The Republican governor met Friday with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt to ask for a boost in the federal formula that gives Mississippi 83 percent of the money it spends insuring children from low-income families.
. . .
Barbour also spoke at the National Rifle Association’s Celebration of American Values conference in Washington on Friday.
Sharing the spotlight with GOP presidential candidates eager to burnish their conservative credentials, Barbour told a cheering crowd that looting was curtailed following Hurricane Katrina after he announced people who shot looters would not be prosecuted.
The governor was also proud he signed an emergency order after Katrina hit that barred the state confiscation of firearms, a decision that contrasted with Louisiana’s policy of trying to disarm citizens in storm-devastated areas.
“That emergency order is still in place and will be in place as long as I am governor,” Barbour said.
He also warned the NRA faithful to “be vigilant” about new federal attempts at gun control.
“Things can go backwards pretty quickly in this country,” the governor said.
Clarion Ledger
9/22/7
Magnolia Tribune
