“Anytime there’s a budget shortfall, anytime you don’t have money, anytime you make tentative promises about pay raises and they don’t come through, of course everyone’s frustrated,” Casada said. “And I’m sure the governor’s frustrated too; we’re all frustrated.” (Photo via Rep. Glen Casada/Facebook)
Governor Bill Haslam’s latest budget proposal could be in for a rough ride before it gets approval from state lawmakers, if Monday night was any indicator, as representatives voiced frustration with Haslam’s latest plan.
Business tax revenues are now some $200 million below what Haslam was hoping for, so he wants to scrap raises for teachers and state workers.
Some Republican members groused that wouldn’t look good when they’re campaigning for reelection this fall. Others complained they heard about Haslam’s plan not from the governor, but through the media.
GOP Caucus Chair Glen Casada acknowledged members are frustrated, and said they’ll be looking for ways to retune Haslam’s proposed budget.
“Everything’s on the table. Everything is—again, it’s too early to speak to specifics, but everything is under the microscope.”
Haslam’s budget doesn’t leave much leeway, so Casada says members will have to set priorities about what to fund.
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