Grocery Tax Cut Draws Cautious Response From Tennessee Senate Speaker Nominee

The Tennessee legislature will consider measures to cut grocery sales taxes in 2027, but the Senate’s nominee to be next speaker gave the idea a lukewarm reception, despite acknowledging that people are struggling with “affordability.” Sen. Jack Johnson of Franklin, selected Tuesday by the Senate Republican Caucus to be the new speaker, said afterward the legislature has looked at sales tax breaks, including several bills to cut the 4 percent grocery tax, in recent years and he expects to “have that question again.” He did not say whether he endorses it. “Affordability is a real concern. It’s a real issue out there,” Johnson said. He added that despite limitations at the state level, the Senate will look at ways to make “incremental improvements to affordability issues.” Johnson made the statement after outgoing Senate Speaker Randy McNally said during Tuesday’s caucus election that the Iran war and high gas prices led to a wave of Democratic wins nationally.

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