“We can handle this fine; our state is in excellent financial shape, with good reserves.”
“This is not a time for lack of resolve; this is not a time for wishful thinking.”
“In Tennessee, education still comes first.”
“We can’t tax our way out of this shortfall. We’ll need to make the changes necessary to live within our means.”
“We have the ability, under current law, to simply lay off that number of employees. Still, I would prefer-and I know you would prefer-to instead make these changes on a voluntary bases.”
“This is the right thing to do, but it is complicated.”
“The buyout is not offered to everyone , but only to those employee classifications where the department head has committed to a permanent reduction.”
“I ask you tonight to finish our work by confronting our changed circumstances, making the choices necessary, and once again, as we have so often before, rise above the moment and reveal the true character of Tennessee and her people.”
