TN Comptroller says cuts to state services are likely, since revenues are way down

Kingsport, Tenn.—These days, personal revenues are down, and everyone watches their budgets closely. It’s no different for Tennessee’s state government.
    The state’s comptroller, Justin Wilson, made a visit to the Tri-Cities this morning. He told 11 Connects that even with Federal stimulus money, the state’s revenues majorly decreased over the past two years. The state’s major tax base is from sales tax, and revenues drop as sales spending drops, as it has in the recession.
    Wilson says it is a real concern, because the state will likely need to cut services, it may freeze state employee hiring, and potentially reduce state employees.
    “It could mean some of the things we’re expecting, won’t happen,“ says Wilson. “and that’s just the consequence of living in your budget. Because Tennessee does have a balanced budget and we intend to keep it that way.“
    When it comes to that stimulus money coming to our state, Wilson hopes that anyone who sees any kind of fraud, abuse, or waste please report those cases to his office to investigate further.