WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |Bredesen unsure in selecting among severe cuts
Member Center:
Associated Press - November 25, 2009 2:25 PM ET
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Now that Gov. Phil Bredesen has heard a series of proposals for severe budget cuts at state agencies, he's preparing for what he calls the "painful" task of crafting a spending plan.
As part of the Democratic governor's call to cut up to 9 percent, department heads presented proposals ranging from the freeing thousands of prisoners to slashing health benefits for TennCare enrollees.
Bredesen was at a loss when asked by reporters recently which of the grim options he expects to adopt. In Bredesen's words: "The answer is: I don't know."
Bredesen is scheduled to present his annual spending proposal to lawmakers in January. He says he'll await revenue projections from the State Funding Board next month before completing his plan.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
