Gov Bill Haslam answers questions after a meeting with college presidents in Cool Springs.

Governor Bill Haslam is defending his plan for how to spend excess tax revenues, admitting that he is “adding to the size of government.”

Last year, Governor Haslam could say he was shrinking state government, even if out of necessity. Uncertain tax collections and the end of stimulus money meant fewer employees and smaller budgets across the board.

Not this year. Revenues are up by a quarter of a billion dollars. So Haslam’s “budget amendment” released this week adds back millions more for children’s services, land acquisition and local jails.

“There are some real needs out there to fund. You know, I’m a conservative Republican, and I don’t apologize for that, but I don’t think government is evil. I don’t even think it’s a necessary evil. I think it’s a critical way that we provide needed services.”

Haslam is using growing revenues to pay for small tax cuts on food and million dollar estates. He says the trouble with only cutting taxes is that there is less money for services, adding that some people “want one without the other.”

Haslam Explains Passive Stance on Legislation

Governor Haslam has yet to wield his veto pen this year or publicly threaten to do so. However, Haslam is not a fan of all the legislation arriving on his desk.

One bill waiting for his signature protects teachers who allow criticism of scientific theories like evolution. Another outlaws sagging pants at school.

“There are certain things that you might say, ‘that’s not exactly what I would do but I don’t think it’s necessarily harmful to the state.’ Other things, you say, ‘I think that is harmful to the state,’ and you jump in.”

Haslam has yet to jump in with a veto, noting that most of the legislation passes with far more votes than would be needed for an override. But the governor has made his opinions known during the lawmaking process, most recently saying a proposal that lets gun owners store weapons in their cars goes “too far.”