For many years, Nashville Metro Council members have enjoyed a #benefits package that is nearly unprecedented for most Americans. While there is no reasonable doubt that they deserve compensation in exchange for their service, some Nashville residents are convinced that providing lifetime benefits at taxpayers' cost is excessive.

Originally, people who served at least two terms (a total of eight years) on the council received lifetime healthcare benefits for themselves and their families. This cost the city of Nashville an estimated $1.2 million per year. Several people, including some council members, did not believe this made good fiscal sense. 

Petitioners collected over 14,000 signatures to put the 2021 Nashville Taxpayer Protection Act on the ballot, which would have added an amendment to the Metro Charter stating that "no elected official shall receive any benefits at taxpayer expense as a result of holding such elected office without a voter referendum." The Taxpayer Protection Act never made it to a vote, as it was ultimately overturned in court.

The council chose to take corrective action by voting against the continuation of this benefit... but it will not apply to themselves, only to all future council members. 

Some people support continuation of the traditional benefit package for council members. They argue that removing lifetime benefits will mean that the only people who will be able to serve are those who have already secured healthcare for themselves and their families. In the words of council member Sean Parker, "in order for this body to effectively represent all of Nashville... we need people from all different educational attainment levels, from all different socio-economic backgrounds."

People who are opposed to providing lifetime benefits say that it comes down to a question of economic viability. Council member Tonya Hancock calls the traditional benefit package "a Cadillac healthcare plan," and says it is "an expense we can't afford when we're $4.5 billion in debt." They believe that reducing the burden on taxpayers is an important step towards citizens' financial recovery.

The question up for debate: Should Nashville Council Members and their families receive lifetime health insurance after eight years of service?