Marsha Blackburn outlines affordability agenda as governor-elect

What This Story Is About

• Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn outlined her agenda when she is sworn into office and cutting spending was one of the top items on the list.

Why It Matters

• The Gov.-elect says it’s clear Tennesseans are upset with the rising cost of living.

What Happens Next

• Lawmakers react on how to get it done. Republicans say it’s possible while Democrats questions if they will try to work with them.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Gov.-elect Marsha Blackburn said Wednesday that lowering the cost of living is at the top of her agenda, and that work on the issue will begin during her transition.

Blackburn, Tennessee’s first female governor-elect, won Tuesday’s election. She spoke at a joint news conference at the State Capitol with Gov. Bill Lee.

“Tennesseans have been very specific that the cost of living is going to be a top issue for them and getting that cost of living down,” Blackburn said. “As we begin our transition we are already going to be focusing on some things we can do there.”

Proposals on the table include eliminating the 4% statewide grocery tax and capping rising property taxes. Blackburn also named improvements to child care and housing affordability.

Democrats agree those problems need attention. Rep. John Jay Clemmons, the Democratic minority leader, questioned how Republicans will address them.

“People are facing incredible challenges across the state of Tennessee, skyrocketing prices, potholes on their roads, the kids’ public schools don’t have the resources they need,” Clemmons said.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton said Republicans and Democrats will try to work together.

“We’ll try to work together as much as we can, but you can’t work together all the time,” Sexton said.

State Republicans lost six seats to Democrats on Tuesday but still hold a supermajority. Sexton said the agenda is possible.

“I think there’s a great possibility to eliminate grocery sales tax on food staples,” Sexton said. “I think workforce housing, we did a lot this last year, we can do more in the following year…roads and infrastructure.”

Blackburn will be sworn in as governor in January. She still has to resign her U.S. Senate seat, and it is not clear when she plans to do so.

State Republican insiders told WSMV4 they have not officially heard who may replace her. They said they have started vetting people for a short list.