Opinion: Responsible government keeps Tennessee affordable

Tennessee families understand the importance of living within their means by budgeting, prioritizing needs and expecting that every dollar earned be spent wisely. Our state government should operate by the same principles. Williams The past six years have been difficult for many families across the nation, with inflation reaching a 40-year high of 9.1% in 2022. Today, the inflation rate has dropped to 3.4%, but the cost of living continues to burden many Americans. During his first term, President Donald Trump helped to deliver one of the stronger and more resilient economies our nation has ever experienced, with a record-high median household income and an all-time low poverty rate. I'm confident the president will once again usher in a period of economic growth by correcting the fiscal blunders of former President Joe Biden's administration. But, as the Volunteer State has proven time and again, we don't wait on Washington. Tennessee Republicans are committed to finding practical ways to protect affordability and ensure residents continue to have more opportunities here than anywhere else in the United States. Just as responsible spending is non-negotiable for families, the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly has prioritized passing a balanced budget annually to keep spending low and meet Tennesseans' needs. We have made Tennessee one of the more fiscally responsible states in the nation by cutting taxes and promoting an economy where Tennesseans can earn more and keep more of what they earn. The results of this fiscal discipline are clear. Our unemployment rate slightly decreased in July to 3.4%, well below the national rate of 4.1%. Consumer spending remains strong, job growth is positive and tourism activity in our state hit a record high last year, reaching $32.5 billion. And Tennessee closed out fiscal year 2026 with a $1.2 billion surplus, proving that responsible budgeting and fiscal discipline strengthen our state's financial future. Tennessee's ranking as the 10th-lowest-cost state in the country gives residents another reason to be confident in our economy's strength. But that doesn't mean families aren't feeling the strain of higher prices. The cost of everyday necessities, from groceries to gas to housing and utilities, remains too high. As a state lawmaker and chair of the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee, I am committed to alleviating these hardships to help Tennesseans feel more financially secure. We have worked hard over the past decade to expand career opportunities and make Tennessee a more affordable place to live. Today, we have one of the lower tax burdens in the country, with no state income tax, and we are ranked as the top state to save money. To help more Tennesseans achieve stable homeownership, Republicans have cut bureaucratic red tape and streamlined the construction and development process for new homes. Just this year, we created a public-private partnership initiative to increase access to housing that working families across our great state can afford. Lawmakers have also prioritized protecting public funds by increasing government efficiency and accountability. For example, I passed the Better Spending, Better Schools Act to give parents, taxpayers and policymakers a clear picture of how education dollars are spent in schools across our state. Children are the future, and ensuring these dollars are spent effectively will open up even more opportunities for Tennessee students. Republicans also approved a new law requiring state and local entities to verify that applicants for public benefits are U.S. citizens or lawfully present, protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring Tennesseans have access to the assistance they need. In light of the renewed efforts to combat massive fraud in states like Minnesota, Americans deserve to know where and how their money is being used. Tennessee has already taken steps to provide that transparency. In the Volunteer State, anyone can easily see how money is spent with a simple interactive budget tool, state salary search and an online checkbook –– all available on the state government website to promote a more accountable Tennessee. I encourage residents to use these resources to see exactly how our government operates. To build on these efforts, Tennessee Republicans last year approved a new common-sense process for how state agencies distribute federal grants, further protecting against potential fraud and increasing transparency for the legislature and public. As we look forward to the 115th General Assembly, I remain committed to lowering costs for Tennesseans, strengthening our economy and expanding opportunities to succeed. Families in the Volunteer State work hard to plan for the future and make every dollar count. I'm confident that with responsible budgeting and sound fiscal management, Tennessee will continue to lead the nation and create more opportunities for families to thrive. State Rep. Ryan Williams lives in Cookeville and represents District 42, which includes part of Putnam County, in the Tennessee General Assembly. He is chair of the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee.