By AP
Nashville, TN – Democratic leaders say they're concerned about a Senate Republican proposal to eliminate $113 million in one-time bonuses for state employees and teachers as part of a plan to close Tennessee's budget gap.
Republicans are crafting an alternative to Governor Phil Bredesen's proposal to raise $85 million by lifting a sales tax cap on big-ticket items. The overall projected shortfall for the upcoming budget year is about $150 million beyond what the Democratic governor addressed in his original spending plan.
Senate Democratic Leader Jim Kyle says he has reservations about keeping funds from teachers and state employees "after three years of not giving (them) any money." However, he says he wants to see the entire GOP plan so he can "understand the whole dynamics."