State workers will be the first to go in budget cuts; ask radio talk jocks to pay your higher tax bill

The state of Tennessee took in more than $100 million LESS than projected for the current budget year, making a $1 billion deficit a certainty by January when the General Assembly returns and state workers the first target for cuts.

Gov. Phil Bredesen announced the figures today, and he cited state workers as the first to feel the budget axe. Ironically, their union endorsed Bredesen for governor.

Half of the decline in revenue was due to sales tax reductions in November. People aren't buying. So the lack of a state income tax is really biting Tennesseans in the ass.

And their pain will come when Bredesen has to cut the local share of state aid next year. That will force counties to cut services and raise property taxes.

There's no free lunch, folks. And as Bill Clinton always said, "I feel your pain". And there will be plenty for selfishness in public policy for the moment in rejecting a state income tax at the expense of the long term and simple fairness.

Ask conservative radio talk show entertainers Steve Gill and Phil Valentine if they'll pay your higher tax bill.