SUMMARY: A poll by the Beacon Center reveals that 20% of likely Tennessee voters are uncertain about tariffs. Among 1,200 respondents, 41% see tariffs as necessary for protecting American products, with a majority identifying as Republicans. Conversely, 39% view tariffs as increased consumer taxes contributing to inflation, with most agreeing being Democrats. Former President Trump advocates for significant tariff increases, suggesting they encourage companies to return to the U.S. Economists warn that these proposals could harm consumers and jobs. The shift in Republican views on tariffs contrasts sharply with the party’s earlier embrace of free trade.

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SUMMARY: Tennessee Governor Bill Lee received a “C” in the Cato Institute’s Fiscal Policy Report Card, which evaluates governors’ tax policies. His administration has implemented a mix of tax cuts and increases, such as removing 15 occupations from the privilege tax and requiring online retailers to collect state sales tax. While smaller cuts, like temporary grocery tax suspensions, occurred in 2022 and 2023, Tennessee’s budget has increased, including $50 million for the Tennessee Performing Arts Center relocation. Lee supports smaller government and has cut business taxes, benefiting businesses by approximately $200 million annually. Iowa’s governor received an “A,” while Minnesota’s received an “F.”

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SUMMARY: Today, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will visit North Carolina and East Tennessee to meet with Governor Roy Cooper and transportation officials. They will discuss rebuilding roads and highways severely damaged by recent floods. Specifically, the focus is on Interstate 40 in Cocke County, which is currently reduced to one lane in each direction following the destruction. Significant closures are also affecting Eastbound I-26 in Unicoi County due to compromised bridges. A total of $100 million in emergency relief funds has been allocated for North Carolina, with $32 million for Tennessee. Live coverage of Buttigieg’s visit will follow.

Pete Buttigieg will meet with transportation officials in North Carolina and Tennessee to talk about rebuilding roadways after Helene’s flooding.

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