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Volkswagen has reached another production milestone at its assembly plant in Chattanooga.More >> Volkswagen has reached another production milestone at its assembly plant in Chattanooga.More >> Rep. Scott DesJarlais, a licensed physician, has been reprimanded and fined by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners for having sex with patients before he was elected to Congress.More >> Rep. Scott DesJarlais, a licensed physician, has been reprimanded and fined by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners for having sex with patients before he was elected to Congress.More >> On Thursday, 6 News got a first look at some of the horses seized from an East Knox County farm Wednesday.More >> On Thursday, 6 News got a first look at some of the horses seized from an East Knox County farm Wednesday.More >> The site of a former pulp and paper mill in Harriman has been listed as a hazardous waste site and added to the EPA's list of priorities within the Superfund program.More >> The site of a former pulp and paper mill in Harriman has been listed as a hazardous waste site and added to the EPA's list of priorities within the Superfund program.More >> Two people were killed and another two hospitalized after a shooter opened fire in a Grainger County business.More >> Two people were killed and another two hospitalized after a shooter opened fire in a Grainger County business.More >> A WWE wrestler from Jefferson City is challenging the Lieutenant Governor to a debate. Glenn Jacobs, also known as "Kane" is against a proposed Internet sales tax.More >> A WWE wrestler from Jefferson City is challenging the Lieutenant Governor to a debate. Glenn Jacobs, also known as "Kane" is against a proposed Internet sales tax.More >> A Georgia man was arrested at a Sevier County restaurant after witnesses reported a possible case of child abuse to police.More >> A Georgia man was arrested at a Sevier County restaurant after witnesses reported a possible case of child abuse to police.More >> The Tennessee Department of Agriculture monitors scales for products including produce, meat and fuel but it doesn't apply to precious metals.More >> The Tennessee Department of Agriculture monitors scales for products including produce, meat and fuel but it doesn't apply to precious metals.More >> The Tennessee Smokies have scrubbed their ball park and kick off a home stand Thursday with a peanut-free night.More >> The Tennessee Smokies have scrubbed their ball park and kick off a home stand Thursday with a peanut-free night.More >> Federal officials have set aside more than $1 million for Tennessee landowners who help conserve wildlife.More >> Federal officials have set aside more than $1 million for Tennessee landowners who help conserve wildlife.More >>
By LUCAS L. JOHNSON
Associated Press
NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee Democratic leaders say they plan to talk with Gov. Bill Haslam about expanding pre-kindergarten classes after the state's education commissioner said he doesn't plan to request funding for an expansion.
Commissioner Kevin Huffman spoke earlier this week during the governor's budget hearings. Haslam has asked state departments to develop plans for a 5% cut in spending as a fallback.
The Commercial Appeal reported Huffman said expanding enrollment in schools and inflation will require an additional $2 million in routine cost increases.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner told The Associated Press on Wednesday that pre-K is needed and that he plans to talk to the governor and consider legislation to expand it.
Tennessee's voluntary pre-K program has not been expanded since 2008.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
