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Some services for the mentally ill may be cut from the proposed 2009-2010 state budget,

The Tennessee General Assembly is working with the administration on the budget. State Rep. Robert Ramsey, R-Maryville, said that the proposed budget slashes mental health spending.

"We've had a big (proposed) cut in the mental health budget ... $37 million," Ramsey said. "That's mainly for the small programs. If people still need mental health support, there is a capacity for the state to direct them to private sector programs. There is still care for the individuals."

Pamela Greider, who is a facilitator with the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Blount County, said this will hurt local residents.

"It's going to cost us, all the people, a lot more money because the proper things that should be in place aren't in place any more. The bottom is being dropped out. The end result of this is naturally there is going to be a lot less care provided for people who are very, very ill.

In other legislative business, Ramsey has been seeing a variety of bills pass through committee.

"I have a limited world view because of the committees I'm on," he said. "We've had a lot of local applications for premier resort status, lots of alcohol bills have come through ... we had two that were taken off notice so they probably won't be heard this year. We have three clean water bills that haven't caused much controversy, but those are coming through the environmental committee. I don't know the status of those at the moment.

"We have the education committee with the school starting date that was supposed to be heard (Wednesday) morning, but I've been informed that (the starting date) probably won't be changed, so it would be up to the discretion of the school systems.

"We have had three cable bills to allow municipalities to enter into the cable television business. Those have been postponed. There may be an inclination of the legislature to include those under the Tennessee Regulatory Commission. We've had several bills on constables. There are apparently still 18 counties that still have constables, and (bill sponsors are) asking for 40 hours of training per year."