But those increases tell only part of the story of what has happened to the state's finances since 1995. The number of people in the state increased, for example, meaning there were more people needing services. When these factors are considered, a Tennessean analysis shows the remainder of state government spending actually grew at about the same rate as inflation. The numbers shed light on the issue of government spending, which lies at the heart of the current debate over a state income tax.
Legislators meet in special session beginning tomorrow to discuss the tax situation.
Emotions are running high on the issue. Budget talk is fanning the fire. And each camp seems to have differing opinions on the spending choices the state has made. Some look at the growth in revenue and spending, and say the budget has been constrained by the limited growth of revenue. Education and Health make up more than half of the state budget.