Governor wants suit over veto dismissedGov. Haley Barbour wants a judge to toss a lawsuit that accuses him of overstepping his authority by nixing $5.5 million in grants for youth groups.
Group officials have worried that programs serving thousands of children could be cut if funding is lost or suspended in a court fight. But one of the groups has reached an agreement that will continue its funding, while another is hoping for the same.
“We’re not political; we’re just a group trying to help children,” said Joel Waters of Big Brothers Big Sisters Mississippi, adding he is pleased his group will receive funding for another year. “You don’t want to see children hurt by this.”
Attorney General Jim Hood filed the lawsuit after Barbour vetoed sections of House Bills 1689 and 1681. The bills directed Hood’s office to spend the money on the state YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Boys and Girls Clubs of Mississippi. Since 2000, lawmakers have sent federal welfare funds from the Department of Human Services to the attorney general’s office for youth programs. Along with Barbour, DHS Director Don Taylor is named as a defendant.
Clarion Ledger
8/5/7
Magnolia Tribune
