NASHVILLE - Gov. Phil Bredesen said this morning that the budget he presents later today gives lawmakers includes "substantial" and "painful" cuts to TennCare.
But in several other areas, he said the 2010-2011 spending plan sets aside some reserves and savings to let lawmakers "soften" proposed cuts in programs such as mental health community services.
Gov. Bredesen spoke to reporters following an earlier briefing on the budget by Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz. Details of the briefing as well as the budget itself have been embargoed until 7 p.m. EST when Gov. Bredesen delivers his State of the State address in a joint address to the House and Seante.
The governor said additional cuts to TennCare are unavoidable.
"I would just say to you that TennCare's such a big piece of the budget, you can't get here to there without substantial cuts in TennCare. These are painful cuts."
For complete details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.