Dems want special session to discuss tuition hike

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Story Created: Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:28 AM

Story Updated: Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:28 AM

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Democratic lawmakers want Gov. Bill Haslam to convene a special session to discuss using surplus state revenues to halt tuition increases and further cut the food tax.
   
The legislators told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday that they'd like the session to be in August before students return to school.
   
They said the state has about $225 million in excess revenues that could be used to help students and drop the sales tax on groceries below 5.25 percent. Haslam included funding in his budget passed this year to reduce the sales tax from 5.5 percent.
   
The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees is to vote Thursday on an average 6 percent tuition hike for its system. The Tennessee Board of Regents finance committee proposed a similar increase this month.

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