From NewsChannel 9: Every new parent knows the cost of taking care of a baby can be sky-high. Now, one Tennessee lawmaker says he wan
From NewsChannel 9: Every new parent knows the cost of taking care of a baby can be sky-high.
Now, one Tennessee lawmaker says he wants to address that.
Rep. Greg Martin (R-Hamilton County) is proposing legislation that creates a sales tax holiday for items new parents spend a lot of money on, such as diapers, baby wipes and formula.
The law would go into effect on July 1st of this year, and end on June 30th, 2025.
I know how expensive diapers and other products can be,” Martin said. “This legislation will ease the financial burden on parents and allow them devote more money to their children. We must do all we can to assist new parents, and keeping more of their hard-earned money is a good start.
What’s more, the bill appears to have bipartisan support — at least in this neck of the woods.
We floated Martin’s proposal to Rep. Yusuf Hakeem (D-Chattanooga). He told us he was “very for it.”
In fact, Rep. Hakeem said next week when lawmakers reconvene, he’s interested in signing on to the bill as a sponsor.
I commend Representative Martin for bringing this legislation forward,’ Rep. Hakeem told us. “That’s the kind of legislation I think we all can rally around.
These days, a family can spend more than $1,200 on formula and $1,000 on diapers in a baby’s first year.
The sales tax in Tennessee is 7%. If the tax holiday passes, that means families could save about $154 on diapers and formula in a baby’s first year.
I hope this legislation will make life easier during one of the most important periods in a parent’s life,” Rep. Martin says.
