Budget Hearings Continue for Tennessee State Agencies

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is meeting with state agencies to help prepare for possible budget cuts. After a series of meetings conducted on election day, Haslam will hear presentations today for transportation, children's services and other departments.

At hearings conducted Tuesday, Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman said he wasn't asking for funds to expand pre-kindergarten classes, but he said expanding enrollment in schools and inflationary costs will require an additional $2million in routine cost increases. 

According to the Commercial Appeal, Haslam told his cabinet to develop plans for a 5 percent cut in spending as a fallback. The AP reports that Haslam is concerned about the rising costs for Medicaid, the Basic Education Program and health care costs for government employees.