NASHVILLE – Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed the state’s nearly $30 billion spending plan into law.
The legislation, which includes $12.8 billion in state dollars, was signed by the governor on Friday.
Bredesen said some items in the budget “weren’t the business decisions I would have made,” but overall he’s pleased with it.
The plan relies on $185 million from the state’s cash reserves instead of new taxes to fill a $150 million shortfall. It also includes a relief program for Tennessee flood victims and saves a program to combat infant mortality.
Tennessee has the 47th worst infant death rate in the country, with Memphis’ death rate ranking the worst among U.S. cities and comparable to that of some Third World countries.
The House passed the budget 94-0, and the Senate approved it 30-3.