the poorest who will pay the bill — a reverse-Robin Hood scheme that won’t benefit a vast majority of residents.
In Tennessee, the highest income earners contribute nothing, as the state’s constitution prohibits an income tax. Corporations, via the franchise and excise taxes, pay little, only covering 15% of the state budget.
At 56% — Tennessee’s largest source of revenue by far — the regressive sales tax will bear the brunt of this $18 million cost, as well as the statewide sum for school vouchers: $145.9 million.
The regressive nature of sales taxes is undeniable. Each person, regardless of income, must, of course, purchase essential goods like food and household items to survive. But since these costs take up a greater portion of one’s income the less money they earn, taxing these goods puts the overwhelming burden on the poorest Tennesseans.