NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Cuts Could Close Several Tenn. Youth Group Homes

Cuts Could Close Several Tenn. Youth Group Homes

(AP) NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Children's Services Commissioner Viola Miller said proposed additional cuts by Gov. Phil Bredesen would be "very painful." 

The governor heard from the agency's officials during budget hearings on Friday. 

In case economic conditions persist, Bredesen has asked state agencies to prepare an additional 3 percent cut from their spending plans in addition to the 6 percent he's already requested. 

Miller said the cuts would mean closing several group homes and downsizing youth development centers. She said about $76 million would be cut from the agency's budget. 

The governor has said children's services is one of the most difficult areas to make cuts. 

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