Barbour agenda threatens university projects

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 1/23/8

Major renovation and maintenance projects at the state’s universities and community colleges could be placed on hold under Gov. Haley Barbour’s legislative agenda.

In his State of the State speech Monday, the Republican governor said he would oppose any new bond bills during the 2008 session unless they create additional jobs.

The Legislature issues bonds to finance long-term construction projects. In recent years many of those bonds have gone for renovation, repair and maintenance at the state’s eight universities and 15 community colleges.

The state also issues bonds to provide incentives for economic development projects, such as Toyota.