After being left a weekend to reflect on the events of weeks past, state

legislators returned to work yesterday, hoping to devise and pass a budget

that would prevent a government shutdown, including a cancellation of

summer classes at UT.

Just as Fall and Spring semesters could be affected, summer classes could

be suspended in 10 days, possibly leaving students enrolled for the

semester in limbo until a budget is approved by the General Assembly.

Student concerns range from possible housing conflicts to obtaining final

grades.

Gov. Don Sundquist has announced legislation that will be proposed this

week that would address at least a partial government shutdown, keeping

“essential” services running, including hospitals, prisons, and public

safety. UT seems to be hanging in the balance in a partial shutdown as

well.

“I’m less than confident that this whole issue will be resolved in a week

and a half,” President Wade Gilley said.

Gilley is counting on Tom Ballard, associate vice president for the

Institute of Public Service, to keep him updated on any progress in

Nashville.

The House presented a revenue plan Friday, but it was voted down among

concerns that it made no sense to decide on a revenue measure before it was

decided how the money would be spent. Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, was

among the 18 senators against the revenue bill.

Burchett is still lobbying for support of a budget plan, which was approved

in committee two weeks ago, and is also encouraging Gilley and Ballard in

their fight.

“Dr. Gilley is doing a great job for UT, and so is Tom Ballard,” Burchett

said.

The plan, proposed by Rep. Joe Haynes, D-Goodlettsville, would have funded

raises for teachers and higher education employees, as well as state

employees. TennCare would also have been stabilized. It was still, however,

$75 million short of the earlier proposed budget plan.

The General Assembly met again yesterday afternoon, to try to iron out

their differences and devise a budget that will not be vetoed by

Sundquist.

“The governor has told me personally that he plans to stick to his guns as

far as UT goes,” Gilley said.