The Clarion-Ledger Editorial, 6/5/8
Mississippi legislative leaders were right to recess the current special session. Continuing the current standoff over how to fund the state Medicaid program would only amount to wasting taxpayers’ money.
House Speaker Billy McCoy and Gov. Haley Barbour on Wednesday agreed that there was an impasse and there was a need for a cooling-off period. The Legislature recessed until June 26.
McCoy on Tuesday had threatened to adjourn the House if no compromise was reached. This, at least, indicates that some of the political gamesmanship might give way to serious talks to resolve the problem.
Throughout his first term, Barbour used special sessions to great effect, forcing his agenda through the Legislature. But the Medicaid issue is more complex. Democrat McCoy, with some public support, is successfully resisting the will of the governor this time around. And, even in the House, there are deep partisan divisions that have prevented a clear plan from emerging.
Magnolia Tribune
