Topics up for discussion include education, cost of living, resources for seniors and the Metro transit referendum.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — On Wednesday night in Davidson County, State Representative John Ray Clemmons and Senator Charlane Oliver are hosting a town hall to update constituents on the upcoming legislative session.
The event is happening from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Southeast Community Center (5260 Hickory Hollow Parkway) in Antioch. Topics up for discussion include education, cost of living, resources for seniors and the Metro transit referendum.
On the topic of education, the lawmakers say they’re focused on providing universal Pre-K and protecting public schools.
Representative Clemmons said the biggest concern he’s hearing from his constituents is the increased cost of living; specifically, the effects of a higher gas tax and the grocery tax.
“Going into next year, we are going to be focused on these dinner table issues and reducing the cost of living for working families,” said Clemmons. “We want to eliminate that grocery tax. We want to make sure that we’re, you know, having those sales tax holidays. We want to look at gas taxes and diesel taxes.”
On transit, Clemmons said the price to drive on TDOT’s proposed I-24 choice lanes is not realistic for most of the families he represents.
“What most people would like to see is regional commuter rail,” said Clemmons. “Amtrak wants to be in Nashville, and all we have to do is say yes and make some investments.”
At Wednesday’s town hall, residents can also learn more about Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s proposed transit plan, which would create a half-cent sales tax increase to support sidewalks, signals, service and safety in the city.
“Raising taxes is never good unless that money is going to be used and invested wisely,” said Clemmons. “We’re going to give the people pushing this transit referendum the opportunity to explain exactly how those taxes would be used if this referendum passes.”
AARP also will be on hand to provide information on caregiving for a loved one.