By AP
Nashville, TN – Tennessee state lawmakers are hoping to reach a consensus this week on a budget plan that will keep the state's cash reserves strong and also assist Tennessee flood victims.
There are essentially three budget proposals being discussed: Governor Phil Bredesen's original plan, an alternative proposal from Senate Democratic Leader Jim Kyle, and a Senate Republican plan. House Democrats are expected to release details of their plan this week, but Democratic leaders say it's similar to Kyle's.
All of them seek to keep the state's rainy day fund plentiful and provide additional support for victims of the historic flooding in west and middle Tennessee, which recent estimates show has caused almost $2 billion in damage to Nashville alone.