Bredesen plan cuts 717 state jobs, 656 vacant positions

Associated Press • May 27, 2009 About 700 current state employees would lose their jobs under budget cuts proposed by Gov. Phil Bredesen. The Democratic governor's proposal would eliminate 717 filled positions and another 656 vacant jobs. State Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz told lawmakers Wednesday that laid off employees will be offered a severance package to include two years worth of tuition at state colleges and money to help defray the cost of extending their health insurance coverage. State employees earn an average of $41,00 in salary and benefits, so the layoffs are expected to save the state about $30 million. Goetz says the layoffs need to be completed by the end of the next budget year in June 2010.