Tennessee Legislature for February 08, 2006

State of the State Roundup

Governor Phil Bredesen delievered his fourth "State of the State" speech last night, outlining his legislative priorities for the coming year. After saying Tennessee's "financial house was in order," Bredesen outlined several increases in spending, particularly in the Pre-K education package he proposed last year, which in this year's budget will get an increase in this year's budget from the general fund, rather than the lottery fund as had been the case last year. All and all, education will receive $186 million in added state dollars under this year's budget, if approved.

Another large intiative unveiled last night was a proposed plan to provide free health insurance to the state's children. Bredesen said that thanks to the state’s success last year in bringing TennCare costs under control – which he said came with a great deal of pain – the state is now able to move on and begin constructing a “health care system for Tennessee that is fair to everyone, that is sustainable, and that offers help to all Tennesseans who need it and not just some.” All, of course, starting with approximately 150,000 children who are uninsured. Bredesen asked the state legislature to approve the plan quickly, saying federal matching dollars may help pay for it.

The budget will also expand the rainy day fund to historic levels and fund a sales tax holiday, where all merchant items will be exempted from state sales tax for one day, and provide capital improvement funding for the University of Tennessee's Ayres Hall and other state-run campus facilities. The budget will be primarly paid for through increased sales tax collections, which are the sign of the state's growing economy.

Republicans reaction to the budget proposal was mixed. Most Republicans said they need to hear more details before they determine whether or not to help Bredesen push through the legislation in the Republican controlled State Senate. Rep. Jason Mumpower: "There's nothing to be critical about. There's nothing to be overly enthusiastic about because we just don't have details. We're in a wait-and-see." Republican Leader Ron Ramsey says that any health care reform package passed by the legislature must include medical malpractice reform. House Republican Leader Bill Dunn says, he is especially curious of the details for the free health insurance program: "I've learned over the years that when someone says 'it's for the children,' you'd better hang onto your wallet...We're all for children, but the speech was very short on the details."

More from the Tennessean, Chattanoogan, Kingsport Times Press, Commercial Appeal, Nashville City Paper, and Chattanooga Times Free Press

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