Today’s press accounts reveal headlines that Governor Phil Bredesen is acknowledging a revenue shortfall of up to $500 million. This “shortfall” will result in cuts to funding for services like those provided to the mentally ill and a reduction in teachers’ and state employees’ pay increases. The Democrat governor stated, “I’m going to have to just do some sail trimming and maybe tossing some baggage overboard here to keep the ship afloat” in response to the revenue shortfall.

The omission of a potential halt to the spending of millions of taxpayer funds for the Ballroom addition to the Governor’s Mansion was deafening. Governor Bredesen has steadfastly refused to consider a delay or halt to the Governor’s Mansion addition of underground entertainment space that is costing millions of taxpayer dollars.

“Cuts that will impact average Tennesseans are deemed ‘baggage’ while a ballroom for the elite is obviously prioritized as precious cargo,” noted Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Robin Smith.