Tennessee Budget Hearings Get Underway Amid Bleak Forecasts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee's bleak budget picture is leading Gov. Phil Bredesen to expect the next six months to be what he calls his "most difficult time as governor."

The Democratic governor kicked off public budget hearings on Monday, beginning with the Education Department.
Leaders in both parties agree that they want to spare school funding from the deep cuts that will be necessary in other areas.

Bredesen has asked state agencies to present plans to cut up to 9% from their spending plan for the budget year that begins July 1.

That's on top of the average of 12% cuts that were put into place for the current budget year.

Complicating budget planning is that federal stimulus money will run out by the middle of the upcoming budget year.