Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) told lawmakers the federal stimulus package would not be “a panacea or silver bullet” for the state’s economic troubles and that major cuts would still be needed.
During his state of the state address Feb. 9 to the Republican-controlled Legislature, Bredesen said his budget will increase money for health care to help cover the newly unemployed, but stressed that a national solution is needed for health care reform. He also asked state colleges to work with him and lawmakers to keep tuition down and increase college graduation rates.
Bredesen also focused on job creation. He called for one major new project: the creation of a “solar institute” to make Tennessee a leader in solar energy research.
The governor also asked lawmakers to put politics aside after House Democrats staged a coup to install their preferred Republican Kent Williams — and not the GOP’s pick Jason Mumpower — as House Speaker.
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