MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- Tennessee legislators recently brought the state’s 107th General Assembly to a close. WMOT is asking news makers for their take on the session’s accomplishments. Today, the views of Rutherford County Republican Representative Joe Carr.
Carr lists as an accomplishment legislation he sponsored that requires applicants to prove they’re in Tennessee legally before receiving state benefits. He also calls the allocation of more than $127 million for a new science building at Middle Tennessee State University welcome, but long overdue.
Rep. Carr was especially pleased with reductions in the state's sales and estate taxes.
“We’re one of only two states that currently has a gift and estate tax and it is just a significant deterrent for economic growth in Tennessee, especially among senior citizens who want to retire here.”
Looking forward to the next legislative session, Carr says he hopes to introduce a measure that would provide small property owners with new tools to challenge government’s seizure of property using imminent domain laws.