NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Now that lawmakers have passed an annual spending plan -- the lone major piece of legislation the state constitution requires them to approve each year - they are hoping to wrap up the 108th General Assembly as early as Tuesday.
Both chambers on Thursday approved their versions of the state budget after rebuffing attempts by both Democrats and some Republicans to restore raises that had been planned for teachers and state employees.
Among the major items remaining this year are Gov. Bill Haslam's limited voucher program and his effort to limit the sale of cold and allergy medicines used to make meth.
House members are also still deciding whether they want to return in May to consider overrides of any vetoes by Haslam.