Tennessee releases plans for possible 30% cuts in federal funding.

Byline: Richard Locker

Aug. 30--NASHVILLE -- The state today released detailed agency-by-agency plans for how it would deal with potential cuts in federal funding of up to 30 percent later this year that, if fully implemented, would slash 5,132 employees and $4.5 billion out of the state's $31 billion budget. TennCare -- the federal and state health insurance program for low-income and disabled people -- would bear the brunt of the cuts at just over $2.25 billion. If fully implemented, the program would reduce reimbursement rates to health providers, eliminate optional benefits and limit other benefits But effects would be felt across state government. Public K-12 …