This week, the legislature has a limited schedule as efforts are underway to wrap up business. Many committees are already closed, subject to the call of the chair. Neither chamber is holding a Monday night session this week. The House of Representatives is scheduled to meet Tuesday and the Senate is meeting all day Wednesday. At this time, neither chamber is scheduled to meet on Thursday either.
This week will likely see most bills taken care of that do not have a significant budgetary impact. Then, next Monday night there will be a joint session of the House and Senate to hear a budget address from the Governor. Governor Bredesen intends to present proposed cuts to his budget at that time. With revenue forecasts worsening, difficult cuts will have to be made. This financial outlook has severely limited the ability of the legislature to enact significant new programs this year.
It is expected that the General Assembly will quickly consider the Governor's proposed cuts and bring the budget to a conclusion next week. Once that work is completed, there is little left that will keep the Legislature in town.
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