2018 TN Governor's race: on Tax Reform

Diane Black: Flatter, simpler tax needed

Karl Dean: Raised city property taxes, but after Great Recession

It marked the only property tax increase over Dean's eight years in the mayor's office--but the RGA pointed to news clips of a Dean campaign pledge from the 2007 mayor's race when he said he opposes property tax increases. "Tennessee voters can't trust Dean to tell the truth or keep his promises," the RGA press release said.

Dean responded, "If the clip hadn't been cut off after just a few seconds, you would hear that I did not raise property taxes during my first term in office. I kept my promise to voters, even through the Great Recession," Dean said.

Mark Green: Eliminate Hall tax: 6% on unearned interest and dividends

The elimination of the Hall tax is crucial for several reasons. First, in the race for residents and jobs, a state's tax environment becomes a huge factor. Once the Hall tax is a thing of the past, Tennessee will become a more attractive destination for owners of Subchapter S corporations, as well as for retirees--in other words, anyone with investments.

Senate Commerce Committee Vice Chairman Mark Green stated in support of the bill that "the best place for the earnings of our citizens is in their own personal budget and not the state's to spend." Green's words ring true with anyone looking for job-creating, growth-encouraging reform.