State Budget Hearings Begin with Student Interaction

Governor Phil Bredesen begins his annual budget hearings (tomorrow/this) morning.

First thing, he’ll be met by the faces of high school students from across the state who will participate by way of an interactive web-cast.

Students will watch Education Commissioner Lana Seviers present her budget the governor.

“Then they’re going to send in questions that I will ask my department heads. And if my experience is any guide in this. The questions from the kids, the high school kids, may be tougher ones than the governor is asking.”

Governor Bredesen began web-casting the budget hearings to allow more public participation in the process. He says the interaction with students takes that philosophy one step further.

(Tomorrow/today) the governor also will receive the new lottery budget, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Tourism Development.

To watch the web cast, click here.