Some state employees in Tennessee in their 80s have preferred to stay on the job rather than accept a voluntary buyout plan. Gov. Phil Bredesen had hoped to eliminate 2,300 state jobs to save the state $64 million per year. The state invited more than 12,000 state workers to apply, but only about 2,200 volunteered for the buyout amid worsening economic conditions. Just over 1,500 were approved for the buyout. Of the buyout offers made, more than 500 went to workers 65 or older, and 14 offers went to employees in their 80s. Of that 14, only eight were ready to retire. All of those were approved for the buyout.