NASHVILLE – The state’s $30.78 billion 2011-2012 budget is on its way to Gov. Bill Haslam after the Senate today unanimously approved the annual spending plan on a 32-0 vote.
House members passed the budget Friday on a 96-0 vote.
The proposal anticipates using an estimated $126 million in federal funds to restore 20 weeks of extended unemployment benefits for thousands of jobless Tennesseans unable to find work.
An accompanying bond bill contains $34.6 million for expansion of the planned Wacker Chemical plant now under construction in Bradley County, Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, told colleagues.
Other budget provisions include $71 million to help counties and cities, including Hamilton and Bradley counties, deal with recent tornado damages and West Tennesseans with flood damage. The money will used as matching funds for federal disaster assistance.