Both sides are claiming victory in the budget battle. House and Senate Democrats held a joint news conference this morning. Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey met with the media about an hour later. Here is what both sides had to say:
“We’re not going to quit educating our kids, or putting people to work because we are in tough economic times.” -Sen. Jim Kyle, D-Memphis
“We got awfully close to doing some things we don’t want to do in this government, and that is to shut it down and cause more pain than is necessary.” -Rep. Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley
“It was so bad that the Senate Republicans didn’t even want to have to vote on it.” -Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington, about the Senate Republican budget plan.
“I think that’s ridiculous. We didn’t back away from everything.” -Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, on assertations that the Senate caved to the House.
“We have not hit bottom yet, and I want to stress that. I think a lot of people breathed a sigh of relief that they weren’t cut. Well, get ready: It’s probably coming next year because we are going to make sure we don’t raise taxes and live within our means.” -Lt. Gov Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville.
“You could pick this budget apart in the cuts that were made, but the bottom line is we passed a balanced budget that didn’t raise taxes.” -Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey.
