NASHVILLE – Gov. Phil Bredesen said today he is “pleased” lawmakers were finally able to pass a budget and appreciated they “were able to resolve their differences.”
“When I introduced the budget in February I said that this was the most difficult one I’ve faced during my time in public office,” Gov. Bredesen said in a statement. “The plan passed today is a common-sense approach that ensures we live within our means.”
He said the 2010-2011 budget, which takes effect July 1, protects funding for pre-kindergarden-12 “and makes difficult spending cuts. Our state’s reserves remain strong and we will leave the next governor with a budget that keeps the state on a strong financial footing, which has been a priority of mine.
The House voted 94-0 for the annual spending bill earlier today. Senators approved it Thursday night on a 30-3 vote. The House and Senate had squabbled over details for weeks.