Issue Position: Taking care of pet projects for special interests

Issue Position

Did you know that in passing the budget House Republicans doled out $500,000 in tax dollars to build a museum located in Virginia? That's right -- among many other pet projects in the budget, Republicans, gave half a million dollars to help with a "Birthplace of Country Music" museum championed by Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey -- a museum not located in Tennessee. Meanwhile, apparently less vital state programs, like higher education, saw significant across-the board budget cuts. Are these sort of excesses normal when a new group takes over? To find out, I am offering a free lunch to the first reader who can point to another instance in which legislators of either party have had the audacity to pay out Tennessee tax dollars to construct a building not located in Tennessee. Pick any restaurant as long as it is in House District 52.

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